Lions Hold off First Quarter Challenge

Abel Cueva scored four times for the Lions. (Photo by Ms. Navarro).

El Monte Cruises to Victory, 67-17

By Rich Whittington

(El Monte) – The El Monte Lions continued their Journey of Success Friday evening as they held off an early challenge from, and posting a decisive victory over, the St. Pius X- St. Matthias Warriors, 67-17, at the friendly confines of Lion Field.

The Warriors opened the scoring with a 1-yard blast by quarterback Ahmir Ford, making the score 7-0 with 8:42 remaining in the opening quarter. Following a Lion touchdown, the Warriors added another score, as Warren Blackshear returned an El Monte kickoff for an 86-yard score. The remainder of the Warriors’ scoring came from Mykael Chavez, who converted two PAT attempts, and a 29 yard field goal.

El Monte (10-1, 6-0 in the Mission Valley league) continued to prove that they are more than just one option…much more. Davon Booth continued his scoring ways, finding the end zone on rushes of 6, 76, and 80 yards. Additionally, Booth was on the receiving end of a 53-yard scoring connection from Nathan Velasquez. For good measure, Booth  converted six 2-point PAT attempts. He finished the evening with 320 yards on 14 carries. Adding to the scoring totals was Abel Cueva. Cueva, who amassed 151 yards on 11 carries, scored on runs of 5, 9, 31, and 34 yards. The Lions’ final score was added by Charlton Le, who scored on a 2-yard run in the final minutes of the contest.

El Monte moves on to the second round of the CIF Division 13 Playoffs, where they will travel to Anaheim to battle the Fairmont Prep Huskies. The game location and time are to be determined. St. Pius X- St. Matthias finishes the season with an overall record of 4-5, 2-1 in Santa Fe League play.

5 Comments to "Lions Hold off First Quarter Challenge"

  1. AndTennill's Gravatar AndTennill
    November 3, 2018 - 6:49 pm | Permalink

    @Captain your team must be out of the playoffs ?

  2. Hater's Gravatar Hater
    November 3, 2018 - 6:27 pm | Permalink

    That’s what happens when you’re ranked #1 lol

  3. Joke's Gravatar Joke
    November 3, 2018 - 5:47 pm | Permalink

    They are the #1 seed in their division so maybe that’s why LOL you’re probably a coach on one of the 10 teams EM beat this year… cmon guy learn football

  4. Lion Roar's Gravatar Lion Roar
    November 3, 2018 - 4:21 pm | Permalink

    What would be fair?

  5. Captain's Gravatar Captain
    November 3, 2018 - 2:51 pm | Permalink

    El Monte opens up the playoffs with games against two small private schools ? Give me a break! This is ridiculous and embarrassing for CIF.

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