Monticello football closes season

David Boyle

News Director

The Monticello football team concluded their season on October 22 in a playoff loss to eventual 1A finalists Layton Christian.

The Bucks end the season with a 2-8 record with wins coming against Grand County and Whitehorse. They opened the year with a 20-17 road win over the Red Devils.

MHS was riding high, mounting a comeback in their second game of the year vs. Gunnison Valley when senior quarterback and three-year starter Devin Hatch went down with a season-ending leg injury.

Sophomore quarterback JD McDonald stepped up and filled his spot, earning valuable experience throughout the year.

The Buckaroos’ other win came against the Whitehorse Raiders – a 43-0 final in Monticello.

Through the first two games Hatch threw for over 550 yards, five touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. In relief, McDonald threw for over 1,300 yards this season, 12 passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown.

The lead receiver for the Buckaroos was senior Logan Draper who compiled a 1,000-yard season with nine touchdowns. Junior Landon Ewart had a 600-yard season and caught six touchdowns.

Senior receivers Tate Ramsey and Michael Peterson caught plenty of passes from McDonald on the year. Running backs Javlin Robison and Cameron Bailey also had one touchdown reception each.

Robison led the Buckaroo rushing attack with over 300 rushing yards on the year and two touchdowns. Bailey also carried the rock for MHS and recorded one rushing touchdown.

The Bucks were anchored on the offensive line by Tyler Thayn, Nik Lundell, Carson Wells, Donny Atwood, and Geoffrey Lundell.

Seniors on the Buckaroo squad included Cameron Bailey, Logan Draper, Devin Hatch, Michael Peterson, Tate Ramsey, Bryson Jones, Tyler Thayn, JD Keyes, Crispin Johnson, Daniel Delorenzis, Geoffrey Lundell, Carson Wells, and team manager Kaylin Jones.