High-powered Cubs corral the Mustangs, 50-40

Monett unveils new ground attack in impressive victory
 
State ranked or receiving votes all season long, Monett stepped up to the challenge presented by host McDonald County and came out on top with a 50-40 victory in gridiron action Friday.
For three quarters, Monett stymied the Mustangs’ vaunted running attack and held the Mustangs to 18 points through three quarters and just 24 yards on the ground for the entire game.
While McDonald County did throw for 429 yards, it was a desperate attempt to keep pace with Monett’s scoring.
On the other hand, Monett, a team that has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards this season, found its stride on the ground with five different back getting carries.
“It was something that we hadn’t planned but an adjustment we made in the game,” said Ben Mauk, Monett coach. “We are going to do what we need to do in order to win games. Credit our guys for executing.”
Each team exchanged touchdowns on their initial drives.
Monett took an 8-0 lead with a Dylan Washick to Collin Umfleet 11-yard connection. The Mustangs scored, but were unable to connect on the 2-point try.
The Cubs elevated the advantage to 14-6 with an Antoine Smith 1-yard run with 5:34 left in the first quarter. Smith would score on the Cubs next two drives with runs of two and five yards, respectively, as Monett jumped to a commanding 28-6 advantage with 4:30 left in the first half.
The final four minutes of the first half watch three touchdowns posted, with Monett scoring with 1.4 second prior to the intermission as Washick hit Alex Meeks from two yards out.
The Cubs racked up 504 yards of offense with Washick throwing for 264 yards and Monett back rushing for a season high 240 yards on 43 carries good for 5.5 yards per attempt.
Brayden Seitz led the way on the ground for the Cubs with 12 carries for 132 yards and two scores. Smith finished with 64 yards on 14 carries.
The Cubs took a commanding 44-18 lead with 3:39 left in the third on Seitz’ 5-yard run.
The Mustang would score three more times, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Monett returns home this week for homecoming against East Newton. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.