Indians Down Monroe City 47-14 In District Opener

By Mike Scott

The Clark County Indians cruised to a win over Monroe City in the first round of district play on Friday, October 19, defeating the Panthers 47-14.
Monroe City won the opening toss and deferred possession to the second half. 
Javis Vineyard ran the kickoff to the 45 yard line, but the Indian’s opening drive faltered with a fumble on the 27 yard line.
The Indians stopped the Panthers in their tracks, then scored a quick touchdown as Vineyard raced 34 yards with 7:52 in the first quarter.
The Indian defense forced Monroe City to punt from deep in their own territory, and Clark County capitalized on the short field, with Vineyard scoring on a 9 yard run.
The Panthers converted their next possession into a touchdown, as Corey Minor caught a 34 yard pass for the TD with 10:46 in the second quarter. 
The Indians’ drive ended with a punt, and the defense came back to force a Monroe City punt.
The Indians scored next on a 42 yard pass completion to Matt Morrow, giving them a 20-7 lead with 4:57 left in the second quarter.
The Indians would get the ball again in the half, and Vineyard would score again on a 40 yard run with 1:57 to take a 27-7 lead.
Monroe City was driving as the first half ran down, but Vineyard picked off a Panther pass and returned it for a TD.  The PAT kick was blocked, and the Indians took a comfortable 33-7 lead into halftime.
Monroe City got the ball to start the second half, but but the Indian defense stopped them again, forcing a punt.  But Monroe City didn’t stop playing, and they stopped the next Indian drive.
The Indians wasted no time the after they forced a Panther punt, as Matt Morrow returned to the 20 yard line, before Colt Sommers scored on a TD pass with 7:52 left in the third quarter to make a 40-7 lead.
Bryan Plenge intercepted a pass less than a minute later, but the Indians turned the ball over on downs.
Colt Kiger recovered a fumble to get the ball again for the Indians, and Clark County’s offense scored early in the final quarter.
Monroe City got their final score as Minor caught a TD pass with 19 seconds remaining  in the game
The Indians will face Palmyra at Palmyra next Friday, in what should be the game to decide the district title.  Palmyra downed Highland 53-13 on Friday, gaining over 400 yards passing and 200 rushing.