Reporter: Birch Lewis
Fans packed into the stands for the 3rd annual “Tree Bowl” between the Monroe Red Jackets and the East/World of Inquiry Eagles, many presumably concerned about the high-powered Monroe offense that outscored opponents 130-19 through their first two games. Those worries were extinguished quickly, as the first quarter was characterized by defensive dominance, with East’s first drive ending on a 4th-and-30 and Monroe’s on a 4th-and-53. Monroe’s day started out slow and sloppy, with the Red Jackets committing 6 fouls in just the first quarter.
However, by the final minute, any offensive concerns became a secondary topic as quarterback Terrell “Pooty” Cunningham completed a 32-yard TD pass to James Brumfield II, and made history. The score was Cunningham’s 77th career TD pass, officially setting an all-time Section V record for passing touchdowns. The previous record, 76, held by Aquinas Institute standout Jake Zembiec, was set in 2015, standing for almost eleven years before Cunningham’s historic night on Friday. Cunningham would later add another score in the fourth quarter, extending his record to 78, and with a bulk of the season still ahead, he should finish his career having shattered the milestone.
The record shines a bright light on an otherwise unremarkable offensive game, as the teams combined for just 19 points in the 12-7 defensive battle. Stagnant offense, however, did little to drain any life from the heated rivalry. At least two taunting fouls were called during the game, as the section’s number-one-ranked Red Jackets aimed to send a message to their in-section opponents, who they also defeated on their way to last year’s state championship win.
Unfortunately, the passion broke containment after Monroe forced a game-ending turnover with 12 seconds left on the clock. After recovering the fumble, star RB/LB Terrance Barner, who on offense also rushed for 167 yards on almost 10 yards per carry, picked up a quick taunting penalty before Monroe could kneel the game away. Instead of ending it there, the two teams met to exchange words at midfield before being physically separated by coaches and staff. Monroe players then remained on the East logo, stomping and slapping it with towels while East’s roster watched from the end zone.
Though an unfortunate ending to a great back-and-forth matchup, the extracurricular activity shows one thing without a doubt: the Monroe Red Jackets are the team to beat in Section V, and they are very aware of it. Question the sportsmanship if you’d like; this team demands someone to knock them off the top, and so far no one has stepped up to the plate. That doesn’t simply refer to the defending champions’ 3-0 record this year, either. The win on Friday extended their current winning streak to 15 games, placing their most recent defeat in the 2024 season.
Though there is plenty of reason for optimism for this Red Jackets team, Friday’s game was their highest-ranked opponent yet, with East placing 64th in the state. The defense excelled, allowing only 7 points on a short field off an East interception, and turning the ball over 3 times. However, the offense raised some concerns, struggling to finish drives. This efficiency will have to improve moving forward for the reigning champs if they hope to defend their historic title with an even more historic repeat. They will have the chance to get back on track offensively when they enjoy a nice advantage against 149th-ranked Honeoye Falls-Lima this Friday, September 25th.
