Season Opener: Monrovia runs past Arcadia in 27-13 win

what a game for the cats. yea they had mistakes but it should be fixed this week. deshawn ramirez plays this week, expecting a big game from this guy. best rb in the area i think soo atleast. he has the speed & the hands to be a great rb he should get most of the carries. should have a great game against duarte.

nick is always gonna bring his A game. should complete more passes & have atleast 100 yards throwing.

defense looks good sooo far
Ellis McCarthy, Grant Haggard, Josh Lowden, Derrick Johnson, Craig Brown & Dujawn Jones alll looked good soo far

what a game for the cats. yea they had mistakes but it should be fixed this week. deshawn ramirez plays this week, expecting a big game from this guy. best rb in the area i think soo atleast. he has the speed & the hands to be a great rb he should get most of the carries. should have a great game against duarte.

nick is always gonna bring his A game. should complete more passes & have atleast 100 yards throwing.

defense looks good sooo far
Ellis McCarthy, Grant Haggard, Josh Lowden, Derrick Johnson, Craig Brown & Dujawn Jones alll looked good soo far

what a game for the cats. yea they had mistakes but it should be fixed this week. deshawn ramirez plays this week, expecting a big game from this guy. best rb in the area i think soo atleast. he has the speed & the hands to be a great rb he should get most of the carries. should have a great game against duarte.

nick is always gonna bring his A game. should complete more passes & have atleast 100 yards throwing.

defense looks good sooo far
Ellis McCarthy, Grant Haggard, Josh Lowden, Derrick Johnson, Craig Brown & Dujawn Jones alll looked good soo far

Between coach D and the gleaming head of Backus - FEEDBACK WILL HAPPEN in Apacheland. This team will be come out of game one without serious damage and get better.

I knew a Greg Cimmarusti, big kid. mid seventies.

Dad of 3,
Unfortunately I believe nothing was told to this player not even when watching film(by Coach D). I do know that a lot of the players where very upset with that player and did let him know. I believe this is what happens when a player really starts to believe he is the best player out in the field, but he must always remember that there is no I in TEAM. I am a true believer in that in order to be a good player you must not only have skills but also a big heart for the game. I was told by a good friend of mine that Maldonado tried staying in for one more play even though he knew something was wrong with his shoulder. Unfortunately he had a broken collarbone an was not able to finish the game, but I can bet u he wanted too. Players should always remember to keep playing until they hear the whistle. No matter if the play didn't go as planned.

Charlie Cimmarustis' father Jerry, played for TC in the 70s.

Hey been awhile but Im glad to hear monrovia is starting on the right foot. 102 yard interception???? Wow what happened there. Monrovia always has speed, no one should be surprised. as far as bueno passing more or wanting him to pass more. Maddox will have him do that when it serves the team best. If they cant stop monrovias run game, then keep running till the cows come home, especially with all the running backs that monrovia is showcasing. the best running back didnt even play???? I think it should be a good season for the cats. Obvious favorites for the rio hondo league back to back champs. And with the weak mid-valley division aka div XI. I dont see why we dont get it this year. The most challenging game should be against San dimas this year. Even if the cats dont get that game, i still say they should win league out-right, and go far in the playoffs. Those asking the cats to having a more balanced offense.....being a run happy team isnt bad when it works Plain&Simple.

Miguel, what are your thoughts on El Rancho beating Wes Cov????? Did you see that coming, when Cordero texted me the score I thought he was telling me a bad joke LOL.

I wasn't at the game but was taken aback by the comment regarding Arcadia's lack of effort after the pick. That's not like a Dimalante-coached team. Maybe some players need to step up and take a leadership role and get on the slackers . And for a key player to just walk off the field is really troublesome. I hope Coach D lets that guy have it in practice this week. It's one thing to be lacking in talent ; it's something altogether different to be lacking in intensity.

GA,

No clue on Cimmarusti's father's name. I do know he gets a lot of family support on game days, always someone yelling out his name. Good luck with Arroyo this week.

annieO,

killer point on the QB "forced" to run on the spread designed option play once the DE commits.
I am wondering if Cimarusti has a father named Greg, if so he is from my dinosaur era of football....just before the comet hit and that damn dust cloud did us all in.

Just wanted to give my 2 cents concerning the Arcadia/Monrovia game. Both teams definitely still have a few things to iron out. Tuck threw the ball well, too bad about all those dropped passes. Maldonado looks real good for AHS. I hope he heals quickly. I'm a little concerned about the interception that was returned for 102 yards, seemed like half of the Arcadia players quit before the whistle was blown, specially one of their key players who just walked off the field and didn't bother giving chase.

To address some of the concern of Bueno running the ball too much. I agree, I wish he didn't have to run the ball so much. But what we need to understand is, Monrovia is running a spread READ option offense. If Arcadia's defensive end keeps biting on the tailback, Bueno has no choice but to pull the ball back and run with it. That's how the offense works. Someone else mentioned that they wished Monrovia had more of a balanced attack. First of all, it's the first game of the season, let's not show all our cards just yet. Second, if our running game is averaging 9+ yards each play, do we really need to throw the ball? Let them slow down our running game first, then we'll show them our passing game.

Johnson is a load, nice complement to Bueno's style of running. He looked like he averaged at least 10 yards every time he touched the ball. Brown is tenacious with or without the ball. He had a great block for Bueno on the 60 yard run, as well did Stelly. Both of them laid out their blocks to help free up Bueno. That's what I liked the most about the game, Monrovia played to the whistle on every play. The defense looked good and fast to the ball, everyone, but still needs some work. At times they were a bit too aggressive. Watch out for that TE sneaking out on short yardage. Once baseball stud De La Nuez, gets a little more playing time under his belt, he is going to be a monster. Haggard, Lowden, McCarthy, Johnson, Cimmarusti, Velasco, Jones and crew.. I'm excited about this season. Can't wait to see Bouligny and Ramirez. If these two are just as fast in pads as they were during passing league, all of us Wildcat fans are in for a good ride.

SP played Rosemead straight up on Friday. both teams scored a couple of TDs. much better result for SP than last year when they got completely dismantled by Rosemead. Bednarski showed his wheels on a couple of nice runs, along with Serrian running strong too. Newbie receivers for SP made a few good grabs, one a long run for a TD. SP defense seemed to get into gear after a shaky start. cant wait for Friday and the match up with SG.

Goldenarm,

I like Nevada's "pistol" formation. It appears to give the back more momentum on taking the handoff, while allowing the QB to go from the gun.

Hi,
Can i get a one small picture from your blog?

tc champs

fast forward one blog topic and see the scrimmage comments.

we had our moments...I am still getting used to that one "companion" back set up. In the shotgun, the QB rubs elbows with the back next to him - and the handoffs look like a street drug transaction when the dealer transfers his bag of goodies to the buyer, who then quickly hides the stash and attempts to walk briskly away. The cops watching are not fooled, because the buyer was the ONLY DUDE around...so they nail him quickly.
This is similar to handoffs and runs from spread so far, nobody is fooled and Max gets nailed. There were occassional plays that showed promise - but their is little visible timing right now and only a little push by our line. Hopefully it will all come together by Friday.

Monte Dolack: You won't see Maldonado next week, because he broke his collar bone during the game on a hit by Johnson. He's out 3-4 weeks, possibly more.

Anybody got a TC scrimmage review. I'm out of town and need a fix, Throw an old dog a bone.

Well when it all comes down to the running game for the apachies this name doesnt slip the mind #3 Maldonado hes the best ive seen in the back field that put on marron and gold .. be sides his sizes he runs like a bat out of hell if i dont sayy so myy self ...
gaining 80 t0 100 yards from the back field on two of the hardes linebackers #55 Lowden & #6 Johnson for a RB his size he most definitly showed some heart and proved his self to the D1 coaches....

cant wait to watch him play next week ... keep it up!

when it comes down to the running gain i think the ones that will get it done in the next couple games on the field and not so much in the blogg is #27 Ramirez small but very much elusive back can handle his self in the back field on the varsity level i believe...
#6 Johnson showed his ability off to the maxx lastnight proving to the crowd for the bigg back that he can move quite fast and not just run the ball but show out!! on the other side of the ball i mean he was every where. on most tackles from what i seen and for the blogger that thinks hes slow i dont know who he was looking at for a 235 RB he looks great out there...

Look for these to plus Bueno to lead this team in a great season...

Way to go Monrovia and congratulations coach Maddox, from a Bulldog friend. Hope you and your Wildcats have a great season.

Bueno is actually a pretty good passer and the coaches know that. However, the game plan last night was to see what Craig Brown and Derrick Johnson can do on the varsity level. When some of they key offensive players come back to the mix, they will open things up more.

Let's GO LANCERS!!! REDEMPTION!!!

2 of M-towns' main running backs didn't play Thursday due to minor injuries. They should be good to go for next week. When those two guys are back in the line up, they won't need Bueno to run so much. One of the coaches told me after the game that they didn't throw the ball much, because they didn't need to. And lastly, Johnson looked pretty good running the ball for a 235 lb RB. He will be wearing down defenses that would open it up for speedsters like Bueno, Ramirez and Bouligny.

Bueno only complete two passes but had 200 yards on the ground and two TDs.

I don't think you can underscore Derrick Johnson's effort. As the season goes on, hes going to get better.

I think you're wrong Reno, he was very agile and very effective. With someone like him, he's not your shifty guy (in which I'm assuming Ramirez is). He's gonna hit his lanes, put his head down and get those yards. And he's not slow. He doesn't have sprinter speed, but he's no slouch.

Goldenarm brought up a good point about Bueno going out there and leading his team in rushing. While he's exciting as hell to watch, if he continues to put himself out there, he's going to get hurt. And not in a sense in being hurt and he can't play, but hurt to the point where he becomes ineffective because he's not 100%.

The young man is talented but he'll become more effective if he can bring some balance to his game.

I take my hat (and smoke googles) off to coach Maddox for sidelining those players NOT willing to toe the line as far as team responsibilities.

This is a hard thing to do, to take a game changing player and sit him. Parents, fans, even other coaches piss and moan about having a big gun or starters pulled from the line-up. From what I have heard - Maddox has taken this road from the beginning. It is just another facet in what will push Monrovia up and over when the time comes. You can't have discipline differ from player to player - not if you ever expect discipline to be effective across the board.

Wish I was there. Thanks to all for some excellent recapping.

#45 Grant Haggard
Haggard is a real football player. He could FB/OL/TE/DL/LB and play at a high level. #6 Johnson had a OL surge for his lanes. He didn't create or have vision. Bueno's escapability key factor for Wildcats. The 102 Int. return was sick on both sides. Great for M-Town as any turnover can be a quick 6 for the 'Cats. Bad for Arcadia as they were waiting for the whistle. Jones easily could have been tackled close to goal line or stripped if the Apaches had shown any awareness. Much imorovement need for both teams needed if they are to reach their seasonal goals.

mm for the win. great blog, always interesting! love it

SP and Rosemead scrimmage tonight, smoke permitting

Arcadia will get better. MM, thanks for the super article.

Romball, Tuck played one hell of a game. Tuck did throw some dimes to the receivers that they dropped. I thought Bueno was good. He is a better runner than thrower.

The Good, The Bad & the Ugly!!!

Listening to Reno, you would have thought the game was played in the back of a barn in Somewhere in Barstow.

THE GOOD ;

#4 NICK BUENO: Showed incredible speed and decision making, definitely an offensive threat no matter how he directs his game or how he decides to distribute the football.

#6 DERRICK JOHNSON: Big, Strong & very Consistent with his carries. Each time he carried the ball he averaged no less than 9 yards per carry always moving forward. He will be a real asset come league at fullback or just run blocking in front of De'Shawn Ramirez. But if Monrovia went to the Bully offense this guy could play his game and still put the game out of reach with his power running.

#45 GRANT HAGGARD: Complete player on the D, Matt met Arcadia's running back head on making coaching on the Arcadia's sideline more difficult. Now a senior he has found a completeness in his game that should land him several looks from D1 schools.

#55 JOSH LOWDEN: Although Maddox played Lowden very sparingly on D his impact was felt in the third quarter when he met Maldonado at the line with a game changing hit. I don't think Maldonado ever really recovered from that hit. I noticed that the Arcadia running became very tentative from that point on.

#8 Ellis McCarthy: Great first Varsity game. D1 future written all over this guy if he can play to his potential game in and game out. Two Sacks on the night topped off by a blocked pass. This Kid is only going to get better. I can also see him playing great on the offensive side of the ball as well.

#% Dujawn Jones: What can you say about this guy, May be the 2nd best DB in the area, Good hands and good speed. I would love to see him become the prime receiver for Bueno's arsenal of receivers. this kid has unlimited potential on both sides of the ball.

All in All the Cats showed a lot of promise under the circumstances of the fire and starting a day earlier on location.

THE BAD

Monrovia's offensive scheme need to be more perfected with the passing game. We have several receivers that can take it to the house, once this part of the game is fine tuned we will be the hunted in the Mid-Valley Div.

THE UGLY:
Quite a few Monrovia players were sidelined wearing just their game jerseys possibly from injuries or even disciplinary reasons. Hopefully by the next game we will see more of the teams potential and where our new team leaders will contribute throughout the season.

PS: Goldenarm
Ruckle should have a field day with your line. If I were TC, I would be more concerned about your D against the pass. If you guys play Arcadia with just your running game you should come out on top by 14-21 pts. Good Luck with Arroyo

Speaking The Truth: Thanks for the hits. Numbers are through the roof!!!

I agree with Journalism 101. I want Scott back!

The turnout was fairly mild from an M-town standpoint. I have seen them travel much better. I know I was hyped to get some high school football in. The Arcadia crowd was real small.

A couple comments about the game...

Bueno is no joke, and the rumor is he is an outstanding cornerback as well. That was a great hit he put on the tackler after the long run.

The Arcadia QB played well IMO. He had tons of dropped passes. His throws were accurate and on the way before the receivers even made their break. They were taking what the D gave them but when the field shrunk, their lack of a running game made it a little more difficult to pass.
Monrovia's D played very aggressive, a little too aggressive IMO. This led to the first Arcadia TD which was a play action pass to a TE? (Or a RB, believe it was #46) Either way he was all alone 3 times in the end zone. 1 TD, 1 called back TD, and he got a killer cramp in the end zone while he was trying to catch the pass.

El Monte / Rams scrimmage at 5pm tonight....but this morning the air is heavy with wet smoke stink and pretty damn nasty. Hopefully the scrimmage goes on somewhere and does not get cancelled...because I know we need it.

The air was worse today than yesterday, so while containment on the fire is better, air quality seemed not to be.

Can someone describe the "crowd" turnout at the Mon/Arc game?

Reno,

Thanks for being politically incorrect and supplying the bottom line as you see it. You and TC champs are on speed dial when it comes time to access the THC cloud.
Glad to hear the Rams staff was there in force - unfortunately GA was working.

Word was Bueno would get more touches - but to become a primary ballcarrier...this may be the first time disagree with a Maddox move.
It is a long season and keeping your experienced #1 QB in good shape to direct the offense - should be priority. Monrovia does not need Bueno to rush for 150 yds a game to win games - but they need him all year to run the offense. Just my opinion...even with Ramirez sidelined (no missing practices with mr maddox in town boys)
36 is plenty of passes - and indicative that the Apaches could not block or sustain a run attack against the M-town D...is this the case? Attention TC coaches....102 yd interception return?? You better at least try to bang that D before throwing into it!

Conditioning had to be a big factor. Both teams will grow off this game...hopefully no injuries. How many completions for Bueno?

Good looking out, Apache Joe.

Journalism 101: Sometimes when you only have 12 minutes to write a story with deadline approaching you get a brain fart. No biggy. You brush it off and try again. There's always another story to write you'll end up reading here. Thanks for reading!

The Apaches took the lead 7-6, not pulled within one. If you wish to be be a credible journalist, get the who, what, when, where, why, and how correct. The six points that Monrovia had (due to a mixed extra point) forced the two point try later. That two point try failed, hence the 12-7 score at halftime. You can get a basic class at any community college. Some are offered online.

The Station Fire Bong Cloud

Definitely settled over this evening as both teams looked out of sorts. The Apaches screwed up some scoring chances while the Wildcats relied on three big plays. Take those out and it is a 7-6 dudfest. Yes, Bueno run for two big scores and what else? Apaches had close or over 300 yards total offense but faltered in the redzone. Monrovia's Big Back (#6) is slooooow. Penalties galore on both sides, not counting the penalties missed by the three blind mice dressed as zebras. Reno is positive that both teams will improve as there is nothing left to burn from the 14 to the 210 to the 15 or (is it the 395?) and be able to practice. Both teams will get fresh starts to correct mistakes this week and be improved teams for game #2. Is either team real at this point? NO.

Whoever that Arcadia fan is should shut their trap. So ridiculous for MM who does a great job covering the area, especially Arcadia.

I wasn't able to attend the game but I heard Bueno played a great game. Tuck had a relatively good game from what I hear and that is promising. Hopefully Arcadia learns and continues to progress.

How did Ramirez look for Monrovia? How did Lowden look?

What school are you covering tomorrow MM?

Bouligny has a mild ankle sprain and Ramirez has a deep thigh bruise. They should be good to go for next week.

Just wondering: Osmund Bouligny, the Maranatha transfer, did not play from what I can recall.

Can anyone from Monrovia comment on the kid that transfered from Maranatha,how did he do?

It was a great showing for the wildcats in their first game. All I have to say is muy BUENO he is real. I mean I no I wasn't the only one to see him demolish a would be tackler by dipping his shoulder and steam rolling him. Watch out for monrovia.
Congrats good win

If I was Apache fan I'd be pissed. The kids have to learn how to finish. They had Rovia a couple times, but didn't capitalize. They let em right back into the game. And teams are going to learn that if you give the Cats too many chances...they're gonna burn you. They're beatable, but you can't let them get into a rhythm...oh, and stop Nick "Tebow" Bueno at all costs.

Thanks all for the updates-for a mom sitting at home its great to know whats going on

apache pride, how about stop paying attention to the rankings and just hope Arcadia actually even makes it to CIF. let the teams' play speak for themselves man.

I want to know what that apache fan has to say now....

Geez Melendez you gotta crystal ball? 27-13 Monrovia is pretty close to what you predicted.
Can't wait to see you write it up.

Jones picks off Arcadia in the end zone then takes it to the house 100 yds....2pt conversion good...27-7...its over.

Mas Bueno por favor....he just broke off a 60 suttin run to put the Wildcats up 19-7.

Not impressed with Brown at TB....think Johnson (#6) should be getting most of the touches.

McCarthy is a raw beast...he's gonna be good...only a sophomore.

At the end of the third quarter rovia 12 apaches 7

Arcaidia showed signs of life but with an illegal man down field they were declined a touchdown on the persuing play the apaches missed a fieldgoal.

Good news found brooke hogans look a like

Apaches squander a chance to go up on Rovia...then a missed FG...still 12-7

Monrovia will get the ball to start the 2nd half look for a big dose bueno the 2nd half.
The rams of temple city and the spirits of lancaster are enjoying a great showing of the first game of mid valley football.

Nice to see the TC staff in the house....Goldenarm, you can rest. The guys are sizing up the competition and taking notes....oh, and eating nachos.

Monrovia leads 12-7 at the half. Score should be 21-7 if not for the Wildcats getting intercepted in the end zone with 3 seconds left in the 2 Qrt. Wildcats missed a PAT and 2-point conversion. Bueno is Good!!

Monrovia 12 - Arcadia 7 at the half Bueno is the man!

12-7 Rovia...they almost scored again to end the half, but Bueno was picked off in the endzone....Nick trucked someone earlier in the half...talk about Rovia's lil Tebow!!!!

Monrovia looks good going into halftime. Nick bueno is carring the load for the wildcats as his legs are a great asset to the team.monrovia goes into halftime up 12 to 7.

Hi ted

Apache Pride: You'll be happy to know I just turned in my letter of resignation, my second paragraph stating the rankings, placing Monrovia at No. 2 ... lol NOT! Thanks for reading AP! .... I've arrived in the OC. 1 hour til kickoff!!!!

Why do you guys always whine when Monrovia gets a little respect? Arcadia and St. Francis has gotten praised year after year and done nothing!

Get used to it.

Hey Miguel,
I think its absolutely pathetic that you have Monrovia #2 in the area. They are hyped up every year and they suck. It is also a joke and a slap in the face to Arcadia that you have them ranked #8 in the area behind Temple City. Miguel you should be fired for ranking St. Francis behind Monrovia. Unbelievable. I thought you somewhat had a clue what you were doing until I read the rankings...

san gabriel vs cathedral
changed to MARK KEPPEL FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7 PM

I agree with NY. Monrovia should win this game, but with the change of venue and moving the game up a day it can do a lot to players preparation. With the field not being in top condition this might even a few things out. Look for Arcadia to come out gunning after reading all week/summer that they shouldn't win this game. God bless football season!!

The answer is "Yes." Arcadia has beaten us by a big margin two years running. However, I think Monrovia should and will win. That said, I have not seen the Apaches so my assessment is limited, based solely on Monrovia's depth on the field and impressive organization. I know Arcadia will be well prepared and will likely be able to come out in mid-season form.

I hope Monrovia does not waste time trying to finesse these guys. We have some physical impact players that need to be let loose and run wild.

Good luck to all. Enjoy the season.