For the third straight year, Monticello starts the football season 0-1 after a season-opening loss to St. Joseph-Ogden.

The Spartans jumped out to a quick 27-0 lead on Monticello and while the Sages battled back to make a game of it late - ultimately falling 40-28 - Coach Cully Welter believes his team's tough start isn't indicative of the kind of team he has this year. He credits St. Joe's playmakers for making things happen in the first half.

Monticello will lean on the playmaking ability of first-year senior quarterback Ike Young. Coach Welter liked a lot of things he saw from his dynamic playmaker.

Young is on the roster with younger brother Zeke Young who drew a couple of tough red zone assignments against what Coach Welter described before Week 1s matchup as one of the best receiving groups in 3A. The elder Young is showing great leadership early, says Coach Welter.

Coach Welter likes the fight his team showed and believes there is still potential for his team this year.

Coach Welter says the schedule doesn't get any easier for his team. The Sages visit IVC in Chillicothe this week but from what he's seen of the rest of the conference, there are not any teams you can overlook.

Game time on Friday is 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.