Morgan County again proved why it is ranked No. 2 in Class AA against Rutland last Friday.
The Dogs easily defeated the Hurricanes 55-12, improving to 7-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 2-AA play. They never trailed and jumped out to an early lead, thanks to junior running back Christian Monfort. He rushed for a pair of touchdowns of 17 yards and three yards in the game’s first few minutes.
A fumble by Morgan County junior wide receiver Ty Tillery gave Rutland’s sideline some life midway through the first quarter. The Hurricanes’ quarterback rushed for a 53-yard gain, putting his team inside the Dogs’ red zone. Their offense scored a few plays later, converting on a 4th-and-2 play.
Rutland attempted a two-point conversion but failed, with Morgan County still leading 13-6. The Dogs responded with a touchdown on their next possession. Senior tailback Jasper Cason picked up a first down, setting up junior quarterback Davis Strickland to toss a scoring pass to Tillery.
Morgan County’s offensive momentum continued into the second quarter, with Cason rushing for a pair of touchdowns. The Dogs held a commanding 34-12 advantage over the Hurricanes at the half.
Rutland’s Jarvis Washington picked off Strickland in the middle of the second quarter, leading to six points in between Cason’s touchdowns. However, his effort helped his team keep a significant lead.
Morgan County’s defense was better in the second half, pitching a shutout. Rutland had difficulty moving the ball against the Dogs, who prevented the Hurricanes from getting in their red zone again.
Rutland moved the ball effectively in the first half, but Morgan County’s defense tightened up through the last two quarters. The Dogs’ defensive unit made several big-time stops on fourth down.
Morgan County’s offense played turnover-free in the second half. The Dogs reached the end zone three more times, with Strickland rushing for an eight-yard touchdown and tossing a 28-yard score to senior wideout Jaylen Elder. Finally, senior tight end Draco Frazzitta also rushed for a one-yard touchdown run.
There was a running clock in the fourth quarter, with Morgan County getting to play its second team.
Strickland completed 12 of 15 passes for 195 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the win. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound junior signal-caller also rushed for 15 yards on two carries with a score.
Monfort and Cason combined to rush for 133 yards and four touchdowns. Tillery led in receiving with five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Elder hauled in four catches for 68 yards and a score.
The Dogs are off to one of the best starts in program history at 7-0. They’re currently tied with Jackson (4-3, 2-0) atop the Region 4-AA standings and are fighting to win another conference title.
Morgan County heads into its final bye week. The Dogs will return home for Senior Night on Oct. 18 against Jackson. They’ll end the regular season against Pike County (10/25) and Callaway (11/1).