Even this dude wasn’t born the last time Downey won a CIF title
CIF Finals Notes
There has been a lot of talk about the Monrovia offense this season but against Paraclete it was the defense that rose to the occasion. The Spirits had only 155 total yards including just 61 on the ground.
“Our defense played great in the first half so there wasn’t a whole lot of adjustments there,” said Monrovia Coach Ryan Maddox after the Wildcats won their third consecutive Mid-Valley Division title.
He was right. Despite the 7-0 halftime deficit Monrovia hadn’t allowed much. There was the one big touchdown pass to Darma Poonosamy but other than that the Spirits hadn’t made much noise. That play covered 48 yards and Paraclete had 112 in the half. The second half was even worse. Do the math and it will tell you Paraclete gained only 43 yards in the second half.
Given Monrovia’s speed and athleticism, it was surprising to see Paraclete trying to run wide on the Wildcats. Time after time Monrovia put a stop to any type of sweeps or end runs that Paraclete attempted. The pass wasn’t working either. If you take away Poonosamy’s 48 yard reception, the Spirits accumulated 46 yards through the air with three Tyler Carvalho interceptions.
They needed to keep the ball on the ground to have a chance. Run the ball between the tackles or right over the center but keep the ball on the ground.
Did you know that Paraclete ran the ball just seven times in the second half? Chris Campbell, who rushed for 600 yards (5.36 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns on the year had a grand total of six carries against Monrovia. He only had 16 yards rushing but wouldn’t it make sense to give him the ball more?
When Anthony Craft got loose for an 85 yard touchdown pass on Monrovia’s first play from scrimmage in the second half it tied the score at seven. But the momentum shift was so great that it seemed like it put the Cats up by three touchdowns. It completely knocked the wind out of Paraclete and over the next four possessions the Spirits went punt, interception, fourth down stop and interception. It was a back breaker.
While three turnovers killed Paraclete, Monrovia didn’t turn the ball over once. Blake Heyworth completed just six passes but they covered 145 yards and a touchdown. Offensively Ge Vontray Ainsworth was a consistent force for the Wildcats. He rushed for 125 yards and a score and wore down the Spirits in the second half.
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last five years here’s a Ryan Maddox update: Five years – one CIF semi final appearance, four finals appearances and three Mid -Valley Division titles. How long will it be before other schools come calling?
Keep an eye on Paraclete linebacker Christian Ruiz. He’s only a junior and since we have a moratorium on the word “beast” we’ll just say that he’s pretty darn good. And I wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley.
Deshawn Potts who is the likely successor to Heyworth next year at quarterback picked off a pass late in the contest to ice it for M-Town.
From now on every Final games that includes teams south of the 60 freeway should be played at Titan Stadium at Cal State Fullerton. It’s a beautiful field that is set down into a bowl and there’s a big press box on the west side. It has natural grass that is so well manicured and green that you would swear it was turf until you set foot on it. It was a perfect setting for football.
Back in August there was La Mirada, West Covina, La Serna, Norwalk, Bonita, Diamond Ranch, Paramount, and maybe even Cal and Santa Fe. So who wins the Southeast title? Why Downey of course.
The game had everything you could ask for in a final. There were big plays, big hits, controversial calls and it ended in a rainstorm. Next year Downey won’t be under anybody’s radar. The Vikings have all of their key players back.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com
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