It took Western Albemarle until the fourth quarter to finally break open its game with Monticello, but it was good enough to end a six-year drought against the Mustangs dating back to 2003.
Stephen Schuler had a hand in all four Western touchdowns, throwing three and running for another, as Western picked up a 28-6 victory over Monticello in a game that was postponed from Friday night because Western’s field was unplayable.
Western’s defense held the Mustangs in check much of the game, forcing two three and outs to start the game before surrendering a field goal on Monticello’s third drive. Mitchell Parks, as usual, spearheaded the defensive effort. The junior linebacker seemed to be in the Mustangs’ backfield on nearly every play.
“We couldn’t block Mitchell (Parks) all night—he probably had 20 tackles, he was outstanding,” said Monticello coach Brud Bicknell. “For us to have more success, we’ve got to be able to block everybody.”
Schuler and the offense got things going late in the second quarter when the senior quarterback found Nick Kuzjak in the endzone for a 29-yard touchdown with less than a minute to play in the half. After a poorly struck onsides kick attempt though, Monticello snagged another field goal to cut the lead to 14-6 at the break.
After a back and forth third quarter struggle, Schuler kicked things into high gear with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cody Davis set up by a 21-yard toss to Tyler Ward and a 22-yard catch by Dom Losco. Schuler went 6 for 8 for 71 yards and found six different receivers on that drive.
The Warriors’ defense limited Monticello senior running back CJ Page to less than 50 yards on the ground, with a big chunk of that coming on a 38-yard run late in the first quarter. The Western defense disrupted Monticello’s offense most of the night with Parks leading the way.
“All year long (our defense has) gone up against teams like this that are bigger and stronger—they seem to revel in that kind of challenge,” Pierce said.
Western takes on William Monroe Friday night while Monticello tackles Charlottesville.
