Top-ranked Monroe City runs roughshod in winning conference opener

EWING, Mo. — Friday night in the Clarence Cannon Conference opener, the Monroe City football team showcased three reasons why it has elevated itself to the top of the Class 1 state rankings.

Speed, power and playmaking.

Cameron Jones scored on a 67-yard run on the Panthers’ first offense play and they never slowed down, churning out a 46-8 victory over Highland.

Monroe City, which is tied for the top spot in the Class 1 poll with East Buchanan, outgained Highland 469-117 in total yards after limiting the Cougars to 34 yards in the first half. The Panthers led 38-0 at halftime as three running backs had 100 yards rushing apiece at that point.

Ceaton Pennewell extended Monroe City’s lead to 22-0 after scoring on runs of 12 and 42 yards. Waylon DeGrave’s 2-yard scoring run made it 30-0 before Pennewell used a 57-yard run to set up his third touchdown with a 2-yard run that made it 38-0.

Pennewell finished with 155 yards on 10 carries, while DeGrave finished with 13 carries for 131 yards and caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in the second half. Jones had 108 yards on three carries. Pennewell also forced two fumbles.

The Panthers (3-0, 1-0 CCC) play host to South Shelby next Friday night at Lankford Field. The Cardinals (3-0, 1-0 CCC) beat Brookfield 46-30.