Cubs find opportunities despite season-opening setback

Monett falls 44-22 in opener against good Nevada squad; looks for first win Friday at Strafford
On paper it was a 44-22 loss for the Monett football team Friday at Nevada. However, the coaching staff and many fans saw that the positives outnumbered the negatives in the team’s season opener.
“Nevada is a great team,” said Ben Mauk, Monett coach. “They have won at least nine games in each of the last three seasons. They have a veteran squad. We knew this was a tough test and lined up and played hard.”
Mauk was hired in March to take over the Cubs program and one of his impacts on the team was apparent to fans long before the opening kickoff. Monett dressed 89 players for the contest -- a number that many believe is a school record.
“Taking over a new program is hard,” Mauk said. “We have to change the culture. Our players need to know our coaches’ number one job is to love them as players. As players, their number one job is to love each other as players. One of the first things we have done as a new staff is to build relationships. We want positive working relationships with our administrators, faculty, staff, and within the community. We have been investing and caring about the kids, in all sports programs, that attend Monett and foster positive rapport with everyone.”
While the Tigers were led by veterans, Monett entered the game with just five players (one offensive and four defensive) who had starting varsity experience.
“I wanted us to come out and compete,” Mauk said. “We have a young team. We have a brand new offensive scheme, defensive playbook and new coaching staff. After looking at the game I can tell you I was proud of these guys. I am proud to be their coach and proud to be a Monett Cub.”
Nevada struck first, returning the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Monett then displayed its new offense with its five-receiver sets, up-tempo no-huddle speed, and a healthy dislike of punts.
The Cubs could not generate a first down and turned the ball over on downs at their own 34.
Monett’s defense rose to the occasion and held the Tigers on downs at the 10-yard line.
“Our fans can expect our offense to play fast and put the ball in the air,” Mauk said. “We want to get our kids in space and let them make plays. Fans will need to learn when it is appropriate to head to the concession stand because they won’t want to miss any offensive plays. We want our defense to fly around and get back to Monett football. We will be physical up front and play fast. We are looking for the toughest kids in the school so we can line them up when opposing teams have the ball.”
Monett completed 35 of 49 passing attempts for 373 yards and rushed the ball 12 times for negative 5 yards.
Trailing 14-0, the Cubs scored their first touchdown as Dylan Washick hit Landyn Brandt in stride for a 59-yard catch and run.
“Our senior class has great leadership and participation this off season,” Mauk said. “As far as returning starters, we are excited about Brandt at wide receiver, Porter Reed and Aidan McCall-Thomas on the defensive line. We have moved a lot of guys around to different positions. We … moved Walker Bradow to linebacker with Aaron Soriano focusing on the wide receiver role. Riley Rhea moved to the secondary and Danny Ungeni settled in on the offensive line.
“We have a lot of newcomers that will play major roles for us this fall,” Mauk said. “Our senior numbers are not where they need to be, so many underclassmen will be asked to play significant roles on Fridays playing experience that we look forward to contributing on Fridays this fall.”
The Tigers added two more scores before intermission to take a 28-8 advantage.
The second half opened great for the Cubs as they moved the ball down the field and Brandt capped an eight-play, 53-yard drive with a 20-yard catch to close the gap to 28-16.
Monett then recovered an onside kick to thrill its fans but saw the drive stall due to penalties.
“We moved the ball tonight,” Mauk said. “The issues we had are all fixable in practice. I look around and this doesn’t feel like a loss. I think we proved to ourselves that we can compete.”
Bradow added a 3-yard scoring run for Monett with 4:41 left in the game.
“As I look at the schedule, there is not one week that I believe we can take lightly,” Mauk said. “You see how well these teams do in the playoffs, and there is a reason for their success. I believe our conference prepares teams week in and week out to be successful down the road. When you have to play against Nevada, Aurora, Seneca, Lamar, Cassville, McDonald County, East Newton, and Mt. Vernon, it is a brutal schedule.”
Monett will seek more growth and its first win on Friday as they travel to Strafford. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.