BROOMFIELD — If Monarch football players were basketball players, they’d be despised by their teammates on the hardwood. That’s because they’re ball hogs.
The second-ranked Coyotes gobbled up time of possession in gargantuan chunks Friday night at Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium, paving the way to a key 42-14 nonleague road win over No. 6 Broomfield in a matchup of Class 4A powerhouses.
“Our offense is oftentimes our best defense, because we run down the clock and tire them out,” said Coyotes running back Jared Meschke, who had 38 carries for 197 yards and three touchdowns. “And when we get down there, we score.”
Monarch (3-0) gave a quick hint of how things were to unfold when the Coyotes held the ball for 15 plays — all runs — on the opening drive. It culminated with the first of three first- half scores by Meschke.
“Our offense is designed to break them down, so that in the later quarters they don’t want to be on the field anymore,” said Monarch fullback Gus Sawicki, who had two touchdowns and 58 yards.
Ethan Marks added 108 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Coyotes, who rushed for 385 yards and avenged a 23-point loss to Broomfield last season.
“Big rivalry game, and we took it to ’em,” Meschke said.
Of Monarch’s 74 total plays, only one was a pass.
“That’s what they do when they’re good, like they are this year,” Broomfield coach Gary Davies said. “Well, they’re always good, but they’ve got the pieces this year.”
Broomfield (2-1) stalled on its first two drives, and by then it was too late. The Eagles were able to effectively move the ball in stretches, but got no closer than 14-7 after quarterback Angelo Perez’s 6-yard scramble in the second quarter.
Of note, Eagles starting tailback Jose Fraire gained 92 yards on 19 carries in his first action of the season. Receiver Harrison Einspahr added a 74-yard touchdown reception from Perez in the fourth quarter.
Monarch 7 14 14 7 — 42
Broomfield 0 7 0 7 — 14
M — Meschke 1 run (Falloon kick). M — Meschke 5 run (Falloon kick). B — Perez 6 run (Lalancette kick). M — Meschke 2 run (Falloon kick). M — Sawicki 2 run (Falloon kick). M — Marks 5 run (Falloon kick). B — Einspahr 74 pass from Perez (Lalancette kick). M — Sawicki 4 run (Falloon kick).
