Buckaroo sports update

THE BIRD SCOOP
by Walter & Becky Bird
The Monticello Buckaroo volleyball season kicked off at home on August 28 against Kayenta.
They are a large school and came to play. But the Buckaroo girls were ready to play as well and gave them a fight. The varsity lost in three close sets, 25-23, 25-15, and 25-23.
The coaches commented that for the first game of the season, the girls played well and did some great things, despite some injuries. Unfortunately, they also had some issues with some untimely missed serves and hits that cost them points.
Overall, Coach Tony Esplin was pleased with the first game of the season. He said that they can now focus on what they need to improve on in practices.
The C team lost in five sets and the JV lost in four.
On Friday August 31, the JV and C teams traveled to Navajo Mountain and won in three sets.
The volleyball team has a busy week with three region matches.
On Tuesday, September 4, they will play at home against the Green River Pirates at 5 and 6:30 p.m..
On Friday, they travel to Whitehorse at 3 and 4:15 p.m..
On Tuesday, September 11, they are on the road again to play Pinnacle in Price at 5 and 6:15 p.m..
Football
Fortunately, Monticello was able to bounce back from a loss last week with a dominant, non-region road win against Dolores, CO. The 45-0 win puts the Buckaroo record at 2-1 for the early season.
Mark Beh completed 80 percent of his passes for 164 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions.
Weston Nebeker had a huge game on the ground with 121 yards, as the offensive line, consisted of Gage Wilcox, Wyatt Fullmer, Tuff Adair, Chance Deeter, and Braxton Atwood, were opening holes all night long.
Reed Hedglin was great on the receiving end, catching a team high eleven passes for 87 yards.
Colton Lewis and freshman Tate Ramsay each hauled in a touchdown pass, from Mark Beh and Devin Hatch, respectively.
The Buckaroo defense played great as well and allowed zero passing yards, only 44 rushing yards, and forced two interceptions and four fumbles.
Cedar English also pitched in on the scoring spree, adding a field goal before the half.
Buckaroo Coach Reed Anderson commented that it was a great win and that the team is only getting better. He was also pleased with the play of the JV and freshmen, who were able to get some playing time in this game.
Earlier in the week, the Buckaroo JV team battled against the San Juan Broncos and lost 27-0.
Monticello hopes to keep the momentum going in the right direction at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 7 when they kick off against the Rich Rebels at home in Monticello.
XC
Monticello High School hosted the Loyds Lake Classic on August 31. There were some great performances at all levels!
There were several runners and coaches eyeing the team awards and individual medals before the race. They were made and donated by sculptor Bryce Pettit, who has two boys who run for Monticello.
The Buckaroo varsity boys ended up tied with Moab, 23-23. They had to go to the time of the fifth runner to break the tie, which ended up being Monticello walking away with the victory!
Adam Bunker lead the race the entire time and finished with an impressive time of 16:22. He was followed in the top ten by Alan Pettit (sixth at 17:22) and Cory Bunker (seventh at 17:23).
Other Buckaroos are Hyrum Johnson (18:20), Dylan Bird (19:13), Lucas Hatch (19:20), Justus Robinson (19:25), and Britton Brewer (20:09).
The boys JV team also took first with a score of 22. Topping off the finishers were Boston Freestone (second, 19:58), Eric Montague (third, 20:05), Bailey Walker (ninth, 22:35), Bowden Hunter (23:09), Taylor Torgerson, Taw Robison, and Robert Musselman.
The girls varsity placed fifth as a team, with freshman Lily Long leading the way in a tenth place finish of 22:18. Madison Freestone (23:02), Kennedy Brewer (25:17), Serra St. Clair (26:21), and Jessica Begay (43:58) finish out the team.
In the boys junior high 1.5 mile race, Monticello took the team title with a score of twelve. Jesse Pettit took first (9:37), followed closely by teammates Josh Wheeler (third, 9:53) Curtis Bunker (sixth, 10:11), Jalen Bradford (eighth, 10:14).
Kaden Pehrson from the Monticello Altitude Running Club took second place with a time of 9:45. Ryan Nielson, Jacob Johnson, Boden Carpenter, and Jarom Robison also ran well.
In the girls junior high race, Monticello took first as well with a score of 18. Adri Bird set a new course record with a time of 9:20, followed by teammates Shayla Pehrson (second, 11:04) and Lidia Chamberlain (sixth, 11:40).
Lily Burton from the Monticello Altitude Running Club took ninth (11:44). Shannon Morrison, Jemma Robison, and Millie Morrison also were great runners.
The Buckaroos run again on Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Moab Golf Course.

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