Monett Cubs roar in road win over East Newton Patriots

A dominant second half carried Monett to a 44-26 win over East Newton in varsity football action last Friday.
The Cubs (2-3) rallied from a 20-16 halftime deficit and controlled the second half en route to winning their second consecutive game and ending a nine-game road losing streak dating back to 2022.
“I think our team is starting to play together and with a lot of tenacity,” said Ben Mauk, Monett coach. “I like the way we responded to adversity tonight. It is good to win, but I think there are things that we can do better. Mental mistakes and penalties are things that we can clean up before the end of the year.”
Monett finished the game with 473 yards of offense with 468 in the air.
Cubs quarterback Dylan Washick was 41-of-56 passing for 468 yards and four touchdown passes.
Landyn Brandt led the Cubs in receiving with 15 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Carson Nestleroad hauled in nine catches for 145 yards and a touchdown. Alex Meeks had five catches for 38 yards and a touchdown.
“We were six points short of our scoring goal tonight,” Mauk said. “But I think we are starting to play more disciplined and we are flying around with kids getting open. I think we are figuring it out on both sides of the ball.”
Mauk praised the fight in East Newton and said the difference in the game was Monett being able to wear down the Red, White and Blue.
The Patriots racked up 422 total yards with 178 coming on the ground and 244 in the air.
“East Newton is a good football team,” Mauk said. “They are well coached. We knew we had to wear them down and that starts with our offense moving the ball up and down the field.”
The Cubs return home to the friendly confines of Burl Fowler Stadium on Friday to face Lamar. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.