August 11, 2009

Winning has become an expectation for the Monticello High School football team. In 2007, the Mustangs captured the state championship, and followed that up with a state semifinals appearance last year, where they fell to James Monroe. 2009, however, features a team with new faces.

Brud Bicknell's team returns just two starters from last year's team, as the coaching staff looks to get the young players used to the big stage. Aaron DiGregorio and Anthony Mangano are the two lone returning starters, and they will be looked to for leadership this season.

Last year, a team dominated with senior leadership finished 11-2, and made the state semifinals, falling just short of its second consecutive state championship. Now, Bicknell hopes that the young players learned from the group that has since departed and can get the Mustangs back on top.

Monticello opens up its 2009 season on September 4 when the Mustangs host Albemarle. They'll travel to Orange on September 25 for their Jefferson District opener. Click on the above video link to view Matt Parsons' complete report on the 2009 Monticello Mustangs.