Box Score The second-ranked College of DuPage Chaparrals opened their 2021 season with a resounding 17-6 victory over host Ellsworth this past Thursday night.
 
The Chaps gained control with touchdowns on both sides of the ball — a 30-yard interception return by Ian Pitt in the first half, and a 50-yard touchdown run from Taveon Porter in the second half and the defense remained stout in the victory over the scholarship-based Panthers.
 
Trailing 3-0 after one quarter, the Chaps got on the board when Pitt stepped in front of a pass and gathered a pick-six at the Ellsworth 30 and for a 7-3 lead with 11:33 left in the half.
 
Kicker Anthony Turnage pushed the lead to 10-3 on a 23-yard field goal with 6:58 left in the half.
 
The key in the second half was COD's defense, which stopped the Panthers when they drove inside the 10 with 2 minutes left in the third quarter. Ellsworth was forced out of the end zone and cut the Chaps' lead to 10-6 on a 20-yard field goal.
 
That stand held as COD took control when Porter rushed up the middle and scored on the first play of the fourth quarter on his big gain.
 
Lavale Hill led the Chaps with 82 yards on 11 carries. Porter finished with 79 yards on seven carries. Darrell Smith had 78 yards on 13 carries.
 
Defensively, Dominic Padjen had two fumble recoveries with six total tackles (three solos). Michael Walker totaled eight tackles (four solos).
 
The Chaps make their home opener against Iowa Central on Saturday. Kickoff at Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium is 1 p.m.
 
College of DuPage 0-10-0-7_17
Ellsworth 3-0-3-0_6
Scoring
1^st Quarter
E — 29-yard FG, :55
2^nd Quarter
C — Ian Pitt 30-yard INT return (Anthony Turnage kick), 11:33
C — FG 23, Turnage, 6:58
3^rd Quarter
E — 20-yard FG, 2:00
4^th Quarter
C — Taveon Porter 50 run (Turnage kick), 14:51