On Friday night, both Monterey and Abilene looked to get back in the win column, as both teams were trying to bounce back from losses last week.
Lubbock Monterey Plainsmen
The Plainsmen struggled to score all night, as Quarterback Luke Arrington only completed 13 of 25 passes for 139 yards. Arrington connected with Wide Receivers Jacobie Johnson, who had 2 catches for 71 yards, Bryce Alexander, who had 3 catches for 30 yards, and Hebrew Hunter, who had 4 catches for 21 yards.
The Plainsmen’s rushing game was not working until the second half, as Jayden Hibbler rushed for 78 yards on 20 touches, and Will Collier rushed for 16 yards on 3 touches. Jamarcus Smith, another Plainsmen Running Back, scored the only Monterey touchdown of the night, which was a 76-yard run. The defense had no answer to Abilene’s powerful offense, as the Plainsmen were only able to stop Abilene a few times, allowing Abilene to gain 439 total yards.
Abilene Eagles
Abilene started the game hot and never stopped, as Quarterback Dylan Slack completed 14 of 18 passes totaling 291 yards, throwing for 4 touchdowns and rushing for another. Brayden Henry also completed 4 of 6 passes for 31 yards. Not only did Brayden Henry throw passes, but he got himself an 8-yard receiving touchdown, as well as a rushing touchdown. Henry ended up rushing for 87 yards on the night. Slack connected with Jackson Howle for 93 yards on 7 catches and a touchdown, and Bryson Perez, who racked up 47 yards on 4 catches and a touchdown.
Ryland Bradford caught 2 passes for 62 yards and found his way to the endzone, and Trey Simpson found the endzone as well, catching 2 passes for 23 yards. The running game was not as effective as the passing Friday as De’Zhon Magee only rushed for 39 yards on 8 touches. Chad Lara did a little better as he racked up 61 yards on 19 touches, finding the endzone once. The Abilene defense made a statement, as they forced four turnovers on the night. Two of the turnovers were fumbles, and Tre Sharp and DeMarco Upshaw intercepted Arrington on his first two pass attempts. The Eagles defense gave up just over 309 yards on the night, but the Eagles did enough to handle business in West Texas.
Abilene won 59-7.
Abilene will be at home next week as they take on Tascosa, who is looking to bounce back after falling to Amarillo 42-6. Monterey has a bye week coming up, but they will take on Tascosa the following week (October 6th) at Amarillo Dick Bivins Stadium.
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