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Sports

Football Star Spurns Arcadia for Monrovia

After practicing with Arcadia High, star running back ends up choosing to go back to Monrovia.

Monrovia High School's football team received a huge boost Monday as senior De’Shawn Ramirez rejoined the team after missing last season while attending Canyon Continuation High.

Ramirez, who was a star running back two seasons ago, recently had been working out with the football team as his status with Monrovia was uncertain.

Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox confirmed Ramirez’s return. Arcadia coach Jon Dimalante said he is aware that Ramirez chose to return to Monrovia, but declined further comment.

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“He’s a special talent. He’s had some missteps and he’s looking to correct those,” Maddox said. “He’s been given a second opportunity by myself and principal (Darvin) Jackson. We’re looking forward to getting him back on the right track. He’s done a good job in the last year of getting his grades up and doing the right things around school.”

As a sophomore, Ramirez rushed for 851 yards and 10 touchdowns.

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The addition of Ramirez makes an already tough team even tougher in the backfield.

Monrovia already returns Michael Harris who rushed for 314 yards and six touchdowns last season and Marquise Bias who had 208 yards rushing.

“We’re looking to help him develop that character. He’s a young man now,” Maddox said.  “He’s going to get himself ready for college and the next level.”

Maddox said he has not yet figured out where Ramirez will play.

“That’s too soon to tell,” Maddox said. “Yesterday was his first day back with us. He was a great running back two years ago and he played safety for us as well.  We’ll see where he fits in with what we’re doing.”

Last season Monrovia won the Rio Hondo League and CIF Southern Section Mid-Valley Division titles.

Arcadia, which captured a share of the Pacific League title last season, would have gotten a major boost from the talented back, but the team still has a promising squad led by returning quarterback Myles Carr and star wide receiver Taylor Lagace.

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