LONGMONT >> Mead goalkeeper Josh Worrell and coach Shane Adler had the same burning question Tuesday night: “Who’s got No. 9?” they hollered.

That’s Monarch’s elite scorer, George Behringer, and it quickly progressed into more of a plea.

Behringer broke past the defense for two goals in the first half and the Coyotes beat the Mavericks 3-1, adding another positive result to a promising 2024 campaign. Not to mention, another big-time performance from their trusty scoring leader.

“The kid is so talented and so aggravating to play against,” Monarch coach Keith Mainland said of his senior. “Not only is he quick, he’s got devastating dribbling skills. And if the ball is on his left foot, watch out.”

Behringer actually scored with both feet against Mead — something he and his coach said he’s gotten better doing over the past year.

Scoring off through balls from sophomore Pierce Willbanks and freshman Judah Schaefer in 17th and 23rd minutes, he now has eight goals this season and 39 in his three-year varsity career.

His biggest goal, meanwhile? Getting Monarch back into the postseason. Which would be quite a feat after the whirlwind that was last year when Mainland — Monarch’s first-ever varsity coach (1998-2009) — moved up from the JV team after Ryan Brady was out as head coach after just a game.

Behind Behringer’s hat trick in Monday’s win over Lakewood and two goals and an assist Tuesday, the Coyotes (5-3) matched their 2023 win total (5-9-1).

“(Behringer) was on our scouting report,” Adler said. “He has great pace, he’s good with the ball and he’s a calm finisher. A very solid striker for them, and those players are hard to defend.”Down 3-0, sophomore Yahir Ramirez scored in the 58th minute as young Mead (4-1-2) dropped its first game of the year. Ramirez is one of seven underclassmen who start for the Mavericks, Adler said.

“It’s been a good start,” the coach added. “We’ve really started to work on our chemistry and coming together as a team. We kind of struggled with that early in the season, but we’re starting to find our leadership and (we’re) working together on the field.”

Both teams found themselves inside the projected 32-team postseason brackets coming into the night, with the Coyotes at CHSAA 5A No. 25 and the Mavs at 4A No. 21.

To stay there, they’ll have navigate through a tough Granite Peaks League.

Mead is in the 4A/3A grouping of the conference and starts with a home game against 4A No. 2 Silver Creek on Oct. 3 and 3A No. 1 Holy Family eight days later.

The Coyotes host 4A No. 10 Centaurus and 5A No. 32 Chatfield next week before getting into a loaded-5A Granite Peaks League, which includes many of its former Front Range League pals.

“I mean, in a league that is so ‘soccer powerhouse, tradition,’ you can only do the best you can do,” Mainland said. “We got to go up against Broomfield, Legacy and Fairview — teams that make the playoffs year after year after year.”

The Englishman paused for a moment. “Fortunately, we don’t have to go against Boulder in our league anymore. Thank goodness.” 5A No. 1 Boulder, now in the Rocky Mountain League, beat the Coyotes 9-0 a week ago. Laughing, “but now we got to (possibly) worry about them in the first round of the playoffs.”

Monarch is home against the Warriors on Thursday, while Mead is at 5A No. 31 Erie.

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