The Monrovia football team has just one loss over the last two years, and that is why Wildcats coach Chris Williams scheduled such a tough game Friday at Ayala.
Monrovia started last season 10-0, but had too easy of a time in the Rio Hondo League, winning by an average margin of 44 points. The lack of competitive games before the CIF Southern Section Division 6 playoffs cost the Wildcats, who lost to Norte Vista 27-25 in the first round.
The Wildcats (3-0) may have an easy time when they get to the Rio Hondo League again, but whatever division that leads to, and whoever they play, probably won’t be as tough or physical as Ayala (3-0), which boasts one of Southern California’s best quarterbacks in Bryan Wilson.
Ayala is also ranked No. 23 in CalPreps’ Southern Section rankings, which are used to determine playoff divisions at the end of the regular season. If that ranking holds up, Ayala would be in Division 2.
Sure, both teams are undefeated, but that’s where the similarities end. Friday’s game starts at 7 p.m.
“Our goal is to go in there and throw punches with them,” Williams said. “I think we can play with most teams around our area with the exception of Bishop Amat. So, this is big for us. In the long run, we will be able to look back from this week and take something from it, whether it’s good or bad.”
There was a clear frustration for Williams and his staff after going undefeated in the regular season and losing in the first round of the playoffs last year. Simply, Williams felt they hadn’t played enough quality games to prepare them.
“We knew when we scheduled Ayala this would be our biggest game of the season,” Williams said. “We weren’t challenged after week two or three last year. If we’re going to compete in the playoffs, we had to schedule tough opponents, and look, Ayala is probably going to be better than anyone we see this year, even in the playoffs.”
Ayala is noticeably bigger on the offensive and defensive lines, and the Bulldogs have stepped up their schedule too, having beaten Etiwanda (28-14) and Leuzinger (39-31) this season.
Wilson, averaging 270 yards passing with seven touchdowns, is a third-year starter with offers to Florida State and Texas A&M.
“He’s a high school version of Russell Wilson,” Williams said of the Bulldogs QB. “That’s who he reminds me of. He’s a smart, heady player, and when he pulls the ball down, he’s pulling it down to make a play, not necessarily to run.
“He will probably be the best quarterback we’re going to see. He has the whole package with a strong arm and he doesn’t make mistakes.”
Monrovia, to this point, boasts an offense that can seemingly score with anyone.
Quarterback Brian Salazar Jr. is averaging 311 yards passing with 12 touchdowns. He has two outstanding targets in Carlos Hernandez (17 receptions, 339 yards, three TDs), and Jaylen Moore (15 receptions, 295 yards, five TDs), plus Noah Ellison.
Still, Williams knows all the stars have to align to make it a competitive game Friday.
“The way an underdog has a chance is by controlling the ball, tempo and winning third downs, both by moving the chains offensively, and getting their offense off the field,” Williams said. “We have to take care of the ball too, and just play mistake-free. That’s a lot to ask, but when you’ve seen teams, even at the college level, have big upsets, you have to do all those things to have a shot.
“And look, we want this, and we’re excited. We’ve needed a game like this, regardless of the outcome.”