Monett became known for football in 1921, when Finis Engleman coached a legendary team through an undefeated eleven-game season that included victories over Arkansas by 57 to 0, Republic by 94 to 0, and Mount Vernon by 70 to 0. The team was considered so strong and fast that an official complained he was not qualified to officiate. A 1962 Monett Times newspaper included a formal portrait of the 1921 team with 31 people, showing the players and the coach. Monett's high school team also had a state-winning season in 1971, capturing the Big 10 Conference Championship and the Class 2A State Championship with a 12-0 undefeated record. Another state championship followed in 1977 under coach Lawson, with an 11-2 record, and Monett won its third title in 2016, defeating Maryville 27-18 in the Class 3A State Championship under coach Derrek Uhl.