KCC Bearcats get first home win versus the Rothsay Tigers, 33-20

By Asst. Coach Nick Johnson
KCC 33 – RHS 20
The KCC Bearcats continued the 2025 season with their home opener, welcoming in the Tigers of Rothsay High School. The Bearcats entered the game 1-0 on the season, while the Tigers played their first game of the year.
Despite the long road trip, the Tigers came out energized. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Tigers marched down the field with an eight play scoring drive capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run by quarterback Ben Metzger. After a failed two-point conversion, the Tigers led 6-0.
The momentum continued to swing the Tigers’ direction following a fumble by the Bearcats on their opening possession. The KCC defense settled in however, forcing turnovers on downs, allowing the offense to quickly follow suit. Putting together a quick five play, 65-yard scoring drive finished off by a 4-yard touchdown run by Ashton Knutson giving the Bearcats a 7-6 lead. The Tigers did not flinch following the response from the Bearcats. They took the lead again with a methodical 14-play scoring drive. Metzger found receiver Mason Heidecker for a 19-yard touchdown pass, taking the lead back for the Tigers 12-7.
From this point on, the Bearcats regrouped and took control of the game. With less than a minute to go before halftime, Eli Peterson connected with Eli Muir on a 32-yard pass, setting the Bearcats up deep in Tiger territory. Ashton Knutson punched in his second touchdown of the day from 3 yards out. A successful two-point conversion pass from Peterson to Brock Scalese gave KCC the 15-12 halftime lead.
The Bearcats opened the second half of play in possession and put together a quick scoring drive. Peterson hooked up with Kellen Johnson for a 63-yard completion, setting the Bearcats up inside the Tiger 5-yard line. Muir cashed in his first touchdown of the day from a yard out to extend the KCC lead to 21-12.
The defense capitalized on the offense’s momentum, as Eli Muir intercepted a Metzger pass, setting the Bearcat offense up in plus territory. A few plays later, on 4th and 6, Peterson tossed his first touchdown of the day finding Brock Scalese for a 32-yard touchdown, again extending the lead 27-12. The defense continued to be stout, forcing another Tiger punt and giving the ball right back to the offense. Eli Peterson added a rushing touchdown of his own from 7 yards out, growing the Bearcat lead to 33-12. The Tigers answered with a score in the late stages of the game on a Metzger touchdown pass to Dawson Leabo, bringing the final score to 33-20.
The Bearcats defended their home field and move to 2-0 on the season with the victory over the Tigers in Lancaster. Their next action will be on Friday, Sept. 5 in Lancaster at 3:30 p.m., taking on rival Storm of Stephen-Argyle Central.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Metzger 2-yard touchdown run
(Metzger run No Good)
Knutson 4-yard touchdown run
(Knutson kick Good)
KCC 7 – RHS 6

2nd Quarter
Metzger 19-yard touchdown pass to
Heidecker (Metzger pass No Good)
Knutson 3-yard touchdown run
(Peterson pass to Scalese Good)
KCC 15 – RHS 12

3rd Quarter
Muir 1-yard touchdown run
(Knutson kick No Good)
Peterson 32-yard touchdown pass to
Brock Scalese (Knutson kick No Good)
Peterson 7-yard touchdown run
(Knutson run No Good)
KCC 33 – RHS 12

4th Quarter
Metzger 29-yard touchdown pass to
Leabo (Metzger pass No Good)

Final
KCC 33 – RHS 20

KCC Offensive Leaders
Passing:
Eli Peterson – 10/15, 185, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing:
Ashton Knutson – 18 att, 57 yds, 2 TD,
1 FUM
Eli Muir – 13 att, 40 yds, 1 TD
Eli Peterson – 2 att, 12 yds, 1 TD
Receiving:
Kellen Johnson – 2 rec, 71 yds
Brody Scalese – 2 rec, 42 yds
Brock Scalese – 2 rec, 35 yds, 1 TD
Eli Muir – 1 rec, 32 yds

KCC Defensive Leaders
Brody Scalese – 16 tkls, 3 ast, 1 TFL, 1 PD
Eli Muir – 4 tkls, 1 ast, 1 INT, 1 PD
Brock Scalese – 4 tkls, 1 ast, 1 PD
Ashton Knutson – 6 tkls
Kellen Johnson – 5 tkls, 4 TFLs, 1 PD