Jacob Suever is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover McClintock High School for AZPreps365. 

Entering Friday night,  McClintock coach Mike Fell was tasked with crafting an entirely new game plan after losing most of his starting lineup to injury the previous week. 

Although the team was without three key starters, including quarterback Peter Clark and receivers Avaunt Ortiz and Dwight Waite, McClintock came away with a 37-23 home victory against Benjamin Franklin.

The Chargers improved to 2-3. 

The first piece of McClintock’s new offense included quarterback Julius Fuentes. Fuentes was efficient in the first half. The sophomore passer completed 7 of 9 attempts for 140 yards and a touchdown over the first two quarters. 

Although Fuentes attempted four passes in the Chargers’ previous outing against Notre Dame Prep, his performance against Benjamin Franklin marked the first time the sophomore was able to showcase his arm talent. One of Fuentes’ early completions included a 55-yard bomb to junior wide receiver Peter Schoppe.

Fuentes said he was grateful for the opportunity and hopes to continue to work with his two favorite targets, senior wide receiver Lawrence Monroe and freshman Khalil Bender.

“Probably,” Fuentes said when asked if he would finish the season as the team’s primary quarterback.

In addition to connecting with Schoppe three times in the first half, Fuentes also completed a few passes to Lawrence Monroe, who looks to take a larger role on the team.

Monroe showed off his incredible speed and run-after-catch ability with a huge 39-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter in which Monroe outsped multiple Benjamin Franklin defenders. 

Monroe is not only a threat as a receiver, but also proved to be an extremely reliable cornerback, breaking up four passes, and recording an interception. Monroe also attempted a pass late in the third quarter.  

Fell was proud of his team after the hard fought victory.

“At the start of the year we had three stud wideouts, and with two guys out for the year, Lawrence has stepped up over the past few weeks with his intensity,” Fell said of the young receiver. 

McClinrock also ran the ball well. 

Senior running back Daniel Crawford handled most of the rushing work in the first half while fullback Jeremiah Latu took care of a majority of the carries in the second, including an 8-yard rushing score in the third quarter to put the Chargers up three scores. 

Both backs were extremely effective and produced big play after big play. Crawford carried 11 times for 52 yards and Latu rushed nine times for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Crawford also came away with a receiving score early in the final quarter. 

Freshman linebacker Rufus Dogba also saw a few carries in the fourth quarter as McClintock looked to extend the depth chart. 

“I’m a freshman, I’m just getting going. I’m going to keep working hard to get bigger and stronger, but it’s a team effort,” Dogba said. 

McClintock relied on its running backs more than usual, likely because quarterback Peter Clark has handled a majority of the rushing work so far this season. 

The Chargers are optimistic as they prepare for their first contest of section play against Maricopa on Oct. 13.