OAKLEY - The TMP-Marian Monarchs shook off a bit of a slow start and then cruised to a 31-13 win over the Oakley Plainsmen in their season opener Friday night in Oakley.
The Monarchs (1-0) had great field position all night long but still struggled offensively in the first half. Their first two drivers stalled in Oakley(0-1) territory while Oakley was able to get on the board on their second possession of the game.
Plainsmen quarterback Will Schmidt gave Oakley the lead with just over two minutes left in the first quarter with a five yard touchdown run.
TMP was finally able to get on the board with just under five minutes to play in the first half when quarterback Kade Harris found Andrew Schwartz in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown and the extra point gave TMP the lead. They never gave it back.
On the ensuing kickoff Harrisâ pooch onside kick was recovered by the Monarchs.
Harris capped off a seven play drive with a one-yard touchdown run putting TMP up 14-6 after the extra point.
In the second half Mark Rack picked off Schmidt setting up TMPâs Harris to find Griffin Schumacher on a 23-yard touchdown pass, on fourth down and long, that gave TMP a 21-6 lead.
Jace Wentling added a 30-yard field goal on the next TMP drive to put the Monarchs up 24-6.
With just over three minutes left Rack intercepted his second pass and took in for the 35-yard touchdown putting TMP up 31-6.
Late in the game Oakley got a touchdown run before TMP secured the 31-13 win.
The Monarchs combined to run for 138 yards and Harris finished 8-17 for 95 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Bryce Seib led TMPâs rushing attach with 67 yards on 15 carries.
The Monarchs will travel to Russell Friday for another Mid-continent League contest.