Monroe and Morrison are making strides

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

When Monroe fell hard to Granada Hills in its season opener, 35-7, it appeared it might be business as usual for the Vikings on the gridiron. And business has not been good lately.

But Monroe has gone on to win three straight and to win them impressively, outscoring Grant, Arleta and North Hollywood by a combined total of 90-17.

Running back Germi Morrison has had a meaty role in the Vikings’ success. In the victories Morrison has rushed for 469 yards and three touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 214 yards and two more touchdowns.

Still, Monroe Coach Don Senegal isn’t convinced Morrison is doing his best work.

‘I won’t even say he’s having a good senior year yet,’ Senegal said. ‘There may be 10 of the 50 plays he’s been in where he has excelled. I don’t think he has played a complete game. And when he does, I’ll let him know.’

What has pleased Senegal, now in his third season, is how well Monroe is playing collectively. ‘This has been a season where, so far, it has come together for us,’ he said, noting the Vikings were 3-17 the past two years. ‘I don’t have any transfers in. I’ve had the same group of kids for three years. But they have put in the hard work, and this is the result so far.’

After finishing the nonleague schedule on Friday against Jefferson, Senegal and Monroe get an immediate league measuring stick, defending Valley Mission champion San Fernando, on the road. Senegal also expects Sylmar and Kennedy to have a say in who wins the Valley Mission League title. But for a change, Monroe should have a stake in the eventual outcome.

‘Winning it would be nice,’ Senegal said. ‘But I want to turn out productive kids. That’s the No. 1 objective.

And the next objective? ‘Getting Germi to reach his full potential,’ Senegal said, smiling.

- Mike Terry