By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

The Thomas More Prep-Marian football team got a good learning experience midway through the season facing two of the best teams in the lower classifications with La Crosse (7-0), No. 1 in 2-1A, and Phillipsburg (6-1), receiving votes in 3A.

In those two games, TMP lost by a combined margin of 109-0. Now, the Monarchs must face another powerhouse in Scott City (7-0, 1-0 district), ranked No. 2 in 3A.

"They are a good team. Bottom line," TMP head coach John Montgomery said. "I think as we sit here and look at this game, I'm glad we played the tough competition in Phillipsburg and the tough competition in La Crosse, because I think it prepares us more for this game. It gets us ready."

TMP (2-5, 1-0 district) will travel Friday to Scott City. Game time is 7 p.m.

The Beavers have pummeled their opponents this season, playing only one game that was decided by fewer than 30 points -- Scott City defeated Holcomb 21-7.

Scott City has turned the ball over just six times -- all via fumbles.

"Great teams take care of the football and execute offensively and defensively, and there's no doubt that those are two of the big things Scott City does on a consistent basis," Montgomery said.

The Beavers run a balanced attack out of the Wing-T offense.

Scott City has posted 1,845 yards rushing and 1,119 yards passing this season.

Scott City's starting backfield is loaded with seniors.

Senior quarterback Brett O'Neil has dissected defenses, completing 66 percent of his passes for 1,068 yards and 15 touchdowns and averaging 15.5 yards per completion.

Senior running back Dalton Buehler leads his squad in rushing with 879 yards and 10 touchdowns on 101 carries, and senior fullback Brenner Wells is second with 371 yards and nine touchdowns on 57 carries.

"Offensively, they are going to bring it to you every single play, and then you throw in the fact that they are not just a running team and not just a passing team," Montgomery said. "They are balanced. ... It really creates some unique challenges for an opposing defense."

Meanwhile, TMP is coming off its second win of the season, defeating Russell 36-26 on Friday at Lewis Field Stadium.

The Monarchs will miss three starters on offense.

Junior offensive tackles Aaron Moore (neck) and Adam Schibi (elbow) will sit out with injuries. Moore has been injured since La Crosse, and Schibi was injured against Russell.

Senior Anthony Walters and sophomore Cameron Fouts, who have split time between offensive line and tight end this season, will replace them on the line. Walters will start at right tackle, and Fouts will start at left tackle.

"I've got all the faith in the world in those two guys and know they will do their best," Montgomery said.

As a result, 6-foot freshman Justin Pfeifer will start at tight end. Further depleting the receiving corps, junior wide receiver Ryan Mayorga will sit out with a knee injury suffered against Russell.

Montgomery said the Monarchs will prepare for this game like they have every game.

"Win, lose, draw, we are always looking for continual improvement," Montgomery said.

"We've got an opportunity to be successful," Montgomery added. "We have to do some things well, but we believe on any Friday we can have success. We've got to go down and make it happen."