By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — James Monroe High School marked its first home football game in more than three decades when the Red Jackets christened their new turf field, Saturday afternoon.
East High’s Eagles tempered any potential celebrations for the home crowd.
Anthony Gilbert completed 11 of 13 passes for 222 yards including a 55-yard strike for a touchdown to Freddie Brock on East’s first drive.
“I came up to the line and saw there was an opening, so I knew I was going straight to Freddie,” the sophomore signal caller said after East’s 32-0 victory. “I ain’t lookin’ at nobody else, going deep.”
Brock split a pair of Monroe defenders and easily won a foot race to the end zone.
“I did a hitch and followed through in there,” Brock said. “I stuck to my route. It felt real good, real good. I felt the positive vibes and brought my team up.”
Third and from just over midfield Anthony Gilbert to Freddie Brock for 6. @GoEastEagles pic.twitter.com/SSNj5Etl92
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 8, 2018
The Eagles didn’t look back.
“Coming to a new field, being a team’s home opener they started off slow but we picked it up,” East High co-head coach James Vann said. “I think they held it together pretty well.”
Gilbert connected with Mike Maxwell for 85 yards before the end of the half, and East took a 20-0 advantage into halftime.
“This year we got a really good line,” Gilbert said of his teammates. “Our line is really blocking. We got receiving corps. The defense is shutting the hole,s builds everybody’s confidence.”
That’s Mike Maxwell on the tackle. @GoEastEagles pic.twitter.com/kqXPiagtKX
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 8, 2018
“Anthony put in a lot of work in the offseason,” East co-head coach Steve Flagler noted. “It’s paid off for him. He committed and worked his butt of this offseason. It’s good to see the guys do that and it pays off.”
Brock finished with six catches for 122 yards. Seven Magee rushed the ball 14 times for 125 yards and a touchdown. Deljon Johnson gained 69 yards on 10 rushes and scored two touchdowns.
“We did still start a little slow but we took care of business,” Flagler added. “We had motivation coming in. Sometimes the atmosphere takes a little bit to getting used to.”
Monroe struggled to get into East territory throughout the first quarter. The Red Jackets put together a drive in the second quarter that stalled at the East 15. Monroe advanced inside the East 20 later in the fourth quarter.
4th and 5 Quintin Everett on the keeper. First down Monroe on the East 24. pic.twitter.com/R5oqt1hBDB
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 8, 2018
After being housed in the John Marshall building on Ridgeway Ave. for the past three school years, Monroe reopened its Alexander Street campus earlier in the week. The renovation included a new gymnasium as well as a weight room and team rooms.
East (2-0) will meet RCAC foe Wilson (2-0) next Saturday at Marina Auto Stadium. A 2 PM kickoff is scheduled. Monroe (1-1) will host Honeoye Falls-Lima (1-1) also on Saturday. A 1 PM start is slated.
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