{
  "id": 17490394,
  "title": "Trick & Treat: Unique formations spark Monmouth football to 6th straight win",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/trick-treat-unique-formations-spark-monmouth-football-to-6th-straight",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-31T23:11:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/trick-treat-unique-formations-spark-231107408.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Monmouth's football team delivered a shocking victory against Bryant, securing their sixth consecutive win with a 34-21 triumph at Kessler Stadium. The home team showcased their offensive creativity through several unique running designs, leaving the Bryant defense puzzled. Monmouth's head coach, Jeff Gallo, praised his team's physical play and energy, stating, \"We did a really good job from the start. We're trying to make it known what it's like to play us here at home.\"\n\nThe game began with Monmouth marching 75 yards on their opening drive, setting the tone with a pistol formation and wildcat formation that left Bryant's defense in disbelief. Elijah Jennings and Kenny Smith Jr. both had impressive performances on the ground, contributing 167 and 162 yards, respectively, while scoring two touchdowns each. The duo's explosive runs, including 37 and 55-yard touchdown runs, solidified Monmouth's lead by halftime.\n\nBryant's defense struggled throughout the game, holding the Hawks to just 94 rushing yards and 39 passing yards in the first three quarters. Quarterback Frankie Weaver had a modest passing game, completing 10 of 20 passes for 81 yards, but was not needed due to Monmouth's dominant ground game. The Monmouth defense made crucial plays, including an interception by Omar Ibrahim that set the tone for the second half.\n\nHead coach Gallo emphasized the team's improved special teams unit, led by Sky Sholder's accurate field goals. Linebacker Ryan Russo was another standout player, finishing with two sacks. The lone blemish of the game was Monmouth's passing game, which was scarcely needed given their ground dominance.\n\nOverall, Monmouth's victory showcased their offensive creativity, physical play, and defensive prowess. The team now sits atop the CAA standings with a 6-0 record in conference play, leaving no doubt about their dominance in the upcoming weeks.",
  "summary": "Monmouth (7-2) raced out to an early 24-0 lead and never looked back as the team cruised to a 34-21 win over Bryant (5-4) on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Monmouth's unique formations led to a 34-21 victory over Bryant",
    "Elijah Jennings and Kenny Smith Jr. combined for 167 and 162 rushing yards",
    "Monmouth's defense recorded an interception to secure the win"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}