Bad sign? Monrovia already going to the “motivational video” and it’s only Week 1 …

After four quarters’ worth of results, it’s hard to tell just how good the Bonita High School football team is. And for that matter, how good Monrovia isn’t.

Lots more will be made clear when the two Central Division contenders meet on Friday night in a game that should go a long way in telling area fans the quality of both teams. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Monrovia High.

Bonita started off the season with a resounding 49-2 win over Schurr last Friday night. Meanwhile, across town, Monrovia was beaten by a Burbank team that not many picked to win that game.

“They had a rough first game and that happens,” Bonita head coach Adrian Medrano said. of Monrovia. “To think that they’re going to be down or anything like that is foolish. They’re going to come out hungry after a loss like that.”

Bonita knows first hand just how good Monrovia can be when all cylinders are cranking. The Wildcats handed the Bearcats arguably their worst loss last season with a 35-3 thrashing. It’s game that Medrano is certain his team hasn’t forgotten about.

“We turned the ball over a lot in the red zone that game and gave up a lot of big plays,” Medrano said. “And once they get rolling, Monrovia’s tough to stop. They’re not a team you can give an edge to.”

Bonita went on to have an interesting season following last year’s Monrovia loss. The Bearcats needed an at-large berth to get in the playoffs, but once in, they advanced to the semifinals. Monrovia, despite a high seeding, was out in the second round.

Quarterback Tanner East is a big reason why Bonita fans are thinking an even bigger season is in store. East threw for two touchdowns in the win over Schurr. Monrovia will counter with veteran quarterback Asaph Zamora.