By Rich Whittington
(El Monte) – The El Monte Lions had a choice to make on Thursday evening; win the game and earn a trip to the playoffs or lose and end up relying on the results of a coin flip to break a potential three-way tie. The Lions chose option #1, defeating the visiting Rosemead Panthers, 28-21, in front of a very vocal, sometimes rowdy, crowd in the friendly confines of Lions’ Stadium.
Rosemead opened the evening’s scoring when quarterback Frank Weisbrod connected with Javier Suarez, Jr. for a 2-yard score. The 2-Point PAT attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 6-0, Panthers, with 7:30 remaining in the game’s opening quarter.
The score remained unchanged until the middle of the second quarter when the Lions scored on a 1-yard TD blast by quarterback Alexiz Rodriquez. The point after was added by Bryan Gomez, making the score 7-6, Lions, with 8:43 remaining in the half. The Lions took the lead a brief time later, as Rodriquez rushed for his second score of the quarter; a 6-yard touchdown. Another Gomez PAT made the score 14-6, El Monte, at the halfway point of the second quarter.
Rosemead closed the gap when Weisbrod connected with receiver Miles Lugo for his second score of the evening; a 59-yard TD toss. Another unsuccessful 2-Point PAT attempt made the score 14-12, El Monte, with 4:27 remaining in the half. Rosemead would take the lead, courtesy of a pair of Jacob Wang Field Goals…from 32 and 41 yards, respectively. This gave the Panthers an 18-14 lead at the halftime break.
Rosemead continued the kicking prowess in the second half, as Wang connected for his third Field Goal of the game, a 27-yard kick, which made the score 21-14, Panthers, with 7:15 remaining in the third quarter.
El Monte answered a short time later, when Rodriquez connected with Jonathan Lopez for a 78-yard catch-and-run. Another successful Gomez PAT tied the score at 21 with 6:48 remaining in the third. El Monte scored for the second time in the period, when wide receiver Joshua Juarez found pay-dirt on a 7-yard sweep. Gomez added his fourth extra point which made the score 28-21, Lions, after three quarters of play.
This would end up being the game’s final score. With the win, the Lions improved to 5-5, 4-1 in Mission Valley League play, and finished second in the MVL. El Monte advances to the CIF Playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Opponent, location, and kickoff time are to be determined. Rosemead finishes the season 3-7, 2-3 in the Mission Valley League.
I stand corrected EM made it to D13 which is an accomplishment , unfortunately it is also likely the undoing , would have won D14
We are D14!
Any update on the fallen player ? I hope the young man is okay and able to play next year
Like you said panther alum you were in the stands away from the EM Football quit crapping on high school kids because your team lost you should have been worried about your drunk parents in your stand do you wear a BATMAN MASK when your sitting in front of your computer to hide your identity from yourself
@Panther Almum… There was not much of a celebration on the EM sideline Thursday night after the victory. Everyone’s concern was on the fallen player. No one ever wants to see someone injured like that. You must’ve been at the rosemead rebels game. It’s okay. Goodluck on your coin flip Sunday morning . 😀 may the odds be in your favor!
I don’t know where on the sidelines you were at but I could see from the stands. Should have been paying better attention.
GREAT JOB LIONS!!! MAKE SOME NOISE IN THE PLAYOFFS AND REPRESENT!!!
no player and nobody on the EM side was making fun or laughing at the injured player and I know this because I was on the sideline dont start spreading lies
We are SPATHIA!
Everyone doubted EM to finish bottom 2 in the MVL standing. Spathias and staff proving once again they can get it done with the pieces they have.
Prayers for the injured Panther, sucks to see El Monte players blatantly making fun of him while not moving on the field. Not knowing how serious the injury could be, we never know it could be life changing.
Congratulations Coach Spat and Company for helping the El Monte high football team have a a chance to succeed. Very stand up guy. Much respects Coach