Mustang Football Stays Scrappy in First Quarter, But Cannot Keep Up With Tough Albemarle Team

The Monticello Maniacs in the student section brought the energy early for a district matchup versus the high-powered offense of the Albemarle Patriots. The theme of the game was wild, wild west, as students sported their cowboy hats, jeans, and flannels. The bleachers were pounded as the student section began to jump awaiting kickoff. Kicker Carter Trout booted the pigskin away to start the game. Albemarle took the ball near the 40 after a solid return but was forced to punt after a solid defensive series by the Mustangs. Lisaad Rose took the opening carry and sped through the defense for a nice 10-yard run. The following play was a tipped pass that landed in the hands of an Albemarle defender for an interception. The Mustang defense provided its second great series to start the game, forcing a turnover on downs after Quarterback Amaje Parker's pass sailed over the intended receiver in some tight coverage. Monticello punted on its next possession, leading to a touchdown run by Running Back Polo Hill, putting Albemarle up 7-0. On the ensuing Monticello possession, Senior Quarterback Matt Dixon floated one up for star athlete Selorm Kartey, who was able to draw a pass interference call. Monticello would be forced to punt, bringing on Carter Trout who kicked a beauty out of bounds near the 20-yard line. Trout was very consistent on the day, booming kicks to try and give the Albemarle offense a worse field position. Albemarle Quarterback Amaje Parker fired a third-down strike to speedy Wide Receiver Noah Grevious for a first down. This would end the first quarter, with Albemarle up by only one score. Parker hit Wide Receiver Nasir Lindsay later on the drive in the end zone to put Albemarle up 14-0. This was Parker's first of four touchdown passes in the game. He proved to be a difference maker, using his mobility to evade rushers and find four different receivers in the end zone including an impressive jump throw to Running Back Polo Hill. Albemarle began to mount a sizeable lead, but the Mustangs kept playing, with Lisaad Rose nabbing a big-time sack late in the first half. Monticello was inches away from scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, as Running Back Chris Carter raced down the sideline on a carry but grazed the out-of-bounds line after picking up the first down. So close! Monticello's defense started strong fueled by the rowdy student section, but the team could not keep up with the highly talented Albemarle team, one that surely has aspirations of making a playoff run. Final score: Patriots 56 Mustangs 0. Monticello will take a bye week, then travel to Louisa the following Friday before an exciting home matchup with Fluvanna to kick off Homecoming weekend.