Monett opens season with Barry County Brawl

By Jared Lankford [email protected]

After finishing the 2025 season with a 5-6 record, the Monett football team will look to take another step forward in year three under head coach Ben Mauk.

Monett’s 2026 schedule features a challenging mix of longtime rivals, conference battles and a notable trip to the St. Louis area.

The Cubs will open the season on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. in the annual Barry County Brawl, traveling to face Cassville. The following week, Monett welcomes Mount Vernon to Burl Fowler Stadium for its home opener on Sept. 4.

Road tests follow as the Cubs travel to face Nevada on Sept. 11 before making one of their longest trips of the season on Sept. 18. Monett heads to St. Louis to take on Lutheran North. It will be Monett’s first football trip to the St. Louis area since the Cubs’ memorable 2016 Class 3 state semifinal appearance.

The Cubs return home on Sept. 25 for one of the most anticipated games on the schedule, renewing their rivalry with Aurora.

October brings a difficult stretch of opponents. On Oct. 2, Monett travels to face defending Class 3 state champion Seneca. The Cubs then return home on Oct. 9 to host McDonald County before traveling to take on East Newton on Oct. 16.

The regular season concludes on Oct. 23 with Senior Night at Burl Fowler Stadium, as Monett hosts perennial powerhouse Lamar.

Monett Cubs 2026 Schedule

Aug. 28, Cassville, Away

Sept. 4, Mount Vernon, Home

Sept. 11, Nevada, Away

Sept. 18, Lutheran North, Away

Sept. 25, Aurora, Home

Oct. 2, Seneca, Away

Oct. 9, McDonald County, Home

Oct. 16, East Newton, Away

Oct. 23, Lamar, Home

With several traditional rivals on the schedule and a unique matchup against Lutheran North, the 2026 season presents an opportunity for the Cubs to build on last year’s progress and continue the development of the program under Coach Mauk’s leadership.