On The Defensive

It's practice time for Monrovia and defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy is flexing some muscle on the field. He's not showing off biceps — the 6-foot-5, 295-pound junior is making plays.

Busting through the line, overwhelming ball carriers, it's a sight that's often seen on game day. On one play, McCarthy tracks down one of his teammates and tosses him to the ground.

McCarthy's teammate goes flying; McCarthy, however, didn't use a lot of strength, yet he still manhandled the running back.

The same way Monrovia has manhandled many opponents this year. The Wildcats' defense has been stout this season and they have gotten better as the year has progressed.

During one three-game stretch, Monrovia's counterparts didn't scratch the scoreboard. Blair, San Marino and Temple City all had goose eggs. 

Sure, it's the offense that opens eyes, but the Wildcats' defense has created better field position and shifted momentum in games.

In Rio Hondo League play, La Cañada mustered only 10 points in the regular season finale. La Cañada is a playoff team this year. So is Temple City, who played Monrovia tough, but still became a shutout victim. Temple City finished second in league.

"I think we're pretty good. We get a lot of stops and hold them to very little," McCarthy said.

Up front, McCarthy bullies the other team's offensive line. The proof is in his stats: McCarthy leads the Wildcats with 11 sacks. He also has 44 tackles, which is third best on the team.

But Monrovia's dominance isn't all in the trenches. It has playmakers all over the field. The secondary is extremely athletic.

"We feel good with winning the league championship and everything," defensive back Jay Henderson said. "We just got to keep pushing forward. We've been working hard on defense."

Henderson is a speedster. He also starts at wide receiver. At 6-foot-2 and 178 pounds, Henderson has the quickness to stay with any athlete. The senior leads the team in interceptions with two.

Senior linebacker Derrick Johnson leads Monrovia with 59 tackles. Defensive back Charlie Cimmarusti is second with 46.

Monrovia has experience on defense, but youth is on its side as well. Three sophomores start and Wildcats coach Ryan Maddox has praised their development.

"I can't say enough about them," Maddox said. "They're all excellent. George Frazier, Anthony Craft and Brett Walsh have all grown as football players.

"They're starters who have gotten better all season. That's what the ultimate goal is for all of our kids. We want to get better every day."

The sophomores have contributed to this stingy defense. Frazier is the No. 4 tackler on the team with 33. Craft and Walsh have 16 tackles and 22 tackles, respectively.