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MOUNDSVILLE -- After falling for the first time this season last week against Oak Glen, John Marshall came into Friday night against Parkersburg South determined. And what a way to respond after a loss. The defense forced five turnovers while Alex Burton and Dalton Flowers both cracked the 100-yard barrier in rushing as the Monarchs cruised to a 39-0 victory over the Patriots at Monarch Stadium.
"I thought our defense played great," John Marshall (3-1) coach Jason Willis said. "Our offensive line opened up some holes for us and it was just a great, well-rounded win."
While the defense intercepted Parkersburg South's Sam Schuler three times, the two fumbles were crucial in two of the Monarchs touchdowns. In the early going of the second quarter and with Parkersburg South driving, Nate Menendez ripped the ball out of the Ayden Cook's grasp and took it 72 yards the other way.
Three possessions later for South, Menendez prounced on another loose ball to give the Monarchs possession at the Patriots' 5. Flowers did the rest as he found the end zone, his third of the night to put the score at 26-0 with 2:23 left in the half. Flowers had a 2-yard run and hauled in a 35-yard strike from Derrick Derrow in the first quarter.
The defense also held South to a pair of turnover on downs, including one time in the red zone along with a pair of interceptions in the second half.
"We just ran to the ball and did a great job of forcing those turnovers," Willis said. "Our defense is really jelling right now."
The Monarchs opened the second half witgh an impressive seven-play drive that also ended in a Flowers' touchdown. The senior standout eclsiped the 100-yard mark on his 21-yard scamper to the end zone as the score read 32-0 with 9:30 left in the third quarter.
He paced the groud game with 164 yards on 23 carriers and three touchdowns. His only recption of the night was also a score.
After the defense forced Parkersburg South's second straight turnover on downs, the Monarchs, again marched the length of the field. This time, a 10-play, 70-yard drive ended in Burton ending up in the end zone for the first time of the night.
He totaled 105 yards on 11 attempts.
It proved to be the final score of the night.
"We can't say enough about those two guys," Willis said about his dynamic duo. "They're not greedy and they get the job done. Our offensive line opens the holes for them and they're two really good workers back there."
Schuler finished the night going 22 of 42 for 230 yards with three interceptions. Levi Rice and Jake Hogsett both hauled in seven passes. Rice tallied 101 yards while Hogsett had 97.
Devin Gaines led the rushing attack with 54 yards on eight carries.
For the Monarchs, Bryce 'Pudge' Rayl caught five passes for 67 yards.