Monroe Central

Monroe Central 44, Union County 0 The Monroe Central football team opened its 2026 season strong, blanking visiting Union County, 44-0, in Parker City. The Golden Bears (1-0) had strong performances all-around on offense — with 288 total yards and six touchdowns — and on defense — allowing just 83 total yards and forcing four turnovers. Monroe Central was forced to punt on its opening drive, but its defense got the ball right back just five plays later, as Carson Siekmann earned his first of two interceptions on the night to set the offense up at the Patriots’ 35-yard line. It was Siekmann providing the fireworks once again for the offense on that ensuing drive, as he reached the end zone on a 25-yard scamper, giving the Golden Bears a 6-0 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Quarterback Elias Hart, making his Monroe Central debut on Friday, had a solid outing, completing 11-of-17 passes (65 percent) for 165 yards and two passing touchdowns — both of which were hauled in by Caden Dance, who had a team-best six receptions for 72 yards. Hart also added a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Kaden Sullivan and Nic Cope also added rushing scores for the Golden Bears, while Leum Butler contributed three receptions for 49 yards. Union County (0-1) had a tough time moving the ball against a stout Monroe Central defense, earning just five total first downs and converting 1-of-7 attempts on third down and 1-of-5 attempts on fourth down. Luke Anderson had a team-best nine total tackles on the night for the Golden Bears; he had one tackle for loss and forced a fumble. Cope had six total tackles, including two for a loss, while Dance (one interception, one pass defensed) and Butler (fumble recovery) also had highlight plays for the Monroe Central defense. The Golden Bears are on the road next week, traveling to take on Union City (0-1) for a 7 p.m. kickoff.