Considering that they played with their backs to wall for the majority of first half against an efficient James Monroe offense, that the Yellow Jackets lead was only seven points at the half was good news for Orange County. Behind some clutch plays on third and short, the Hornets were able to force Monroe to punt more often than not.
But in the second half, like a defending Group AA champion should, the Yellow Jackets tweaked their ground game and after tacking on another touchdown, Monroe let the defense finish the job in a 14-0 victory over the Hornets.
“We needed this one,” said James Monroe coach Rich Serbay. “There is nothing worse than going into a bye week with a loss. That’s the worst thing any coach can have, a bye week with a loss. This will pump our kids up for two weeks.”
The first score of the game came towards the end first quarter wide receiver DeAndre McCullam took an end-around 42 yards for the score. In the second half, Monroe got big running back Mike Latney rolling down hill, and his 32-yard run in the beginning of the third quarter was all the Yellow Jackets needed.
“The sweeps really opened up the inside, the power game,” Latney said. “(At halftime) the line made some adjustments and they worked out really well.”
Orange only had two drives that extended into Yellow Jackets territory. Early in the second quarter, Tyrone Ellis, Tyler Seal and Dominique Walker were able to move the Hornets close to the redzone, but the drive faltered after Monroe (3-1) forced an interception.
Trailing by 14 late in the third quarter, Orange (1-2) drove all the way down to the Monroe 4-yard line, but once again the drive flamed out, this time on a fumbled snap on fourth and one. From that point on the Hornets had three chances to score, and went almost exclusively to the pass, but couldn’t wiggle their way past the Yellow Jackets defense.
“We were playing catch up,” said Orange coach John Kayajanian. “The clock was tick-tick-tick and when (Monroe) had a 14-point lead we wanted to try and really catch up.”
Having faced one of the state’s top defenses, the Hornets are hoping to head into district play with a clear head when they host the two-time defending champ, Monticello.
“These games (the loses against Chancellor and James Monroe) should help us,” Kayajanian said. “But only if we can keep our heads up. You either get better by saying that we played hard against a tough team or you tuck your tail. It’s going to be my job to make sure we keep everyone’s head up and focused.”
Latney led all rushers with 127 yards on 14 carries, while teammate Farkeem French led all passers with 138 yards on 8-15 passing attempts.
Hornets quarterback Cameron Hughes was 12 for 19 with 128 yards passing. Tyler Seal lead the Orange receiving corps with five catches for 35 yards.
