By Rich Whittington
(El Monte) – The South El Monte Eagles claimed the Mission Valley League Title in perfect fashion Friday evening, defeating the host Arroyo Knights, 35-14, at Arroyo’s own B.L. Bergstrom Stadium.
The victory capped off a perfect league season for the Eagles, who finished MVL play with a record of 5 wins and no losses. South El Monte opened the scoring in the contest, as they put together a 7 play, 50-yard scoring drive on their first possession, cumulated by an 11-yard run by RB Michael Valencia. The PAT attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 6-0 with 6:22 remaining in the opening period.
Arroyo countered, when QB Angel Castillas connected with Sebastian Serrano for a 20-yard score. Castillas successfully converted the 2-Point PAT attempt, making the score 8-6, in favor of the Knights, as the first quarter came to a close.
The second quarter saw another score for Arroyo, coming on a 1-yard blast by Brandon Alcala. The 2-Point PAT attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 14-6 at the end of the first half. Unfortunately, for the Knights, the rest of the evening belonged to the Eagles.
South El Monte tied the contest on the second play of the second half, as Valencia scored his second TD of the evening on a 71-yard run. Valencia also converted the 2-Point PAT attempt, making the score 14-14 with 11:39 remaining in the third quarter.
South added another score in the period, as Angel Valladares scored on a 15-yard TD jaunt. The PAT was added by Angel Bautista, making the score 21-14 after three quarters of play.
South El Monte added to their lead in the fourth when quarterback Matthew Medina connected with Tony Aguilar for an 11-yard score. Another successful Bautista PAT made the score 28-14 with 9:08 remaining on the game clock.
South El Monte added their final score of the evening a few minutes later, when Media connected with Anthony Mirano for a 15-yard connection with 1:12 remaining in the contest. Bautista’s third successful PAT made the score 35-14 as the game came to an end.
The Eagles, by virtue of their league championship, automatically qualify for the CIF playoffs, which will begin next week. The Knights, who finished third in the MVL, will have to wait and see if they are selected for an “At Large” bid. The selection process, as well as the division determinations, will be announced on Sunday, 11/03/2024, beginning at 9:30 AM.
Tip my cap.
Arroyo is going to be left out for the first time in a while this year. SEM and EM are locked in. Moyé successfully ruined Arroyo in one season. Gallardo @ SEM outcoached him in every aspect in the second half. Dude should get his walking papers Monday if they are left out tomorrow. If arroyo is smart, they should now be courting Jim and Chuck to return and take over.
This is a South El Monte team that has improved greatly during the course of the 2024 season.
You might recall that the Eagles trailed Alhambra, 6-0, with less than nine minutes left in their opener, but they got their passing attack going just in the nick of time.
In addition, South El Monte lost a close one at home against Montebello.
I’d like to congratulate the Eagles for rallying from their slow start and finishing fast in league. Good luck in the playoffs.
Congratulations to South El Monte Eagles Football. Mission Valley League Champs! Homegrown talent!
Told you they would be no match for Sem
3 teams go in 6 team league, even the woeful MVL. Arroyo set for D14 run , Moye licking his chops
And they said we couldn’t deal with pressure or adversity 🤣