‘Canes Lose Heartbreaker at Home
The Monticello Hurricanes endured a heartbreaking 39-27 defeat at the hands of region opponent Greene County last Friday night in Monticello.
Although leading the majority of the game, the Hurricanes were not able to cap off the important region match-up.
{{more}}
Monticello’s defense took charge early. Greene County elected to receive, but the ‘Canes quickly gained possession, as they recovered a Tiger fumble at midfield.
That recovery quickly turned into points for the Hurricanes. Just four minutes into the quarter junior quarterback Petey Tripp connected with senior split end Arlandos “Sweetman” Grier for a 40-yard touchdown. The ‘Canes were unable to add the extra-point, but took an early 6-0 lead.
The Tigers quickly responded to Monticello’s score. Greene County took the next possession and did not waste anytime. The drive only ate three minutes off the clock, but ended in a Tiger score. Greene County was also unable to convert on the extra point, but tied the game at 6.
The ‘Cane offense did not skip a beat on their next possession.
With just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter Senior running back Kyle Davis took the ball 28-yards for the score. This gave the Hurricanes a 12-6 lead.
Monticello was on track to end the first quarter leading, but with less than a minute remaining the ‘Canes coughed up the ball, which was returned by Greene County for a touchdown.
The first period of play ended with a score of 12-12.
Heads-up special teams play helped Monticello control the second quarter. Early in the quarter Monticello was forced to punt but regained possession after senior long snapper Kyle Gaston recovered a muffed punt return. The drive was then prolonged by Grier with an amazing one handed diving catch that put the ‘Canes on the Tiger 10-yard line.
Monticello was then faced with a fourth and three on the three yard. With senior kicker/punter/fullback T.J. Glawson out with injury the Hurricanes were forced to go for the touchdown. The ‘Canes could not punch it in and an opportunity to take the lead was lost.
Late in the quarter with the ‘Canes offense driving down the field, Monticello was handed a blow to the offensive line. Center Brian Anderson was carted off the field in an ambulance. The injured leg will likely keep him out for the remainder of the season.
Monticello was able to keep focus though and took the lead with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Tripp to senior Marcus “Skine” Clem-ons. They then added the 2-point conversion to take an eight point lead, 20-12.
Monticello was able to hold the lead to half time. With Greene County threatening junior Rett Bullard intercepted a Tiger pass attempt. The first half ended with Monticello on top 20-12.
Greene County controled the game throughout the third quarter. The Tigers were able to tie the game six minutes into the quarter.
The third quarter ended with the game all knotted up at 20.
Early in the fourth quarter Greene County took the lead for the first time on the night. The Tigers plunged in from five yards. Senior Thaxton Pennamon blocked the extra point. This gave Greene a 26-20 lead over the Hurricanes.
Monticello special teams again answered the call. Davis took the next kickoff 76 yards for another Hurricane score. Monticello was able to convert on the extra point and took a one point lead 27-26.
Greene County’s offense would not give into the ‘Cane defense. The Tigers were able to get their passing game going and again took the lead off an 18-yard touchdown pass. Pennamon again blocked the extra point. The Tigers held a 5-point lead, 32-27 with just four minutes remaining.
The Hurricane offense was not able to pull any more tricks out of the hat. Greene County added insult to injury with another score resulting from a fumble. The game ended with a 39-27 Greene County victory.
Although the loss puts home field advantage away for the ‘Canes, the playoffs are still a strong possibility for the home team.
Monticello will go on the road for the last time this season tomorrow, Nov. 7, when they face Wilkinson County.
Everyone is encouraged to make the trip to cheer on the Hurricanes, at 7:30 p.m. in Irwinton, as they vie for their first playoff appearance in four years.