Tim Peterson
Have you ever been at a basketball game when a player throws up an ill advised shot? The coach jumps up and begins to scream “No! No! No!” and then the ball swishes though the basket. Suddenly the coach’s tune changes “Oh yeah, nice shot!” he says.
That’s the way it was Friday night at Whittier College in the Mid-Valley second round playoff game between Monrovia and Whittier Christian. With Monrovia already up big in the third quarter, De’Shawn Ramirez intercepted a pass at the one yard line but his momentum carried him into the end zone. As Ramirez turned and looked upfield Monrovia Coach Ryan Maddox yelled “Stay put. Don’t bring it out! Stay put!” But Ramirez brought it out anyway.
After leaving a couple of Heralds grasping at air he cut to the outside and raced past everybody for a what turned out to be a 104 yard interception return as the Monrovia sideline erupted in celebration.
It was one of four huge plays Ramirez made that night. The pick six was his fourth touchdown of the night. He also scored on runs of 23, 39 and 51 yards. He only had four carries but Ramirez gained 123 yards to along with the three touchdowns.
Maddox broke out something new Friday night and it worked to perfection. He ran out Ramirez out of the “Wildcat” instead of the traditional running back formation. All three of Ramirez’ touchdowns came out the Wildcat giving Whittier Christian fits.
“We hadn’t done that all year,” Maddox said. “It’s just a new wrinkle that we’ve been working on. At this time of year you bring different things out.”
When you have a player like Ramirez you want the ball in his hands as much as possible and the new scheme is another way to do that.
Monrovia has several weapons offensively. Blake Heyworth emerged as the number one quarterback after the first couple of weeks in the season and has responded by throwing for over 2000 yards and 21 touchdowns. Marquis Bias has stepped up as feature back and has rushed for over 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns. Luke Williams and Anthony Craft have combined for 67 receptions and over 1000 yards.
Mason Bryant has caught 26 balls for over 500 yards and six scores. Heck, George Frazier, who was the starting quarterback when the season started and also plays linebacker, caught a 55 yard touchdown pass Friday night. The Wildcats are loaded.
And then there is Ramirez. He’s the home run hitter. He’s the guy that can turn the game in the blink of an eye. You need a quick score? A game changing moment? A play that will break the back of an opponent? Ramirez is that guy. He’s the X factor.
“De’Shawn is very dangerous. You want to get the ball in his hands,” Maddox said.
For the season Ramirez has scored seven touchdowns on the ground, six more receiving and he’s also thrown two touchdown passes. He has 17 touchdowns total.
Opposing teams try to kick the ball away from him but that’s easier said than done. He has 222 yards in punt returns with a long of 85 and 168 yards in kick off returns.
If the running game isn’t working, Monrovia can go to Ramirez. If the passing game is struggling, a quick hitch to Ramirez is an instant cure. With a punt return, a kick return or an interception return Ramirez can change the momentum of a game in a flash.
For Covina to beat Monrovia in the semis this week, the Colts might need to neutralize Bias or put pressure on Heyworth. They might need to contain Williams or cover Craft. But most importantly, at the top of the list, they have to watch Ramirez at all times. He’ll be on offense, defense and special teams. He’ll be that guy wearing number three.
Watch him closely because if you miss him, he’ll be gone.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com.
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