It’s Matter of Time for Hart

Knowing there was still some kinks in its offense, Hart High was glad it took only one quarter for Kyle Matter to get untracked.

Matter completed 17 of 24 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns with one interception for the Indians in a 36-6 victory over host Monroe in an intersectional opener Friday night.

The Indians didn’t look like the two-time defending Southern Section Division III champions in the first quarter, when Matter completed one of three passes for zero yards.

Tim Gregory carried the scoring load for Hart in the first half, scoring on runs of one and three yards. He finished with 70 yards in 11 carries.

Steve Beltran completed five of 16 passes for 90 yards an one touchdown for Monroe.

Brandon Browner of Monroe finished with three receptions for 63 yards, scoring on a 40-yard pass play from Beltran.

Junior Chris Steck of Hart had four catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns, including an 18-yard scoring reception with 1:09 left in the first half that gave Hart a 22-0 lead.

Evan Allen had six receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown and also recorded two sacks for Hart, ranked No. 1 in the region by The Times.