FORDYCE, Ark. – The Fordyce Redbugs opened their 2024 season with a commanding 34-16 victory over the Monticello Billies on Friday night, August 30 at home.
The Redbugs struck early in the first quarter when freshman quarterback Andreal Ellison connected with sophomore receiver Jamartez Stroud on a dramatic 40-yard touchdown pass on fourth and 12. The pass, deflected over the middle, fortuitously found its way into Stroud’s hands, giving Fordyce an early lead.
Ellison continued to shine later in the quarter, completing a 36-yard pass to Brenton Sledge, setting up the Redbugs deep in Monticello territory. Fordyce capitalized on the drive with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, extending their lead to 14-0.
In the second quarter, Monticello was forced to punt from their own 34-yard line, but Stroud wasn’t done making an impact. Fielding the punt at the Fordyce 34, he found the right edge and sprinted 66 yards to the end zone for another Redbugs touchdown. The ensuing two-point conversion made it 22-0 in favor of Fordyce.
Fordyce added another touchdown before the halftime break, heading into the locker room with a 28-0 advantage.
The Redbugs continued their assault in the third quarter. With just 30 seconds remaining, Sledge broke free for a 14-yard rushing touchdown, pushing Fordyce’s lead to 34-0.
Later in the ballgame, Monticello’s Jackson Hines scored on a five-yard keeper out of the shotgun, cutting the deficit to 36-8 after a successful two-point conversion. Hines added another one-yard touchdown run, with a two-point conversion providing the final score of 34-16.
Monticello will look to bounce back next week as they host Bauxite on September 6. Meanwhile, Fordyce will take their momentum on the road to face Magnet Cove.
