Above: Ellis McCarthy (18) tackles Arcadia’s Alex McElwee in last week’s game.

UPDATE: As if losing in devastating fashion last week against Arcadia wasn’t enough, Monrovia fans have to deal with another loss heading into Friday’s game against Mid-Valley Divisional rival San Dimas.

Five-star recruit Ellis McCarthy, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound defensive tackle ranked fourth nationally at his position, will miss the game because of a right knee injury suffered late in the fourth quarter last week in the Wildcats’ 30-22 loss to Arcadia.

It’s a double whammy for the Wildcats, who also lost Justin Jones, a junior starting linebacker who separated his right shoulder against Arcadia.

Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox said McCarthy will sit out after taking a helmet to the knee. Maddox also said McCarthy “wasn’t walking tremendously well” the following day.

When reached by phone Tuesday while undergoing therapy, McCarthy said the knee is starting to feel better.

“I know I didn’t break anything,” he said. “The X-rays said it was fine. I just have a sleeve on it.”

McCarthy said he’s going to try to practice today after he sees how he feels. His father, Ed McCarthy, confirmed his son will not undergo an MRI as initially planned.

McCarthy, asked if he would play should the knee heal in time for Friday’s game, wasn’t so sure.

“I don’t think I’m playing,” he said, “but I’m going to try to work it out and get better for next week.”

“If coach Maddox said he’s not going to play,” his father said,