MMS ‘Canes Win Championship
The Monticello Middle School ‘Canes used their defense to shut out formerly undefeated Youth Middle School, 15-0, in last week’s championship game in Loganville.
The win earned the ‘Canes the Piedmont Conference Championship and capped off their first successful season in several years and their first championship in 15 years.
After ending their regular season with a record of 3-3 the ‘Canes defeated Loganville in the first round of the playoffs to earn a spot in the championship game.
After receiving the initial kickoff, Youth picked up one first down before the ‘Cane defense put them in a fourth and 15 situation. Their punt was downed on the ‘Cane 15 yard line and the team began the drive deep in their own territory.
After squeezing out one first down out to the 26 yard line, Chris Thomas, behind some very efficient blocking, broke off a 49 yard jaunt all the way down to the Youth 25. C. Thomas got the call again and ran the ball down to the 12.
It was fourth down and goal on the one yard line when Quarterback Xavier Chapman scored behind a surging offensive line for the touchdown. Chapman then booted the extra point and put the ‘Canes ahead 7-0 with just 1:02 remaining in the first half.
Youth worked the clock and had the ball on the ‘Cane 25 yard line, third and 10, with just 26 seconds left on the clock. On the next play Brady McMichael picked off a Youth pass and returned it all the way to midfield to eliminate the threat and end the half.
With only a seven point lead, the ‘Canes attempted an on-sides kick to begin the second half, which didn’t work and Youth took over possession in good field possession at the 50 yard line. But the ‘Cane defense stiffened, and on fourth and 12 stuffed the runner on a fake punt attempt, and took over possession on the Youth 48 yard line.
The game then turned into a defensive battle with neither team able to score. Youth did threaten to tie the game early in the fourth quarter, but an interception by Greg Stewart on the one yard line turned them away.
The ‘Canes were forced to punt again from deep in their own territory, and once again Youth was knocking on the door at the ‘Cane 21 yard line. That’s when A.J. Thomas picked up a Youth fumble and scampered 81 yards for a ‘Cane touchdown. The team converted the two point attempt and led 15-0 with 4:32 left in the game.
After the ‘Cane kick-off, Brandon Barger and Jakey Dunagan each registered a quarterback sack allowing the ‘Canes to take possession after a failed fourth down attempt. With less than two minutes left, the ‘Canes took possession of the ball and proceeded to run out the clock and take the championship home.
After a brief celebration the proud ‘Canes lined up across the field and accepted the championship trophy.
Head Coach Michael Williams was very excited about the team’s accomplishments.
He said, “First and foremost I would like to thank God, my family, the coaching staff, administration, parents and all supporters who assisted in helping the team achieve this accomplishment.
“I am extremely proud of these young men to battle Loganville Middle and Youth Middle after being beaten solidly by both teams during the regular season. Over the years I have heard my father and other coaches state that it is hard to beat a team twice, especially in the playoffs.
“We did not make many adjustments for the championship game. The plays and defensive scheme were similar to what we did throughout the season, but the kids executed the game plan very well. Many of these kids have had football success through the recreation department, so they knew how to win.
Coaches Frazier and Zwemer, and I were grateful to coach a dedicated group of players with dedicated and supportive parents. The kids participated in summer conditioning workouts and remained focused on our goals throughout the season.
“The progression many of them made was incredible. If you saw us at the beginning of the season we were one-dimensional offensively and at the end of the season we had many kids emerge as offensive leaders.
Coaches Frazier and Zwemer did an outstanding job with the defense and special teams. We were able to make many important stops defensively and allowed only one kickoff/punt return for a touchdown.
“It will be exciting to follow these kids through high school along with their peers who were unable to play this year and see what they accomplish. The future of Monticello Hurricane football appears t