Sports Editor Matt Daniels explains the matchup between Monticello and Montini
scouting report
(9) Montini (11-2) vs. (6) Monticello (11-2) Friday 4 p.m.
➜ What to watch: Whether Monticello can become the second public school team to beat Montini in the 3A playoffs this decade. Granted, this is only a seven-game sample size, as Montini didn’t make the postseason in either 2021 or 2022 and only became a 3A playoff team in 2023. However, the Broncos have won six state championships since 2004 and have three state championships, so while the runner-up finished in the same span, their enrollment is down and they are in the playoffs. Only the state champions defeated the. If the Sages can get a win Friday night, Monticello will fit the bill. Byron defeated Montini 26-20 in the state quarterfinals a year ago, giving Byron the state title. However, Montini returned the favor with a hard-fought 14-13 victory over Byron in the second round of the playoffs. Ike Young led Monticello’s offense, with the Sages quarterback completing 69 percent of his passes for 3,184 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He is also Monticello’s leading rusher with 205 carries for 1,106 yards and 22 TDs. Carter Foran has 107 receptions for 1,739 yards and 20 TDs, and Nolan Buehnerkemper (78 catches for 876 yards, 5 TDs) and Russ Brown (30 catches for 292 yards, 1 TD) also have a 107-yard reception for Curry. He has become a reliable target in Coach Welter’s creative offensive scheme. How well Monticello’s defensive line can handle Montini’s offensive line, which is larger, more aggressive and more physical than the Sage line across from them, will also be key. Montini’s quarterback, Israel Abrams, was accurate, completing 124 of 194 passes for 1,778 yards, 24 TDs, and just three interceptions. Santino Florio (52 catches, 605 yards, 9 TDs) and CJ Harkins (34 catches, 582 yards, 9 TDs) are his top two options. When Abrams hands him the ball, running back Jeremiah Peterson (128 carries, 861 yards rushing, 12 TDs) can cause havoc for opposing defenses.
➜ Winner: Monticello, 26-20. The Sages are 1-0 in state championship games under Coach Welter, who has an overall record of 4-2 in state title games. That has to mean something, right? Wise people around you.
starting lineup
meet the wise men
Here’s who 16th-year Monticello coach Callie Welter is likely to start Friday.
attack
no. Name Ht. Weight Year
3 QB Ike Young 6-3 180 Senior
24 RB Coy Williams 5-8 155 Junior
6 WR Carter Foran 5-8 140 Sr.
5 WR Nolan Buehner Kemper 6-0 175 Junior
2 WR Hayden Romano 6-0 155 Jr.
9 TE Russ Brown 6-1 190 Senior
59 LT Trey Raines 5-11 200 Senior
52 LG Keegan Greenarch 5-9 185 Junior
76 C Brody Billedo 6-2 180 Sr.
50 RG Sam Barth 5-11 240 Senior
78 RT Mason High School 6-2 250 Senior
defense
no. Name Ht. Weight Year
8 DE Jack Helms 6-4 170 Sr.
99 DE Ryan Frazee 5-8 180 Sr.
77 DT Carter Koopman 6-3 195 Sr.
78 DT Mason High School 6-2 250 Senior
11 LB Hunter Romano 6-0 190 Sr.
2 LB Hayden Romano 6-0 155 Junior
24 LB Coy Williams 5-8 155 Junior
6 CB Carter Foran 5-8 140 Sr.
4 CB Zeke Young 5-8 125 So.
3 FS Ike Young 6-3 180 Sr.
5 SS Nolan Buhner Kemper 6-0 175 Jr.
Introducing the Broncos
Mike Bukowski, who is in his seventh year as head coach Montini, is likely to start Friday with the following players:
attack
no. Name Ht. Weight Year
7 QB Israel Abrams 6-3 190 So.
6 RB Jeremiah Peterson 5-11 220 Sr.
3 RB Jojo James 6-0 185 Sr.
13 WR CJ Harkins 6-2 180 Jr.
1 WR Santino Florio 5-7 145 Sr.
2 WR Isaiah Mason 6-2 210 Sr.
70 LT JC Hayes 6-2 270 Senior
55 LG Ty Haney 6-0 230 Senior
56 C Luke Jedzik 5-11 225 Sr.
51 RG Dario Mathis 6-1 225 Sr.
71 RT Angelo Decensi 6-5 245 Junior
defense
no. Name Ht. Weight Year
8 DT Nikki Castaldo 6-2 235 Sr.
70 DT JC Hayes 6-2 270 Senior
52 NG Douglas Mateo 6-3 325 Sr.
10 LB Mateo Barreto 5-11 205 Sr.
32 LB Santino Tenuta 5-9 185 Junior
41 LB Jackson Lane 5-11 210 Sr.
5 DB Max Bell 6-0 180 Senior
9 DB Nick Irion 6-1 190 Sr.
11 DB Vince Irion 6-0 190 Sr.
12 DB Sean Hubeny 6-0 180 Sr.
28 DB Isaac Alexander 5-11 200 Jr.
