Steers defeat Rams in homecoming blowout

The touchdowns came early and often in the Graham Steers’ 59-14 homecoming victory over the Mineral Wells Rams Friday on Newton Field. Behind a consistently improving offensive line, sophomore quarterback Ty Thompson scored six touchdowns to lead the Steers to a 3-2 record going into the final non-district game of the season.

This season was always going to be one with growing pains with a large number of sophomores on the Steers roster. However, Friday, Sept. 23 was a glimpse into the future with sophomores scoring on seven of the Steers’ eight touchdowns, beginning with sophomore running back Rylan Monsey on the Steers’ first possession.

After holding the Rams to a three-and-out on the first series of the game, the Steers took over on the Rams’ 45-yard line for their first offensive drive of the game. A defensive pass interference penalty moved the Steers to the 3-yard line before Rylan Monsey scored the first of his three touchdowns in the first quarter. The Steers led 7-0 with 8:34 left in the quarter following Jesus Lucio’s extra-point kick.

The Steers needed less than three minutes to put more points on the scoreboard. After holding the Rams to a second three-and-out, Monsey led the Steers downfield for the second score of the quarter. Two plays after a 24-yard run by Monsey, Thompson threw a screen pass to Monsey who took the ball 15 yards for a touchdown.

Junior Bowen Boenisch was the beneficiary of a Rams turnover moments later. Jose Garcia fumbled after a hit from Karson Kinney. Boenisch recovered the fumble on the Rams’ 9-yard line. Twenty seconds after his touchdown throw to Monsey, Thompson found Peyton Kinman for the first of two touchdown connections between the two.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 28 edition of The Graham Leader.