NEWPORT NEWS - The Apprentice School football team couldn't get going offensively Saturday afternoon in a 40-0 loss to Monroe in the regular season finale. The game served as Senior Day as the Builders honored Xavien Hunter, Jyshawn Jackson, Grant Swanger, Roshard Phipps, Alden Custer and Haiden Moody in a pregame ceremony.

Monroe got on the board on the opening drive of the game, but only ended up with a field goal after the Builder defense stood up and held the Mustangs to just three points and the early 3-0 lead. Apprentice turned the ball over on the ensuing drive and the Mustangs returned the fumble for a touchdown to take a 9-0 lead less than five minutes into the game after the PAT was blocked by Khamarie Trueblood.

The Mustangs forced another fumble moments later and took advantage at the 5:07 mark, punching it in from a yard out and extending their lead to 16-0. Monroe went quiet offensively as the Builder defense caused fits until the Mustangs hit a long ball down the sidelines for a late touchdown in the first half to take a 23-0 lead into intermission.

The Builders had their opportunities in the second half, but untimely penalties and negative plays forced Apprentice into uncomfortable situations that Monroe constantly took advantage of to keep AS off the scoreboard.

Defensively, the Builders forced five turnovers, led by Chase Gayness who recovered a fumble and got an interception. Wilberto Sanchez and Adonus Watson each recovered a fumble while Syncere Hawkins nearly had a pick-six before being tackled with one man to beat.

The Builders will look to finish the season on a high note next week at the Neptune Bowl when they take on Atlantis University. Kick off is set for 2 p.m. with tickets on sale at beachsportsplex.com.