After threatening weather postponed Monticello's matchup with Unity Friday night, it was revealed the Sages would be without their starting QB coming back Saturday.

That didn't matter in the least Saturday afternoon as junior Caleb Hanson played brilliantly in place of starter Brandon Wildman, leading the Sages to a 27-20 victory over Okaw Valley rival, Tolono Unity.

Wildman was injured on a run Friday night, awkwardly landing on his left shoulder. The play resulted in a 15 yard late hit penalty.

Wildman played the rest of the series and the next possession, but showed up Saturday with the arm in a sling.

Hanson, who was thrust into the reserve role, played like a seasoned veteran. The Jr completed 14 of 23 passes for 214 yards, ran for 34 yards and had three total touchdowns.

Jacob Burton had 3 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Noah Freemon hauled in seven catches for 90 yards and Tyus Welter had five receptions for 51 yards.

Following an injury late in the third, Hanson stayed on the field but the Sages pass game was not the same.

It didn't matter as Monticello used creative play calling to keep the stingy Unity defense honest.

"Caleb had big heart today" Monticello Coach Cully Welter said after the game. "We just ran a lot more run option stuff with Caleb. He had a hurt shoulder, but I knew he was a threat to run the ball so we picked our spots to throw downfield."

Isiah Florey had five carries for 51 yards. Matt Baker carried the ball 12 times for 49 yards.

Unity was led by tailback Chandler Cousins. Cousins carried 27 times for 120 yards and two scores.

Trailing 27-13 late in the game, QB Bobby Barnard came in and led the Rockets down the field for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-20 but Monticello barely recovered an onside recovery, and converted consecutive third downs into first downs and ran the clock out for their second straight victory over Unity.

In his only series, Barnard was 4 for 6 for 58 yards.

Monticello moves to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in Okaw Valley Conference play.

The Sages play host to Okaw Valley rival St. Joseph Ogden next Friday night.

Hear all action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

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