JV opens by topping Cascade, Beckman

     Monticello began the junior varsity football season by facing a pair of neighboring rivals, and coming out on top both times.

Field goal beats Beckman

     Most recently, the Panthers edged Dyersville Beckman 17-14 Sept. 6 at Dean Nelson Field, as Christian Castillo’s 24-yard field goal with 2:50 to play broke a 14-14 tie.

     Quarterback Caleb Sauser completed eight of 13 passes for 141 yards. Tate Petersen caught four of those for 84 yards and a touchdown. Dylan Roher had three catches for 27 yards, and Brendan Koppes had a 30-yard reception. Sauser also rushed 10 times for 146 yards.

     Defensively, Petersen made six tackles, Chandler Weber and Sauser had 5.5 tackles apiece, and Gage Guilford had 4.5 tackles. Sauser made an interception, and Weber and Castillo recovered Beckman fumbles.

Panthers blank Cascade

     The previous week, the Panther JV played a two-quarter game against Cascade Aug. 30, also at Dean Nelson Field. The game was shortened due to low numbers for the Cascade team.

     Monticello won 7-0 on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Sauser to Koppes with 1:51 to play. Castillo kicked the extra point.

     Sauser completed seven of eight passes for a total of 93 years. Petersen caught four passes for 61 yards, and Rylan Cooper had a 10-yard reception. Kaden Finn rushed three times for 23 yards.

     Defensively, Weber had 4.5 tackles, Cooper had 2.5, and Roher had two. Petersen had a late interception that sealed the win.