On Saturday, November 13, the Monmouth University football team obliterated long-time Robert Morris in a defeat of 44-7.
The Monmouth Hawks scored 38 consecutive points with the defense not allowing a point for the final three quarters. This was Monmouth’s 16th consecutive Big South game.
The Hawks not only racked in 44 points but they earned a season-high 508 yards. The defense only allowed 160 yards.
Star sophomore quarterback, Tony Muskett threw for four touchdowns for his second consecutive week with freshman running back, Jaden Shirden earning his first 100-yard game. Shirden’s fellow running back, Owen Wright added a total of 98 yards himself. The Monmouth defense only allowed 37 yards rushing and held the Colonials to 1-of-8 on third down and they forced six punts.
Right off the bat at the start of the game, the Hawks committed a three and out on three consecutive incompletions. Robert Morris then drove 55 yards in just over two minutes resulting in a score of 7-0 on an 18-yard completion. That completion was from George Martin to Demonte Martin.
On the first attempted rush of the game by Monmouth, Jaden Shirden went untouched for 75 yards resulting in a tie game with 12:04 left in the first. The Hawks then took their first lead of the game with Muskett finding Zach Tredway who was wide open in the left side of the endzone. The 19-yard touchdown provided their fresh lead and they didn’t stop there.
Monmouth scored on their next two drives with touchdown passes from Muskett to Ezrah Archie and Gene Scott. By halftime the score was 38-7 and Monmouth scored five consecutive possessions.
The day did not lack any adversity with an hour-long lightening delay during halftime. The two teams agreed on 12-minute quarters for the rest of the game.
In the third quarter, both teams had one possession right before the Hawks stopped Robert Morris from going any further. Monmouth stopped the Colonials on the final play to take over on downs to being fourth.
After this it was first down after first down and the team drove the length of the field. The drive was finished off by a much anticipated five-yard touchdown by Austin Castorina. The entire sideline completely freaked out in excitement with the game ending with a score of 44-7.
With this fantastic win, both Muskett and Shirden have been named Big South Players of the Week. Looking ahead, Monmouth will face Kennesaw State for an exciting 1 pm kickoff that will decide the Big South Championship.
