Hurricanes Bombard Eagles, Win Scrimmage
The Monticello Hurricanes traveled to Roberta, home of the Crawford County Eagles last Friday night to compete in their second scrimmage game. This second scrimmage was to be the Hurricanes’ final tune-up before beginning the 2023 regular season tomorrow night at Walnut Grove.
The Hurricanes opened up the game hot out of the gate, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions (Jalen Stewart 4-yard run, Josiah Cotterell 8-yard run and 28-yard reception). A fumbled snap turned the ball over to the Eagles. The turnover did not have an adverse effect on the Hurricanes though, because of defensive pressure the Eagles forced a throw on the first play after, which was promptly intercepted by senior Zychez Nolley.
The Canes scored their fourth touchdown of the evening on the next play, with senior Chevy Sands running it in from 18 yards out. The final score of the first half, and of the game was a one-yard push by Tyler Banks to put the game on ice. The Hurricanes had one more threat, as Bryan Ridley caught a pass for 45-yards late in the game from freshman M.J. Maddox in the waning moments, but a fumble close to the goal line turned the ball over to the Eagles, and the clock ran out.
After the game, Head Coach Ashley Henderson spoke about how well the team played against an inferior opponent. “We don’t want to judge our success by someone else’s failures. We were better than that bunch (Crawford County) and we went out and played our style of ball and proved it.”
He continued,”I thought we were the most excited to play and it showed on the field. That was the most physical we have been since I have been here. I thought we struck guys and ran to the ball well. Austin Young and Chevy Sands both complemented each other really well at quarterback. They both bring a unique skill set in and help us move the chains.”
As for the defensive side of the ball, Coach Henderson had this to say about the shutout by the Hurricanes. “Defensively, I was really happy with Cam Farley. Cam is a rolling ball of butcher knives out there and had a good day on defense and special teams.” (Cam had a couple of really big hits in kick coverage that stopped Crawford from advancing the ball, along with a couple of tackles that put them in some precarious situations). He also mentioned the special teams play of kickers Angel Martin Garcia and Parker Eaton and the way they handled the extra point and kickoff duties. Also of note, the Hurricanes did not punt once during the contest.
This Friday, the Hurricanes begin their regular season at Walnut Grove. The Warriors finished last season at 9-3, making the second round of the AAAA playoffs before falling to Stockbridge. The Hurricanes have met the Warriors three times, and trail in the all-time series 3-0. Despite last season’s 30-0 loss, the other two meetings between the two have been rather close contests, the ‘Canes falling by four and five points in consecutive years.
Coach Henderson said Walnut Grove “is a really solid team. Coached well. I think they are really good defensively. They return a lot of guys there. They play a couple guys both ways but they also have better numbers than us (depth wise).”
As far as the effect of the numbers on the team, Coach Henderson said the team prepped with that in mind. “Last year it really hurt us and they were able to wear us down late and put it away. I like the way we have practiced this summer. The goal was this spring and summer to find 22 starters. We can have some guys flip but we don’t want to have to start guys on both sides. This has helped us develop more kids and better depth.”
“The running back (Junior Emadd Howard) is a 2-year starter. He is a good player (103 yards per game in 2022). I like the DE he is a big, good looking kid who moves well and has great length. Both Ends are good (juniors D’Lante Overstreet and Nicholas Smith). But overall I think both of their lines are pretty stout. The defensive line keeps guys off the middle backers and they can fly around and make plays. The offensive linemen are all big and strong looking and do a nice job opening holes for them.”
The season begins in Walton County at 7:30 p.m.. Come out and see the 2023 edition of the Hurricanes.