By Rich Whittington
(South El Monte- The Swamp)
The South El Monte Eagles proved that age and experience wins over youthful enthusiasm, as the Eagles shut out the visiting El Monte Lions, 28-0 Friday evening in the annual Griffin Bowl.
South El Monte, led by a roster full of seniors, opened the scoring with 1:26 remaining in the first quarter of play. Senior Running Back Sal Tovar ran 36 yards for the first touchdown. However, the majority of the Eagles’ scoring was accomplished through the air. Senior quarterback Daniel Olmos connected for three scores… finding Senior Richard Nava for a 60-yard touchdown, Senior Samuel Figueroa for a 14-yard strike, and Sophomore Marco Montoya for a 74-yard scoring completion.
The Eagle seniors also excelled defensively, with linebacker Mark Sosa registering a sack for a 13-yard loss, while cornerback Ernesto Estrada recovered an El Monte fumble.
The Lions, who never really got on track, did have success running the ball. El Monte, a team which is comprised primarily of underclassmen, gained over 200 yards on 50 carries.
With the win, South El Monte (8-1, 4-1 in Mission Valley League play), virtually assured themselves of a second place MVL finish, and a spot in the CIF playoffs. The Eagles will finish their league season by traveling to Marshall next Friday. The game will be played at Pasadena High School. El Monte, (5-4, 3-2 in the Mission Valley League), will finish its league season by hosting the Rosemead Panthers. This game will also take place on Friday night. The location is to be determined. Kickoff for both contests is 7:00 PM.
Yes, it was a silly response, but that’s because your conclusion was silly. Come on Bro, you of all people know SEM is pretty good overall. To attribute the quality of their team to a one man show is a lazy assessment, or a cop out. SEM was a semifinalist last year, and a one-loss team this year. Think about it, you are saying that EM (who has been shut out 3 times this year, and back to back vs SEM) would defeat SEM if Tovar were not playing. That is quite the quantum leap if you ask me.
Next year EM will match up better vs SEM, but to say SEM is “One” player better than EM this year is detrimental to one’s credibility.
Pretty silly response from someone who actually seems like they put some thought into their posts. No Tovar can’t make cover everyone by himself or make every tackle. But he sure makes it easier. Offensively speaking, the baby in the stroller knows what’s SEMs offense click. If he didn’t require so much attention to stop then teams can balance up and all of sudden things aren’t so wide open.
Same as Camacho makes life very easy for our offense you worry about his arm and his legs
That’s funny, considering SEM has shutout EM two years in a row. So let me guess, Tovar must have covered all Arroyo receivers all by himself, made every tackle, and accounted for every score.
So if Tovar doesn’t play vs EM, what’s the score?
Oh, wait, don’t answer that. I forgot you’re the guy who says Arroyo would beat all of the SGV.
Ummmm … YES!
@Friday Knights
“Best horse in the race, period!” I don’t think so. So, I pose this question for you. If Tovar had sat out on Friday, would El Monte have won the game?
@objective @Wittington
There can one thing that ultimately matters… it ain’t always coaching, it ain’t always Size or speed. But what does always matter is the horses in the race. South El Monte has the best horse on the field. PERIOD!
Plus they have the second through 5th best horse. Bottom line is EM is a year away from being dangerous.
Anyone with better knowledge on the playoffs please correct me if I’m wrong but is the EM Rosemead game a play in game?
SEM is in Division 12.
It would be nice to see SEM play Santa Fe in the 1st round of CIF they are both Div 10.
@Whittington
First you said that El Monte proved that “Size Matters.” Now you are saying that SEM proved that experience triumphs over “youthful enthusiasm. ”
Come on Rich. I definitely appreciate your coverage. However, we’re going to bust your chops every time you make an inaccurate conclusion. Let me help you out. What SEM proved is that a football team who can run faster, block, and tackle better than the other team “wins.” Not because they are “Senior” citizens. Lol
Last year, EM had a “Senior” laden team. I believe SEM shut them out. I’m curious to know what your story (justification) would have been after last year’s game. Let me guess. ” South El Monte proved that mammals with wings are mightier than grounded animals.”
This is a pathetic article.
EM had no chance running the ball, it’s proven size definitely doesn’t matter
Success is not running the ball and gaining 200 yds on the ground with no scores. That says you ran the ball all game and came up short.
If you can’t score it doesn’t matter how many yards you accumulated. You didn’t score.
If you don’t score your yardage does not matter.
I originally said that SEM was led by “Senior “citizens. However, we decided to pay homage to the Griffin.
As I stated, experience won out. I was impressed by both teams…South in the present, and El Monte for the success that they will undoubtedly have on the future.
I still believe that EM was, and will be, served well by their size. My opinion has not changed…size definitely matters.
I did observe the speed that you mentioned
The SEM receivers, as well as the QB…and ,of course, Mr. Tovar…played a great game. No question. Further, I wish the SEM players and Coaches the best of luck in the CIF playoffs.
As always, thanks for the comment.
Rich
PS: You still owe me an introduction, and I still don’t bite.
Coaching matters
Boooo. What happened to the “Size Matters” headline Mr. Whittington?