By Rich Whittington
(San Gabriel) – The San Gabriel Matadors continued to fine-tune their strategy for their upcoming Almont League season, defeating the visiting Temple City Rams, 42-28, Friday evening, in front of a very supportive fan base at San Gabriel High School’s Matador Stadium.
Temple City opened the evening’s scoring, when Quarterback Jake Jones connected with Wide Receiver Gregory Hildago for a 38-yard touchdown. The PAT was successfully converted by Kicker Jadon Griffin, making the score 7-0 with 9:33 remaining in the opening quarter.
San Gabriel answered, as running back Louie Navarro found the end zone for a 9-yard score. The PAT was added by Daniel Martinez, tying the score at 7-7 with 7:26 remaining in the first period. San Gabriel added their second score of the opening stanza when Running Back Alex Acevedo scored on a 3-yard TD blast. The “Extra Point” attempt failed, making the score 13-7 as the first quarter ended.
The teams continued their offensive display in the second quarter. Offensive in the positive, football connotation, that is. San Gabriel scored first in the period, when Navarro score his second TD of the evening; a 4-yard blast. For good measure, Navarro also successfully converted the 2-point PAT attempt, making the score 21-7 with 7:00 remaining in the half.
TC countered, as Jones connected with Wideout Judah Douglas for a 24-yard touchdown. Another successful Griffin PAT made the score 21-14 with 3:28 until the break.
San Gabriel increased the lead, as Acevedo found the goal line for his second score of the evening…a 2-yard blast. The Martinez PAT attempt was true, making the score 28-14 as the halftime buzzer sounded.
San Gabriel added a pair of scores in the third quarter. The first was Navarro’s third TD of the evening, an 11-yard run. The second score of the period was Acevedo’s third score of the evening, a 6-yard TD offering. The Jones-to-Navarro 2-point PAT that followed made the score 42-14 as the third period ended.
Quarter number four saw the Rams add a pair of scores to the “Big Board”. The first touchdown of the period came as Jones connected with Hildago for their second score of the evening. The 2-point PAT that followed made it 42-22 with 11:07 remaining in regulation. Jones and Hildago connected again in the quarter, their third time in the contest, for a 10-yard score. The PAT was unsuccessful, making the score 42-28 as the game came to a close.
Temple City’s next game is on Friday, 9/29/23, when the Rams will host the Monrovia Wildcats. San Gabriel’s next contest is on Thursday 9/28/23, when the Matadors will host the Schurr Spartans. Kickoff for both contests is schedule for 7:00PM.
I think I was misunderstood, I was just highlighting SG’s improvements over past years through small victories. Even if that means a win over a weak Del Rio contender, obviously implying that the Del Rio is a way way way tougher schedule. Apologies if it was misinterpreted!
Remember you are representing your school, act with some class
Sorry little guy, you’ve been a hater. Literally one of the only ones that post on here. Everyone gave SG their props and moved on. Not you. The worst critics are the cowards who throw stones anonymously. Throwing shade at kids and men who pretty much volunteer their time to shape young men. 2023 CIF Champions, Southern California regional champions San Gabriel High School just a reminder while your moms warming up your meat loaf.
I only started hating them when you stole my name over and over with pathetic attempts at imitation
I had respect for them until then
Your base and vile behavior brings new meaning to Green
How bout beating San Marino back to back years? San Marino who beat south pas and arroyo?
@D O
Definitely agree that RHL is steps above the Almont. I think with SG, the progression comes from small victories with programs that aren’t completely terrible.
This says something about you, you are obsessed with SG. Just let them enjoy a neighborhood victory. Who hurt you man? I can only imagine how you were fuming in your moms basement when they were winning CIF and regionals.
Temple City is improved this year but worst team in RHL . Says something about Almont that this legitimizes SG Green
Wins vs Rosemead 0-5, Whittier 1-5 and TC
This was a kind of “who’s for real” game for both squads.