Monarchs extend Colts’ stay, fall in OT

After making the six-hour trek, Casteel scored on the opening drive, capped by short 8-yard run from Mack Johnson, then the Colts connected on deep TD pass to Brandt Goodwin from Gunnar Cruz from 35 yards on a 3rd and 10 play with 5:30 left in first quarter for a relatively quick 14-0 lead, leaving the Monarchs fans to figure what they had gotten themselves into.

However, senior TORREY MACK quickly awakened the home side by returning the ensuing kickoff to the Casteel 19.

 

Moments later, AMIR CONLEY hauled in a 17-yard TD reception from junior QB EMMIL HENDERSON to make it 14-7.

 

In the second quarter, after rushing for a first down on fourth down and 1 to get to the 1, JAHMON MCCLENDON took it in for the score to make it 14-13 Colts with 4:58 before halftime.

Casteel finally hit on their deep ball and converted their big play into a score to regain the lead, 21-14.

 

The Monarchs put together a game-tying drive, however, as junior ELSHADAI LEVI picked up a first down on the ground, then McClendon added another set of downs.

 

The Monarchs fumbled on an ensuing carry, but recovered ahead of the marker for another first down to the Casteel 27.

 

McClendon would score on a 1-yard TD run, then get two points with a great grab on an out route to the pylon by Conley, tying to score, 21-21, with 4:08 left in the third quarter.

The Monarchs stopped another possession on a defended pass by junior CARLOS ROBERSHAW, who was stellar in the secondary in the second half.

 

Monte Vista couldn’t get the ball past midfield and the Colts were going to have a chance at a two-minute drill with their QB Cruz at the helm.

 

Casteel got a pair of completions plus a late hit out of bounds to get to the  Colts’ 47.

 

The Colts got a pass catch and pile push to the 12 with 37 seconds left.

Casteel got their rushing TD from Johnson from 1-yard out after completing a pass on a sliding catch by Zach Nelson at the 1-yard line to set up the go-ahead score.

Casteel then made a fourth-down stop in overtime on a McClendon run on a fourth-and-three that netted two years.

 

“Monte Vista executed their game plan in the second half very well by keeping our offense off the field,” Casteel coach Spencer Stowers said. “My coaching staff and I were very impressed with the Monarchs coaching staff. They are a class act and the young men of Monte Vista played to the bitter end.

 

“We grew as a program tonight and we appreciate the Monarchs for hosting us this evening.”