Football upholds winning streak in suspenseful Senior Night game against Monrovia

Story by Gavin Bartolome & Owen Hou
Staff Writers

Photos by Emiko Essmiller & Helena Easterby
Photography Editor & Staff Videographer

The Tigers overcame the Wildcats on Thursday, Oct. 17, celebrating Senior Night. During the game, both teams were kept locked in a fierce battle between an aggressive offense and an impenetrable defense. When asked about the energy of the game, junior wide receiver Ethan Cosylion commented, “The energy was awesome…[we] did amazing, and we won this game…So that’s what it is.”

Starting the first quarter, Monrovia punted the ball deep to the Tigers at the 27-yard line. However, the Tigers failed to secure the ball in time, allowing the Wildcats to recover their punt. Monrovia would then go on to score a touchdown and successful one-point conversion, bringing the score to 7-0 in the Wildcats’ favor. Riding their momentum, Monrovia managed to break through the Tigers’ defense and recover a fumbled ball. 

Although stunned, the Tigers would not be outplayed. Shortly after the Wildcats brought the ball to the 49-yard line, a wild throw allowed junior cornerback Tatem Mendoza to intercept the ball at the 42-yard line. The Tigers then chipped away at the Wildcats’ struggling defense, willing themselves forward. Eventually, the Tigers saw their opening, and junior running back Trey Freking made a stunning play, grazing by the grasp of Wildcat defenders into the end zone. Along with a successful one-point conversion by junior kicker Nicholas Dragonas, the score tied at 7-7.

After the Wildcats received a punt, minimal progress was made, which brought an end to the first quarter. The tension of the game could be felt across the stands, with fans eager to see what else the Tigers had in store.

The Tigers began the second quarter with a strong start, and their defense prevented the Wildcats from making any significant progress; possession was given to the Tigers at the 14-yard line. Once the Tigers began to charge forward, Monrovia was unable to stop them. Sophomore quarterback Andrew Nott began the quarter with a dime to senior wide receiver Jordan Rogers, netting the Tigers a massive 26-yard progression. After this, senior running back David Ortega ran the ball to the Wildcats’ 43-yard line, gaining 13 more yards for the Tigers. By whittling down the defense of their opponents with more running plays, the Tigers found themselves at the 23-yard line. This allowed Freking to run the ball to the 8-yard line, and with one last run, Ortega got the ball into the end zone. This placed the Tigers ahead 14-7 after Dragonas made the one-point conversion.

The Tigers’ victory was short-lived, however, as immediately after, the Wildcats received at the 11-yard line, hungry to even out the game. Slipping past the Tiger defense, Monrovia brought the ball to the end zone in the very same play they gained possession. The Wildcats attempted a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful. 

After catching their breath, the Tigers began at the 35-yard line after Monrovia punted the ball out of bounds. With this early advantage, Freking ran the ball to the Wildcat 37, with Ortega pushing the defense for a further 14 yards gained. Finally, Freking ran the ball to a touchdown, giving the Tigers the lead and bringing the score to 22-13 after the two-point conversion.

Throughout the rest of the second quarter, both teams were unable to make major progress as the defense held strong. The Tigers eventually gained possession due to a series of personal fouls, but were unable to make anything out of it, ultimately failing a field goal to end the quarter.

Starting the third quarter, the Tigers punted the ball to the Wildcats at the 37-yard line. Exploiting the number of open receivers, the Wildcats managed to make several deep passes, eventually scoring a touchdown. Hoping to close the distance between the two teams, the Wildcats attempted a two-point conversion but were frozen in place when faced with insurmountable defense by the Tigers. This left the score 22-19 with the Tigers still in the lead. 

The Tigers immediately put the ball back into play after receiving a punt and driving it down to the 35-yard line through several speedy plays. Building on their success like a domino chain, the Tigers met the Wildcats’ defense head-on, opening a narrow path for Ortega to run the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. Added on by a successful one-point conversion, the score was 29-19. 

Desperate to make up for lost ground, Monrovia made several successful plays and progressed to the 14-yard line. Yet, in the face of a challenge, the Tigers’ defense shone through and halted the Wildcats, forcing them to go for a field goal which was just barely missed. It was as if the air was electrified as the stands erupted in cheers with the game slowly shifting towards the Tigers’ favor. 

The Tigers carried their energy forward, having a quick start for a quicker quarter. Picking up where they left off at the 36-yard line, the Tigers hit the ground running with Freking running the ball to the 46-yard line, capturing an immediate 10 yards for the Tigers. After this play, Ortega and Freking continued to gain short bursts of yardage for the team. However, on one of these opportunities, Monrovia’s defense remained iron-tight, only allowing Ortega to gain a single yard. With one down left to gain 3 yards, the Tigers took a timeout and came back to make the 3 yards after Freking ran the ball, placing the team on the 14-yard line. After this, Freking continued to tear apart the defense, gaining 14 yards and making the touchdown. This brought the game to 36-19 after Dragonas made the one-point conversion. 

Undiscouraged by their opponents, the Wildcats charged down the field toward the end zone. The Tigers’ defense made a valiant effort but were ultimately unable to put a stop to the Wildcats’ progress. Eventually, Monrovia scored a touchdown after a pass into the end zone. The Wildcats also attempted the two-point conversion and failed, but were given a second chance due to the Tigers applying unnecessary roughness. With this opportunity, the Wildcats made a pass and were successful on the two-point conversion, bringing the score to 36-27 with the Tigers still leading. 

After the Tigers received the ball, they made moderate progress down the field but ultimately decided to take the knee after making it to the 23-yard line, ending the game.

Throughout the game, the Tigers controlled the game on offense and defense through a steadfast and sure will. In a postgame interview, Freking claimed the Wildcats had acted disrespectfully pre-game, saying, “It got a fire…in me and…motivated me…to just wreak havoc and just run as hard as I can.”

Overall, the Tigers overcame a neck-and-neck battle in a captivating match full of jaw-dropping outcomes and instantaneous plays. The Tigers continue their winning streak, maintaining their now four-win streak. When asked how the Tigers managed to stay in control of the game, Head Coach Chi commented, “We always tell our guys just one play at a time, just focus on your job…as long as everyone does their job, you’ll see success.”

Hoping to build on their growing streak, the Tigers prepare for their Homecoming match against Temple City on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at home.

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