MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(South El Monte) – The South El Monte Eagles literally had their way with the visiting El Monte Lions Friday evening, cruising to a 40-19 victory in the Griffin Bowl at Eagles’ Stadium, known affectionally as “The Swamp”.

South wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, cashing in on the games’ opening drive, as Matthew Medina connected with Isaac Gonzalez for a 10-yard touchdown. The PAT was added by Angel Butista, making the score 7-0 with 7:04 remaining in the opening quarter.

El Monte tied the game on the very next play, when Anthony Ramirez returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for the score. A successful PAT by Aaron Rivera knotted the score at seven, with 6:49 remaining in the opening period.

The score remained tied until the beginning of the second quarter when the Eagles added to their total, courtesy of Issac Gonzalez, who scored on a 16-yard run. Bautista’s second successful PAT of the evening made the score 14-7, with 11:50 remaining in the opening half.

The Lions countered as Brandon Do scored on a 16-yard touchdown dash. The PAT was unsuccessful, making the score 14-13 with 6:31 remaining until halftime. This is as close as the Lions would get to a victory in this evening’s contest.

South El Monte added a pair of scores to close out the half, both from Medina to receiver Julian Lopez. The first was a 45-yard connection, while the second was a 16- yard “catch and dash”. Bautista converted one of the PAT attempts, making the score 27-13 as the half came to a close.

The Eagles added another pair of scores in the third quarter. The first, coming on Medina’s fourth scoring pass of the evening -a 16- yard connection to Gabriel Canchola. The second was a 12-yard score by Angel Valladares. Bastista
added another PAT, making the score 40-13 at the end of the third quarter.

El Monte picked up its final score of the evening in the last period, when Noah Munoz scored on a 2-yard blast. The PAT was unsuccessful, making the final score 40-19, in favor of South El Monte.

Next Friday, both teams will continue their quest for a Mission Valley League crown. El Monte will travel to Arroyo High School, to battle the Knights, while South El Monte will again enjoy their home environment, as they host the Rosemead Panthers. Kickoff for both contests is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.