HANNIBAL – Desperate to remain alive in the Division VI Region 23 playoff race, Monroe Central turned in a textbook second half defensive effort to stun host River High, 21-14, Friday night at Martin Flannery Field.

The host Pilots dominated the first half and led 14-0 behind an effective ground game as junior halfback Wyatt Stalder found holes to help move the chains.

The second half, however, belonged to coach Jonathan ‘Fin’ Calder’s defense, led by junior linebacker Owen Howard, who spearheaded a Monroe ‘D’ with three sacks as the ‘Noles reached the win column for the first time.

“(Monroe) was able to make adjustments in the second half and we weren’t able to move the ball like we did in the first,” said Pilot coach Mike Flannery, who saw his crew slip to 2-1.

River opened the scori

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