MidValleySports.Com

South El Monte players and coaches are presented the trophy for winning the inaugural 'Griffin Bowl'.

By George Hernandez

(South El Monte)- South El Monte got a late touchdown pass from Anthony Jimenez to Alex Ruiz to beat El Monte 22-19 Friday night at “The Swamp”.

The contest, billed as the first annual ‘Griffin Bowl’ (presented by Kiwanis Club of El Monte) saw South get on the board the second play of the game when running back Rene Flores (8-carries 123-yards) got the ball and took it 85 yards for the score Johnny Lara hit the extra point.

In the second quarter El Monte’s Juan Delgado hit a field goal from 30 yards out to make it 7-3.

On their next position Lions’ quarterback Quang Phong (9 for 19 177-yards 2 Tds 2 Ints) hit Eddie Landeros for a 72 yard touchdown the extra point was no good the score stayed at 9-7.

Minutes later Phong hit Michael Jimenez for a four yard score to make it 16-7 after Delgado’s extra point.

Jimenez (13-18 156-yards 2 Tds 1Int) second pass of the game, after replacing Andrew Barcenas in the middle of the second quarter, was a 68 yard score to Ruiz. Lara’s point after was good making it 16-14.

Delgado hit a 45 yard field goal before the end of the half to make it 19-14 in favor of El Monte.

After scoreless third and only four minutes remaining in the game the Eagles got the ball and put it in the hands of Jimenez.

Jimenez didn’t disappoint leading the Southmen downfield and with 1:25 left Jimenez hit Ruiz with a 15 yard bullet to take the lead. Then Jimenez hit Anthony Molina for the two point conversion to make it 22-19.

Phong tried to bring El Monte back but on fouth and eight Ruiz pick off Phong’s pass to close out the game.

“The kids did what they had to do,” said South coach Ray Hernandez. “We still got to fix things. Adding the Griffin Bowl was a great touch and both teams played with a lot of heart.

On defense the Lions were lead by Rafael Espinoza who had a sack and Jimenez grabbed an interception. South’s defense Saul Bustos had an interception, Freddy Aguilar had a sack and a forced fumble and Hector Casas had a sack and a fumble recovery.

Hernandez asked how he feels about being tied for first place in the MVL responded; “We’re not thnking about that, we’ve got Rosemead coming in next week.”