ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., October 14, 2023 – On a rain-soaked afternoon on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University on Saturday, the Monroe College football team defeated Louisburg College by a score of 29-10. The Mustangs improved to 4-2 on the season with the win, while the Hurricanes dropped to 3-3.
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The Mustangs pulled ahead early in Saturday's contest when
Patrick Fisher-Butler made a 36-yard field goal midway through the first quarter to give the Mustangs a 3-0 lead. The Mustangs then added to their lead early in the second quarter when
Mason Boothe connected with
Rafael McCoy for an 11-yard touchdown to make it a 10-0 game in favor of Monroe.
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Later in the second quarter, the Mustangs had the Hurricanes pinned deep in their own territory. On the first play of the drive,
Nareece Wright punched the ball loose on a handoff, allowing
Tony Carter to scoop it up at the 10-yard line and walk it into the end zone, putting the Mustangs up, 16-0, after a botched snap on the point-after attempt. Louisburg later got on the board when the Mustangs lost the handle on a punt in their own end zone for a safety, eventually sending the game to the half with Monroe on top, 16-2.
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The Mustangs got things going again in the third quarter when Boothe hit
Deon Metezier for an eight-yard score, making it a 22-2 game after a missed extra point. With the ball back later in the third,
Charles Alia took a handoff 27 yards to the house, leaving Monroe ahead, 29-2. The Hurricanes scored their only touchdown of the game late in the third when quarterback Dylan Trevillian hooked up with Christian Franklin for a 14-yard score. They then succeeded on their two-point attempt, reaching what proved to be the final score at 29-10.
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Boothe finished completed 9-of-17 passes in the pouring rain on Saturday for a total of 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Jamel Stubbs caught three of those passes for 65 yards. McCoy made three receptions for 18 yards and a score, while Metezier scored on his lone eight-yard reception.
Diego Lamonica made a 31-yard catch in the game.
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Charles Alia led the rushing attack with 36 yards and a touchdown on four carries.
Justin McDuffie rushed seven times for 21 yards and made a six-yard reception.
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The defense lived in the backfield on Saturday, making 12 tackles for loss in the game.
Sekou Kromah was unblockable, making four tackles for loss on his own on a five-tackle day. He also broke up a pass in the game.
Xavier Belton had a sack and two total tackles for loss. Wright finished with a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and three total tackles in the win.
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Anthony Lacy was exceptional in coverage, making three pass breakups and coming away with an interception.
Na'il Johnson had Monroe's second interception on the afternoon. Carter had the fumble-recovery touchdown in the second quarter, while
Malik Matthew also picked up a fumble in the game.
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The Mustangs are back at home this Saturday, Oct. 21, to take on The Apprentice School at Joseph F. Fosina Field at City Park in New Rochelle. Saturday's kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
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ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 28 teams competing across nine sports. There are 20 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well the Monroe College marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
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For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us atÂ
www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (
Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (
@Monroe_Mustangs) and Instagram (
@monroemustangs).
