After Monticello took an upset loss to St. Joseph-Ogden in week one of the high school football season, no games could be taken for granted the rest of the way - especially the final three games of the season which featured three Illini Prairie Conference opponents that were either in or in-and-out of the top 10 football polls all season. 

Monticello football Coach Cully Welter was pleased with the way his team prepared for its Friday night game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda and ultimately came out and executed en route to a 41-26 victory. 

Other than a few things here and there throughout the game, Coach Welter thought his offense played well and was efficient. 

Coach Welter feels like Friday night's win helps put Monticello squarely in the playoffs conversation with five wins and hopes they can steal a game this Friday against fifth-ranked Prairie Central or at Tolono Unity next Friday night to finish out the season.

Monticello hosts Prairie Central Friday night at 7 pm for senior night.