Canes Repel Patriot’s Act to Win Homecoming

By STONE WORKMAN

On the night former Monticello coach Bobby Holland was honored for leading his 1956 State Class C title team, the present day Hurricanes decided to do some “your honoring” on their own by smearing the Pats of Southwest Macon all over Rose Bowl field for a 43-20 region win.

Senior A.J. Thomas, playing the best game of his career, took matters into his own hands on the first kick-off running up the middle for a 75 yard score and with only 15 seconds off the clock the hometown men never looked back.

A.J. Thomas would go on to rush 11 carries for 130 yards and four TDs while Chris Thomas would sprint through SW for 121 yards on nine carries on a night Monticello would rush for 353 yards and not complete a pass.

After the run back TD, the Patriots put together a four first down drive before the Monticello defense stiffened on their own 20.

The ’Canes took over and stalled on their first offensive series, but a great punt by A.J. Thomas and a personal foul put the Patriots on their own 22. Three plays later, senior Destin Breaux intercepted on the SW 48. Chris Thomas drags four tacklers for a 32 yard gain and the first quarter ends with Monticello threatening on the Patriots 8.

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A.J. Thomas wasted no time in scoring in the opening of the second quarter with a toss right TD following some inspired blocking from a pumped-up team.

The PAT gave the “Canes” fits all night for a 12-0 score. SW quickly got over their surprise on being behind and put together a five first down drive starting at their own 25 and scoring with a 2 point conversion to bring them close at 12-8 but that would be as close as the visitors would get.

Chris Thomas would take a pitch right on the next Monticello series and go 64 yards following downfield blocks for a 18-8 lead.

The ‘Cane defense, led by sacks by Edwards and Barger, shut down the Patriots and the homecoming queens, courts and hometown fans were smiling at the half.

The Hurricanes came out fired up and stopped the Pats to begin the second half. After a quick 15 pickup by A.J. Thomas, Quincy Standifer goes around the left side for a 32 yard gain to the Patriots 8.

Three plays later, QB Dee Chapman, calls his own number and crashes in from the five for a 24-8 lead. Chapman then adds to his great kick-off night and the ‘Canes stop the Patriots four and out.

Standifer gets 11 and then A.J. Thomas gets 20 with 15 added on for a late hit and the Hurricanes have the ball on the SW 19. Back to back fumbles gives the ball again to the Hurricanes on the Patriots 20.

After a 14 yard Standifer gain, Chris Thomas goes around the left side before fumbling the ball which is then scooped up by A.J. Thomas for another Cane TD and a 31-8 lead.

The fourth quarter began with a SW drive and score answered by a 53 yard Chris Thomas return setting up another A.J. Thomas TD and a 37-14 lead. SW put together another TD drive and again Monticello answered with A.J. Thomas going to the right for a 54 yard TD run bringing the final score to a 43-20 Hurricane victory.

“I was real pleased with the intensity of our team and our ability to eliminate mistakes, said Coach Eddie Roberts.

“Our kids decided they really wanted to play and give all they had. We only had three days to change from our Wing T offense to the Wishbone and many of our players had to fill in for some of their teammates who were injured.

“We moved Tray Jackson to linebacker and everyone, defense, offense and special teams pulled together all night. A.J. Thomas had a tremendous game and his opening kick-off TD jumped started the whole team as well as A. J. who went on to not only a fantastic offensive night, but also had 14 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and made a 54 yard punt.

“Chris Thomas and freshman Quincy Standifer also ran well behind a really good offensive line effort. On defense, we ran to the ball well and didn’t give up the big plays we did last week. Our kick-off coverage was also improved.

“Next week we travel to Putnam who has the state rushing leader in Marquis Waller who is being recruited by Georgia Southern and Appalachian State as well as a QB who is being recruited by Louisville. Our team will be ready to play.”

STATS VS SOUTHWEST

• AJ Thomas- 11 carries for 130 yards and 4 touchdowns

• Chris Thomas- 9 carries for 121 and 1 touchdown

• Quincy Standifer- 6 carries for 58 yards

• Henry Victrum- 2 carries for 19 yards

• Destin Breaux- 2 carries for 13 yards

• Xavier Chapman- 5 carries for 12 yards and 1 touchdown

Total Yards- 353