The Monticello Sages found themselves facing a significant first-half deficit Friday night, but a determined second-half effort gave them an opportunity to battle back before ultimately falling 33-20 to Bloomington Central Catholic in Illini Prairie Conference action.
The loss moves Monticello to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while Bloomington Central Catholic improves to 4-1 overall and 4-1 in the IPC.
Monticello received an early opportunity when a Central Catholic special-teams miscue on the opening kickoff gave the Sages possession. The Saints’ defense quickly responded, however, as Crayton Schnierle intercepted Monticello quarterback Colton Schubert in the end zone and returned it 105 yards for a touchdown, putting BCC ahead 6-0.
The Sages didn’t take long to answer.
Schubert connected with sophomore tight end Tyler Allred for a 35-yard touchdown, the first varsity touchdown of Allred’s career. The score and ensuing extra point gave Monticello a 7-6 advantage.
From there, Central Catholic took control of the first half.
Michigan State commit Matthew Brady broke free for a 52-yard rushing touchdown on the Saints’ next possession. Brady later added a 15-yard touchdown run before connecting with Keyshaun Manney for a 53-yard touchdown pass.
The offensive surge allowed Central Catholic to carry a commanding 30-7 advantage into halftime, leaving Monticello with plenty of ground to make up over the final two quarters.
Rather than allowing the early deficit to decide the game, the Sages came out of halftime with a response.
Schubert found Aiden McCool for one of Monticello’s biggest plays of the night, connecting on a 63-yard touchdown pass to cut into the Saints’ advantage. McCool emerged as Schubert’s leading target, finishing the night with four receptions for 96 yards.
Monticello continued fighting its way back when Zeke Young delivered another highlight for the Sages. Young escaped multiple Central Catholic defenders on an eight-yard touchdown run, giving Monticello its third touchdown of the night and bringing the Sages within striking distance.
The Saints’ defense ultimately prevented the comeback from getting any closer. Central Catholic consistently pressured Schubert during the second half, recording four sacks and disrupting Monticello’s attempts to continue its rally.
Schubert finished the night 14-of-27 passing for 199 yards and two touchdowns, with the Central Catholic defense also intercepting him twice. His touchdown passes to Allred and McCool accounted for two of Monticello’s three scores.
Central Catholic’s offense was led by Brady, who finished with 149 rushing yards and 95 passing yards while accounting for three touchdowns. Manney also played a major role with 117 total yards, including 74 receiving and 43 rushing, along with his 53-yard touchdown reception.
Despite the loss, Monticello’s second-half response provided a much different picture than the opening two quarters. After being outscored 30-7 before halftime, the Sages outscored Central Catholic 13-3 in the second half, refusing to let the game get completely away from them.
Ultimately, though, the first-half deficit and Central Catholic’s defensive pressure proved too much to overcome. The Saints held on for the 33-20 victory, handing Monticello its first loss of the season.
The Sages will now look to respond and get back into the win column when they return home to host St. Joseph-Ogden next Friday night at 7 p.m.
