MONROE FIGHTING HORNETS
Division III, Region 12
Head Coach: Brett Stubbs (11-9 @ Monroe, two years, 11-9 overall)
2011 Record: 5-5, 3-3

Overview: Considering what little depth Monroe has had the past couple of seasons they have stood their ground and become a tough challenge for their opponents. Head coach Brett Stubbs has his systems in place and a cast of players who now seem comfortable in what is expected of them within those schemes. The mighty Hornets’ sting may hurt quite a bit more this fall.

The new Pistol offense Stubbs installed in 2011 will see key members return to execute it in 2012. Running back Chris Wilson and quarterback Taylor Larison should flourish in their roles. Wilson ran for 814 yards racked up 1,228 all-purpose yards and found the end zone nine times as a junior. Larison moved under center midway through last season and continued to improve each week. Jake Breen anchors a line that will be one of the team’s strengths.

Monroe heads into the 2012 campaign on a three-game winning streak. The defense will be integral to keeping that going. Inside linebacker Ben Klaiber heads into his senior year with over 20 career tackles for losses, including eight sacks. Klaiber’s job is made easier because of the push from Brian Turner and Sam Rogers up front. Larison is such an asset in the secondary it is hard to keep him off the field. The team’s three league losses were to squads that were 24-7 in 2011. The Hornets will have to take it up a notch if they want to be in the conference’s upper echelon.