Cubs’ depth, speed at receiver highlighted

By Jared Lankford Special to Monett Monthly

The first game of any season is always a bag of mixed results. 

While coaches believe they have done everything to prepare their team for victory, they can never be 100% sure until the ball is put in play.

Hopes of victory in Week 1 for Monett faded quickly, as Nevada jumped out to a 30-0 lead in the first quarter, leading to a 63-34 loss for the Cubs.

The team was left with a choice to either roll over and quit or fight back, and Monett showed grit by scoring a touchdown on six of its final eight drives.

“We made too many mistakes early,” said Ben Mauk, Monett coach. “We didn’t just make mistakes; we made mistakes that led to Nevada touchdowns. We put our defense in some bad situations, which opened up their playbook on offense, and they took control early.”

What might have been overlooked in the loss was how well the Cubs’ revamped receiving corps performed.

Collin Umfleet led the way hauling in 16 passes for 148 yards. Alex Meeks caught 12 passes for 112 yards with Carson Nestleroad gaining 110 yards on 10 catches

Miles Young caught five passes, Antoine Smith nabbed four more and Brayden Seitz added a pair of receptions, as well.

“I thought the receivers overall played well,” Mauk said. “But, we tell our guys that we need the whole team to play well. It is nice that we don’t have to just rely on one ore two guys. We clean up our mistakes, and we’ll be fine.”

The Tigers took the opening drive and marched 63 yards in six plays, overcoming a third-and-10 on the drive where the Cubs missed a tackle that would have forced a punt.

Monett, on its initial drive, watched as quarterback Dylan Washick was sacked and fumbled, with Nevada returning the loose pigskin 43 yards for a scoop and score.

The ensuing drive did not yield any better results, as the Tigers scored on a 62-yard interception return for a touchdown. Less than four games minutes into the contest, the Cubs were trailing 23-0.

Monett finished the game with five giveaways and committed 16 penalties. Mauk did not shy away from responsibility for the performance.

“There are a lot of things we can correct,” Mauk said., “I told the team that this loss falls on my shoulders. It is my job to make sure we are ready to play. I thought we were, but after going through the game, I realize there are several things we can do better. Moving into next week, I’ll make sure this team is ready to play when the whistle blows.”

Meeks put Monett on the board with a nine-yard reception with 1:27 left in the first half.

Monett picked up touchdowns from Smith and a pair from Umfleet in the second half.

The Cubs out-gained the Tigers with 561 yards of offense compared to 485.

Washick was 48-of-62 passing for 469 yards. Smith was the team’s leading rusher with 77 yards on nine carries.

“If we eliminate the missed tackles, turnovers, and penalties, we can be a good football team,” Mauk said. “I think teams show the most improvement from week one to week two and we just need to be ready on Friday.”