ELLINWOOD – The Sterling Black Bears continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 43–8 road win over previously unbeaten Ellinwood on Friday night.
Sterling wasted no time setting the tone, driving the length of the field on its opening possession and finishing with a 1-yard touchdown run by senior Zane Farney, who also added the conversion for an 8–0 lead. From there, the Black Bears dominated both sides of the ball.
In the second quarter, Landon Aguilera forced a fumble that set up a short field, and Wyatt Newberry broke free for a 20-yard touchdown on fourth down to extend the lead. Newberry finished the night with 98 yards rushing and two scores. Farney added touchdown runs of 32 and 42 yards, and capped his night with 128 first-half rushing yards and three scores overall.
Sterling closed the half with a spark from Jace, who ripped off a 31-yard run before punching in an 8-yard touchdown. By halftime, the Black Bears led 36–0.
Newberry’s short touchdown run in the third quarter pushed the margin to 43–0 with a running clock.
Ellinwood avoided the shutout in the fourth quarter when Kale Williams scored on an 8-yard run, but the Eagles never threatened to close the gap.
Sterling improves to 4–0 and returns home next week to host Medicine Lodge for homecoming. Ellinwood drops to 3–1 and will travel to South Sumner.
