Christian Monfort played a major role in Morgan County’s decisive 46-14 win over Putnam County on Aug. 22.
The senior tailback rushed 16 times for 171 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught two passes from quarterback Davis Strickland out of the backfield for 32 yards as the Dogs (2-0) dominated the War Eagles (1-1).
“Christian did a really good job,” Morgan County head coach Clint Jenkins told the Lake Oconee News.
Just two weeks into the season, Monfort already has 289 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 31 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. The West Georgia commit has also rushed for over 100 yards in each of this season’s first two games.
Jenkins said Monfort grew as a player on and off the field throughout the offseason.
“I think there’s definitely some maturity in what he’s doing,” Morgan County’s head coach said. “I think just his class in general knows that they’ve been getting to do this for a while, and this is their senior season. It’s their last time around. And I just think Christian and the team are trying to make the most out of it.”
Monfort scored his first touchdown at the 10:37 mark of the second quarter, putting Morgan County ahead, 14-7.
Putnam County stalled on its next drive and decided to punt, but the snap went over punter Ethan Whatley’s head. He recovered the ball, but was downed inside the Dogs’ red zone. A few plays later, Montfort scored from inside the 10, giving them a two-touchdown lead with 8:22 remaining in the first half.
Putnam County responded with a long touchdown run by tailback Omarion Butts. Still, Morgan County answered back as junior tailback Alex Corrias rushed for a touchdown, bringing the lead back to two scores at the half.
Monfort’s final two touchdowns came on runs of 11 and 49 yards in the third quarter. Strickland then had a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth. The Dogs totaled a season-high 298 yards on the ground in the win.
Corrias added 55 rushing yards on seven carries, averaging 7.9 yards an attempt, with his lone touchdown.
Jenkins was proud of both Monfort’s performance and the offensive line.
“He did a really good job when he was able to get to the second and third levels,” Jenkins said about Monfort. “And you’ve got to give some credit to the offensive line, too, because I thought they played well.”
Montfort also thanked his offensive line, which paved the way for him all night.
“Friday was one of those games that was going to be won or lost on the line,” Monfort said. “My coach told us this game was like Georgia versus Georgia Tech and not to let them dislike us more than we dislike them. We came out a little slow, had one turnover, but after that, we dialed in, and I ended up having a game of my career. I couldn’t do any of that without my (offensive) linemen. They deserve all of the credit.”
Morgan County will travel to Oconee County (1-1) this Friday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Watkinsville. Putnam County also returns to action this Friday at home in Eatonton to face Laney (1-1) at 7:30 p.m.