MONONA — Things started off promising for Janesville Parker in its first game of the season Thursday night against Monona Grove at John Klement Stadium.
Sure the Silver Eagles marched right down on the field in the game’s opening drive to take a 7-0 lead, but the Vikings looked poised to respond.
Ashton Smith connected with Javonte Johnson for a 16-yard gain on Parker’s first play from scrimmage. Smith, a junior quarterback, linked up with KeyonDre Johnson on a third down to move the chains.
Smith used his legs for an eight-yard gain to convert a third-and-2. On a fourth-and-16, Smith found Brayden Garey to keep the Vikings’ opening drive going.
Then Monona Grove’s defense tightened up. On a fourth-and-4 on the Silver Eagles’ 17-yard line, Smith was stuffed at the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss of downs and the end of Parker’s most promising drive.
“I thought we executed well in that drive. But ultimately, we made some mistakes. We missed some blocks. We missed some tackles. Had some blown coverages. Had a bad snap on a punt and threw a pick. So lots of things that we need to clean up and get better at,†Parker coach Joe Flister said.
The Silver Eagles went on to win 42-0, holding the Vikings to just 71 total yards of offense. Smith went 6-for-12 through the air for 50 yards. Ellis Parker took nine carries for no yards. Smith piled up 10 rushing yards on five carries. Braydn Empereur picked up 16 rushing yards on a trio of attempts.
“Disapointed in the outcome, but I’m proud of our team for their effort. Monona Grove is really good. We knew that going in,†Flister said.
Monona Grove produced 375 yards of offense.
After the Vikings’ turnover on downs, the Silver Eagles went right down the field again for another score. Carson Schoenherr, a running back, scored the game’s first TD with a one-yard carry.
Monona Grove’s second TD came when Jaxon Zukowski completed a 38-yard pass to Landry Ganshert, which capped off an 83-yard TD drive.
On their second drive of the game, which started at the 20-yard line with 10:25 left in the first, the Vikings couldn't get much going. After only gaining a couple of yards, the Vikings elected to punt on fourth down.
But a high snap and pressure on that punt rushed the kick, resulting in a blocked punt that was returned for a TD, putting the Silver Eagles up 21-0 after the made extra point.
A fumble on Parker’s ensuing drive led to the Silver Eagles having great field position at Parker’s 18-yard line. Zukowski picked up 11 yards on first down. Hunter Meyer scored the next play on an end-around.
A 15-yard TD reception from Zukowski to Diego Adame put a bow on Monona Grove’s 28-point second quarter. With a 35-point lead, the running clock started in the first half.
The Silver Eagles put up another TD in the third quarter to go up 42-0.
There were some brights spots that Flister noticed.Â
Flister said he liked Smith’s leadership and how he commands the offense. He said he’s not perfect and some things need to be fixed.
Flister said he thought Smith and Empereur gave it their all.
“Just like everyone else,†Flister said. “But we’re going to be OK. We’re going to study the film and get better everyday in practice this week.â€
Parker takes on another non-conference opponent next week. The Vikings host Burlington on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.Â
“We’re excited,†Flister said about the game. “It’s our home opener. Anytime we get to play at Monterey Stadium and come out of our home locker and enjoy our home crown and the support they give us – that’s exciting.â€
MONONA GROVE 42, JANESVILLE PARKER 0
Janesville Parker 0 0 0 0—0
Monona Grove 7 28 7 0
First quarter
MG — Schoenherr 1 run (kick good).Â
Second quarter
MG — Ganshert 38 pass from Zukowski (kick good). MG — Blocked punt returned for TD. MG — Meyer 8 rush (kick good). MG — Adame 15 pass from Zukowski (kick good).Â
Third quarter
MG — Halverson 5 yard rush (kick good), 42-0.