Hays Post
ELLIS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs shook off a slow start and put together a big second half as they moved to 2-0 to start the season with a 39-14 win over Ellis in the Battle for Big Creek Friday in Ellis.
The Monarchs and the Railroaders played to a 0-0 draw in the first half Friday night in Ellis with both team having their chances but neither team was able to break on to the scoreboard.
The two teams combined to turn it over twice in the first half along with three turnovers on downs and a missed field goal.
TMP opened the game with a fumble inside the Ellis 20-yard line. The Monarchs also turned the ball over on downs twice inside the Ellis 30-yard line.
Ellis had an interception, a turnover on downs and a missed field goal in the first half.
The Monarchs were able to find their stride in the second half though scoring 39 second-half points.
The first drive of the second half saw the Monarchs march down the field before Griffin Schumacher broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run, his first of four second half touchdowns, with just under nine minutes left in the third quarter putting TMP up 8-0 after a two-point conversion.
On first possession for Ellis of the second half Logan Baalman recorded his first career interception and put TMP inside Ellis territory.
The Monarchs drive stalled inside the Ellis five on a turnover on downs.
Ellis though, with the bad field position gave the Monarchs two more points on a safety with a bad snap into the endzone for a 10-0 lead.
On the next play after the kickoff, Schumacher scored from 46 yards to put TMP up 18-0 after another two-point conversion.
After a blocked punt by Kendall Walker the Monarchs were set up inside the Ellis five, but TMP was called for helping a runner into the endzone.
After a pair of penalties and the change of quarter, Peyton Schwartz was able to take advantage of the blocked punt as he scored from 11 yards out putting TMP up 26-0 after the two-point conversion.
Ellis wouldn’t go away using their passing attack to two fourth quarter touchdowns, ending TMP’s shutout streak at seven straight quarters but Schumacher added his fourth touchdown of the second half putting TMP up 39-14 as they move to 2-0 to open the season.
Schumacher rushed for more than 100 yards for a second straight game with four more rushing touchdowns. On defense Caden Dinkel and Logan Baalman both recorded their first career interceptions and Schumacher picked up a pair of sacks as well.
The Monarchs open the year 2-0 for the second straight season and just their third since 2010.
TMP will host the Plainville Cardinals next week for Homecoming.