October 29, 2005
Another record-setting performance by Roncketti as Monarchs rally 28-24

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – As if last week’s record-setting performance against Christopher Newport wasn’t enough, Chris Roncketti decided to make it one better this week.

The Methodist senior quarterback enjoyed his second straight record-setting performance as the Methodist Monarchs rallied late for a 28-24 USA South Athletic Conference victory at Maryville. The victory not only clinches a winning season for the Monarchs, who improve to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the USA, but Methodist remains alive in the race for the USA South championship.

Roncketti eclipsed two single-game records that he set last week against Christopher Newport by completing 23-for-37 passes for 386 yards and two touchdown passes. He set a new Methodist single-game mark for both yards and completions. In addition, Roncketti raised his season passing yardage to 1,767, and he is only 32 yards shy of eclipsing Brian Turner single-season record of 1,798 in 1996.

Methodist trailed 24-14 late in the game when Roncketti rose to occasion. Taking over on its own 5-yard line with 4:40 remaining in the fourth quarter, Roncketti drove the Monarchs nine plays in 1:33, capped by Roncketti’s 7-yard touchdown strike to Patrick Doleman with 3:07 remaining. Roncketti’s two-point conversion trimmed the Scot lead to 24-22.

After stopping Maryville on downs, the Monarchs took over again deep in its territory on its own 12. However, Roncketti connected on a 67-yard touchdown pass to Doleman with 54 seconds remaining to give the Monarchs the lead.

Doleman finished with five receptions for 131 yards and the two touchdown receptions, while George Sands had five receptions for 89 yards and Chuck Howard added six receptions for 58 yards. On the ground, Mike Hill paced the Monarchs with 56 yards rushing on 19 carries and scored Methodist’s first touchdown on a 29-yard scamper in the first quarter. Roncketti added 50 yards on nine carries and scored on a 6-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

The passing combination of quarterback Justin Price and receiver Justin Jackson proved to be havoc for the Monarchs. Price completed 20-for-32 passes for 250 yards and three touchdown passes, while Jackson had 10 receptions for 158 yards and was the recipient of the three touchdowns.

Price hit Jackson on a 66-yard scoring strike in the second quarter, a 16-yard scoring strike in the third quarter and a 21-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. The Monarchs, however, limited Maryville to only 82 yards rushing.

Methodist continues its quest for the USA South title next Saturday (Nov. 5) at Greensboro at 1 p.m.