Monroe defeated Talawanda Friday night , at Hornet Stadium, 21-7, to earn their first victory in three games.  The Pre-Game ceremony included a patriotic parachute fly in of the game ball in honor of the ten year anniversary of the tragic September 11 Terrorist attack.

Talawanda got on the board first on a 77 yard pass from Sophomore quarterback Colin Kimiecik to Dalton Prater, with only 1 minute and 37 seconds gone by. The PAT by Sam Poetter was good. Monroe evened the score at 7 six minutes later thanks to a 25 yard catch and run  from Senior quarterback Ramone Boyce to junior running back Chris Wilson. Wilson has now scored at least one touchdown in the first three games this season. Andrew Shaffer remained perfect for the year on PAT’s.  Monroe scored again with four minutes to play in the first half as Boyce found Emanuel Boatang from 16 yards out. Shafer’s PAT gave the Hornets a 14-7 lead.  Monroe would nurse that lead late into the fourth quarter and with 2:50 left to play the combination of Boyce to Boatang struck once again, this time the pass and catch touchdown play covered 65 yards and after the PAT by Shafer the Hornets enjoyed a 21-7 advantage.

Talawanda made things interesting late, taking the ensuing kick-off into Hornet territory, however, a late interception with one minute to play by senior Lamar Hodges, ended the Braves drive and any chance of snatching the victory away from the Fighting Hornets.  Monroe’s defense turned in another solid performance. Travis Rice recorded 9 tackles, Taylor Larison and Hodges snagged interceptions and Sam Rogers recovered a Talawanda fumble.  Coach Brett Stubbs also pointed out the defensive play of Ben Klaiber. Hornet running back Chris Wilson left late in the 2^nd quarter and did not return due to muscle spasms in his neck. His status for next week’s home game and league opener Vs Franklin will be determined during the week.