Eaton also was winless, but had won last year’s matchup 28-14.
WEEK 7 FOOTBALL COVERAGE
» Krause wants Fairfield to make homecoming memories
“We knew both teams were struggling a little bit, but we felt like we had been improving every week and the kids have been playing hard,” Stubbs said. “It was homecoming week and there was lots going on for them, but we told them to keep the focus and things would start going our way.
“The first half we went up 10-0 and we were moving the ball offensively, which has been a struggle, and the defense was doing well. Going into the second half, the kids got more excited and more confident, and they were having fun and things went well. We’re going to try to continue to build on that.”
Monroe next faces a 5-1 Brookville team, but the Hornets are hoping to ride into that game with the momentum off last week’s emotional win.
Stubbs said the team felt more of a sense of excitement than relief, which is something that is easier to build off.
“It was pretty neat,” Stubbs said. “The kids were pretty excited. There were a good number of people there … and the students rushed on the field congratulating us, the band played our alma mater and all the students were out there and the parents in the stands and people back for homecoming. It was a good feeling. It felt a little like the days of old, and the kids felt like that’s how it should be.”
A week after getting shut out by Valley View, the Hornets were dominant in doing the same to Eaton.
Monroe had six takeaways, including four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Collin Deaton had two interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown, and Taj Simmons had an interception and fumble recovery. Nick Snell, who recently switched from cornerback to safety, had the other interception, and Quienten Brown accounted for the other fumble recovery.
Stubbs said the defense cut down on the big plays that hurt the Hornets in the beginning of the season. Offensively, drives that previously would have been halted by a penalty or turnover ended in points instead. Tyler Tracey led the offense with 82 yards rushing, while Nick Osterman had 76 yards passing with one touchdown and another score running the ball.
The Hornets also showed improvement in the kicking game, where kicker Braden Singleton and Tyler Hendricks have been solid but lacking help.
“Little mistakes that turned into big mistakes against other teams, we’re alleviating those mistakes, so it’s giving us opportunities,” Stubbs said.
Stubbs said he hopes last week’s game was a sign the Hornets are “finding their way,” but just like last week and every week before, Monroe will be treating this next game as its own season.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier here on out, but Monroe looks to continue improving and hopefully results will follow, Stubbs said. Three of the last four opponents (Brookville, Madison and Bellbrook) have combined for one loss this season.
Brookville is just the next big test.
“They play old-fashioned football and are very disciplined so it’s going to be a challenge, but the kids’ heads are strong and they want to continue to win,” Stubbs said. “We’ve had a couple good practices this week, so we plan on continuing to win. I’m sure other teams have other ideas, but we’re trying to build on this.”
Friday’s game
What: Brookville (5-1, 2-0 SWBL Southwestern) at Monroe (1-5, 1-2 SWBL Southwestern), 7 p.m.
Where: Monroe Hornet Stadium, 220 Yankee Road, Monroe
Last meeting: Brookville won 45-28 last year and has a three-game winning streak in the series
About the Author