Montebello Outlasts San Gabriel 29-21

By Rich Whittington

(Montebello) – The Montebello Oilers improved to 2-0 in the Almont League Friday evening, beating the visiting San Gabriel Matadors, 29-21, in front of a very vocal Homecoming crowd at Montebello High School.

The Oilers provided the first score of the evening, when quarterback Michael Valdivia connected with receiver Anthony Patel for a 24-yard score. The PAT attempt by Erik Aragon was successful, making the score 7-0, Oilers, with 7:29 remaining in the opening quarter.

San Gabriel got on the board in the second quarter. An errant snap on a Montebello punt attempt gave the Matadors a safety, making the score 7-2, Montebello, with 8:45 remaining in the first half. San Gabriel made the most of this opportunity, taking the ensuing “Free Kick” and mounting a 10-play, 48-yard scoring drive that was punctuated
by RB Robert Lucero’s 3-yard TD blast. This made the score 8-7, San Gabriel, as the first half came to a close.

Montebello struck first in the third quarter, when tight end Noah Gomez scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. For good measure, Gomez also converted the 2-Point PAT attempt, making the score 15-8, Oilers, with 9:27 remaining in the period.

San Gabriel answered with a score of its own, tying the score at 15-15, with 3:48 remaining in quarter number three.
Montebello scored for a second time in the third, as Raul Gonzalez scored on an 8- yard run. Another successful Aragon kick made the score 22-15, Oilers, as the third quarter came to a close.

The Matadors narrowed the gap in the fourth quarter, as Troy Le scored on a 21-yard run. The extra point attempt was blocked, making the score 22-21, Montebello, with 11:52 remaining

In the contest. Montebello answered, scoring as Gonzalez added his second touchdown of the evening on a 2-yard scoring run. Aragon’s PAT was again successful, making the score 29-21, Oilers, with 6:24 remaining in regulation.

San Gabriel had one final opportunity. However, with less than a minute to play, the Matador quarterback was sacked by Oilers’ defensive tackle Anthony Marroquin, giving the Oilers the ball with less than two minutes to play. Three successive kneel downs form the “victory formation” by Valdivia gave the Oilers’ the victory.

Montebello’s next game is next Friday night when the Oilers will host the Bell Gardens Lancers. San Gabriel’s next contest, scheduled for Thursday, October 13, will be at home against the Mark Keppel Aztecs. Kickoff for both contests is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

3 Comments to "Montebello Outlasts San Gabriel 29-21"

  1. NWO's Gravatar NWO
    October 12, 2022 - 8:47 am | Permalink

    Why did SG pass on 4th and 2, not once but twice? Drive killers.

  2. Really's Gravatar Really
    October 9, 2022 - 9:38 pm | Permalink

    Are they really or are they just playing the inferior almont competition? Just a thought

  3. Pac 5 Scout's Gravatar Pac 5 Scout
    October 9, 2022 - 2:40 pm | Permalink

    Oilers much better team than from the beginning of the season.

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