‘Canes Fall to Morgan County
The Monticello Hurricanes suffered a disappointing 38-14 loss to region opponent Morgan County last Friday in Monticello.
The final score does not give justice to the hard fought game that was played all night, as the ‘Canes held within striking distance until late in the fourth quarter.
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The Hurricanes were looking to grab a pivotal region win, and came out ready to play.
Monticello bounced to an early lead when, after stalling Morgan’s first two drives, returned the second punt of the game for a touchdown. Luck seemed to be on the ‘Canes side as Scooter Pennamon fumbled the punt, but the ball was picked up by Arlandos “Sweetman” Grier, who darted 50 yards down the field for the score.
Damian Tripp added the extra point, which put Monticello up 7-0 early in the first quarter.
The ‘Cane defense held strong throughout the first period of play and ended the quarter up by one score.
With just over eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, Monticello’s hardships in the kicking game allowed Morgan County to reach the end zone. The ‘Canes were forced to punt inside their own territory and Morgan took the opportunity and blocked the Rett Bullard punt, which put them in great field position.
The Bulldog drive resulted in a 10-yard touchdown run, which tied the game at 7 midway through the second quarter.
With the ‘Cane offense unable to produce any scores the rest of the half, Morgan County took the lead with strong special teams play. With four minutes remaining in the first half of play, Morgan County booted a 43-yard field goal to make the score 10-7 going into half time.
Although trailing by three at half time, the Hurricane’s prospective looked good for the second half.
The ‘Canes took the kickoff and marched down the field on the longest drive of the night. Although eating much time off the clock the drive ended in a missed field goal attempt. The score remained at 10-7.
On the next possession the Bulldogs put together another long drive. This drive resulted in a one-yard touchdown run by Morgan County, which put them ahead 17-7 going into the last period of play.
The Bulldogs did not waste any time scoring again to begin the fourth quarter. On the ‘Canes first drive of the quarter they were forced to punt, and the Bulldogs once again came up with strong special teams play.
Morgan County blocked the punt deep into ‘Cane territory. This resulted in another Bulldog score, which put them ahead 24-7.
The ‘Canes quickly bounced back to reach within striking distance. With 7 minutes remaining in the game junior Damian Tripp connected with Greer for a 17-yard touchdown pass. This put the score at 24-14 in the Bulldog’s favor.
Mistakes and turnovers took over the rest of the game for the ‘Canes. Late in the quarter the Bulldogs scored on an interception and again on a fumble recovery. The game ended in a 38-14 loss for the home team.
Greer led both sides of the ball for the ‘Canes, leading the team with seven solo tackles, an interception, fumble recovery, and 133 yards receiving. Greer also posted both of the Hurricane’s scores.
Damian Tripp was an impressing 16 for 22 passing with 202 yards and a touchdown.
Although the loss last Friday eliminated the ‘Canes from the region title, they are still in good shape as far as playoffs are concerned.
If Monticello wins out they can possibly grab the number two spot in the region, which would give the ‘Canes the much coveted home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The Hurricanes will resume play tomorow, October 31 in Monticello. The ‘Canes will host Greene County, another playoff-bound region opponent. All fans are encouraged to cheer the Hurricanes on to their fifth win of the season.