Battle for the Bone 2024 Recap: Chino Hills Secures First Victory Since 2017

Baseline League football action opened with a blast in Chino Hills as the city’s two high schools faced each other for the 21st Annual Battle for the Bone rivalry game. This year’s stakes were even higher for both teams. The Ayala Bulldogs are new to the Baseline League, and the Chino Hills Huskies haven’t held the coveted trophy since their last series victory in 2017. Not only would a win bring either team the trophy and bragging rights, but also a much-needed 1-0 record in a tough league where every game is equivalent to a playoff matchup due to the high caliber of teams in the Baseline League.

Chino Hills High School’s football stadium was standing room only, as tickets sold out quickly for this rivalry game. The Huskies entered the Battle for the Bone game with 11 wins, while Ayala had won nine times.

The Bulldogs opened the game with possession of the ball. However, the Chino Hills defense and offensive penalties kept Ayala from placing any early points on the scoreboard.

Chino Hills, led by junior quarterback Alex Medyn, drove the ball to the Ayala 14-yard line. The Bulldogs’ defense stepped up and stopped the Huskies’ drive, and Chino Hills settled for the 31-yard field goal kick by Jordan Corona that split the uprights. The Huskies took the lead 3-0 with 8:02 left in the first quarter of play.

In the second quarter, the Bulldogs’ offense culminated a drive that took them to the Huskies’ 19-yard line, but once again, the defense for Chino Hills stalled the Bulldogs’ offense from getting into the end zone. Ayala kicker Justin Calagna nailed the field goal from 36 yards out, tying the game 3-3 with 7:33 left in the second quarter.

Defense remained the key factor in the first half as the Bulldogs’ defense held the Chino Hills offense at the 12-yard line, and Huskies’ kicker Jordan Corona successfully made the 29-yard field goal for the last play of the second quarter, giving Chino Hills a 6-3 lead going into halftime.

The second half started similarly to the first half, with defense continuing to dominate. Chino Hills had possession of the ball to start the third quarter. The Huskies took the ball to the Bulldogs’ 9-yard line, but the Ayala defense stopped the Huskies’ drive. Kicker Jordan Corona came in and made the 26-yard field goal kick, his third successful kick of the game, extending the Huskies’ lead to 9-3 with 9:23 left in the third quarter.

It was a different story in the fourth quarter as the Chino Hills offense sparked. On 3rd and 1, quarterback Alex Medyn saw an opportunity to run the ball. Medyn went 41 yards on the keeper, running the ball into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown. Chino Hills elected to go for the 2-point conversion and succeeded. The Huskies led the Bulldogs 17-3 with 9:39 left in the fourth quarter.

The celebration didn’t last long as Ayala came back on their very next possession, with quarterback Alex Way throwing a deep pass. The senior quarterback’s pass connected in the end zone with junior wide receiver Brenton Smith for the touchdown. The Bulldogs trailed 17-10 with 9:23 left in the game.

Chino Hills head football coach Keland Johnson and quarterback Medyn executed textbook offense on clock management. The Huskies took possession of the ball after the Ayala touchdown and ran the clock for 8 minutes and 57 seconds. Medyn capped the 14-play, 74-yard drive by running the ball from 1 yard out for the touchdown. The Huskies led 24-10 with 26 seconds left in the game and eventually secured the victory.

Chino Hills celebrated their first Battle for the Bone game victory under head coach Johnson and honored the coach’s accomplishment with the traditional Gatorade shower.

Chino Hills Huskies Head Football Coach Keland Johnson postgame interview.

The Huskies’ overall record is 4-2 and 1-0 in league play. Ayala’s overall record is 2-4 and 0-1 in league play.

Chino Hills quarterback Alex Medyn passed for 116 yards and rushed for 81 yards.

Chino Hills Quarterback Alex Medyn Postgame Interview.

Ayala will remain on the road and play Rancho Cucamonga, while Chino Hills will be at home to host Etiwanda. Both games are on Friday, October 11th, at 7 p.m.

Photos by Anthony Sarinana