Articles

A collection of original stories and narratives about the history Monroe football. Some of the topics include articles on rivalries, player profiles, detailed analysis of seasons, and everything in between. Check in regularly to see new articles posted throughout the year.

Monroe’s Greatest Quarterbacks: Blake Springer

Blake Springer celebrates another Monroe touchdown against Snohomish, 2023
Courtesy of Striped Hat Photography

Published on December 11, 2023
As Monroe football returned for its first full season in two years, it sought a return to glory in 2021. At the same time, Blake Springer realized a lifelong dream of becoming a quarterback for Monroe. During his three year career as a Bearcat, Springer broke records and led Monroe to heights not see in decades, becoming the latest great Monroe quarterback.

Monroe’s Greatest Quarterbacks: Jaedyn Prewitt

Jayden Prewitt attempts a pass against Meadowdale, 2017
Courtesy of Anna Wegenast Photography

Published on November 10, 2023
Monroe football looked to continue its success in 2017 and turned to an untested Senior to bring the Bearcats back to the State Playoffs. With only one season to make an impact, Jaedyn Prewitt rose to the occasion and carved out a place in Monroe history. Prewitt’s efforts produced the greatest single-season by a Monroe quarterback and the deepest playoff run in school history.

Monroe’s Greatest Quarterbacks: Zach Zimmerman

Zach Zimmerman stares down the field against Glacier Peak, 2016
Courtesy of Anna Wegenast Photography

Published on November 3, 2023
After thirteen years without a winning record, Monroe football was beginning to rise during the 2014 season. A series of injuries to Monroe’s quarterbacks put the season in doubt until Zach Zimmerman stepped up as the new quarterback. Despite once being the third-string quarterback, Zimmerman helped lead Monroe back to the top of the WESCO Conference.

Monroe’s Greatest Quarterbacks: Jason Olson

Jason Olson escapes a Lynnwood tackler, 1989
The Everett Herald

Published on October 27, 2023
Bearcat football was experiencing a renaissance in the 1980s but the emergence of Jason Olson brought Monroe to state prominence. As a Senior, Olson was ranked among Washington’s best high school quarterbacks and went on to set records in college.

Monroe’s Greatest Quarterbacks: Rod Drivstuen

Rod Drivstuen picks up yards on the ground against Stanwood, 1977
The Monroe Monitor

Published on October 20, 2023
In the 1970s, Rod Drivstuen helped propel Monroe football with his extraordinary talent at quarterback. With his rushing, passing, and leadership ability, Drivstuen was able to succeed not only in high school, but also at the college level.

Monroe’s Greatest Quarterbacks: Cal Boyes

Cal Boyes lines up at quarterback with the Bearcat offense, 1946

Published on October 13, 2023
The story of Cal Boyes is the first in a six-part series on the best quarterbacks in Monroe history. After becoming the starting quarterback in 1946, Boyes’ passing ability set the standard for all future Monroe signal-callers.

Monroe-Sultan Rivalry by the Years

Eldon King runs through Sultan tacklers, 1974
The Monroe Monitor

Published on September 5, 2023
A complete year-by-year record of every Monroe-Sultan game since 1918.

Monroe-Snohomish Rivalry by the Years

A Monroe player rushes past Snohomish defenders, 2012
Courtesy of the Monroe School District

Published on September 5, 2023
A complete year-by-year record of every Monroe-Snohomish game since 1911.

“What Could Have been”: The Story of the 1963 Monroe Bearcats

Group photo of Monroe Bearcat lettermen, 1963
The Monroe Monitor

Published on December 10, 2020
In 1963, the Monroe Bearcats rose to the rank of #3 in the state polls. Their mission to capture a state title was powered by their young, confident head coach and a core of veteran players who took the program to unseen heights.

The 109-Year History of Monroe Bearcat Uniforms

Henry A. Dennis in 1920 side-by-side with Brett Silvey in 2018

Published on September 8, 2020
Since 1911, the attire of the Monroe Bearcats has undergone consistent changes as photographs detail each alteration in every era of Bearcat football. In analyzing pictures, changes in style reflect a shifting of aesthetic taste as well as a growing emphasis on player safety. This article details the constant changes to the uniforms and equipment of Monroe football players.

“Monroe’s Got Four Horsemen”: J.J. Jerome

J.J. Jerome rushes past the Jackson defense, 2016
Courtesy of Anna Wegenast Photography

Published on September 11, 2020
In the final entry on our four part series on the best running backs in Monroe history, we skip ahead forty years to the modern era of Bearcat football. During Monroe’s resurgance during the 2010’s, J.J. Jerome helped propel the team back to the top of the conference standings.

“Monroe’s Got Four Horsemen”: Eldon King and Keith McDaniel

Eldon King (32) gives Keith McDaniel (22) a key block during a game against Arlington, 1974
The Monroe Monitor

Published on August 21, 2020
The third entry on the list of Monroe’s greatest running backs includes the stories of two star running backs from the 1970’s. During the decline of Bearcat football, Eldon King and Keith McDaniel powered a Monroe resurgence.

“Monroe’s Got Four Horsemen”: Norm Janke

Norm Janke (7) and the “Four Horsemen” of the 1957 squad.
The Monroe Monitor

Published on August 3, 2020
The second entry in the four part series of the greatest running backs in Monroe football history. This article details the story of Norm Janke, a star running back and state-scoring leader in 1957 during the golden age of Bearcat football.

“Monroe’s Got Four Horsemen”: Lee Orr

The 1934 Bearcats lined up in formation, with Lee Orr in the backfield
Courtesy of the Monroe Historical Society

Published on July 26, 2020
The first in a four part series on the greatest running backs in Monroe football history. This article covers the life of Lee Orr, a future All-American and Olympian in track.

“Drain the Lake!”: A History of the Lake Stevens-Monroe Rivalry

Monroe lines up on the goal line against the Lake Stevens defense, 2017
Courtesy of Striped Hat Photography

Published on September 17, 2019
A narrative covering the rivalry between the Lake Stevens Vikings and the Monroe Bearcats. Complete with photos, quotes from players, and a complete record of every meeting between the schools.

Lake Stevens-Monroe Rivalry by the Years

Tony Creswell chases down a Lake Stevens running back, 1987
The Everett Herald

Published on September 17, 2019
A complete year-by-year record of every Monroe-Lake Stevens game since 1922.