Late stand lifts Ironclads past Monarchs
The Ironclads took a 22-17 decision from the Monarchs at home. The Monarchs could not hold on to the ball, losing one turnover. The Ironclads closed it out when it counted.
The Monarchs struck first when Lindgren scored on a 9-yard reception. Back came the Ironclads: Keating delivered a 5-yard touchdown pass to Vasquez, though the extra point missed. The Ironclads took the lead as Waverly drilled a 37-yard kick. The lead changed hands when R.Yardley banged home a 35-yard attempt.
With 5:34 showing in the third quarter, Waverly drilled a 43-yard kick, and the lead held. The Ironclads stretched the lead after Thistlewood found the end zone from 1 yard. The Monarchs cut into the deficit as Q.Yardley carried it 1 yard for six. The Ironclads padded their advantage as Waverly banged home a 22-yard attempt.
There was one more shot for the Monarchs 16 yards from the end zone, and T.Achebe was stopped short. The second quarter brought a momentum swing when Underhill picked off a pass. Damon Okoye broke off a 48-yard kickoff return that changed the field.
For the Ironclads, Evander Keating kept the offense moving with 255 passing yards, reaching the end zone once. Damon Okoye ran 15 times and gained 46. Lazarus Thistlewood pulled down 6 passes worth 81 yards. Booker Kilbride anchored the defense, 19 tackles. The Monarchs had bright spots too. Wilder Novak completed 22 of 36 passes for 249 yards and one score. Quentin Yardley carried 15 times for 54 yards, with one touchdown. Ansel Maddox hauled in 4 balls for 79 yards. Keegan Escobedo recorded 9 tackles. Evander Keating was the game's biggest swing, worth +12% in win chance to the Ironclads.