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WEST HELENA -- The Monticello Billies capitalized on two interceptions and a fumble enroute to a 26-6 victory over the Central High School Cougars in West Helena on Friday night. In a game of big plays, Monticello held Central scoreless in the second half.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Billies scored the game’s initial points four plays into the second period when Monticello’s Jackson Hines leaped into the end zone from two-yards out.
The PAT failed, but Monticello had the early advantage 6-0.
Central roared right back on its next possession, when three plays later, KJ Gilcreast connected with Damon Reese on an 82-yard touchdown pass. Central’s PAT attempt failed, and the game stood tied at 6-6.
Monticello’s next possession highlighted the big play capability of Joseph Accelus, who started the drive catching a swing pass for 20 yards, and then, busted a big play, running 50 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. This time, the Billies connected on the PAT, making the score 13-6.
Central’s next drive was interrupted when Monticello’s T.K. Hoover intercepted a Gilcreast pass, and eight plays later, Monticello was back in the end-zone, extending the lead 20-6.
Central, who was moving the ball, embarked on a seven-play drive which ran out of time as the half ended. The halftime score stood at 20-6.
The Billies accepted the second half kickoff and started the third period with a ten-play drive of their own, scoring again to further extend Monticello’s advantage to 26-6.
Central, now in a comeback mode, fired three consecutive passes downfield, but the third pass found Monticello’s Hoover for the second time in the contest.
Hoover’s long return was wiped out by a penalty, but the Billies maintained possession of the ball.
Monticello ran five plays before being forced to punt.
Central saw a 40-yard run by Isiah Brown, followed by a series of six-yard and four-yard runs. A 20-yard pass to Jamieyon Reese saved the drive for the Cougars, but Central’s threat ended four downs later, when a pass to MJ Gibson fell incomplete in the end zone as the quarter was coming to a close.
The fourth quarter started when Monticello’s Hines ripped off 30 yards to pull the Billies from deep in their territory.
Although the big play didn’t result in a score, it did prove useful in a game of field position, when Monticello punted the ball back to Central.
The Cougars then held the ball and moved downfield on a 17-play drive that saw a potential touchdown pass to Gibson wiped out by a penalty. The drive subsequently ended on downs without Central scoring a point, and Central was effectively done as time was running out.
Monticello held the ball for the final eight plays of the game and walked away with a 26-6 win.
Although the Cougars moved the ball on Monticello much of the night, Central was unable to convert the opportunities into points. Central also gave up three turnovers, which either killed drives or resulted in Billie touchdowns.
With the win, Monticello improves to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in 8-4A Conference play.
The Billies will need at least one more conference win to have a chance for a birth in the 4A State Championship Playoffs.
One win should secure the Billies a fifth seed with a win in both of their final regular season games would move the Billies into fourth in the conference.
Monticello will face Crossett on Friday October 31, at Hyatt Field at 7 pm and will travel to DeWitt on November 7.
