L-R: Andrew Monarrez, Isaac Cordova, and Bobby Gazmarian By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor There are so many people and reasons why St. Francis heads into Thursday’s home Angelus League contest with Harvard-Westlake unbeaten at 8-0. First, obviously the stars of the show. Two-way starters Elijah Washington, Greg Dulcich, Blake Howard, and quarterback Darius Perrantes. Don’t […]
L-R: Andrew Monarrez, Isaac Cordova, and Bobby Gazmarian
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
There are so many people and reasons why St. Francis heads into Thursday’s home Angelus League contest with Harvard-Westlake unbeaten at 8-0.
First, obviously the stars of the show.
Two-way starters Elijah Washington, Greg Dulcich, Blake Howard, and quarterback Darius Perrantes.
Don’t forget sophomore running back Kevin Armstead or senior captain and two-way starter Matt Barriga, or defensive end Gabriel Grbavac.
But to a man, the players and coaching staff will tell you that St. Francis is perfect in 2017 because of seniors like Andrew Monarrez, Isaac Cordova and Bobby Gazmarian.
None of the three are physically intimidating at first glance.
Well, to be fair, Gazmarian’s abs would probably make some jealous.
But to be serious, despite none possessing incredible size or overly blazing speed, all three are enormous in supporting roles for coach Jim Bonds’ program.
They are, however, much quicker, stronger and more athletic than given credit for, and as important, they are all three incredibly intelligent, humble and appreciative young men.
Their knowledge of the game and ability to read an opponents tendencies, as well as their willingness to watch hours of film to prepare give them a leg up on St. Francis rivals.
The Golden Knights finds itself just one victory over the Wolverines from getting that much coveted rematch with Cathedral in Week 10, and with everything on the line.
But for now, Harvard-Westlake has the 24-7 attention of the entire St. Francis team, and the Golden Knights’ seniors will, as always, play big roles if this dream season is to continue without a loss..
Andrew Monarrez. Photo credit: Ryan Tomey
Andrew Monarrez is all of about 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds, and it doesn’t even look like he has to shave yet.
But Monarrez at any moment can be a game changer thanks to his deceiving speed, strength, athleticism, and he also possesses an enormously high football IQ.
A disclaimer before giving stats for any of these three, or, in fact anyone on their roster is that in 8 games, seven have been blowouts, and no one ever gets a chance to pad their stats by playing four quarters.
And keep in mind, Monarrez, Cordova and Gamarian’s worth goes miles beyond what is picked up on a stat sheet.
Monarrez has 11 catches for 122 yards and two TD receptions this season, he does some punt returning and he’s more than ready to fill in for the Golden Knights in their defensive backfield.
In fact, last season, Monarrez was called on late and closed out the one-score Salesian win as he intercepted the game’s final pass in the end zone.
Bonds as well as his players all say Monarrez runs the most crisp routes and he’s got the program’s best and ‘sure’ hands of any receiver.
“Andrew has made some incredible catches that have helped us to get to this point. I still believe he will have a huge break-out game in the weeks to come,” Bonds said. “His knowledge of the offense has put him in the game in more of our packages and he has a great knack for getting open. Andrew’s great hands also placed him back on punt returns, which is a job only a few are willing to take on.”
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but each of these three St. Francis players is smart, dedicated and each come from very strong and loving family’s.
Monarrez is no different.
His parents, Susan and Joe, and sister, Marissa, are what makes him go, and his biggest fans are his grandparents on both sides, who attend every game.
Joe Monarrez is in his 22nd year at St. Francis as not only the receivers coach, he is the director of admissions and a counselor, and his mother is an interior designer and a part-time substitute teacher.
“My parents did a really good job raising me in that they showed me love, and structure and discipline, but they also let me make most of my own decisions and then I have to deal with the consequences,” he said.
Andrew Monarrez has a 3.7 GPA and like Gazmarian and Cordova, they are all people you want in public representing your program, because they all carry themselves with dignity and are very accountable people.
He says his favorite team moment, like many others (teammates), is the victory last season over La Serna on the road, because of the bad memories the Lancers had caused the Golden Knights, especially in the playoffs.
St. Francis smashed La Serna, 49-20, this year too, in a game they led 42-0.
Individually, making the game-saving pick was his most memorable as a player.
“It’s an honor to play for this program, going to this school and to have the brothers I have on my football team,” Monarrez said. “These are all guys who love each other and sacrifice for the greater good. Having my dad around on the field makes it even more special and my family is always there to root us on.”
Monarrez hopes to take his talents, character, intellect and loyalty with him next season to play at the next level, but while not sure what will happen in his career, he knows he’d like to own his own business in a field that helps improve the lives of his fellow citizens.
Bobby Gazmarian. Photo credit: Ryan Tomey
Bobby Gazmarian is the most imposing of the three.
He isn’t tall (5-foot-9 or so) but he’s rocked up and looks the part.
Gazmarian is shorter than almost any receiver he’s covering, but he is the guy his coaches and teammates trust to stick on an opponent’s No. 1 receiver.
They call him the “lockdown” defensive back and he’s continued to do that over the past two seasons.
He has 20 tackles this season, two interceptions, including a Pick-6 that started the route over La Serna.
Gazmarian also averages over 30 yards per return on kickoffs and he does some punt returning as well.
Last season, Gazmarian was third in tackles with 55, behind Maxx Jakeway’s 78, and Will Mudie and Daniel Scott tied for second with 70.
He was also second with 3 interceptions, behind Scott’s 5.
His versatility is one of Gazmarian’s greatest traits, and that included a 90-yard kickoff return for a TD last season in the first quarter against La Salle that completely changed the momentum of the game after the Lancers had taken the first drive and worked a lot of clock to get on the board first.
He’s described as quick, strong, smart, loyal and selfless.
In fact, when asked if he ever craves the headlines or accolades, Gazmarian kind of shrugged it off, and said “team work makes the team work.”
“I just accept my role and appreciate the trust and respect my coaches and teammates place in me,” Gazmarian said. “I love playing on the defensive side of the ball, because I like to hit people. It’s exhilarating, and I love the challenge to try and shut down another team’s best guy.”
Gazmarian is another very bright, very respectful and humble guy from a strong family that is run by Bob and Gayla Gazmarian.
He’s also the proud and protective brother of sisters Courtney, Lexy and Brianna.
Bobby was destined for greatness well before he put on cleats and a helmet, coming from parents that are both doctors.
“I want my parents to know I’m so thankful that they always were there to support me and our family,” Gazmarian said.
“Bobby has been unbelievable in pass coverage. He has garnered a ton of respect from our opponents in that they rarely throw the ball in his direction,” Bonds said. “Bobby is also one of our biggest speed threats with the ball in his hands. Whether it’s on a kick return or an offensive play, Bobby is something our opponents are always concerned about.”
He too is “we” not “I” in that whatever is best for the Golden Knights is what Gazmarian wants to do.
His love for his school, teachers, coaches and teammates is beyond breakable and he’s appreciative and humbled for having them in his life.
Isaac Cordova. Photo credit: Ryan Tomey
Isaac Cordova might be, in some way the least noticeable, because he’s typically in the scrum making blocks you’ll never see in a stat sheet.
But every championship team wants, and more importantly needs guys like Cordova.
He does have 11 catches for 236 yards and 2 TD receptions. He also has good hands, deceiving speed and runs solid routes.
On the defensive side of the ball, Cordova does have 20 tackles, a pick, and he’s a very solid tackler.
But arguably where Cordova is most valuable is down field making blocks to open up holes for running backs Elijah Washington and Kevin Armstead, not to mention his ability to clear the way for Greg Dulcich and Blake Howard after a catch-and-run.
The great thing about Cordova is: give him a job, and watch him do it well, and with a smile on his face.
He plays on both sides of the ball and is vital at both positions in making St. Francis successful. You’ll even see No. 11 on special teams making an impact.
“Isaac is tough, smart, athletic and extremely coachable. He is also like a coach on the field knowing not only his responsibility, but the responsibilities of those around him as well.,” Bonds said. “His recognition of offensive formations and his ability to anticipate where they play will be going gives him an edge on defense. Isaac has also separated himself as the most physical blocker among our wide receiving corps.”
Cordova admits that most proud athletes, including himself have the desire at one time to be ‘the guy.’ but those days are gone, and he’s thrilled to be an impactful and loyal member of something greater than himself.
He too, like Gazmarian and Monarrez does very well in school.
His parents Rio and John, sister Sydnee, and soon-to-be brother-in-law, Teddy La Pina all playing starring roles in his life.
John is a director of training and development at a stone company called Walker Zanger in Los Angeles, and Rio is a director of emergency services at Citrus Valley Hospital in Covina.
Cordova credits his parents with allowing him the freedom to learn life’s brutal lessons, all while providing structure that has helped land him in this position at age 17.
He remembers being in the eighth grade and taking summer school classes at St. Francis and realizing then he wanted to be part of this campus.
“I could have gone to Bishop Amat or La Salle, but because of the brotherhood at St. Francis and the way teachers and students made you feel welcome here, it was an easy decision and one I’m really glad I made. I couldn’t be more proud to walk with each and every teammate of mine out on the field representing our school, our program our families and ourselves,” Cordova said.
He’s also incredibly appreciative to both the high standards of behavior and discipline expected of any Golden Knights player, and last but not least, Cordova and the entire program are thankful to the loyal fans, student body and alumni for creating the area’s best home-field advantage every week for the Golden Knights.
“I’m not the biggest guy and I’m not the strongest guy, but I won’t be out-worked, and I take weight lifting and working on my speed very seriously,” Cordova said. “I’m always looking to do anything and everything I can to help my team each play and each game, and it doesn’t bother me if I’m not given the credit for my role. I just want us to win.”
Cordova hopes one day to be a dentist, but he also feels like he’s got enough to offer a college team and that maybe a program La Verne or APU or a SCIAC team could use a guy with his character and the ability to do almost everything well.
As kickoff looms in less than 24 hours, and with two Angelus League games left, the dramatic part of the season is upon us.
And as well as St. Francis could and should do on the field is temporary and year by year.
But the character and work ethic that will lead Cordova, Gazmarian and Monarrez’ success in whatever they do will last a lifetime.
Quotable:
SF coach Jim Bonds on Andrew Monarrez: “Andrew is probably our more intelligent player as far as football IQ goes. We can line him up at any position on offense and he will know what to do. He also runs the precise routes and possess the surest hands on our team.”
SF coach Jim Bonds on Bobby Gazmarian: “Bobby is our lockdown corner on defense. We are not afraid to line him up across from anyone we play and ask him to play man coverage. He is another very smart football player. Bobby also returns punts and kicks for us. He returned another one for a touchdown last week at Salesian.”
SF coach Jim Bonds on Isaac Cordova: “Isaac is the ultimate ‘team player.’ He is a two-way starter at wide receiver and cornerback. The one thing about Isaac that stands out is that he’s always in the right place on both offense and defense. He is another great route runner on offense and a great hole plugger on defense.”
SF captain Elijah Washington: “Andrew, Isaac, and Bobby all play huge roles on both sides of the ball. Andrew runs the best routes on the team and has great hands. He’s quick, elusive, and great at making guys miss. Isaac extends the run plays with his great down-field blocking and finds a way to get open while running his routes. Although he hasn’t gotten the ball much this season, when he does, it’s scary because he’s got some speed and has a nose for the end zone. Bobby locks down on defense, making it hard for quarterbacks to throw to his side. He has great technique and has the speed and strength to keep up with any receiver in my opinion.”
SF captain Greg Dulcich: “Those three guys are some of the best athletes around and they’ve been responsible for a lot of big plays on all sides of the ball. Andrew creates a lot of mismatches in man coverage because of his quickness and route running ability. Isaac’s sure hands make him really consistent offensively, he also picks up key blocks to help our running game, and on defense, he’s probably our best open-field tackler. Bobby’s coverage on defense essentially forces the offense only to play on one half of the field, and if they do test him, his quickness out of his breaks helps him knock the ball away or come up with a big interception.”
SF captain Matt Barriga: “When I think of those three guys, I think of hard workers, who just know how to get the job done. Isaac is the type of guy who doesn’t really talk much, but you know he is always thinking about how he can get better or make someone else better. He knows the playbook inside and out, and that translates on the field when he is able to dominate his opponent, because he has such a good understanding about how each play works. Bobby is such a versatile athlete. He can do it all, and has the athleticism to do that. He is great covering guys, and you know he always has lookdown defense, and will make big plays. Andrew has to be one of the best players on the team. He has some of the best hands and route running ability that I have ever seen. He makes it all look so natural while he is making a move on a guy and fighting for those extra yards. He Is a great overall athlete. All of them are great athletes that largely contribute to the success of our team.”
SF senior Blake Howard: “Andrew Isaac and Bobby are all vital contributors to the team and huge parts of our success. They all work extremely hard, both in school and on the football field. The team certainly wouldn’t be where we are without these guys.”
Bobby Gazmarian on Monarrez and Cordova: “I count on Andrew and Isaac to do everything and I trust them. You ask them to do anything, and they’ll do it and do it well. Andrew is a slippery one and hard to keep up with and Isaac is a great player and team guy who makes great blocks and tackles.”
Isaac Cordova on Monarrez and Gazmarian: “Both Bobby and Andrew have a drive to be the best. Andrew told me every day after Wednesday practices he does ladders to improve his footwork– Bobby’s tenacity in the weight room– He is one of the strongest and he’s one of best corner’s on our team. He guards their best receiver. When he gets the ball, he’s tough to tackle. On the field, both have a hard-nosed mentality, but off it, they are two of the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet.”
Andrew Monarrez on Cordova and Gazmarian: “Isaac and Bobby both contribute to our success by rarely leaving the field. Each of them are active and play as many positions and roles as are asked of them. They always work their tails off in practice in preparation for each game and each week.”
Getting To Know Andrew Monarrez:
Favorite Team: USC
Favorite Athlete: Steve Smith Sr.
Favorite Movie: Fruitvale Station
Favorite Musical Artist: Migos
Musical Artist People Might Surprised I Like: Paul Anka
Famous Person (alive or dead) I’d Like A Conversation: Martin Luther King Jr.
Getting To Know Isaac Cordova:
Favorite Team: Lakers
Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Favorite Movie: Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Favorite Musical Artist: Chance the Rapper
Musical Artist People Might Be Surprised I Like: Bach
Famous Person (alive or dead) I’d Like A Conversation With: Jesus Christ
Getting To Know Bobby Gazmarian:
Favorite Team: Baltimore Ravens
Favorite Athlete: Ladanian Tomlinson
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite Musical Artist: YG
Musical Artist People Might Be Surprised I Like: Beyonce
Famous Person (alive or dead) I’d Like A Conversation With: Walter Payton
Angelus League Standings:
St. Francis (8-0 overall, 3-0 in league)
Cathedral (7-1, 3-0)
Harvard-Westlake (7-1, 2-1)
La Salle (3-5, 1-2)
St. Paul (2-6, 0-3)
Salesian (1-7, 0-3)
2017 St. Francis Schedule-Results:
August 31: St. Francis 48, Mira Costa 21
September 8: St. Francis 42, Pasadena 0
September 15: St. Francis 49, La Serna 20
September 22: St. Francis 49, Saugus 20
September 29: St. Francis 39, Buena Park 14
October 6: St. Paul 24, St. Francis 7
October 13: St. Francis 49, La Salle 16
October 20: St. Francis 69, Salesian 0
October 26: Harvard-Westlake at St. Francis at 7
November 3: Cathedral at St. Francis at 7
