NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The football game at Lackawanna on Saturday afternoon came down to a blocked field goal by Monroe, which gave the Mustangs football team an exciting 14-13 win. Prior to that, Monroe got a strong turnover-free performance from sophomore quarterback Clayton Turner and a resilient defense that made the difference in getting their third road win in four games. They’re now 3-4 on the season with a chance to get to .500 against Thaddeus Stevens during the Homecoming game next week.
“Clayton played very well,” said Coach Terry Karg of his starting quarterback. “It was his first game in five-plus weeks and he did a really nice job of operating the offense and executing the plays. He did the things that we needed him to do against a good physical, Lackawanna football team.”
Turner was 15/29 for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He and freshman running back Devonta Barnfield – Raple hooked up on both scores. The first was an 18-yarder in the second quarter to tie the game at seven. The second – that proved to be the game winner – was a 16-yarder in the third quarter.
According to the coach, before freshman defensive back Kamaren Barnes got a hand on the Falcons field goal attempt with :08 left to seal the win, another key for Monroe was the Mustangs defense.
“I feel like the defense was very resilient,” Coach Karg said, “in particular in the fourth quarter. We turned them away a few times when they had good field position.
Sophomore safety Leonardo Lorenzo was outstanding with two interceptions and four solo tackles and one assisted.
Next week, Monroe will play their homecoming game against Thaddeus Stevens beginning at 1:30pm.
“We’re focused on our next opponent so we can get a win at home,” Coach Karg said. Of his team that is 3-1 on the road and 0-3 at home. “We want that first home win.”