The Monticello Sages started slow and missed opportunities led to a 21-14 loss to the St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans in Illini Prairie Conference high school football action from Monticello High School Friday night.

Monticello went 3-and-out in its first two series and did not score until 3:31 left in the first half on a five-yard run by quarterback Drew Sheppard.

On the second play from scrimmage, the Spartans had a big play to 6-foot-6 wide receiver Ty Pence called back because of a penalty but on the next drive, junior quarterback Logan Smith hit Pence from 12 yards out for the first score of the game.

With a minute left in the second quarter, Smith found Pence again from 12 yards out to send the Spartans up 14-7 going into the half.

St. Joe took advantage of getting the ball to start the second half and Alex Funk scored from less than a yard out to go up 21-7. 

Monticello was moving the ball for most of the first part of the fourth quarter looking to cut into the deficit but Sheppard was picked off at the goal line with 7:21 left in the game and the Spartans got the ball deep into Monticello territory before turning it over on downs.

With a slim chance of a comeback, Sheppard punched in his second touchdown to bring Monticello to 21-14.

An onside failed for Monticello and St. Joe knelt on the ball to seal the victory.

Smith finished 11-for-20 for 170 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to Pence, who hauled in four receptions for 91 yards.

Funk ran for 132 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. Sophomore Coy Taylor had six receptions for 71 yards.

Sheppard finished 22-for-38 for 235 yards with a pair of interceptions. Senior tailback Tylor Bundy had 8 catches for 114 yards to lead Monticello. Junior receiver Raiden Colbert had six catches for 64 yards.

Monticello travels to IVC next Friday night at 7 pm. Hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.