Inglewood, Ca – The Morningside Monarchs came ready to play from first whistle to start the game. Before you could blink the Monarchs were in complete control leading 28-8 at the half. But there are always four quarters in football, when clock ticked zero three long hours later the Monarchs halted Leuzinger comeback 48-36.
The monarchs have a few new basketball athletes playing football this year bring some athletic talent to the gridiron. The new coach staff lead by head coach LaFayette Fletcher has the this year team going in right direction.
The Olympians could have quit on the game after the first play of second half which was Adarrus Wilson to the second half kickoff 90 yards for touchdown. That score took lead to 34-8, but for the next quarter and half the game belong to Leuzinger. That was last punch in mouth the team could take before deciding to fight back.
Leuzinger’s coaching staff made some adjustments and marched a comeback sparked by a downhill running game that featured Semaj Daniels. Daniels followed his pulling guard up into hole and raced 55 yards for a touchdown making game now 34-15 with 9:59 left 3rd quarter. After few short drives by both teams Leuzinger began winning field position battled and forced Morningside to put deep on their side of the field. Then Lionel Smith fielded a punt dip and dogging through the coverage 68 yards later in for another touchdown 34-22 8:25 in 3rd quarter still. The Morningside sideline was low on energy and their two way stars were looking for their second wind that was nowhere to be found yet.
The comeback was almost complete at 7:32 left in the 4th quarter after Leuzinger tied game 34-34 before going for two point conversion taking first lead 36-34. Then the Monarchs were in desperation mode and need to find a spark from someone. Then came basketball power forward Charles Akanno who caught a jump ball in end zone to regain the lead 40-36 and completed 2pt conversion with a slant route to Wilson 36-42 3:01. Now it was time for Leuzinger to take to air with the clock not on their side with game winding down. Few minutes later the game MVP Wilson intercepted a pass for a 35 yard touchdown to make sure the Monarchs took the win and halted Leuzinger comeback. The final was 48-36 for a great game with a long season ahead for both teams.
Next week Thursday September 3rd Morningside will travel to University 7pm, and Leuzinger will host El Segundo 7pm.
Game Photos can viewed at Full Image 360
