By Rich Whittington
(San Gabriel) – The San Gabriel Matadors ran their way into the CIF Finals Friday evening, doubling up the visiting Duarte Falcons, 44-22 in the friendly atmosphere of San Gabriel High School’s Matador Stadium.
San Gabriel started running and never stopped. The Matadors took the game’s opening possession in for their first score, when Adam Mascorro hit the end zone on a 6-yard run. The 2-Point PAT attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 6-0 before most of the fans had found their seats. This score held through the remainder of the opening quarter.
The second period provided more scoring, and much more excitement. San Gabriel added to their total at the 10:14 mark of the period, when Louie Navarro scored on a 6-yard touchdown blast. Mascorro converted the 2-Point PAT, making the score 14-0. Duarte answered when Avenn Ortiz found Jashion Wade for a 12-yard score. Joaquin Gonzalez’ extra point made the score 14-7.
San Gabriel added to their lead when Aaron Rojas broke loose for a 60-yard scoring dash. The extra point was booted by Cesar Rivas, making the score 22-7 with 3:10 remaining in the opening half. The Matadors scored again in the period when Mascorro logged his second touchdown of the evening on a 14-yard scamper. Rivas kicked the extra points making the score 30-7 at the end of the first half.
In the third quarter San Gabriel quarterback Ricky Garcia connected with tight end Angel Bonilla for a 12-yard scoring pop. After another 2-Point conversion the score was 38-7 with 6:48 remaining in the period. This score stood through the end of the third quarter.
Duarte scored first in the final period, as Ortiz scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Ortiz also converted the 2-Point PAT, making the score 38-15 with 10:13 remaining in the contest. San Gabriel put the game away on its next possession, when Navarro scored on a 25-yard run. This made the score 44-15 with 6:19 to play.
The Falcons fired one last shot when Ortiz connected with receiver Alex Perez for a 55-yard catch and run. Another successful Gonzalez PAT made the final score 44-22.
With the win, San Gabriel improved to 7-6 and will meet the Pioneer Titans in the CIF Division 14 Championship next Friday evening. The game will likely be played at Thorstenson Stadium at California High School. Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Duarte finished its 2024 season with a record of 11-2, 4-1 in Miramonte League play.
La Familia