Monroe Victory Is Double Take, 35-21

For one half, Monroe High’s usually potent double-wing offense appeared very ordinary Friday in a 35-21 victory over Eagle Rock at Monroe.

The Vikings trailed, 21-14, at halftime and were held to 131 yards rushing as leading rusher Vinny Walker had a mere 21 yards in seven carries through two quarters.

But the offense awakened in the second half and the Vikings (3-0) rallied for a surprisingly difficult victory.

Leading the comeback were wingbacks Walker and George Garcia, who entered the game with a combined 872 rushing yards in two games.

Garcia’s 52-yard touchdown run, followed by Walker’s two-point conversion run, put Monroe ahead to stay, 22-21, early in the third quarter.

Walker provided the Vikings breathing room with touchdown runs of 28 and two yards later in the half.

Monroe stiffened defensively in the second half, holding Eagle Rock to 93 yards and forced two turnovers while keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard.

“[Coach Sloan Bunting] challenged us in the locker room [at halftime],” Walker said. “He asked us, ‘Do you want it or don’t you?’ ”

Garcia finished with 187 yards rushing and three touchdowns in 12 carries and Walker had 96 yards and in 17 carries and two touchdowns.

If it was any consolation for Eagle Rock (1-2), the Eagles held Monroe to 299 yards rushing and 397 yards of offense. It was the first time this season an opponent held Monroe under 500 yards.

David Jovanelly had 115 yards and a touchdown in 15 carries for Eagle Rock.

He also caught three passes for 71 yards.