Behind TyVaughn Kershaw, Monessen grinds out conference win over Serra Catholic

By: Andrew White
Friday, September 13, 2024 | 11:57 PM

Previous Next

In a tightly contested matchup Friday night, Monessen found a way to come from behind and edge Serra Catholic, 20-14, in the Black Hills Conference opener for both teams. Monessen improved to 4-0 overall.

The Greyhounds (4-0, 1-0) leaned on the powerful running of their captain, running back TyVaughn Kershaw, who racked up 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.

Kershaw continues to impress for the Greyhounds, as he came into the game as one of the leading rushers in the WPIAL, with 16 rushing touchdowns in just three games. His performance against Serra Catholic was a testament to his hard work and leadership, which is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by coach Wade Brown.

“He’s one of our hardest workers for sure,” Brown said. “He’s worked his way into the captain position, and he’s a very talented kid. We tend to lean on him sometimes, but he always finds a way to deliver.”

Monessen had to overcome a late push by Serra Catholic, which, despite its winless record, played with urgency and determination.

The Greyhounds struck first with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Dennis Hawkins to Rodney Johnson, securing an early 6-0 lead late in the first quarter. Serra Catholic responded with a passing touchdown of its own with just under three minutes remaining before halftime and carried that momentum — and a 7-6 lead — into the break.

Kershaw’s first touchdown came shortly after, as he broke free for a 37-yard run that set up a first-and-goal opportunity. He capped the drive with a short touchdown run, giving Monessen a 12-7 lead with just over a minute remaining in the first half.

After falling behind early, Serra Catholic’s offense found a spark in De’reon Washington, who quickly answered Kershaw’s touchdown with a 62-yard scoring reception just two plays later, giving his team a 14-12 lead.

Washington was a dynamic playmaker throughout the night, accounting for both of Serra Catholic’s touchdowns in spectacular fashion. He finished with 44 rushing yards and 82 receiving yards. His versatility extended to defense as well, where he secured a crucial interception that kept Serra Catholic within striking distance.

Serra Catholic’s Brady Vrcic also had a strong game, tallying 84 rushing yards on 10 carries. But, in the end, it was Monessen’s ability to control the clock and lean on Kershaw’s ground game that made the difference.

The Greyhounds scored the winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter after they recovered a fumble on the Eagles’ side of the field, setting them up perfectly for Kershaw’s second touchdown and the 2-point conversion, making the score 20-14.

The Greyhounds were able to put a stop to the Eagles’ last offensive effort and run out the rest of the clock.

Monessen kept its perfect season intact, and Serra Catholic continues to search for their first victory. The game marked the first section game of the season, as both teams look to begin their push for the playoffs.

“It’s still early in the season, but this is the time of year when every game matters a little more,” Brown said. “It’s a long season, but we want to make sure we’re playing our best football as we move into section play and continue to improve every week.”

Meanwhile, Serra Catholic coach Jose Regus remained optimistic despite the loss, praising his team’s resilience and effort. The Eagles, now 0-4 (0-1), showed they could compete, and the game was much closer than their earlier defeats, giving them something to build on moving forward.

“This group is working hard, and I believe we’re getting better each week,” Regus said. “We just need to put it all together.”

Tags: Monessen, Serra Catholic