November 9th 2024.
LAFAYETTE — It was a blast from the past as Alabama's beloved football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's famous words echoed through the minds of the Monarch Coyotes. "Defense wins championships," he was known to say, and it seemed fitting as the Coyotes dominated their first playoff game since the 1970s. While they knew not to get ahead of themselves, their 28-7 victory over Bear Creek on Saturday at Spangenberg Field was a promising start to their postseason journey.
For the Monarch team, led by first-year coach Jeff Santee, this win was a long time coming. It had been 11 years since the Coyotes had tasted victory in the playoffs, and this win was a vindication of their hard work and dedication. Santee knew it wouldn't be easy to get the team to buy into new systems and a new coach, but he saw potential in his senior players and their leadership abilities. He was confident they could be a force to be reckoned with.
Seeded 10th in the Class 4A playoffs, the Coyotes showed their strength on the field with four interceptions against Bear Creek. This was their sixth consecutive win, their longest winning streak since 2017. After finishing the regular season with a perfect 5-0 record and claiming the 4A North 1 League title, the Coyotes were determined to continue their winning streak in the playoffs.
The game was originally scheduled for Friday but was moved to Saturday due to snow. This didn't faze the Coyotes, who were ready to take on their opponents. In the second quarter, they showed their dominance with three interceptions, setting themselves up for success. One interception was made by Levi Carlucci, a sophomore who made his first career interception. His older brother, senior Wyatt Carlucci, followed suit with his own interception and even returned it for a touchdown.
The defense continued to shine in the second half, with Tyler Tharp making the team's third interception of the quarter. The offense seized the opportunity and scored two more touchdowns, taking a commanding 21-0 lead. The Coyotes' defense proved to be too much for Bear Creek as they struggled to get back into the game. Even when the visitors tried to rally in the fourth quarter, the Coyotes shut them down with two fourth-down stops.
For the Coyotes, it was a team effort and a testament to their strong bond. As Levi Carlucci put it, "Our defense is like a family." They had fun, stayed focused, and were prepared for the game. And their hard work paid off as they celebrated their first playoff win in over a decade.
Next up for the Coyotes is a trip to Colorado Springs to face No. 7 Mesa Ridge in the second round. It will be another tough test for the team, but they are ready to keep their winning streak alive and make their mark in the playoffs. For a list of other high school teams and sports we cover, visit our website. The Monarch Coyotes are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way and continue to make their mark in high school football.
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