The Barton Community College esports team rallied on Saturday advancing to Fall Guys Collegiate Knockout championship round.

The Cougars were the lone NJCAA team in the IBUYPOWER sponsored invitational field, taking on seven four-year powerhouses vying for a top four finish and berth into next Saturday's $5,000 cash prizes final round.

Barton was on the outside looking in after the first two rounds, sitting in fifth place but within striking distance. As two of the Barton players competed from their homes, the other pair along with Head Coach Curtis Rose in the eSports den on campus, the Cougars stuck to the plan of remaining calm and confident while utilizing teamwork into the final gameshow pulling off the strong finish setting off a jubilant celebration of advancing.

Competing for the Cougars were Davon Morris, Adam Hardin, Trent Keffer, and Jared McFadden in navigating three gameshows of the Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout among the eight teams of four players each.

"I couldn't be prouder of these four guys. Even being on the outside looking in after two rounds, we always knew we were in control of our own destiny," said Rose. "Our game plan was to be the most consistent team in the tournament, utilizing teamwork to get through three and four stages of every game, and we held to the plan perfectly."

Compiling 94 points, Barton ended up three points ahead of the late charging University of Nebraska squad for the final spot. California State University Northridge came out on top with 119 points, two better than the University of Mississippi, and ahead of DePaul University's third place 105 points.

"I think we proved we can be competitive with any school, regardless of size or standing," remarked Rose. "The momentum and adrenaline rush from this week will make us a strong contender to take it all on Saturday."

Barton continues their busy stretch of the season with games scheduled this upcoming week while preparing for Saturday's final round of the Collegiate Knockout.

Complete Fall Guys Collegiate Knockout results (qualifier round)
1 – California State University Northridge (119 points)
2 - University of Mississippi (117 points)
3 - DePaul University (105 points)
4 – Barton Community College (94 points)
5 – University of Nebraska (91 points)
6 – University of Tennessee (89 points)
7 – University of Utah (81 points)
8 – Columbia College (68 points)

Additional information regarding the Fall Guys Collegiate Knockout