Hays Post
HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs (3-2, 2-2 MCL) could not overcome four second-half turnovers as they suffered their first district loss of the season Friday night 20-14 in overtime at Lewis Field in Hays.
The Monarchs took the opening kickoff and wasted no time driving down the field in less than three minutes and scoring on a touchdown pass from Carson Liles to Grant Nehls from 14 yards out for a 6-0 lead.
Smith Center (1-4, 1-3 MCL) answered right back, stacking together a 14-play drive that covered 80 yards in more than seven minutes as they took an 8-6 lead after the two-point conversion.
The Monarchs' quick strike offense was able to retake the lead on a 52-yard touchdown run from Jackson Gillespie putting TMP back on top 14-8 with the two-point conversion.
Despite both teams threatening to score in the second quarter the game remained a 14-8 margin in favor of TMP.
After a scoreless third quarter, Smith Center scored on a fourth down run with just over two and a half minutes to play tying the game at 14.
The second half proved to be the undoing for the Monarchs though as they would turn the ball over on four straight possessions. They had a pair of fumbles and quarterback Carson Liles through two interceptions, the final one at the Smith Center five-yard line with under one minute to play.
In the overtime, Smith Center scored on a two-yard run, held TMP on downs, and secured the 20-14 victory, their ninth straight over the Monarchs.
Carson Liles finished 10-of-16 passing for 116 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Smith Center had two running backs go over 100 yards on the ground.
The Monarchs will travel to Oakley next week. The Plainsmen defeated Plainville Friday night 14-13 and currently sit atop the district. TMP, Smith Center, Plainville and Stanton County are all 1-1.