Monroe Trojans won its opening round of Division 1 state playoffs against Dearborn Friday, Oct. 31, with a home field advantage, finishing with a score of 47-15, the first playoff triumph since 2001.
The Trojans had its first points of the night three minutes into the game as sophomore Carson Clark scored from 5 yards out.
The defense was one to be reckoned with as Monroe defensive end, senior Gage VanWasshenova cut through the line and threw a Dearborn running back for a 6-yard loss. The Pioneers were forced to punt after that, but senior Hunter Massingill blocked the kick and Monroe recovered the ball on the
Dearborn 10-yard line.
It was an emotional night for Massingill. His twin brother, senior Beau Massingill, who fought back after missing all of last season with a knee injury, broke his leg in an accident last Saturday.
Beau Massingill wasn’t able to play Friday night due to his injury. But his jersey was on the field and involved in the biggest play of the night. Hunter Massingill, wearing the No. 30 jersey of his injured twin brother, blocked a punt in the second quarter that changed the flow thegame.
The Trojans dominated from that point on, rolling to a 47-15 victory, their
Clark, who came into the game with four touchdowns all season, ran for two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in his first playoff game. His 33-yard run gave Monroe its first lead of the night. Senior Dathan Dickerson had another huge game for Monroe with 187 rushing yards on
20 carries, including touchdowns.
Senior Stephen Blunt added a 27-yard scoring run for the home team and sophomore Jovan
Johnson had a 46-yard touchdown run. Johnson, who was just called up from the junior varsity team, made a nice varsity debut with 85 yards on 7 carries. Monroe had 405 yards, altogether from the game.
The Trojans were stingy on defense with VanWasshenova, senior Craig Couturier and junior
Jalen Wilkerson leading the way. Senior Joseph Livermore recovered a fumble.
Monroe will take a 7-3 record to Saline for a rematch with the 9-1 Hornets at 7 p.m. Friday.
Saline beat Monroe 28-14 earlier this season.