MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(La Canada) – The Monrovia Wildcats played from behind for the entire evening, but managed to secure a victory, 49-45, over the host La Canada Spartans Friday evening, in what turned out to be a classic Rio Hondo League battle.

Monrovia holds a decisive advantage in this annual meeting. In fact, some reports indicated that La Canada has not beaten the Wildcats since 2005. For the majority of the contest, it looked as if this streak might come to an end, but alas, it was not to be. La Canada posted the first score of the evening, when Quarterback Macky Plocher connected with Wide Receiver Luke Raulli for an 8-yard score. The PAT was added by Kicker Quest Swan, making the score 7-0 with 8:30 remaining in the first period. This also proved to be the score as the first quarter ended.

La Canada added to their score in quarter #2, as Plocher tossed his second scoring pass of the evening, finding receiver Tyler Bond for a 25-yard touchdown. A second Swan PAT made the score 14-0, with 8:50 remaining in the opening half.

Monrovia got on the scoreboard a few seconds later. Showing their “big Play’ capabilities, the Wildcats scored on an 80-yard pass play, from Quarterback Brian Salazar, Jr. to Running Back Davonte Jones. The PAT was converted by Kicker Zephyr Enriquez, making the score 14-7, with 8:29 remaining in the half.

The teams added to their scores before the end of the half. La Canada’s Lorenz Bayug found the end zone, from his Running Back position, for a 4-yard score. A third Swan “extra point” made the score 21-7, with 38 seconds remaining in the period. Monrovia answered, as Salazar connected with Wideout Vincent Paez for a 3-yard TD. A second Enriquez PAT made the score 21-14 at the end of the first half.

Monrovia opened the scoring in the third quarter. Salazar showed his running ability, finding the end zone for a 39-yard score. Another Enriquez PAT, and the game was tied at 21-21. La Canada retook the lead shortly after that score, when Swan successfully converted a 24-yard Field Goal. This made the score 24-21 at the halfway point of the third period.

La Canada increased their lead, as Plocher connected with Receiver Hayden Dancsecs for a 16-yard score. Another Swan PAT, and the score was 31-21 with 4:47 remaining in the period.

The Wildcats countered, as Jones added his second score of the evening, a 6-yard TD blast. The Enriquez PAT was again successful, making the score 31-28 as the third quarter came to a close.

The final quarter of the contest contained ever more fireworks. La Canada increased its lead, as Plocher scored on a 10-yard run. Another Swan PAT made the score 38-28 early in the fourth quarter. Monrovia countered, as Salazar scored a running TD of his own…a 13-yard score. An additional Enriquez PAT cut the lead to three points, 38-35, with 8:04 remaining in regulation.

La Canada increased the lead again, as Plocher connected with Raulli for yet another score, a 51-yard TD bomb. Swan’s PAT attempt was again true, making the score 45-35 with 6:10 remaining in the game.

Monrovia again narrowed the gap, as Jones scored his third TD of the evening, a 1-yard TD rush. The Enriquez PAT was successful, making the score 45-42, with 4:13 on the game clock.

Monrovia attempted, and successfully recovered, an “onside kick” on the ensuing kickoff. The Wildcats took their first lead of the game on that final drive, as Jones scored on a 13-yard TD run…his fourth of the evening. Enriquez added his seventh successful PAT, making the score 49-45 with 1:45 remaining in the contest.

La Canada had one final opportunity to win the game. However, with 21 seconds remaining on the game clock, Plocher’s pass attempt was intercepted by Safety Joshua Griffiths, sealing the Monrovia victory, and keeping their winning streak in tact.

Monrovia (4-3, 2-1 in Rio Hondo League play) continues their league season next Thursday, when the Wildcats will host the Polytechnic Panthers. The Spartans (3-5, 1-2) will continue league play next Friday, as they travel to South Pasadena to play the Tigers. Kickoffs for both contests in 7:00 p.m.