Wildcats Go Undefeated in League Play After a Strong Win Over La Cañada

Monrovia finishes the regular season with a 9-1 record after Friday night’s victory

The Wildcats finished their regular season with a bang, defeating their final league opponent the La Cañada Spartans 51-3 on home field. Along with the win, it was also the team’s senior night, meaning every single senior was acknowledged before the contest and they celebrated their final regular-season home game.

With all the excitement surrounding the game, Head Coach Chris Williams attempted to surprise their opponent with an onside kick. However, the Spartans recovered the onside kick, which allowed them to start in good field position. This ultimately allowed La Cañada to start the game in an excellent field position, which gave them an early 3-0 lead with 9 minutes left in the first.

Nevertheless, Monrovia took absolute control of the next 21 minutes, going on a 51-0 run by the end of the first half.

Throughout the Wildcats conference play, it was the offense’s ability to mix a versatile passing attack along with a strong running game that led them to be effective this season. That continued Friday night when once again quarterback Nick Hernandez had a masterful game. The first drive for the Wildcats, however, was driven by their rushing attack.

Devon Mayes ran all over the Spartans’ defense during the Wildcats’ first drive, breaking a long run all the way to their opponent’s two-yard line and finishing the job on the next play with a rushing touchdown. That 6-3 lead for Monrovia was eventually turned to a 14-3 lead after a 30-yard touchdown pass from Hernandez and a two-point conversion.

The Spartans eventually turned the football over with less than a minute left in the first quarter. Monrovia immediately responded with yet another touchdown. Again it was Hernandez’s arm that generated the score with a 30-yard touchdown pass, this time to receiver Mario Minor. 

The 21-3 score remained by the end of the first 12 minutes, and the second quarter was even stronger for the Wildcats as they outscored their opponent 30-0 in the second quarter. Another touchdown throw from Hernandez made the score 28-3. 

The Wildcats then obtained a safety, which was followed by three extra touchdowns before the first-half whistle blew. One of them being yet another touchdown throw from Hernandez, giving him four on the day. Another touchdown was a rushing score from Tyree Myles. The third was a defensive score after Kai Taylor returned a fumble 20 yards for a touchdown. Neither team scored a point in the second half, leaving the score 51-3 by the end of the game.

The Wildcats have gone a perfect 4-0 in the Rio Hondo League and have outscored their opponents 183-17. Monrovia is now preparing for the CIF Southern Section playoffs after winning the Rio Hondo League Championship. They will be looking to win their first CIF Championship since 2012.

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