By Rich Whittington
(El Monte) – The El Monte Lions proved to be up to the challenge Friday evening, posting a Homecoming win over the visiting Gabrielino Eagles, 56-41, in front of a very enthusiastic and appreciative crowd.
If you enjoy scoring, then this was the place for you. As mentioned above, the Lions and Eagles combined for 97 points, which included scores on Offense, Defense, and on Special Teams.
The first quarter was all El Monte. The Lions scored three times in the period. RB Jonathan Lopez, who scored on a 12-yard TD run, provided their first touchdown. RB Saul Sanchez, who hit the End Zone on a 1-yard TD blast, provided the Lions’ second score of the period. The final score of the quarter, also provided by Jonathan Lopez, was a 25-yard Interception Return. All three PAT attempts were successful, making the score 21-0, El Monte, after one quarter of play.
At this point, there was talk of a rout, a running clock in the second half, and various other topics that often accompany a completely dominant performance. However, this was not to be the case. Gabrielino opened the scoring in the quarter, as WR Daniel Ruiz scored on a 65-yard End Around. Gabrielino added another score in the second, as the Eagles reached into their bag of tricks and executed a successful double- pass from QB Jaycob Espinosa to RB Zachary Hill to WR Stanley Lee for a 30-yard score. Two successful Hill PAT’s made the score 21-14, El Monte, with 6:25 remaining in the half.
El Monte would add to their lead a short time later, when QB Alexiz Rodriquez connected the aforementioned Sanchez for a 20-yard TD catch. Another successful PAT attempt made the score 28-14, Lions, as the first half came to a close.
The third quarter provided more fireworks, as the teams combined for another five touchdowns. The first score of the quarter, provided by Gabrielino, resulted when QB Espinosa connected with RB Hill for an 18-yard score. Another successful PAT made the score 28-21, El Monte, with 10:08 remaining on the clock.
El Monte countered scoring on a 1-yard run by RB Joaquin Andrade. Gabrielino struck back, scoring on a 95-
yard Kickoff return by Zachary Hill. The Lions’ answered, scoring on an 11-yard fumble recovery by CB Joshua Juarez.
Gabrielino responded with another long Special Teams play, as WR Stanley Lee returned another El Monte kickoff 90-yards for the final TD of the quarter. When the smoke cleared, the score was 41-35, Lions, after three quarters of
play.
The fourth quarter provided three additional scores. The Lions’ scored first, as Sanchez scored on a 16-yard run. Jonathan Lopez added the 2-point PAT, making the score 49-35 with 10:22 remaining in the contest. Gabrielino countered, scoring on a 32-yard Daniel Ruiz TD run. The Lions scored the final TD of the evening, as RB Jimmy Gonzales scored on an 18-yard scamper. This made the score 56-41, Lions, as the game came to a close.
Next week, El Monte will make the arduous 2.6 mile journey to B.L. Bergstrom Stadium, where they will battle the Arroyo Knights. Gabrielino will be at home, hosting the South El Monte Eagles. Kickoff for both contests is scheduled for 7:00PM.
Congratulation Coach Spathias and crew