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Monroe offense ignites

By Doug Deters Correspondent
Posted 10/21/20

ORANGE PARK - Ridgeview High football coach Matt Knauss unleashed his offensive game plan to highlight his quarterback and his air attack and the result was fruitful as the Panthers threw haymakes …

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Monroe offense ignites


Posted

ORANGE PARK - Ridgeview High football coach Matt Knauss unleashed his offensive game plan to highlight his quarterback and his air attack and the result was fruitful as the Panthers threw haymakes all night to a 36-0 win over Gainesville Eastside Friday night.
“We have probably five good receivers and one of the best throwing quarterback around,” said Knauss. “We realized that our running game as a priority was not working and that our air game was going to have to become more prominent. We opened it up and the result was good.”
Ridgeview senior quarterback Max Monroe had his way in the air with a 14 of 22 passing night for two scores; one a 78 yarder to Spencer Calise, the other an 11-yarder. Monroe also ran for a touchdown.
“Max is kind of a streaky player and when he gets hot, he’s one of the best with his reads, his throws and his command,” said Knauss. “We had the run game complement the pass game instead of the other way and it worked.”
Eastside played the game aggressively to start out going for a fake punt at midfield on their first possession of the game, but the aggressive Panther defense were not fooled and Monroe exacted a quick response with a 35 yard strike to Rasheed Baker on the first play. Wide receiver Max Arnold would catch a short pass and maneuver to the 11 yard line. Monroe then found Baker again for the touchdown on the next play and a 7-0 lead.
“We are using the talents that we have on this team. We wanted to air it out early and play to our strengths” said Knauss. “We have come out sluggish the last couple of weeks but tonight we were able to start fast and play like we know we can play” he added. Panther defensive back AJ Beaufort would intercept a tipped pass and Ridgeview would start their next drive on the Eastside 31 yard line. Unfortunately the drive would end with a missed field goal and the score would remain 7-0 for the rest of the quarter. “To win the big games, we have to capitalize in the red zone,” said Knauss.
Early in the second quarter, Ridgeview would punt from their own 24 yard line then Nate Jonston would rip the ball away from the punt returner and linebacker Nicholas Markum would scoop the ball up and run 25 yards for the touchdown that put the crowd into a frenzy and a 14-0 lead.
After an Eastside punt the Panthers would put together a 63 yard drive that included a 36 yard run by Juan Perreria to the Rams 27 yard line. The drive would end with a Monroe four yard run and a 20-0 halftime lead.
Right out of the locker room, Monroe unloaded another haymaker on the first play with a 78 yard bomb to end Spencer Calise that put the score at 26-0.
“Spencer had five catches and I think established his reputation as a great possession receiver,” said Knauss. “We get him in the mix, Max Arnold had five catches and Ed Whipple is a threat anywhere on the field. That’s where we gave to go to succeed.”
Early in the fourth quarter, Baker got another long run of 34 yards to midfield. The drive would end with a field goal for a 29-0 lead.