Football:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

When Ayala takes the field on Thursday night in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs, the Bulldogs won’t have quarterback Bryan Wilson behind center.

The Ayala sophomore injured his shoulder late in Friday’s 40-14 victory at Charter Oak and he’ll be unavailable for the remainder of the season.

Wilson is 14-1 as the Bulldogs starting QB, and this was going to be his first shot at postseason play.

Instead of feeling sorry for himself or pouting, Wilson’s full focus is on getting healthy, maintaining his 4.1 GPA and helping the program and his teammates in any way that he can.

“I got tackled late in the game and he fell on me, and at first I thought I’d be fine and that it was probably just a stinger,” Wilson said. “It wasn’t a shock or a lot of pain, but when our trainer looked at it, her eyes got wide and I knew it was more serious than I was hoping.”

And while he’s thoroughly disappointed and frustrated, Wilson wanted it to be  known that he doesn’t think the Charter Oak defender did anything malicious or purposeful.

“It wasn’t a dirty play. It’s just one of those things that happens in football,” he said.

After the game, and once reality had sunk in, Wilson discreetly began to cry around his teammates, because everything he had worked so hard for had been ripped away in just one play.

But much of that sadness came from knowing he could no longer help a program and teammates that he loves during the most important part of the season.

Wilson and his family went to the hospital until about 1 a.m. on Friday night.

In his attempt to sleep, Wilson has to get on the far left side of their couch that sticks straight up, and needs eight pillows to get situated.

During this sophomore campaign, Wilson had thrown for 1,264 yards and 16 TD’s.

He also rushed for 160 yards and four scores with his feet.

Wilson has a relentless work ethic, and a mindset to never be satisfied.

And that includes his grades.

Since the fourth grade, Bryan Wilson has never settled for anything less than straight A’s.

His work ethic, values, morals and humility come directly from his parents, Pali and Kevin Wilson.

“My parents always stressed that school comes first and sports come second,” Wilson said. “I can’t function without them. They make my world go around. And my sister, Jazlyn, has never missed one of my games. She supports me so much and it means the world to me. I could not do what I’m doing without the support and love of my parents and my sister.”

But Wilson’s gratitude doesn’t stop there.

He wanted to name everyone that puts their bodies on the line for him.

“I want to thank my line: Joseph Lopez (center), Nick Partida (left guard), Jayden Colvin (left tackle). Evan Moet (right guard), Blake Harmon (right tackle)
and my fullback Jayden Brown (fullback/DL), who does all the dirty work.”

While looking back, Wilson said it took a while for the chemistry to take hold after the loss of so many quality seniors from the 2021 spring season.

But that’s what made this 9-1 run so special, because the team bonding was built from scratch.

Wilson also took pride that every receiver has caught at least one TD this season.

Dominic Alloway leads the way with six scores, and then Lytallion Payne (3), (Drew Merrill (2), Chandler Carthan (2), Samuel Moran (1), Vincent Garcia (1), Boston Wilson (1) and Marquis Monroe (1) all have TD receptions.

So, what’s next?

His coach, Arthur Gracia, stopped by his house on Saturday, and his teammates have either visited with Wilson in person or on the phone. and that means a lot to the 16-year old.

I’m not feeling sorry for myself at all,” Wilson said. “I am trying to stay positive. Coach  Gracia has me watching film and I’m going to be on the sidelines on Thursday. I hope and intend to help in any way I can as sort of a coach if I notice things. We have a TV on our sideline and I hope I’m able to pass along things that I notice in a way that can help.”

Two years from now, Wilson hopes to have locked up a D-1 scholarship and continue his career at the next level, all while pursuing his education.

When his playing days are over, he wants to run his own business, but isn’t sure what kind he wants that to be.

As far as the here and now, what does Wilson want his teammates to  know when they battle Foothill in three days?

Said Bryan Wilson: “I’d  just tell tell them to finish what we started. I think our coaches will put us in a position to win the game and I believe in my guys that they’ll get the job done. One thing that is special about Ayala is that we play each week for each other and that doesn’t stop just because I’m not on the field.  I hope they know how much I wish I could be out there with them, and that I am still going to help in any way I can or any way that is asked of me.”

One thing this writer has witnessed firsthand over the spring and fall season, and that’s  just how special Wilson is on and off the football field.

Quotable:

Ayala senior, Drew Merrill: “I would say Bryan is very mature for being a sophomore and is a great leader and teammate. He takes control of our offense and is not fazed by things that come by his way. I want him to know that he is a great teammate and I’m thankful he is our QB. He always gave his all and kept his composure which was great to watch.”

To view a photo gallery of Wilson, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook

Ayala’s Scores w/Wilson at Quarterback:
2021 Spring Season:
3/18: Ayala 38, Temescal Canyon 14
3/25: Ayala 27, Bonita 0
4/2: Ayala 35 Charter Oak 14
4/9: Ayala 35, Glendora 0
4/16: Ayala 42, Chino Hills 0

2021 Fall Season:
8/20: Ayala 21, Chino Hill 20
8/27: Ayala 35, Los Altos 0
9/2: Ayala 42, Diamond Ranch 7
9/10: Ayala 40, Los Osos 21
9/16: Ayala 42, Tustin 7
9/23: Ayala 31, La Habra 21
10/1: Glendora 21, Ayala 7
10/15: Ayala 24, Alta Loma 6
10/22: Ayala 35, Bonita 14
10/29: Ayala 40, Charter Oak 14
11/4: Ayala at Foothill