Monticello blanks Vilonia in first round

MONTICELLO — The Monticello Billies had their way in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs, beating Vilonia 31-0 at Hyatt Field.

All the Billies’ scoring came in the first half, getting points on three of their first four possessions. The only miscue for Monticello (11-0) in the first quarter was a fumble that ended another promising drive.

Brian Handley gave Monticello a 7-0 lead with a 65-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage.

The Eagles (6-5) didn’t pick up a first down until the first play of the second quarter, and the margin was 17-0 at that point. Tyler Paschal kicked a 22-yard field goal in the first quarter, and Joe Carmical added an 11-yard touchdown run.

Carmical capped the scoring with a pair of touchdown passes in the second quarter, throwing a 61-yarder to Reggie Rayford and a 24-yarder to Brishen Mathews.

Vilonia’s best chance to avoid the shutout ended with a fumble recovered by Colby Allen at the Monticello 13-yard line with less than 3 minutes to play.

Jay Jeffers also had a fumble recovery for the Billies, while Kyle Robbins and Taylor Sweetin each recovered a fumble for the Eagles.

Monticello will host Green County Tech (9-2) for a second-round game at 7:30 p.m. next Friday.