Monticello’s offense, defense, and special teams appear primed for the postseason.
All three phases turned in impressive performances in a 33-14 Senior Night win over Valley District champion R.E. Lee.
“They kicked our tails,” said Lee coach David Tibbs. “They got far enough ahead in the first half to where we couldn’t mount a comeback.”
The first half was entirely dominated by Monticello. First and foremost, the Mustang defense held the Leemen to 12 total yards over three three-and-out possessions.
“Those defensive players did an amazing job,” said Monticello coach Rodney Redd. “Our staff and kids have done a tremendous job of improving. They’re playing really solid football, and the most exciting thing is most of those guys are coming back next year.”
Meanwhile, Monticello’s offense controlled the ball for 17:40 of the opening 24 minutes as it marched down the field on a pair touchdown drives consisting of 12 and 11 plays, each capped by T.J. Tillery runs. Junior kicker/receiver/defensive back Josh Malm made two field goals (28 and 37 yards) in the last 9 seconds of the half, with a squib kickoff in between that Lee failed to control.
“They told me that if I made five I would tie the record [field goals made in a season], six break it,” said Malm, who did finish 6-of-6 for the regular season. “I was trying not to think about it so it wouldn’t get in my head.”
“I’m very confident in the type of football he’s playing now; defensively, offensively, and especially in the kicking game,” said Redd. “Josh Malm is phenomenal person. He’s doing a lot for this football team right now. I’m just excited he plays for us.”
Lee settled things down by opening the second half with a 10 play, 75-yard drive lasting 5:46, which included conversions on 4th & 2 and 3rd & 18. Quarterback Javon Chisley scored on a 1-yard keeper to pull within two scores at 20-7. When Tillery fumbled on Monticello’s next offensive play, it seemed the game might follow last year’s script, when Lee overcame an early Mustang advantage to take a fourth quarter lead. However, the defense responded on Lee’s first play, as senior Willie James intercepted an option pass by Joe Moore.
“At one point, I did get a little concerned,” said Redd. “We were still playing good football on defense. Offensively, we were still grinding it out, getting first downs and moving the ball. Once we pushed it out to a three-possession game again, I felt really good.”
Monticello then marched 64 yards in eight plays, as Tillery made up for the miscue with a 15-yard touchdown. Trailing 27-7 late in the third quarter, the Leemen changed quarterbacks during their next series. Tyler Smallwood completed his first two pass attempts, and Monticello contributed 25 yards in penalties, before Moore scored on a 5-yard run with 11:00 remaining in the game.
“[Chisley] tweaked his ankle, but he’s alright,” said Tibbs. “He could’ve come back in, but I wanted to see the young guy play.”
Smallwood played the rest of the game and finished 4 of 10 for 32 yards.
In just three plays, Monticello ensured it would not come down to the last play this season. Junior Tyler Wagner ran in from 19 yards to cap the scoring at 33-14. Wagner was a very capable counterpart to Tillery in the rushing attack, tallying 77 yards on 7 carries. Tillery racked up 135 yards and three touchdowns on 25 rushes. Mosley also ran 13 times for 71 yards, and finished 9 of 15 passing for another 71.
“Our big boys up front are executing our offense very well,” said Redd. “We have a zone-scheme based rushing attack, and a lot of the times the back has to make the proper decision. Those guys made the proper decisions tonight.”
With its fourth straight victory, Monticello (8-2, 3-2 Jefferson) moved back into position to host a Region II, Division 3 quarterfinal game on Friday night. The Mustangs will face No. 6-seed Fauquier (7-3, 2-2 Evergreen). Meanwhile, as scouts from state final favorite Brookville watched from the sideline, Lee (7-3, 5-1 Valley) slipped from the second seed in Region III to No. 3, and will play Liberty-Bedford (6-4, 3-3 Seminole).
