Hays Post Sports
For the first time in more than two decades, the TMP-Marian Monarchs are 4-0 to open the season after taking down the Plainville Cardinals 28-0 in their district opener Friday night in Plainville.
Plainville dominated time of possession in the first half and ran more than twice as many offensive plays as TMP, 27-13. Still, it was the Monarchs holding a 7-0 lead at halftime.
After each team was forced to punt on its first possession of the game, TMPās Kenneth Walker forced and recovered a fumble at the Plainville 28-yard line.
From there, TMP quarterback Austin Liles connected with Jacob Seib on a 28-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive, putting TMP up 7-0.
Neither team was able to get on the scoreboard for the rest of the first half, with TMP leading 7-0 at the break.
TMP opened the second half with a five-play touchdown drive that covered 80 yards and was capped by Lilesā second touchdown pass of the night, this one to Nash Dreiling for 26 yards, putting TMP up 14-0.
The Monarchs went on to score 21 unanswered points in the second half.
Already leading by a touchdown, TMP scored on its second possession of the second half on a 1-yard touchdown run by Jackson Gillespie. The score was set up by a 30-yard pass from Liles to Seib on third-and-long.
The skies also opened up in the second half, providing a constant rain throughout much of the half.
Gillespie added his second rushing touchdown, a 68-yard run, after Plainville turned the ball over on downs at the TMP 2-yard line.
With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, lightning ended the game early as TMP went on to a 28-0 victory, its fourth straight to open the season.
It marks the first time since 2003 that TMP has started the year 4-0.
Gillespie tallied his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, finishing with 140 yards on 12 carries. Liles finished 5-of-10 passing for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
The Monarchs outgained Plainville 254-165.
TMP will host Ellsworth in a nonleague and district contest next week.