From top to bottom, it was a disappointing night for the Monticello Sages in a 26-7 loss to Okaw Valley Conference rival, St. Joe Ogden Friday night.
That was the assessment by head coach Cully Welter following his team's performance. The Coach placed blame on himself for never finding a rhythm in the play calling as he juggled a pair of talented quarterbacks battling various injuries and trying to solve a stingy Spartans defense.
Junior Caleb Hanson started the game as the Sages quarterback but played only a handful of snaps in the first quarter before being lifted for senior Brandon Wildman, who had been cleared to play just hours before the game after missing the remainder of a postponed game last Saturday at Tolono Unity with a shoulder injury.
Wildman would see the field most of the game, finishing a frustrating 22 of 41 with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Tyus Welter hauled in seven catches for 104 yards and Isiah Florey finished with seven receptions and 41 yards. Noah Freemon caught the only touchdown for Monticello on the night and finished with 68 yards on six catches.
The theme of the night though for the Sages was perhaps missed opportunities. On two possessions the Sages were knocking on the doors of a score inside the 10 yards line, only to be turned back on a four down turnover and a fumble recovered by St. Joe Ogden.
For the Spartans, Ty Brown carried the load with 29 rushes for 126 yards and three touchdowns.
Griffin Meeks rumbled for a heartbreaking 32 yard touchdown off a Wildman interception in the third quarter that put the Spartans up 20-0.
Meeks finished with 55 yards on five carries.
St. Joe Ogden remains unbeaten on the season, at 5-0 and 2-0 in Okaw Valley play.
Monticello drops to 4-1 with a 1-1 mark in conference action.
The Sages are at home for Homecoming next Friday night, hosting Maroa Forsyth at 7 pm.
Our WEZC game of the week is Cerro Gordo Bement traveling to Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond.
Action is set for a 7 pm start time.
The next Monticello action on WEZC can be heard October 10 when the Sages travel to Champaign St. Thomas More High School.
