MD Classic II: Monrovia-Duarte
The rivalry between Monrovia and Duarte created the inaugural MD Classic, won by the Wildcats 14-6 on Sept 12. Now for the first time in history, the two schools will meet in the playoffs when Duarte (6-5) hosts Rio Hondo League champion Monrovia (9-2) in a Mid-Valley Division quarterfinal game Friday at 7 p.m.
"That's crazy," Falcons coach Wardell Crutchfield said. "It's always such a tense and emotional game, and now you're adding a playoff atmosphere to it. It will be exciting."
The Falcons' surprising 38-30 first-round win over L.A. Baptist has Crutchfield feeling Friday's game could be different. In their first meeting against Monrovia, junior running back Jordan Canada was slowed by a hamstring injury and finished with just 41 yards on 10 carries. Canada missed the following three games, but he's been one of the best in the Valley since his return with two 300-yard plus games and a 224-yard, three touchdown performance in Saturday's win over L.A. Baptist. The Falcons also didn't have center Eduardo Agundez, lineman Tim Starr and Mauricio Lopez in their first meeting because of injuries. "Jordan should have never played, that's what set him back," Crutchfield said. "But it was Monrovia, so he gutted it out. "We're a totally different team now, but so is Monrovia. They're playing as well as anyone. They've got their Wing T going. But we like our chances with (Canada) healthy. He's really looking forward to playing them again." Crutchfield's chief concern is Monrovia running back Marquise Williams, averaging 157 yards rushing. "We've got to hit him early to shake up his confidence," Crutchfield said. "You don't want to let him get going." If Duarte wins, there's a good chance the Montview League could have two teams in the semifinals. Montview champion Azusa hosts Temple City on Friday at Citrus College. "That would be unbelievable," Crutchfield said. "The kids hear a lot of this and that about our league. That would be a statement in itself." With Pasadadena High's Kevin Mills resigning last week, Crutchfield
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Miguel Melendez's prep blog
In the Huddle
ESPN
OC Varsity
San Bernardino Sun Preps
LA times Varsity Blog
Daily Bulletin Preps
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College Level Athletes
Thanks BigM.
Falcon truly is the new Turkey.
Regarding West Covina and Coach Maddox at Monrovia: Another interesting parallel is that the 2004 West Covina team also had a sophomore QB, just like Monrovia does this year.
"Falcon is the new Turkey"
- NY
LOL @ Canada from MTown. Both teams especially MTown is full of kids from either side of Mountain. And lesser competition? Duarte played a tougher schedule than Monrovia. It should be a close good game.
Boomer...
Funny that you mention the '04 West Cov team...their DC is now Monrovia's Head Coach and is on his way to another Div title.
And to correct you, its MONROVIA that needs to keep up with Canada...and that won't be a problem. Don't forget that he's from M-Town and chose the less competitive road on the other side of Mountain Ave.
Because of the rivalry emotions, Cats in a close one.
wow, 2 different playoff games of montview vs rio hondo, not to mention theres two valle vista teams in the playoffs. i think both rio hondo teams are going down, and in the semis it will be montview vs. valle vista. i really like azusas chances against temple city. i don't think temple city has anyone as good or as fast as canada from duarte, and the aztecs did an outstanding job stopping him. i think the score will be similar to the duarte game. let me take you guys back to 2004 when west covina got their first playoff win in 13 years against orange in overtime by a touchdown, they came back the next round with lots of momentum from that playoff win and beat sante fe in the 2nd round 35-0. then beating walnut in the semis, and knocking off south hills to win the title. i wouldn't be suprised if the aztecs have a year just like that. just because they aren't a anual playoff contender doesn't mean its gonna effect them now. i just hope they don't run into a wall against san dimas. good luck aztecs, you got love from the lobo nation. make the montview league pround and shut up all the critics.
Just a fan!!! How about JUST IN IDIOT! That's the same smack i've been hearing all season long about AZUSA. Keep talking your smack, IT just pumps up the team!Thank you! You know, you sound like a snot nose little brat! OOOOOOOOO i'm tired of seeing AZUSA in the paper.HAHAHAHAHH! Why don't you write Fred and Steve and tell them your going to hold your breath, until they STOP writing about AZUSA. Look at you, calling out all these players, and saying they all suck. YEAH RIGHT.LOL.. You could only dream about doing what these players have done on the field. What have you done on the football field superstar? but, do you know what's funny, you know all these players names, so you must be attending the AZUSA games?huh...
The only smart thing you said was" juss be glad you are where you are" Oh yeah, we are!I mean how could we not be! Do me a favor, why don't you have someone go over your little hate message before you send it. (JUSS) or JUST??? Dam, I can't even understand some of the shi* your trying too say???GOOD NIGHT FOOL.
AZUSA AZTECS!
AZTEC PRIDE!
It will all be on the ground Friday...but Canada is only one. M-Town's 4-headed monster is too tough to key.
Williams, Cole, Boggs, Bueno...pick your poison, Duarte and swallow.
wow!!! 2 montview teams in the semi's?!?!? come on freddy are u serious?!?!? Duarte is going to get smashed on by the CATS!! and not to mention the sorry ASStecs.. The rams will have thier way with them without a doubt the real question is how bad will the rams rubb it in though... im tired of hearin about all these kids Gatea Zaragosa Ochoa Arceo Medina etc... None of these kids would start for any other team that are still in the playoffs... I mean i know that sounds bad but whatever im tired of seein Azusa all over the paper they have done absoultey nothing... they beat a Hurt covina if ythe qb would have stayed in covina still would be in the playoffs!! it really does suck for covina.. But thats how it goes oh and mr. Aztec pride stop saying how good arceo is what is he ur son or something??? MAX preps has him at 13.5 sacks lol what a joke you wish it was 3.5 and saying Zaragosa is one of the top recievers in the valley?!? stop it!! hes scared and skinny... Gaeta is just terrible i seen him in the playoff game not impressive HE SCARED TOO... Ochoa man i read something about him earlier in the year you wrote on how he will hit anyone?!?!? what do you mean anyone but the other team?? lol he is so slow and skinny and little!! but wow Aztec come on stop hyping up these kids who have one last day of practice and one game left... juss be glad you are where you are!!!!!
CHINGOOOOOON!
Good luck FRIDAY!
Did you go too the game last Friday at Citrus, and watch the AZTECAS? I'm on cloud 9! Oh yeahhhhhhhhh!
Take it easy, and I hope your boy does good!
AZTEC PRIDE!
Bring on the Falcons.
Cats enjoy eating a Bird or 11 !!
Go Falcons...
Beat the kitty's down.
One word of advice regarding Marquise Williams...he does not lose confidence when you "hit him early".
Whether his 1st carry or his 31st he can take it to the house at anytime.
He may look discouraged when hit for no gain, but on the next play you won't be able to see discouragement in his face, because all you will see is the back of his jersey headed for the goal line.
Key on him at your peril, since M-town now has DJ Cole, Cushman and others capable of ripping good runs as well. Even with Duarte healthy, M-town will get their yardage.
Duarte will also be seeing the best defensive line they have faced all year, and Josh Lowden has unreal range as a linebacker. If M-town has a weakness it may be in the defensive secondary...but I cannot see Monrovia's defensive unit getting pounded.
If Duarte can score early and get a turnover or two, they have a shot. Otherwise M-town rolls 28 -10.
Oh yeah...I see you already have penciled in Azusa. Just a reminder, they have one game to play first......
Hmmm....seems like West Covina's old assistant coach has been pretty succesful this year and wish him goodluck in the playoffs