Bucks fall to Rich in first 8-man game

by David Boyle
News Director
The Monticello High School Football team opened their season and the first Utah 8-player football league in over a century on August 19.
While the Buckaroos dropped the opening game 26-20 to the visiting Rich Rebels, the team is looking forward to a year of 8-player football.
The game started with a quick defensive stop by the Buckaroos, Monticello then scored on their first offensive play from scrimmage.
Junior quarterback JD McDonald found Senior Easton Young on a slant route across the middle of the field. After catching the pass Young turned on the burners, racing 69-yards for the touchdown. McDonald added the extra point to give the Bucks a 7-0 lead just 2:30 into the first quarter.
Rich responded with a sustained drive culminating with Rebel quarterback Hunter Pace running the ball into the end zone from two yards out. A two-point attempt by the Rebels was unsuccessful as Monticello senior lineman Nic Lundell recorded a sack to keep the score 7-6 with 4:50 remaining in the first quarter.
After a quick offensive series the Buckaroos punted to the Rebels. On the Rebels third possession Junior Zac Thayn tipped a pass into the air resulting in an interception by Young with 1:52 to go in the first quarter.
Set up inside the ten yard line, senior running back Javlin Robison ran the ball in from four yards out to extend the Monticello lead. Another extra point gave the Bucks a 14-6 at the end of the first quarter.
During the second quarter the Rebels responded with another sustained drive ending in a six-yard touchdown pass from Pace to Jaden Desch and a successful two-point conversion from Max Perry. At halftime the Buckaroos and Rebels were tied 14-14.
In the third quarter the Rebels continued to hold the ball, scoring on a 35-yard touchdown pass and a 40-yard pass in the third quarter to give Rich a 26-14 lead.
A minute and a half into the final quarter the Buckaroos got back on the board with a 68-yard touchdown pass. On the play McDonald rolled out of the pocket, buying some time before finding Young who bobbled the catch before bringing it down. Young then sprinted down the sideline to make the score 26-20 after a failed point-after try.
The Buckaroos last offensive gasp with three minutes to go failed on a fourth down attempt. Once they regained possession, the Rebels ran the ball for the remainder of the game to secure the win.
Monticello finished the game with 334 yards including 170 passing yards and 164 rushing yards.
The Rebels had 272 offensive yards including 107 yards on the ground and 165 yards through the air.
Monticello hosts the Dolores Bears this Friday, August 26, at 7 p.m. You can watch the game live on PictureItPalmer.com.

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