Monett looks to build on momentum in Year 3 under Mauk

By Jared Lankford [email protected]

The foundation has been laid — now, the Monett Cubs are looking to take the next step.

After improving to 5-6 a season ago and earning a district playoff victory, third-year head coach Ben Mauk believes the program is headed in the right direction. More importantly, he says the culture inside the program has changed.

“Last year’s team took a big step in returning Monett football back to where it should be,” Mauk said. “We play in the toughest football conference in the state of Missouri, and every week will continue to be a challenge for us.”

Monett finished seventh in the rugged Big 8 Conference before defeating McDonald County, 36-28, in the opening round of the district playoffs. The Cubs’ season ended with a 39-26 loss to West Plains, but the experience provided valuable momentum heading into 2026.

That optimism is fueled by experience.

The Cubs return 11 starters and 18 lettermen from last year’s squad, including five starters on offense and six on defense.

Few teams in southwest Missouri will feature as much returning firepower as Monett.

Senior quarterback Dylan Washick is back after one of the finest passing seasons in school history. The 6-foot-4 signal caller completed 371-of-554 passes for 4,433 yards and 44 touchdowns while leading an offense that averaged 45 points and more than 517 total yards per game.

Washick won’t lack targets.

Senior Carson Nestleroad returns after hauling in 93 receptions for 1,324 yards, while fellow senior Brayden Seitz added 61 catches for 829 yards and 11 touchdowns. Veteran receivers Michael Diaz, Dante Ungeni and Jaxon Stout provide additional depth in a passing attack that should once again rank among the area’s most explosive.

The offensive line also brings valuable continuity with seniors Jose Garcia and junior Luis Serrano returning alongside junior Karsen Madrid.

Mauk believes experience isn’t the offense’s only strength.

“Many returning starters in key positions, but our overall depth and team chemistry,” Mauk said. “These kids love to be around one another and have great senior leadership.”

While Monett’s offense drew headlines in 2025, the Cubs know defensive improvement will determine how far they can go this fall.

The defense returns six starters led by senior linebacker Aiden Rivera, who recorded a team-high 122 tackles and 45 assists last season. Fellow linebacker Henry Reed contributed 73 tackles, 33 assists and 3.5 sacks, giving Monett one of the conference’s most experienced linebacker duos.

The defensive front features seniors Kelton Carr and Chris Calhoun, while the secondary returns experienced defensive backs Kasen Carr, Chris Spears and junior Ben Tate.

Like the offense, Mauk points to chemistry and senior leadership as defining strengths on the defensive side.

For Mauk, however, wins and losses aren’t the only measuring stick.

Entering his third season, the veteran coach says the Cubs have embraced a culture built around four standards: Character, unity, bravery and service.

“I am excited about the 2026 season,” Mauk said. “Our kids have embraced our standards. They have really come together this off-season and started to communicate and care about one another.”

He also praised the team’s commitment away from the football field.

“The amount of community service they have put in here in Monett has been remarkable, and they truly want to make Monett proud this fall.”

Mauk added that competition remains fierce throughout the roster.

“We are going to play as fast as we possibly can and get as many kids on the field as possible,” he said. “Every position is open this fall, and our kids are all pushing each other to reach their full potential.”

The senior class has echoed that message throughout the offseason.

Washick said the team’s focus has been restoring Monett football’s tradition.

“We have been working hard to take the next step towards restoring the tradition and excellence of Monett Football,” he said.

Nestleroad praised the senior leadership, while Rivera said the team has embraced the history of the program.

“Our team has studied the legends of Monett past, and we look to carry on the tradition and restore the excellence that is Monett Football this year,” Rivera said.

Kelton Carr offered perhaps the simplest message of all.

“This is our time,”  he said.

True to Big 8 tradition, the Cubs won’t have much time to ease into the season.

Monett opens Aug. 28 with a road trip to Cassville before hosting Mt. Vernon the following week. The Cubs also face conference powers Seneca and Lamar later in the schedule. Mauk said his team isn’t looking beyond Week 1.

“Our first game is at Cassville, so that is our biggest game right now,” He said.

With an experienced quarterback, veteran playmakers, and a senior class determined to restore one of southwest Missouri’s proud football traditions, expectations are rising in Monett.

If the Cubs can pair last season’s explosive offense with improvement on defense, Mauk’s third season could mark another significant step forward in the program’s resurgence.