The Ayala football team hasn’t beaten crosstown rival Chino Hills since 2009 and last year it was ugly – 31-0. The Huskies lead the young series 9-3.
There are new coaches on each side with Chris Stevens now heading Chino Hills and A.J. Gracia in charge at Ayala.
The quarterbacks will be a compelling storyline as Chino Hills will start Austin Zavala, a transfer from Ayala.
Meanwhile Ayala will be starting a freshman – Cole McCain, son of assistant coach Matt McCain. Gracia said it was a tough battle with McCain pushed by junior James Linn but in the end he went with the youngster.
“It was a battle all the way and they competed for it,” Gracia said. “Cole just kind of separated himself in the end.”
Linn is still going to be a factor though, starting at safety.
Here’s a rundown of the scores in the series:
2015 – Chino Hills 31, Ayala 0
2014 – Did not play
2013 – Chino Hills 52, Ayala 28
2012 – Chino Hills 49, Ayala 34
2011 – Chino Hills 40, Ayala 17
2010 – Chino Hills 36, Ayala 8
2009 – Chino Hills 14, Ayala 7
2008 – Ayala 18, Chino Hills 17
2007 – Ayala 19, Chino Hills 10
2006 – Chino Hills 42, Ayala 21
2005 – Chino Hills 20, Ayala 7
2004 – Chino Hills 21, Ayala 16
2003 – Ayala 21, Chino Hills 17