Cubs envisioning a 15-game season

By Jared Lankford Special to the Monett Monthly

High expectations and top-level goals are the norm for Monett football this season. 

Entering his second year as head coach, Ben Mauk prepares to navigate the gridiron slate, making it crystal clear to his players the level at which he expects the Cubs to compete — championship level.

“We are training for a 15-game grind that is going to take us from August to December,” Mauk said. “Since day one, I have placed a focus on getting our guys in the weight room and bulking up. Conditioning is huge for us.”

No doubt, the sweat has been flowing, not just in the weight room, but on the track in an all-out push to make the 2025 Cubs bigger, faster, stronger and better.

“After the [2024 football] season, I encouraged our guys to wrestle, play basketball, run track and play baseball,” Mauk said. “I made sure to go and watch the players and encourage them. For those that did not play an additional sport, we got them in the weight room to help keep them in shape.”

Monett has also sought out the best competition in its seven-on-seven summer season. The Cubs logged a few thousand road miles playing on the campuses of Mizzou, Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana State University.

“We want our kids to face the best competition we can find,” Mauk said. “You don’t get better without testing your limits. I have been proud of our players and the way they keep competing.”

While Mauk preaches the goal of reaching a state championship, Monett does know who its first nine games of the season.

Monett will defend Burl Fowler Stadium and march up and down Kenley Richardson Field a minimum of five times this season.

The Purple and Gold open on Aug. 29 at home with Nevada, then remain home a week later on Sept. 5 to play Strafford.

A trip to the dog pound awaits on Sept. 12, as Monett invades Aurora. Defending Big 8 Conference champion Seneca comes to Monett on Sept. 19, followed by a road trip to Anderson on Sept. 26 to face the Mustangs of McDonald County to complete the month.

October 3 brings a hint of Red, White and Blue, with East Newton coming to town. 

The following week, on Oct. 10, Monett plays at defending Class 2 state champion Lamar. Cubs fans can circle Oct. 17 on their calendars, when the Barry County Brawl comes to Monett. 

The Cubs absolutely want the trophy back in their case, as it has been absent the last two seasons.

The regular season finale for Monett on Oct. 24 is a matchup at Mt. Vernon.

All kickoff times are slated for 7 p.m.