Slow start dooms Cubs in loss to Lamar, Monett falls into 42-point hole before mounting second-half rally

A disastrous first half proved too much for the Monett Cubs to overcome Friday night as Lamar rolled to a 55-28 victory.
 
Lamar showed why it is considered one of the top teams in the state, dominating the ground game and building a commanding 42-0 advantage before Monett finally found the end zone in the closing minute of the first half.
 
Quarterback Dylan Washick connected with Alex Rivera on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds remaining before intermission, cutting the deficit to 42-8 at halftime.
 
Monett regrouped during the break and showed signs of life offensively in the second half.
 
The Cubs continued their comeback effort when Washick found Sam Carr on a 15-yard touchdown strike just eight seconds into the fourth quarter.
 
Monett's defense then got into the scoring act when Carson Gates recovered a fumble for a touchdown with 10:53 remaining, trimming Lamar's advantage to 48-20.
 
The Cubs added one final score when Washick connected with Brayden Sites on a 24-yard touchdown pass with just 50 seconds remaining, accounting for the final 55-28 margin.
 
Lamar's powerful rushing attack proved to be the difference as the Tigers piled up 376 yards on just 36 carries. Lamar finished the contest with 490 yards of total offense.
 
Despite the early struggles, Monett finished with 361 yards of total offense.
 
Washick turned in an impressive performance through the air, completing 27 of 34 passes for exactly 300 yards and three touchdowns.
 
Sites led all Monett receivers with nine catches for 128 yards and a touchdown. He also provided a spark in the running game, gaining 50 yards on just six carries.
 
Carson Nestleroad added five receptions for 93 yards.
 
The Cubs finished with 61 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
 
While Monett's second-half effort provided some positives, the 42-point first-half deficit proved too much to overcome against one of the state's premier programs.
 
Despite the loss, Monett earned a home game to open district playoff action. The Cubs will host Hillcrest on Friday night as they look to extend their season.