🏈A strong first half leads the Monarchs past Syracuse

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs put a slow start behind them to post a 56-16 victory over the Syracuse Bulldogs on Friday night at Lewis Field in Hays.

The Monarchs (5-2, 3-1 1A-D8) drove inside the Syracuse red zone on their first two offensive drives of the game, but both drives stalled due to two turnovers on downs.

On the second offensive possession of the game for Syracuse (0-7, 0-4 1A-D8), Monarchs safety Carson Liles intercepted a pass that gave the Monarchs excellent field position in Syracuse territory.

Adler Brown capped the three-play drive with a 12-yard touchdown, his first career rushing touchdown.

With just over three minutes left in the first half, the Monarchs led 8-0.

After Syracuse’s interception, they fumbled on their next two offensive plays and TMP scored on their next play.

The Monarchs scored three touchdowns in less than 40 seconds in the first quarter.

Liles found Grant Nehls for a 22-yard touchdown pass after the first fumble, making it 16-0 TMP after the two-point conversion.

The Bulldogs’ second fumble and third consecutive turnover led to a three-yard touchdown run by Austin Gilbert from three yards out, giving TMP a 24-0 lead.

The offensive attack of the first half continued for TMP in the second quarter. The Monarchs scored on touchdown passes from Liles to Isaac Purinton from six yards and from Liles to Jacob Seib from 35 yards, for a TMP of 37-0.

Liles capped the first half with two more rushing touchdowns as TMP led 50-0 at halftime.

With the clock running in the second quarter, Syracuse scored with a safety and two touchdowns surrounding a Brown touchdown to give the Monarchs a 56-16 victory.

Liles completed 12 of 19 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns.

Seib threw five passes for a career-high 148 yards and a touchdown.

TMP will conclude the regular season Friday night in Plainville.