FB 2A REG. 15: #3 Monrovia shocks #1 host Ritter, 20-15

By Mike McGraw

Executive Director

For some, this might be getting monotonous. For the Monrovia Bulldogs, it is just one thrill after another.

Third-ranked Monrovia came from behind in the fourth quarter for the third straight game to capture Class 2A Regional 15 honors Nov. 13 with a stunning 20-15 victory over top-ranked Ritter at Marian University. The win pushes the Bulldogs into a semistate affair at home against No. 2 Paoli (13-0) next weekend.

The formula for Monrovia (13-0) never changes. The Bulldogs use a powerful and varied rushing attack and a stiff defense. It is the third time this season they have stifled a high-powered passing attack.

Monrovia struck first with a 19-yard scoring run from senior quarterback Tim Connor in the second quarter, settling for a 6-0 lead after failing on the extra point. The lead would not hold until halftime.

Ritter (11-2) scored late in the half on a run by Michael Timko and led 7-6 at intermission. That was the highlight for the bruising junior, however, as the Bulldogs limited him to a total of 19 yards and 14 touches just one week after he racked up 412 yards of offense and had five TDS against No. 15 rival Speedway.

The squads traded touchdowns in the second half. Garrett Johnson scored from four yards out for Monrovia, and talented senior quarterback Ross Hendrickson tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass for the Raiders.

That led to Monrovia’s final 79-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. They scored the winner on a one-yard plunge by Connor.

Junior Dalton Clements intercepted Hendrickson in Bulldog territory in the final minute to seal the victory. It marked the second consecutive week that an interception led to a Monrovia celebration.

Monrovia rushed for 246 yards on 56 attempts, led by Austin Parks’ 122 yards on 21 carries. It was standard Bulldog football and proved once again that the ground attack is very difficult to stop the first time a team sees it.

Monrovia 0 6 8 6 – 20

Indianapolis Ritter 0 7 0 8 – 15

Monrovia – Tim Connor 19 run (Dean Reeves kick failed)

Ritter – Michael Timko 1 run (Andrew Cairns kick)

Monrovia – Garrett Johnson 4 run (Johnson run)

Ritter – Nick Maled 11 pass from Ross Hendrickson (Maled pass from Hendrickson)

Monrovia – Connor 1 run (2-pt conversion failed)

M R

First Downs 15 13

Rushes-Yards 56-246 21-43

Passing Yards 56 204

Comp-Att-Int 1-2-1 21-30-2