Hurricanes Are 3-2
The Monticello Hurricanes suffered a tough 38-12 defeat to region opponent Washington-Wilkes in Washington last Friday.
Many fans made the trip to the eastern side of the state to see a game riddled with questionable calls and turnovers, both of which haunted Monticello throughout the game.
On the first play from scrimmage Monticello fumbled the snap and lost possession, the first of four on the night. The Tigers did not waste any time capitalizing on the ‘Canes mistake, as they took the ball on the very next play to the end zone, putting them ahead early in the first quarter.
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Monticello quickly bounced back through, when midway through the second quarter senior linebacker Marcus Clemons intercepted the Tiger pass and brought it all the way back to the Wilkes 10-yard line. A few plays later the ‘Canes got on the board after Brian Anderson recovered another fumbled snap in the end zone. The ‘Canes missed the extra point, but tied the game at 6.
With just under six minutes left in the half Washington-Wilkes began to threaten again. Monticello stalled the Tigers, but a pass interference call deep into Monticello territory prolonged the drive. The drive culminated in a one-yard touchdown for Wilkes. With 5:05 left in the half the Tigers were up 13-6.
Turnovers took control the remainder of the half as Wilkes came up with two more touchdowns in the little time remaining in the second quarter. The Tigers built a 26-6 lead and gained a huge amount of momentum going into halftime.
Monticello held the score at 26-6 through most of the third quarter until another ‘Cane fumble put the Tigers into great field position. The fumble resulted in a touchdown for the Tigers which put them up by three touchdowns, a margin the ‘Canes would not be able to overcome.
In the fourth quarter, Wilkes came up with one more touchdown to put the game away with a 38-6 lead. The ‘Canes were able to muster one more score at the end of the quarter.
A 33-yard pass from junior Rett Bullard to senior tight end Kyle Gaston set up the score. Kyle Davis completed the drive with his only rushing touchdown on the night. The game ended with the final tally of 38-12, which handed the ‘Canes their second loss of the season, bringing their record to 3-2 and 1-1 in the region.
Davis led Monticello offensively, with 89 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Brian Anderson added the other score with his fumble recovery.
Marcus Clemons led the defense with nine solo tackles and an interception. Davis and Thaxton Pennamon also added six tackles each to the effort.
Head Coach Doug Huff summed up the game, “At times we played hard, but overall we are not pleased with the effort. As a team we did not show up to play.”
The ‘Canes look to get back on track as they return to Rose Bowl field for homecoming against the Oglethorpe County Patriots.
This will be a crucial region game for the home team as spots for the playoffs are open all throughout region 7-AA.
All fans are encouraged to support the Hurricanes tomorrow, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m.