By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Monett’s all-state midfielder-forward Jason Puente exploded onto the scene as a freshman, setting a school record with 41 goals last fall.
Until…
Puente shattered his own single-season record on Tuesday night, going off for five goals to give him 42 goals on the season as the top-seeded Cubs routed two-seeded Rogersville, 6-2 in Class 2, District 12 final game.
“Felt amazing,” Puente said with a smile, still wearing his emotions on his sleeve after the game. “I was trying to get more goals because (the game against) Cassville wasn’t my best. I had one goal but made up for it against Rogersville and that breakout felt amazing.
“Next year, I’ll make sure to go for it again.”
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But for Puente and Monett, it was a collective effort as they notched their fifth consecutive district title.
“It’s hard to believe (we have won five straight),” said Cristobal Villa, Monett head coach. “It just seems like I started with these boys, but my 100th game as the head coach. To win the district championship, I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’ve been blessed to have a great group of kids, who work very hard.”
After missing several shots in the opening frame, the Cubs adjusted, focusing on moving the ball quicker and faster against the Rogersville defense at halftime.
“(Coach Villa) told us we have to come out strong,” Puente said of the ensuing half. “They’re a good team. They’re not going to let us have it easy. He told us to work as a team and keep our heads on a swivel.”
Deadlocked at a 1-1 tie following the first 40-minutes of play, Monett, who predominantly controlled possession in the second half, jumped on top after Puente added his second goal of the game, netting the ball beyond the reach of the Wildcats goalkeeper Cavin Terrell at the 39:20 mark.
Beyond that point, it was all Cubs. Carlos Izaguirre blasted a 20-yard kick for a comfortable 3-1 advantage with 29:30 left in the game before Puente accounted for the last three scores while garnering his seventh hat trick of the season.
Despite being eliminated, Rogersville accomplished their first winning season since 2012 and first district final appearance since 2013 in a loss to Willard.
For Monett (15-6-1), they will have a seven-day layoff before playing in sectionals on Oct. 25. Although the location is to be determined, the Cubs will play the winner out of District 11 with top-seeded Springfield Catholic likely to face them.
Monett eliminated the Irish last year in sectionals and defeated Catholic on Sept. 19 with a 2-1 PK win this season.
“The postseason and the regular season are two different things,” Villa said. “We we’re able to see them and defeat them in PK’s (earlier on). That was just a good way to see each other. There’s a good chance we will see them again.
“We have to get ready. We have seven days to rest, refocus, and get ready as much as we can.”
