MONTICELLO, Ark. – The Monticello Billies earned a 22-7 victory over the Star City Bulldogs on Friday night at Hyatt Field in a key 8-4A Conference matchup. Both teams came into the game with 4-1 records, but Monticello’s defense and second-half performance proved to be the difference.
Star City struck first when quarterback Jacob Boothe connected with Dejuan Haney on a 36-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Javier Magana added the extra point to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.
Monticello responded in the second quarter, tying the game at 7-7 after a 9-yard touchdown run by Curtis Barrow Jr., followed by an extra point from Joseph Rojas. Just before halftime, Jackson Hines added another score for the Billies with a 4-yard rushing touchdown. Rojas’ kick was good, and Monticello took a 14-7 lead into the break.
In the third quarter, Monticello extended its lead when quarterback Tye Guthrie connected with Curtis Barrow Jr. for a 22-yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt was no good, but Monticello led 20-7. Later in the quarter, Monticello’s defense added two more points with a safety after a sack in the end zone, pushing the score to 22-7.
Neither team found the end zone in the fourth quarter, and Monticello’s defense held firm to secure the win.
With the victory, Monticello improves to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. They will travel to Stuttgart next week to take on the Ricebirds. Star City drops to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play and will host Warren in their next game.
