Monett Cubs Football
| Monett Cubs Football | |
|---|---|
| File:MonettM.svg | |
| First season | 1910 |
| Athletic director | Ty Goetz |
| Head coach | Ben Mauk 2024 season, 3–7–0 (.300) |
| Stadium | Burl Fowler Stadium (Capacity: 2,000) |
| Field | Kenley Richardson Field |
| Year built | 1968 |
| Field surface | AstroTurf artificial turf |
| Location | Monett, Missouri |
| Conference | Big 8 Conference |
| Playoff record | 3 State Titles (1971, 1977, 2016) 5 State Semifinal Appearances (1971, 1977, 2012, 2014, 2016) |
| Conference titles | 12 |
| Division titles | 13 |
| Rivalries | Cassville |
| Colors | Purple & Gold |
| Fight song | Mr. Touchdown |
| Mascot | Burl the Cub |
The Monett Cubs football team is the varsity high school football program representing Monett High School in Monett, Missouri. Competing in Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) sanctioned competitions, the team currently plays in Class 4 and is a member of the Big 8 Conference. The Cubs play home games at Burl Fowler Stadium and are currently coached by Ben Mauk, who assumed the role in 2024[1]
History
Founding Years (1910–1920s)
The Monett Cubs football program was established around 1910. Early records from this period are scarce, but the team quickly grew in regional prominence, with more structured schedules and growing community support throughout the 1910s. In 1919, the Monett team lost its first two games, then won the rest.[2] Its first undefeated season came in 1920 under Head Coach Finnis Engleman.
The Legend of the 1921 Season
The 1921 Monett High School football team completed an undefeated season with an 11–0 record. Over the course of the season, the Cubs outscored their opponents by a combined total of 504 to 9. No opponent managed to score against Monett until the final game of the season. Notable victories included a 94–0 win over Republic, a 70–0 win over Mount Vernon, and a 57–0 win over Rogers, Arkansas. The team's speed and dominance drew attention across the region, with one game official reportedly stating he "was not qualified to officiate at a track meet."[2]
The Kenley Richardson Era (1944–1956)
In 1944, Kenley Richardson was hired as Monett High School’s head coach, leading the football, basketball, track, and baseball programs. For his first eight years, he coached all sports without an assistant until Ralph Scott became his first assistant coach. He is credited with introducing the "T" formation to southwest Missouri, helping establish a more physical style of play in the region. His 1950 football team averaged 35 points and nearly 400 yards of offense per game while holding opponents to just 4 points on average. That team recorded 30+ point decisive victories over larger programs such as Jefferson City and Springfield Central, and is widely considered one of the strongest in the state that year. Under Richardson, Monett won three undefeated conference titles and shared another with several 2nd-place finishes. He stepped down from coaching in 1956 and became Monett’s first athletic director, as well as the first to hold that role in the Big 8 Conference.[3] The field at Burl Fowler Stadium is named in his honor. [4]
Leadership, Legacy, and a Stadium Built for Champions: The Fowler–Lawson Era (1967–1978)
After years of middling performance, the Monett Cubs football program took a decisive step forward in 1967 by hiring head coach Burl Fowler and assistant coach Benny Lawson from Seneca High School. Known for his emphasis on discipline and team unity, Fowler implemented strict team policies, including requiring players to maintain short haircuts and wear coats and ties to games. As Lawson recalled, “We looked at dedication and discipline and, in doing so, Coach Fowler made several rules... That was a starting point.”[5]
That same year marked the beginning of construction on a new football stadium, replacing the Jaycee Athletic Field, which had served as Monett’s home field since 1932. Spearheaded by Monett alumnus and school board member Jack Fox, the $85,000 project replicated the high school stadium in Owasso, Oklahoma. The new stadium officially opened on September 13, 1968, with Monett defeating Bolivar 18–12 before a crowd of 2,000 fans. Raymond Krueger scored the first touchdown in the new facility on a reverse handoff from Bob Meuser following a Bolivar punt.[6]
Fowler’s program steadily improved over the next few seasons. In 1970, the Cubs recorded their first seven-win season in nearly two decades. The breakthrough came in 1971, when Monett went undefeated (12–0) and claimed its first state championship with a 37–8 win over South Shelby High School. Quarterback Roger Jarvis, end Rod Kelley, and lineman Stan Fellwock earned All-State honors for their performances.[7]
The Cubs followed their championship season with a 9–1 campaign in 1972, their only loss coming against Mt. Vernon, a state semifinalist. Monett finished 8–2 in both 1973 and 1974, including a revenge win over Mt. Vernon in 1973, but suffered key losses to Cassville and Nevada. The 1974 season would be Fowler's last, as he passed away from cancer later that year.[8]
Benny Lawson succeeded Fowler as head coach in 1975, continuing many of the traditions and philosophies established by his predecessor. The 1975 team finished 6–4, with close one-point losses to Webb City and Nevada. The program returned to form in 1976, finishing 8–2 and earning a share of the conference title, although losses to Bolivar and Aurora kept the team out of postseason contention.
In 1977, Monett again went 8–2 and, with several conference opponents moving up to Class 3A, earned a place in the Class 2A playoffs. The Cubs defeated Knob Noster 28–0 in the quarterfinals and Lawson High School 35–24 in the semifinals, advancing to the state championship game for the second time in school history. Hosting the game at home for the first and only time, Monett edged out Louisiana High School 21–19 to secure its second state title.
At the start of the 1978 season, Monett renamed the stadium Burl Fowler Stadium[9] in honor of the late coach’s contributions to the program. That season, the Cubs finished 5–4–1, and Lawson departed to become head coach at Parkview High School,[10] bringing an end to a defining era in Monett football history.
The Cubs would move to class 3A shortly after the success of this era and the growth of Monett.
Alan Spencer Era (2001–2009)
At the start of the new millennium, the Cubs hired Pittsburg State Gorillas football alumni and 1973 Minnesota Vikings draftee[11], Alan Spencer.
Spencer’s early seasons saw moderate success as the program underwent a transitional phase. In 2004, the Cubs broke through with a 7–3 record and advanced to the district championship game for the first time since their run of three consecutive appearances in 1996–1998. Monett ultimately fell to Bolivar in a close 33–29 contest.
After two retooling seasons in 2005 and 2006, the 2007 Cubs returned to prominence. The team posted a 9–1 record and once again reached the district championship, falling to eventual Class 3 state champion Harrisonville by a score of 28–0.[12]
A Growing Rivalry with Cassville
Monett’s long-standing geographic rivalry with nearby Cassville intensified during Spencer’s tenure. Located just 19 miles apart in Barry County, the two schools frequently competed for postseason supremacy.
The rivalry reached a peak during the 2008 season. Monett entered the district championship game with an 11–0 record, having defeated Cassville 13–7 during the regular season. However, in the high-stakes rematch, Cassville upset Monett 28–14 and went on to win its first state championship.[13] Cassville repeated as Class 3 state champions in 2009 and maintained a winning streak over Monett for the foreseeable future.
Final Season and Legacy
In 2009, Spencer’s final season, Monett posted another strong campaign, finishing 8–2 with losses to Seneca and Cassville, who would later meet in the district semifinals, where Cassville prevailed 17–7. After the season, Spencer retired from high school coaching and accepted a position as athletic director at nearby Purdy High School.
Spencer was later inducted into both the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Pittsburg State Athletics Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the region’s most respected football figures.[14]
Chad Depee & the 'Purple Haze' Defense (2010–2014)
Following the departure of longtime coach Alan Spencer, Monett hired Chad Depee in 2010 as head coach. Depee brought with him four years of head coaching experience at El Dorado Springs and a reputation for emphasizing toughness, detail-oriented play, and physical football.
Depee’s inaugural season ended in a 3–7 record as the team adjusted to new systems and expectations. In 2011, the Cubs began to show signs of growth, finishing 5–5 and earning a berth in the district quarterfinals, where they fell to Pleasant Hill.
Emergence of the ‘Purple Haze’ Defense
The 2012 season marked a turning point. That year, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) introduced a new playoff format, guaranteeing each team 10 games, including a district quarterfinal. Monett finished the regular season 6–3, with losses to Mt. Vernon, Cassville, and perennial Class 2 power Lamar. The team outscored opponents 234–152, establishing a reputation for stingy defense—earning them the nickname Purple Haze during their postseason run.
In the playoffs, Monett defeated Aurora 37–20, Reeds Spring 35–6, and Cassville 10–6 to claim the district championship. They followed with a dominant 49–6 win over Eldon in the state quarterfinals.[15] On November 17th, the Cubs hosted John Burroughs and future NFL running back Ezekiel Elliot at Burl Fowler Stadium for the State semifinals. In front of an over-capacity crowd in Monett, the Cubs lost 28-6, in what was the Cubs' best season since 1977.
Monett’s 2013 squad finished 5–5, experiencing growing pains after graduating many key starters. Despite the record, the season laid the foundation for the veteran-led 2014 team.
Beginning of the Barry County Brawl
Following a 30–20 regular-season loss to Cassville in 2012, Monett advanced to the Class 3 District Championship game, where they defeated the Wildcats 10–6 on November 5 at Wildcat Stadium.[16] The victory marked Monett’s first win over Cassville since 2008. Tensions surrounding the game contributed to the formal establishment of the Barry County Brawl, a rivalry matchup between the two schools featuring a traveling trophy. In the inaugural match in 2013, the Wildcats got their revenge 27-0.[17] As of 2024, Cassville leads the series 8-4.
Returning to Contention
The 2014 season was one of the most dominant in Monett history. The Cubs went 7–2 in the regular season with losses only to Lamar and Carl Junction. They outscored their opponents 353–64 while recording five shutouts and allowing more than three points only twice.[18] In the postseason, Monett defeated East Newton (48–0), Cassville (47–20), and Reeds Spring (21–0) en route to a second consecutive district title. They then beat Osage High School 42–21 in the quarterfinals to set up a semifinal rematch against John Burroughs.[19]
On November 22, 2014, Monett hosted Burroughs at Burl Fowler Stadium in front of a packed crowd. Down 24–17 with just over a minute left, quarterback Zack Hammond scored on a two-yard run to bring the score to 24–23. However, the extra point attempt was blocked, and the Cubs’ season ended just short of a state title game appearance.[20] The team finished 11–3, outscoring opponents 534–129, the best defensive performance in Class 3 of all semifinalists that year.
Coach Chad Depee left the program after the 2014 season to take over at Ozark High School..
Derek Uhl and the 2016 Championship
Derek Uhl, a former tight end at Colorado State, began his tenure with the Monett Cubs as an assistant coach from 2007 to 2013 before a brief stint on the Cassville staff. In 2015, Uhl returned to Monett as the head coach.[21]
In coach Uhl's first season, with many key players having graduated, Monett continued to post another strong season. The team finished the regular season 7–2, once again only losing to Lamar and Carl Junction. They opened the playoffs with a 51–6 win over Seneca before falling to Aurora 25–11 in the district semifinals. The season concluded with an 8–3 record and a 326–130 scoring margin.[22]
The 2016 season would prove historic. The Cubs stormed through the regular season with an 8–1 record, their only defeat coming against Lamar. Monett outscored opponents 334–137. In the postseason, they beat Seneca 35–11, Cassville 35–21, Mount Vernon 44–28, Owensville 48–20, and McCluer South-Berkeley 42–0 to reach the Class 3 state championship game.[23]
On November 26, 2016, at Robert W. Plaster Stadium, the Cubs capped their run with a 27–18 victory over Maryville, winning the program's third State Championship and first since 1977, finishing the season 14-1.[24] Throughout the season, they outscored opponents 565 to 235, the most points scored in a season in team history.
The seasons following the championship were marked by transition. In 2017, the Cubs fell to 3–7. A move up to Class 4 in 2018 resulted in a 4–6 finish.
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Induction
In 2018, the Monett High School Football Program was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing decades of excellence and the recent state title.[25]
Continuation
Returning to Class 3 in 2019, the Cubs posted an 8–3 record before falling to Cassville in the district semifinals. Another move back to Class 4 in 2020 brought a 3–6 finish, followed by a 2–8 campaign in 2021. Coach Uhl departed the program at the end of the 2021 season
Modern Era and Ben Mauk (2022–Present)
Following the departure of Coach Uhl, Monett hired Ethan Lewis as the new head coach. The 2022 season started slow, losing their first 5 games, before turning things around to finish the regular season 3-6. They faced Logan-Rogersville in the District quarterfinals, winning 36-22 before losing the next week to West Plains 13-35, finishing the year 4-7. The Cubs would go on to lose every 2023 game, 0-10, and be outscored 97-403. Ethan Lewis stepped down after the 2023 season.
In 2024, Monett hired former Wake Forest and Cincinatti quarterback[26], Ben Mauk to take over as head coach.[1] Coach Mauk had spent the last few years as an assitant coach at Glendale under his father, Mike Mauk.[27] With Coach Mauk at the helm, scoring jumped to 28 points per game, yet the team still failed to win more than three games, ending the season 3-7 in a 48-24 loss to Bolivar. The team finished the year being outscored 278 to 438.
As the Cubs prepare for the 2025 season, they have spent the summer competing in university-held 7-on-7 tournaments, at schools such as LSU, Mizzou, and notably winning the Arkansas 7-on-7 camp. The team looks to better compete in 2025 through player development and learning how to win as a team.[28]
Rivalry Games
Barry County Brawl – Monett vs Cassville
| Monett victories | Cassville victories | Tie games | Vacated wins |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State Playoffs
State Championships
The Monett Cubs have won three Missouri state football championships [29]
| Season | Coach | Record | Win % | Class | Opponent | Score | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Burl Fowler | 12-0 | 1.000 | 2A | South Shelby | 37-8 | Plaster Sports Complex, Springfield |
| 1977 | Benny Lawson | 11–2 | .846 | 2A | Louisiana | 21-19 | Burl Fowler Stadium, Monett |
| 2016 [30] | Derek Uhl | 14–1 | .933 | 3 | Maryville | 27-18 | Plaster Sports Complex, Springfield |
State Semifinals
The Cubs have appeared in five state semifinals, winning three to advance to the State Championship game.
| Season | Coach | Record | Win % | Class | Opponent | W/L | Score | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Burl Fowler | 12-0 | 1.000 | 2A | Smithville | W | 33-0 | Smithville High School Football Field, Smithville |
| 1977 | Benny Lawson | 11–2 | .846 | 2A | Lawson | W | 35-24 | Burl Fowler Stadium, Monett |
| 2012 | Chad Depee | 10-4 | .714 | 3 | John Burroughs | L | 24-6 | Burl Fowler Stadium, Monett |
| 2014 | Chad Depee | 11–3 | .786 | 3 | John Burroughs | L | 24-23 | Burl Fowler Stadium, Monett |
| 2016 [31] | Derek Uhl | 14–1 | .933 | 3 | McCluer South-Berkeley | W | 42-0 | Bulldog Stadium, Ferguson |
Coach Record
| Tenure | Coach | Record | Win % | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | Unknown | 0-0 | – | 0 |
| 1911 | H. E. Blaine | 6-1 | .857 | 0 |
| 1912-1918 | Unknown | 0-0 | – | 0 |
| 1919-1921 | Finnis Engleman | 31–2 | .939 | 0 |
| 1922-1943 | Unknown | 0–0–0 | – | 0 |
| 1944-1956 | Kenley Richardson | 78–35-7 | .679 | 0 |
| 1957-1958 | Ralph Scott | 5–14–1 | .275 | 0 |
| 1959-1961 | Pat Steele | 10–16–1 | .389 | 0 |
| 1962-1964 | Roy Arbuthnot | 10–19–1 | .350 | 0 |
| 1965-1966 | Gus Brock | 3–7–0 | .300 | 0 |
| 1967-1974 | Burl Fowler ‡ | 58–23-1 | .713 | 1 |
| 1975–1978 | Benny Lawson † ‡ | 30–13–1 | .693 | 1 |
| 1979 | Jerry Sitton | 6–4 | .600 | 0 |
| 1980–1985 | Ron Richardson | 24–27 | .471 | 0 |
| 1986–1989 | Ken Brumley | 20–20 | .500 | 0 |
| 1990–1992 | Charlie Phillips | 16–15 | .516 | 0 |
| 1993–1998 | Mark Johnson | 37–26 | .587 | 0 |
| 1999–2000 | Keith Jordan | 2–18 | .100 | 0 |
| 2001–2009 | Alan Spencer ‡ | 58–36 | .617 | 0 |
| 2010-2014 | Chad Depee | 34–25 | .576 | 0 |
| 2015–2021 | Derek Uhl | 42–34 | .553 | 1 |
| 2022–2023 | Ethan Lewis | 4–17 | .190 | 0 |
| 2024–Present | Ben Mauk | 3–7 | .300 | 0 |
| Total | 472–369–12 | .560 | 3 | |
| Statistics as of the start of the 2025 season. Work is being done to locate coaching and record gaps. | ||||
Notable Alumni
- Finnis Engleman – Head coach (1919–1921); played for Missouri State; member of the Missouri State University Athletics Hall of Fame.[32]
- Kenley Richardson – Head coach (1944–1956); member of the Monett High School Hall of Fame.[33]
- Jack Fox – Class of 1951; played for the Missouri Tigers; named High School All-American; member of the Monett High School Hall of Fame.[34]
- Kelly Curbow – Class of 1969; played for the Missouri Tigers; member of the Monett High School Hall of Fame.[35]
- Burl Fowler – Head coach (1967–1974); 1971 Class 2A State Championship, inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame and Monett High School Hall of Fame.[36]
- Dennis Heim – Class of 1974; played for Missouri State, Toronto Argonauts, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers; inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Missouri State Hall of Fame, and Monett High School Hall of Fame.[37]
- Benny Lawson - Head coach (1975-1978); 1977 Class 2A State Championship, inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.[38]
- Alan Spencer – Head coach (2001–2009); inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame.[39]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Parker, Chris (January 19, 2024). "Monett hires Ben Mauk as next head football coach". Ozarks Sports Zone. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Early sports & Recreation, Monett, Missouri".
- ↑ "Monett Hall of Fame Class of 2024-Kenley Richardson".
- ↑ "Monett renames football field in honor of Cubs legend". www.OzarksFirst.com.
- ↑ "Monett Football Program". Cassville Democrat.
- ↑ "Monett celebrates its football history". Monett Times. August 22, 2014. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020.
- ↑ "Monett Football Program". Cassville Democrat.
- ↑ "Monett Football Program". Cassville Democrat.
- ↑ "Monett celebrates its football history". Monett Times. August 22, 2014. Archived from the original on June 25, 2020.
- ↑ "Missouri Sports Hall of Fame-Benny Lawson".
- ↑ "1973 NFL Draft".
- ↑ "2007 11-Man Football State Tournament".
- ↑ "2008 11-Man Football State Tournament".
- ↑ "MSHOF announces honorees for Football Luncheon".
- ↑ "One Step Away From Going Back To State, Burroughs Football Heads Down To Monett For Semifinal Saturday". November 16, 2012.
- ↑ "2012 11-Man Football State Tournament".
- ↑ "Cassville, Monett renew Barry County rivalry this week". Cassville Democrat.
- ↑ "2014-2015 11-Man Football Schedule".
- ↑ "United Monett ready for football semifinal". Springfield News Leader.
- ↑ "Moten, late block lead Burroughs to state championship game". STL Today. November 22, 2014.
- ↑ "Uhl hired to lead Monett Football Team". February 24, 2015.
- ↑ "2015-2016 11-Man Football Schedule".
- ↑ "2016-2017 11-Man Football Schedule".
- ↑ "Monett beats Maryville 27-18 for Missouri Class 3 football title". Fulton Sun. November 26, 2016.
- ↑ "Monett High School Football Program".
- ↑ "Ben Mauk Stats".
- ↑ "Glendale football coach replaced, Springfield Public Schools announces". Springfield Daily Citizen. August 15, 2023.
- ↑ "2025 Fall Preview: Monett Football".
- ↑ "Missouri State High School Activities Association Football State Championships".
- ↑ "Cubs claim first football title since '77".
- ↑ "Monett shuts out McCluer South Berkeley, heads to championship game". Springfield News Leader.
- ↑ "MSU Athletics Hall of Fame-Finnis Engleman".
- ↑ "Monett Hall of Fame Class of 2024-Kenley Richardson".
- ↑ "Monett Hall of Fame Class of 2022-Jack Fox".
- ↑ "Monett Hall of Fame Class of 2021-Kelly Curbow".
- ↑ "Monett Hall of Fame Class of 2022-Burl Fowler".
- ↑ "MSU Athletics Hall of Fame-Dennis Heim".
- ↑ "Missouri Sports Hall of Fame-Benny Lawson".
- ↑ "Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame-Alan Spencer".
External links
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