Monarchs finally thwart Norsemen

RANCHO SAN DIEGO – The Monte Vista Monarchs seized control in the third quarter, turning a 14-0 halftime lead into a decisive 35-0 shutout win over the host Valhalla Norsemen on Friday night.

The Norsemen had a downright forgettable third-quarter performance. The victory snapped an 8-game losing streak in the series by Monte Vista, as the Monarchs downed the Orange for the first time since 2004 (also by shutout, 42-0).

Several key plays triggered Monte Vista’s takeover.

Upon receiving the second-half kickoff, the Monarchs marched 57 yards on 12 plays for a touchdown to make it 21-0.  Senior running back Lamonta Jenkins capped the drive with a 17-yard rush up the middle, breaking through a pair of tacklers at the 11 to race the final distance untouched.

The drive was all running plays except one, but it still went badly for Valhalla.

Senior linebacker Ghazwan Khudhur broke through for a quality quarterback sack, but the play was nullified for a face-masking penalty.

Later in the quarter, Valhalla blocked a punt, gaining possession in the red zone. The Norsemen advanced the ball to the 12 to match their deepest penetration of the contest.

However, on fourth down, Monte Vista sent eight defenders in an all-out blitz. Jaysen Mikha forged his way up the middle to register the sack, while Creg Cooper and Jenkins came around both corners to also get a piece of the quarterback.

In the fourth period, Valhalla’s last chance to score ended on an interception by Deron Whitley, who was fouled on a late, out-of-bounds hit to tack on 15 additional penalty yards to his return.

Whitley was rewarded for his defensive effort by carrying the ball on the ensuing drive for a 4-yard score.

Official statistics were not available at press time, but Jenkins led the Monarchs ground game in rushing yardage. He gained most of his yardage in the first half when the Monarchs took a 14-0 lead into the break.