Monmouth falls to 0-2 with tough loss to Point Boro Falcons look for first win on Friday at Wall

Monmouth falls to 0-2 with tough loss to Point Boro
Falcons look for first win on Friday at Wall

You can say what you want about Monmouth Regional’s football team, except that they’re quitters. For the second time this season, the Golden Falcons have suffered a defeat — this time at the hands of Point Pleasant Boro, 27-8, but the score doesn’t come close to reflecting the attitude of the team.

Despite being shut out for six straight quarters, the Falcons finally found the end zone against Boro, scoring in the third quarter.

Monmouth’s first touchdown of the 2001 season finally came after forcing Point Boro to punt away after a seven-play drive. Derek Simmons reigned in the 40-yard punt, and then, with blocks opening timely holes, ran 65 yards for the touchdown.

The Falcons then attempted a two-point PAT when Jarrell Coleman connected with a wide-open Aaron Shaw with a short pass.

However, before Monmouth scored their touchdown, Point Boro ran up a 27-0 lead.

The Panthers struck in the first quarter on a 22-yard pass and a 37-yard run, and in the second quarter with seven- and one-yard runs. Boro converted only two of their four PAT attempts.

Despite the one-sided scoring, Monmouth held their guests to 187 yards of rushing and 91 yards of passing. Point Boro was able to halt several Monmouth scoring attempts by recovering three Falcons’ fumbles and intercepting a pass.

Despite the overwhelming defense, the Falcons were able to record 57 positive yards of rushing and 66 yards of passing.

Leading Monmouth on the ground was Chris Ballard, who ran the ball 11 times for 40 yards. Other carriers were Coleman (4-18), Julian Collins (2-5) and Shaw (1-1).

Coleman completed five of eight passes, finding the hands of Ballard (2-30), Pat Barnette (1-17), Shaw (1-10) and James El Homsi (1-9). Coleman gave up only 1 yard on his intercepted pass, thanks to a swarming Monmouth defense.

Monmouth returns to action tomorrow, when they travel Wall Township. The showdown with the 2-0 Crimson Knights is slated for a 7 p.m. start.

— Chris Kelly