William Monroe is fighting for its playoff life and after losing to Brentsville by a single point a week ago, the stakes for every game down the stretch got just a little bit higher.
Friday night, Monroe shook off last week’s loss to grab a 17-8 victory over Skyline and inch a little closer to potentially wedging its way into the postseason.
Monroe running back Dupree Rucker’s explosive effort on the ground helped spark the win over the Hawks as Rucker picked up 131 yards on 28 carries, including the touchdown from five yards out that extended the Monroe lead to 17-8. With the defense clicking along and preventing Skyline from getting in the endzone, controlling possession worked nicely for the Dragons.
Alex Kinsey complemented Rucker’s efforts on the ground with 93 yards and a touchdown of his own on 10 carries. Kinsey scored from 25 yards out midway through the first quarter to put the Dragons up 7-0. After Skyline swung ahead 8-7, Monroe retook the lead for good with 1:24 left in the first half on an Evan Taylor field goal.
Kinsey went 3-for-4 for 71 yards through the air, including two tosses to Sal Coyle for 45 yards and a 26-yard catch by Evan Wagner.
Jaekwon Wayne helped bolster the defensive effort with an interception.
The Dragons play a winless Warren County squad next week as they continue to try and scratch out a spot in the Region 3B playoffs.
