Mona Shores entered this season with numerous goals in mind, one of the biggest being to capture an OK Green Conference championship. With one team standing between them and this achievement—cross-county rival Reeths-Puffer—the Sailors knew they needed to bring their best. Despite Reeths-Puffer’s struggles this season, they have given top teams in the area a run for their money, and Mona Shores would have to be at their best to secure the victory.
The game kicked off with a strong defensive stand by Mona Shores, forcing a quick three-and-out for the Rockets. When the Sailors got the ball, they wasted no time. Quarterback Jonathan Pittman led the offense downfield, and a completed pass to Carefelle set the tone for the rest of the game.
From there, the Sailors took control. They dominated the game, ultimately shutting out Reeths-Puffer 40-0. While the Rockets came close to breaking through late in the game, Mona Shores’ Tamarion Stewart sealed the deal with an interception off Reeths-Puffer quarterback Mason Darke, returning it for a touchdown to add to the final score.
Stewart’s standout performance was just one example of the all-around effort by Mona Shores. The win secured their OK Green Conference championship, one of their key goals for the season. With the title in hand, the Sailors now turn their attention to the final few games of the regular season and beyond.
After the game, Coach Matt Koziak reflected on the team’s accomplishment, calling the feeling “euphoric.” When asked what word best described his team, Koziak chose “resilience,” a fitting description for a group that has fought hard all season.
Despite the loss, Reeths-Puffer has plenty to be proud of. Battling through multiple injuries to key players, the Rockets still managed to put up a fight against a formidable Mona Shores team. “They are really well-coached,” Koziak said of Reeths-Puffer. “Coaches get kids to step in and play hard. We knew we were going to have our hands full.”
Looking ahead, Mona Shores will face Central Catholic in their final regular-season game. Even with a potential loss, the Sailors are expected to make the playoffs and will be a team to watch in the postseason.
As for Reeths-Puffer, they will take on Forest Hills Eastern, who are 6-2 overall.
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