The TMP-Marian Monarchs had to wait out a more than one-hour long weather delay and then shake off a slow start on their way to a 26-13 week one win over the Oakley Plainsmen Friday night in Oakley.
The game was delayed until 8:15 due to a storm that moved into the Oakley area while the two teams were warming up.
The Monarchs failed to get anything going in the first two offense possessions. The first drive came to end on a fumble and the second ended in a punt.
Oakley turned the ball over on downs on their first offensive possession and then the TMP defense forced the Plainsmen into a three-and-out.
The Monarchs were finally able to get on the board in the second quarter, capping off a 10-play drive that covered 66 yards, capped off with a two-yard touchdown run for Peyton Schwartz, his first career rushing touchdown putting TMP 6-0.
After another Oakley three-and-out TMP strung together a seven-play 53 yard drive that was finished off on a 15 yard Kade Harris touchdown run giving TMP a 13-0 lead.
Oakley threatened to score at the end of the first half but TMP was able to keep the Plainsmen off the board.
After a scoreless third quarter Oakley scored their first touchdown of the game, taking advantage of a pass interference and face mask penalty on the Monarchs that kept the drive alive. Will Schmidt scored from a yard out to make it 13-6 TMP.
The Monarchs answered right back with a three play 57 yard drive that saw Griffin Schumacher score his first rushing touchdown of the season with the extra point putting TMP up 20-6.
Five minutes later the Monarchs added a second touchdown run for Schwartz, another two-yard run, giving TMP a 26-6 lead with just over five and a half minutes remaining.
Oakley added one more score with less than four minutes left but TMP was able to secure the 26-13 victory and open the season 1-0 for the second year in-a-row.
The Monarchs amassed more than 300 total yards of offense, all on the ground. Harris finished with 146 yards on 20 carries.
TMP will host the Ellis Railer Friday night in the Battle of Big Creek at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.