WYLIE -- Jerod Monk, as a sophomore, sat quietly by while Nebraska player Patrick Witt ran the offense - and often times ran it into the ground. Many critics said that Witt just didn't have the supporting cast to succeed. Monk wanted to prove them wrong last season, and he did - leading Wylie to the playoffs including a thrilling victory over Plano East to claim the final spot.
This year, a strong junior class will be the nucleus around a very exciting Wylie Pirate squad. The offense could be the best part this year. Jerod Monk was awesome in the spring game. He rolled out very well, and although the whistles blew before too much contact, he usually was 5-10 yards down the field before the whistles blew. I think his ability to run the ball makes him such an unusual threat.
At running back for the most part was Nick Knott. Knott, the younger brother of Chris Givens, looked good at times but seemed tenative hitting the hole. Monk seemed like a better and more effective runner. Knott's best play was on a 3rd and 6 - Monk ran the option and pitched it perfectly to Knott for big yardage. That makes Wylie so dangerous when they can look for the run to get 6+ yards on third and long.
Colby Harper came up big for Wylie today - hauling a 46 yard touchdown pass from Jerod Monk on the first series of the game. Harper ran a great route and had clearly burned the secondary on the play. The offensive line looked good with Caleb Moore, Dylan Fraser and Brandon Pollay all having good size and technique.
On the defensive side, star nose tackle Nikita Whitlock did not play due to a precautionary issue. Toby Ball and John Pitman could be other standouts for the Pirates.
The white team scored on their first two possessions en route to dominating the defensive side of the ball.