LA PLUME, PA. - The Monroe University football team put together an impressive offensive and defensive performance on Saturday afternoon, earning a 54-20 victory over Keystone College. The Mustangs scored 20 points in the opening quarter and added 17 more in the second to take control early, improving to 2-5 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Monroe wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. The Mustangs opened the game with a six-play, 64-yard drive capped by a 36-yard touchdown pass from Zavry Ward to Libaan Aden. Monroe's defense quickly followed with a major play, as Benogo Diaby intercepted a Keystone pass and returned it for a touchdown to give the Mustangs a 13-0 advantage.
Keystone answered with an 80-yard touchdown pass, but Monroe responded with another scoring drive. Lasean Sharp found the end zone on a five-yard run to push the lead to 20-6 before the end of the first quarter.
The Mustangs continued to build their advantage in the second quarter. Dimitri Grieb connected on a 20-yard field goal, and Ward added two rushing touchdowns, scoring from four yards and one yard out. Monroe carried a commanding 37-6 lead into halftime.
Monroe added to its advantage early in the third quarter when Sharp scored his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, this time from one yard out. Keystone added a touchdown later in the period, but the Mustangs maintained a 44-13 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
Grieb opened the last quarter with a 45-yard field goal, and Keystone added another touchdown to make it 47-20. Monroe answered with one final scoring drive, covering 70 yards over 12 plays before Ne'khiycie Jackson broke into the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown run to seal the 54-20 victory.
MUSTANG STANDOUTS
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Zavry Ward led the offense, completing 12-of-17 passes for 175 yards and adding 47 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
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Lasean Sharp rushed for 95 yards on 10 carries and scored twice.
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Libaan Aden caught two passes for 50 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown reception.
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Brandon Bradsher hauled in three receptions for 69 yards.
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Ne'khiycie Jackson added 15 rushing yards and a 14-yard touchdown.
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Dimitri Grieb connected on both field-goal attempts, including a long of 45 yards, and converted five extra points.
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Benogo Diaby recorded an interception return for a touchdown and finished with four total tackles.
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Davon Sawyer and Arnez Garrell also recorded interceptions for the Mustangs.
STATS & NOTES
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Monroe totaled 478 yards of offense, averaging 7.1 yards per play.
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The Mustangs finished with 255 rushing yards and 223 passing yards.
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Monroe recorded 23 first downs and converted two of four fourth-down attempts.
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The defense forced six turnovers, recording three interceptions and recovering three fumbles.
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Monroe scored seven touchdowns, including five rushing touchdowns, and added two field goals.
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The Mustangs held a 35:14 advantage in time of possession.
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Keystone finished with 276 total yards and 11 first downs.
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Monroe improved to 2-5 on the season, while Keystone fell to 1-6.
UP NEXT
The Mustangs return to action on Saturday, November 7, when they travel to face West Alabama. Game-time is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.
