Mustangs repeat as region champs

WINCHESTER — Much like a chemist who has found just the right formula, the Monticello High School football team has found its elements for success in the postseason.

The Mustangs put together a perfect combination of passing, running and stingy defense to knock off John Handley 27-14 to capture its second consecutive Region II championship.

Senior tailback Hines Banks eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark for the second consecutive week, while quarterback Michael Graham threw for two touchdowns.

The win marked Monticello’s third in the past five years over the Judges in the playoffs. The Mustangs, the defending Group AA, Division 3 champions, will visit James Monroe, a 35-18 winner over Nottoway in the Region I final, in the state semifinals next weekend.

“We felt like we needed to be able to run the ball against these guys, especially with the weather conditions what they were, and we responded,” said Monticello coach Brud Bicknell. “They’re a great defense and our kids between the blocking up front the blocking with the fullback and what Hines was able to do — it was exactly what we needed.”

Despite the frigid temperatures, Monticello’s offense heated up quickly. The Mustangs (11-1) took the opening drive and methodically moved the ball down field.

With Banks having success on the ground, Graham took to the air, completing three passes on the drive for 30 yards. But it was Banks who reached the end zone from 20 yards out, following an offensive line that is improving with each game. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder finished with a career-high 123 yards on 21 carries. The point after attempt was blocked, and Monticello took a 6-0 first-quarter lead.

And the defense did its part as well. The Mustangs forced Handley to go 3-and-out on its first two drives. In the second quarter, Monticello continued to set the tone with two fumble recoveries (by Nolan Thornton and Marvin Mills) on the Judges’ following two possessions.

“It’s something we geared up to do,” said Bicknell of the defense’s performance. “And it’s a testament to our kids and our defensive coaches that they were able to accomplish.”

The turnover gave Monticello the ball on the 10-yard line and Graham found his way in for the score from one yard out to extend the lead to 13-0.

The Mustangs’ defense again shut down the Judges on their next possession and with 4:13 to play in the half, Monticello got the ball back for a critical series.

The visitors, riding Graham’s arm, marched 96 yards for the score. The senior signal-caller capped the drive with a perfect pass to Jake Pelton in the right corner for a 21-yard TD. Pelton also converted the PAT to give Monticello a commanding lead.

“It was a big turning point in the game, it was nice to have me and Mike hook up in the end zone,” said Pelton, who hauled in a game-high nine catches for 130 yards. “It had been a while. We just had momentum after that, and we took it from there.”

Handley scored on the opening drive of the second half as Jeremiah Wilson ran in for the 24-yard touchdown. But that was Wilson’s longest run of the day as he was held to 50 yards on 17 carries.

Monticello fumbled on its first drive, but got the ball back immediately as Pelton picked off a Geremi Long pass. Long replaced injured starting quarterback Brian Tavenner in the second half. Neither quarterback had any success, they were a combined 2 for 9 passing for 17 yards.

Graham, on the other hand, was able to hit his receivers the entire game, finishing 14 for 26 for 171 yards. He connected with Pelton for a 5-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter.

Now Monticello can focus on its next goal — the state semifinal against James Monroe. The good thing is, the Mustangs have been in this position before.

“I think [experience] helps us a little bit. It also makes us a little more afraid to lose because we’ve been there before,” Pelton said. “We’ve got to make sure to keep focused. We know how it tastes, so we want to get back to the state championship.”