Monrovia Takes Rio Hondo League Championship

By Rich Whittington

(Temple City) – The Monrovia Wildcats completed their Rio Hondo League sweep Friday evening, as they defeated the host Temple City Rams, 40-20, at Arthur North Field.

The Wildcats (4-6, 4-0 in Rio Hondo league play) exhibited a balanced attack, scoring three touchdowns through the air, while logging an additional three scores on the ground. Senior Quarterback Trevor McPherson completed 11 of 18 pass attempts for 203 yards, finding Junior Wide Receiver Frank Hernandez for scoring completions of 5 and 21 yards. McPherson also found Senior wide out Michael Washington for a 66 yard score. The Wildcat rushing game was amply manned by Maury Rams, lV, who rushed for 158 yards on 28 carries, scoring on runs of 1, 7, and 66 yards.

Temple City opened the evening’s scoring as Junior Running Back Samuel Jackimowicz scored on a 69 yard running play, giving the Rams an early lead…just 20 seconds into the contest. Later in the first quarter, senior quarterback Justin Bowman connected with Junior Wide Receiver Daniel Centeno for a 69 yard touchdown reception. Centeno also scored a rushing touchdown, finding the end zone on a 27 yard run to open the third quarter of play.

The Rams kept Monrovia on their toes. TC attempted an onside kick to open the third quarter of play. The kick was successful, as Rams linebacker Lewis Fots recovered the attempt. After scoring, the Rams again attempted an onside play. This attempt was also successful, as senior linebacker Christopher Klementich fell on the ball after the required ten yards.

With the win, Monrovia will advance into the CIF playoffs, which will begin next Friday. Their opponent, as well as the game’s location will be determined later this weekend. Temple City, based on a variety of factors, is eligible for an “at-large” playoff position. This will also be determined later this weekend.

2 Comments to "Monrovia Takes Rio Hondo League Championship"

  1. RAMS FAN's Gravatar RAMS FAN
    November 6, 2017 - 11:12 am | Permalink

    Coach Riley and his staff did nothing short of miraculous in turning this program around in his first year as Varsity head coach. No they didn’t make the playoffs again but with the excitement created again by having a football program that can win games, their job of getting the on campus athletes to come out for football next spring will be easier and will only help to strengthen the program even more. Great job Riley, I am impressed!

  2. Mr. Objective's Gravatar Mr. Objective
    November 4, 2017 - 11:07 pm | Permalink

    So, Mr. Whittington, what did Monrovia “prove?”

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