Monroe Central

Osceola Grace 33, Monroe Central 30 The Monroe Central football team suffered a 33-30 setback to visiting Osceola Grace Friday night in Parker City. The Golden Bears (3-4) used a two-yard touchdown run by Caleb Luedike to take a 30-27 lead with 2:33 left in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles marched right down the field on the ensuing drive. Osceola Grace went 74 yards in seven plays, and with 52 seconds left in the game, they earned the game-winning score on a 25-yard touchdown passing play. Monroe Central was only able to get to its own 48 on its final last-second drive, as quarterback Dallas Frantz’ final heave to Kyler Bogue fell incomplete as time expired. It was a close game throughout. The Eagles jumped out to a 14-6 lead midway through the second quarter, but the Golden Bears fought right back with a Frantz two-yard rushing touchdown with 4:41 left in the first half, and then reached the end zone again just before halftime via five-yard run by Luedike to take an 18-14 lead going into the break. The two teams went back and forth over the final two quarters, but it was Osceola Grace that scored touchdowns on three of its four second-half possessions. Monroe Central scored touchdowns on two of its four second-half possessions, but missed a 34-yard field goal attempt with 10:54 left in the fourth quarter, trailing 27-24. After forcing a turnover on downs on the Eagles’ next possession, however, the Golden Bears got the ball back, down three with 7:11 left. The offense, utilizing a heavy load of direct snap plays to Luedike, went 72 yards in nine plays, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 2:33 left in the game. But Osceola Grace had just enough left in the tank on its game-winning drive, converting a 3rd and 16 with a 43-yard passing play, and going to the air to earn the go-ahead score. Luedike had a standout night for the Monroe Central offense, carrying the ball 27 times for 214 yards (7.9 average) and four touchdowns. He had 14 first-down runs and two runs of 20-plus yards. Ethan Hunt (13 rushes, 77 yards) and Bogue (five rushes, 63 yards) also ran the ball well for the Golden Bears. Dylan Summers led the Monroe Central defense with five tackles, including three for a loss and a sack. Travis Reed had a team-best seven tackles (one for a loss), while Peyton Cummins also had a sack. The Golden Bears return to action next Friday night, when they play host to Fort Wayne Blackhawk. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.