On its way to a perfect regular season, Riverside Poly had to slay the big, bad, beast in its own league -- Rancho Verde.
The Bears had to overcome a 14-point halftime deficit to get past Rancho Verde 59-45, ending the Mustangs' streak of eight consecutive league titles. Many played a role in the Bears' upset victory. One of those is talented wide receiver/cornerback Ykili Ross, who had 202 all-purpose yards in the game, one receiving touchdown and one pick-six.
Still flawless, Riverside Poly, in search of the program's first CIF championship in 30 years, will take on Redlands East Valley in the CIF Southern Section Inland Division final Friday at 7:30 p.m. right here as part of FOXSportsWest.com's PrepZone coverage of championship weekend.
Ross has scholarship offers from all over the country. Last month, he took official visits to Miami and Notre Dame. Meanwhile, here are 10 things you might not know about one of the nation's top high school football players.
Nickname
Since his freshman year, Ross has been known to some as "YK."
Favorite sport
Growing up, Ross' first love was basketball. He played during his first two years of high school before focusing on football.
"I'm a baller," Ross said. "(I'm) mostly a driver (and play) a little defense."
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Hobbies
When he's not making plays on the football field, Ross likes making music. He produces beats and also sings and raps.
Late night snack
For Ross, it all depends on what was for dinner.
"The leftovers is always the one to get late at night," he said. "That's the best."
Favorite team
Ross' favorite football team is the New England Patriots. On the hardwood he's a fan of the San Antonio Spurs. He "fell in love" with Tony Parker's game when he was younger. Last weekend, he attended the USC-Notre Dame game at the Coliseum and was able to meet former Spurs center David Robinson, which was a treat. Robinson's son, Corey, plays for the Fighting Irish.
Favorite Movie
"Four Brothers.
"The intensity of brothers and the love that you can get is out of this world," Ross said. "Once you make a bond with a certain group of people that could never be broken."
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Who would play you in a movie?
For that, the answer is simple for Ross: Spider-Man"
"Spider-Man would fit the role perfectly," he said. "He does everything."
Biggest fear
"Not being a change in my family's life," Ross said. "Not being able to wake up every day doing something that I love and being successful at it. I don't want to be back at home talking to the kids (as) another unsuccessful story. That's my biggest fear is talking to kids and not being able to talk to them from a successful standpoint.
"That, by far, is one of the biggest deals. When I was coming up it was a lot of that. A lot of people telling me how they could've did this, how they were this. It just gave me a motivation to be the person that came out on top and make sure I work hard to make my family proud. Make my mom proud and my dad proud and be able to be there for them."
Pregame ritual
Before games, Ross usually listens to music and prays.
"I have my meditation time," Ross said. "I just pray to God and I go rub the field a little bit. Get a feel for it. Get a feel for the game -- the atmosphere and just quiet to yourself."
Celebrity crush
Meagan Good.
