South El Monte Bubbas Raul Bustos (52) and Tommy Moreno (73) were ready for last year’s Griffin Bowl
The griffin, is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. The griffin was also thought of as king of the creatures. Griffins are known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions.
This contest, now called the Griffin Bowl, began in the Eagles second year of varsity play. In 1994 South entered the Mission Valley league with a bang, defeating Arroyo and winning the MVL crown.
El Monte’s first win in the series led to a playoff appearance in 1999. The Lions second win in 2003 was a coming out party for Amilcar Archila and 2008 led to a playoff appearance.
This year both teams are 1-4 and looking to get off on the right foot in the MVL. It’s been a struggle so far but either team would like nothing better than to get a league opening victory.
Year-by-Year
1994: SEM 24 El Monte 13
1995: SEM 14 El Monte 7
1996: SEM 26 El Monte 0
1997: SEM “W” El Monte “L”***
1998: SEM 35 El Monte 0
1999: El Monte 14 SEM 0
2000: SEM 28 El Monte 15
2001: SEM 34 El Monte 10
2002: SEM 29 El Monte 0
2003: El Monte 23 SEM 17 OT
2004: SEM 42 El Monte 28
2005: SEM 40 El Monte 0
2006: SEM 48 El Monte 7
2007: SEM 52 El Monte 0
2008: El Monte 21 SEM 14
2009: SEM 22 El Monte 19
2010: El Monte 49 SEM 13
2011: El Monte 20 SEM 13
2012: SEM 33 El Monte 20
***(Note: South El Monte won the 1997 game, but conflicting sources make the final score uncertain. We welcome input.)
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