Elite Notre Dame QB commit to miss marquee matchup due to injury

By admin — In News — September 4, 2026

   ​Vero Beach quarterback Wonderful “Champ” Monds IV is not expected to play Friday night against St. Frances Academy at the Citrus Bowl, according to Jon Santucci, Florida statewide recruiting reporter for the USA TODAY Network.Monds, a four-star Notre Dame commit, was in uniform during pregame but did not take part in warmups. He was seen wearing a sling on his left arm while standing behind Vero Beach’s other quarterbacks with a Gatorade towel.Freshman Makai White could make his first varsity start in Monds’ place. White is the younger brother of Florida State defensive back Efrem White.The matchup pits unbeaten Vero Beach against one of the nation’s most prominent high school programs. St. Frances, based in Baltimore, is ranked No. 3 nationally in the USA TODAY Super 25 and is 1-0 entering Friday’s game. The Panthers escaped DeLand (FL) and their single-wing offense last week with a 49-35 win.Monds had been putting together a dominant start to his senior season before the injury. Through two games, the Notre Dame commit has completed 33 of 40 passes for 591 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception. He has also added 70 rushing yards and four touchdowns.Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elite Notre Dame QB commit to miss marquee matchup due to injury  

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