Thanks to the Monrovia program for the stats, and Randy Bell for the photo
Football:
One of the biggest questions facing a Monrovia football program that went 10-1 in 2021 was whether Brian Salazar Junior could successfully replace an explosive Noah Rodriguez at quarterback.
And with Rodriguez looking on from the Wildcats’ sideline in a coaching capacity, Salazar has answered any doubts with an emphatic “yes.”
On Thursday night, the Salazar-led offense scored 44 first-half points at previously unbeaten El Rancho, and the Wildcats would cruise to a 58-26 victory.
MHS is now 3-0 to start the 2022 season and they’ve scored 143 points.
Salazar would complete 23 of his 31 pass attempts for 450 yards.
And that included five TD’s.
Future Washington State receiver, Carlos Hernandez, had 230 yards receiving, and a TD.
Marcel Jones rushed for 115 yards on 12 carries.
Jones finished with three TD’s for the Wildcats.
Jaylen Moore and Noah Ellison both had 105 yards receiving.
Moore caught one TD pass and Ellison had two.
Jack Zinn caught a 21-yard TD from Salazar.
Up next: Monrovia will travel to Ayala next Friday in a battle of 3-0 programs.
The Bulldogs defeated visiting Leuzinger, 40-33, on Thursday evening.
Quotable:
Monrovia coach, Chris Williams: “I thought tonight was another slow start on a short week versus a very well coached El Rancho team. We started off a little slow, but made some big plays early to make up for the slow start. I was proud of the effort on the defense side. They were out there a long time against a well coached team. They made our team work. But offensively, Brian Salazar continues to grow and take ownership of his role as the leader on offense. And our wide receiver core (Carlos Hernandez, Jaylen Moore, Noah Ellison and Jack Zinn) present match-ups for an opposing defense. And (running back) Marcel Jones did a good job behind our offensive line. It’s great to see them starting to click. Proud of the effort and our ability to stay focused in a short week.”
Monrovia quarterback, Brian Salazar: “This big game actually started on Monday. We started watching film on El Rancho and worked hard during practice. I saw exactly what I wanted to (cover 0 and man to man). Right then, I knew that I needed to get the ball to my guys on these one-on-one situations, and let them do their thing. Everyone touched it today. Jaylen Moore with one TD, Carlos Hernandez with one, Noah Ellison with 2 TD’s and Jack Zinn had one. Can’t forget Marcel Jones with an amazing game with 2 scores. And our o-line played amazing, keeping me safe and allowing me to get the ball out. That’s what led us to the win today and I can’t take all the credit. We played like a team today and that’s what’s going to make us a great team. It was a good day for defense as well. We started off a little slow but finished strong.”
Monrovia wide receiver/defensive back, Carlos Hernandez: “Today’s win was nothing but grit and determination. We were the hungry team. Offense played to our standards, and put 58 on the board. We successfully ran and passed the ball all night. Our defense had a slow start, but we made some adjustments and started playing like ourselves. Overall, we played the way we should.”
Box Score:
M: 18-26-14-0-(58)
ER: 13-7-6-0-(26)
Records: Monrovia (3-0); El Rancho (2-1)
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