Hillebrand among standouts as Hornets rout Madison

Saturday morning belonged to Monroe High School’s football team.

Forced to rise early after Friday’s weather postponement, the Hornets scored on their first five possessions and crushed visiting Madison 34-0 in a Butler County clash at Fighting Hornet Field.

“You’re never quite sure what’s going to show up in a situation like this,” Monroe coach Bill Leach said. “I won’t say it’s a pleasant surprise, but I’m happy they came ready to play. I would’ve been a little disappointed if they didn’t.”

Junior quarterback Carson Hillebrand got his first start as a Hornet and looked like a veteran, converting 5-of-6 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

Hillebrand’s scoring tosses to Bryson Taulbee (56 yards) and Tyler Pruett (26 yards) came in the opening six minutes.

“The team really rallied behind me, and I appreciate that,” Hillebrand said. “I was a little nervous at first, but I’ve been preparing for this since I came to Monroe. When they called my number, I was ready to step up.”

Hillebrand grew up in Monroe, but chose to go to Moeller for his freshman and sophomore seasons before transferring back home. He replaced senior Levi Hancock at quarterback, with Leach getting word Thursday that Hancock wouldn’t be able to play because of a school suspension.

“I won’t know until Tuesday what’s going on with Levi,” Leach said. “We always talk about opportunities, and Carson got the opportunity and took advantage of it. He prepared himself all summer long, so it’s not a surprise. He really managed the game well today.”

Jacob Vires added a pair of touchdown runs for the Hornets (1-1), gaining 141 yards on nine carries. His 70-yard scoring sweep late in the opening period was an impressive display of speed that Madison simply couldn’t handle.

“Speed makes a difference,” Leach said. “I saw that at Princeton, and I’m finding out up here. Speed can cover up a lot of shortcomings.”

Cedric Amaniampong also ran for a score for Monroe.

“I think them losing to Edgewood last week fooled some people,” Mohawks coach Steve Poff said. “They’re still a very good team without Levi Hancock. We didn’t match their intensity and their willingness to want to play. They outplayed us. They outcoached us. They deserved it.”

Madison totaled 201 yards on the ground, but was never really in the game. Zach Friend (13 carries, 74 yards) and Nick Svarda (16 carries, 63 yards) led the visitors, who attempted five passes and completed none.

It was first loss for the Mohawks (1-1) since Week 5 last season.

“It’s how you respond to situations like this that shows you what kind of team you are,” Poff said. “We’re going to find out.”

Monroe’s defense was very good in the hot conditions. Alex Page had a sack and a fumble recovery, and Evan Lane and Dakota Fannin also notched sacks.

“That’s two weeks in a row our defense has done what we didn’t think we’d be able to do, which is stop the inside running game,” Leach said. “It’ll be interesting to watch the film and see how we played inside because it was just a mosh pit inside there.”

The Hornets generated 311 yards of offense. It was 34-0 at the break, and the second half went quickly with a running clock.

Hillebrand looked smooth at QB, and he said he’s thrilled to be back at Monroe.

“I stayed in Monroe and drove 40 minutes to Moeller every day. It was tough, but it made me better,” Hillebrand said. “My parents did a lot for me during that time, and I really appreciate it.

“This is my home, and I’m looking forward to hopefully going to the playoffs and winning a state championship for my hometown. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this team can go. We have a lot of talent, a lot of speed, a lot of skill on offense and defense. I know we can really take the next step as a team.”

Both teams will return to action Friday. The Hornets will host Fenwick, while Madison will be at home against Valley View.

Madison 0-0-0-0—0

Monroe 20-14-0-0—34

MO: Bryson Taulbee 56 pass from Carson Hillebrand (Kick failed)

MO: Tyler Pruett 26 pass from Hillebrand (Nick Amaya kick)

MO: Jacob Vires 70 run (Amaya kick)

MO: Vires 4 run (Amaya kick)

MO: Cedric Amaniampong 54 run (Amaya kick)

About the Author