The Monarch Coyotes football team suffered a disappointing loss Saturday morning, falling to the Fairview Knights in the first meeting between the two teams in history.

Although the Monarch defense showed some promising signs throughout the game, the offense could not find the spark that they so desperately needed. The Coyotes struggled to establish the passing game, only completing four passes in all four quarters.

As for the run game, Senior Philip Bubernak and Freshman Ernesto Chavez were able to break out some quality runs here and there, but the Fairview linemen were intent on holding them for only short gains most of the time.

On the defensive side, the Coyotes were often troubled by Fairview quarterback Johnny Feauto, who juked his way through the Coyotes’ front seven all morning. His legs weren’t the only things Monarch couldn’t stop, though. Feauto and the Knights’ offense were able to complete many long passes, something the Monarch defense is not used to seeing on a regular basis.

Through all of the Fairview success, the Coyotes defense refused to let down. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, defensive back Eric Lawson snatched the ball away from a Fairview receiver to give the Coyotes one last chance at a comeback.

The crowd certainly didn’t give up hope. The fans in the seats shouted and chanted until the score went final.

After the game, the Monarch coaches and players declined to comment on the matter.

Next week, the Coyotes face a tough Fossil Ridge team in Fort Collins who will be hungry for a win. After Monarch makes further adjustments this week, they should be ready and fired up