The Four Quarterbacks: L to R: Steven Gonzalez, Frankie Bernard, Isaac Valdez, Saile Ramirez
(San Gabriel) – Frankie Bernard still has it. On one play he dropped back to pass and fired a strike to Juan Magallon who raced past several defenders down to the five yard line. Only it wasn’t Magallon. It was Joseph Park who made the moves but the PA announcer gave the credit to Magallon, causing a roar from the San Gabriel Alumni sideline.
The announcer also gave credit to Magallon for an earlier Park interception and a Park touchdown and this was the last draw.
“Forget you, Juan!” Park yelled to Magallon while laughing. “You can go home now. We don’t need you here,” causing more hoots and hollers from his teammates.
Such was the atmosphere at the San Gabriel alumni game Thursday night as the Alumni beat the SG Varsity 3-1 or in football terminology 18-6.
Bernard, who quarterbacked the 2003 team, threw three touchdown passes is all including one to Marcos “Cheeto” Villalobos and Alfred Varela along with the one to his fellow ’03 running mate Park.
San Gabriel DB Coach Donald Bernard and International Man of Mystery Zeke Prado
Kevin Harris, another 2003 warrior, was all over the field defensively pulling flags as if he was picking oranges off a tree.
Isaac Valdez, who just finished off a 3 year run as a starter also took some snaps at QB along with Steven Gonzalez and Saile Ramirez.
Zeke Prado, who currently is a coach at Dakota Wesleyan, coached the Alumni and also saw some game action even intercepting a pass at one point. Prado then came off the field and began looking for oxygen.
Others making an appearance for the Alumni were Frankie Villalobos, Fabian Amaro, “Butter” Ramirez, Alex Lopez, and Matt Matsuda to name a few. Cedric Ho, who actually never got on the field at San Gabriel, also participated.
“CIF can’t keep me out of this one,” Ho said.
“The varsity used three quarterbacks. Eric Alvarez started with Andy Guerrero and Eddie Escandon also getting in some time. Guerrero threw a touchdown pass.
"Butter" Ramirez was an immovable object up front
After the game San Gabriel Coach Jude Oliva addressed the alumni.
“Thank you guys for coming out. As long as I am here you guys are always welcome,” Oliva said. “You know we have this beautiful facility out here and it wouldn’t have been possible without you guys. My players are kind of wide eyed. They all look up to you guys so much. Anytime you guys want to come out and talk to my guys, encourage them, held them out, you’re always welcome.”
From the young to the old to the middle aged former Matadors, every felt welcome Thursday night.
Renewing old acquaintances
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