By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

STERLING – The TMP-Marian Monarchs were unable to overcome several big plays from the Sterling Black Bears, and their season ended Friday night with a 48-6 loss in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

The Monarchs’ offense got inside the Sterling 30-yard line on their first possession, thanks to a 63-yard run by Grant Nehls, but the drive stopped before Carson Liles threw his first of two interceptions in the end zone.

On the Black Bears’ first offensive play, Sterling scored on an 80-yard touchdown run, giving the team a 7-0 lead with just under nine minutes left in the first quarter.

TMP was forced to punt on its second possession, then forced Sterling to return it on downs in its territory. But again, after driving inside the Sterling 25-yard line before turning the ball over on downs.

Neither team could find their rhythm for most of the second quarter, with the Monarchs turning things around twice.

Sterling got on the board for the second time in the first half on a 69-yard touchdown pass, making the score 14-0 Sterling with less than three minutes left in the first half.

The Monarchs turned things around on a bad punt, creating a short field for the Black Bears. With less than 30 seconds left in the first half, the Black Bears scored on an 11-yard pass to take a 21-0 halftime lead.

Sterling opened the second half with an 80-yard kickoff return, setting up a two-yard touchdown run two plays later for a 28–0 Sterling lead.

Sterling added a second touchdown in the third quarter to extend its lead to 34-0 with just over four minutes left in the quarter.

TMP finally got on the scoreboard when Liles scored on a four-yard touchdown run by Liles, making the score 34-6 with 2:19 left in the third quarter. A 41-yard pass to Jacob Seib set up the touchdown.

Sterling added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter en route to a 48-6 victory.

Liles finished 6 of 17 with two steals.

Adler Brown added 60 yards rushing.

TMP finished the season 5-4.