Cubs celebrate homecoming in style

Monett tops Patriots for fourth victory, 58-20; goes Tiger hunting in Lamar Friday
 
Joy was in the air Friday as Monett captured its fourth victory of the season with a 58-20 Homecoming victory.
The win meant the Cubs, 4-2, eclipsed their win total of three from last year, and the team still has three regular-season games left to play.
“Our job during Homecoming was to come out and win the game,” said Ben Mauk, Monett coach. “Our guys came out and did that tonight. We played efficiently on offense and scored on every drive but one. Even though¬†we are sitting at 4-2, we still have lots of room for improvement.”
The game started with a blaze of glory for the Cubs. On its fourth play from scrimmage, Monett quarterback Dylan Washick hit Brayden Sietz for a 31-yard catch and run.
The Cubs then recovered an onside kick and traveled 35 yards in three plays with Collin Umfleet rushing in from seven yards out. Just two minutes and 16 seconds into the contest and the Purple and Gold led 16-0.
The score elevated to 22-0 with 7:15 left in the first quarter as Umfleet found paydirt with a 3-yard carry.
East Newton did not fade and scored on the next two drives, aided by its own onside kick, to cut the advantage to 22-14 with 7:13 left in the first half.
Carson Nestleroad provided the answer for the Cubs with a 5-yard touchdown catch and Umfleet scored his third rushing touchdown with 3:05 left in the first half to give Monett a 36-14 lead at intermission.
Nestleroad caught a second 5-yard pass to open the scoring in the third quarter with Miles Young and Umfleet hauling in passes of 9 and 13 yards, respectively, to account for all of the Cubs’ touchdowns.
“We still have to improve on the number of penalties and some tackling,” Mauk said. “That is easier to do after a 38-point win. The biggest thing for us is to control what we can control.”
Monett racked up 589 total yards of offense, 195 yards rushing and 394 passing.
Washick was 32 of 36 passing for 390 yards and five touchdowns.
Seitz hauled in seven passes for 149 yards, and Alex Meeks caught nine passes for 105 yards for Monett. Antoine Smith paced the Cubs on the ground with 126 yards on 16 carries. Umfleet finished with 76 yards on eight attempts.
Monett travels to Lamar on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.