Monroe Central

Winchester 32, Monroe Central 8 The Monroe Central football team suffered its first loss of the season Friday night, falling 32-8 to Winchester in Parker City. After a relatively clean first two weeks of the season, the Golden Bears (2-1) struggled to execute at crucial times throughout Friday night’s game, turning the ball over four times and allowing a blocked punt that flew out of the back of the end zone for a safety. The Golden Falcons (1-2) also found success with their own run game. They had 274 yards of total offense on the night, 214 of which was via the run for a 5 yards-per-carry average. Winchester earned 14 first downs on the ground and had three runs of 20-plus yards. For Monroe Central, Elias Hart completed 15-of-31 passes (48.4 percent) for 188 yards with one touchdown — a 67-yard catch and run play to Caden Dance to start the third quarter — and one interception. Dance had five receptions for 106 yards and that aforementioned touchdown, while Leum Butler, who was targeted 13 times, had six receptions for 60 yards and converted four first downs. Luke Anderson led the Golden Bears’ defense with 11 tackles, including one tackle for a loss. Carson Cruse added seven total tackles, including a half tackle for loss. Dance contributed two tackles and forced a fumble, while Butler deflected two passes on the night. Monroe Central looks to regroup next week, when it plays host to Tri. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.