Blanco, Wildcats Crush San Dimas in Semifinals

Finally, an ending that Monrovia can be proud of. The Wildcats defeated San Dimas in the CIF Southern Section Mid-Valley Division semifinals by a score of 47-14.

The victory puts Monrovia in the championship game against Whittier Christian next week and provides closure. The Wildcats finally defeated San Dimas, a team that seemingly had their number the last two seasons.

"We've been waiting for this for a year now," Monrovia quarterback Nick Bueno said. "It feels great. This was my favorite game of the year so far."

Bueno led an explosive Wildcats offense that took advantage of turnovers by the Saints. San Dimas turned it over six times which led to three Monrovia touchdowns.

Bueno was 13 of 22 for 203 yards. Running back Christian Blanco did the dirty work on the ground with 23 carries for 182 yards.

The Wildcats' explosive offense caught fire in the third quarter. San Dimas had just scored a touchdown to make the score 21-14 when Monrovia started flexing its muscles with dominant play along the line of scrimmage.

Bueno scored on a 9-yard run. Monrovia recovered an onside kick on the next play. Bueno threw a perfect strike to receiver Anthony Craft for a 44-yard gain after the recovery.

"I was thinking touchdown," Craft said. "I knew I could get open."

Bueno finished off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown. Craft intercepted a pass thrown by Saints quarterback Shawn Kennedy. Blanco extended the lead with a 3-yard TD run.

By the end of the third quarter, the score was 41-14 and Monrovia never looked back.

"Our line worked their butts off all week during practice for this game," Blanco said. "There were great holes in this game."

Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox said he was proud of his team's ability to turn a close game into a blowout.

"We talked about it at the half and we wanted to finish," Maddox said. "We didn't finish in the last game. They took advantage of our mistakes. We finished this game, most definitely."

The Wildcats gained redemption after losing to San Dimas in the Mid-Valley championship game last year. Then they blew a three-touchdown lead against the Saints earlier this season.

"I think we took advantage of what they gave us," Maddox said. "Our kids came out and they wanted it more. We outplayed them tonight."

San Dimas never got an offense rhythm. Kennedy threw for 104 yards on 9 of 18 passing. Three players carried the ball for the Saints at least six times, but fumbles cut their drives short.

"We're really proud and I know that we'll be back at this point next year," San Dimas coach Bill Zernickow said. "We have to get better this offseason. We'll see Monrovia again next season. It is what it is."

Bueno and Blanco, however, finished their drives strong. Blanco scored three rushing touchdowns. Bueno threw a touchdown pass to Jay Henderson in the first quarter. Bueno also ran for three scores. Henderson had eight catches for 104 yards.

Monrovia's season-long goal is almost within sight. The Wildcats have talked about winning the title every week. Now they have their shot against Whittier Christian.

Last season, Monrovia defeated Whittier Christian, 35-32 in the semifinals.

First quarter

M — Henderson 18 pass from Bueno (Bryant kick)

S — Watts 17 run (kick failed)

Second quarter

M — Bueno 7 run (Bryant kick)

Third quarter

M — Blanco 7 run (Bryant kick)

S — Watts 23 run (Taylor conversion)

M — Bueno 9 run (Bryant kick)

M — Bueno 1 run (Bryant kick)

M — Blanco 3 run (Bryant kick)

Fourth quarter

M — Blanco 7 run (kick failed)

Leaders:

Passing: Monrovia — Bueno (13 of 22, 203 yards); San Dimas — Kennedy (9 of 18, 104 yards).

Rushing: Monrovia — Blanco (23 carries, 182 yards, 2 TDs); San Dimas — Watts (7 carries, 59 yards, 2 TDs).

Receiving: Monrovia — Henderson (8 receptions, 104 yards); San Dimas — Kolbeck (4 receptions, 62 yards).