MidValleySports.Com

By Alex A. Gonzalez

Chino Hills – Ayala tailbacks Jacob Munoz and Anthony Hernandez combined for four rushing touchdowns on a warm and rainy Friday night, leading Ayala to a 41-0 blowout win over Monrovia at Bulldog Stadium. 

“It is a big team win, said Munoz postgame. “Me and my guy Jet -Hernandez- just carried the ball nicely tonight.” 

With the rain playing a factor throughout the contest, the Bulldogs ground game was established early and relied on often, paving the way for them to reach the end zone on back-to-back possessions, creating an early 13-0 lead with 2:31 in the opening quarter.

“Our line dominated like they do every week. We come out, run hard, and we owe it all to them,” said Hernandez after the game. 

Then on the following Monrovia possession, quarterback Brian Salazar dropped back to pass but was forced to scramble out of the pocket, which led to him getting tackled on his throwing shoulder with little over a minute to play in the first quarter. 

Salazar did walk off the field under his own power, but the coaches and training staff agreed that his night was done. The Wildcats then reverted to their Wildcat offense led by Jacob Calnon for the rest of the contest. 

“It was a great win on the defensive side,” said defensive back, Dominic Alloway. “Offense played a big role, but with the big stops and making plays on the defensive side of the ball, it put the dagger in the coffin for us. We matched speed with speed, the best on best.” 

Following the change of possession, Ayala extended their lead to 20, thanks to Hernandez’s second rushing score of the night as the second quarter began. 

Monrovia’s special teams struggled to give the Bulldogs a more extended field to play as the rain continued to be a factor. On consecutive possessions, the long snapper to punter connection could not get a grip on the ball, which translated to 14 points in favor of Ayala.

After the first miscue, Bryan Wilson connected with Vincent Garcia, alone in the middle of the field, for the score. Then after a low snap by Monrovia’s punting unit, Wyatt Summerford was able to scoop up the loose ball and return it for the touchdown with 1:31 left to play in the first half. 

The Bulldogs were able to add one more rushing score of the night following the intermission. Hernandez’s third rushing score gave his team a 41-0 lead midway through the third period, which started the running clock for the rest of the night. 

With the win, Ayala will try to stay undefeated next Friday night when they travel to Chino Hills and Monrovia; they will look to bounce back when they host San Dimas.