MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(El Monte) The El Monte Lions opened their 2024 football season on a high note, defeating the visiting Pomona Red Devils, 47-7, in front of a very appreciative home crowd Friday evening at El Monte’s own Lions’ Stadium.

The Lions, who will have the luxury of playing on their home field only three times this season, made the best of every opportunity. Their staunch offense, as well as their stingy defense, made for a very long night for the visiting Red Devils.

El Monte opened the evening’s scoring as QB/RB Brandon Do scored on an 8-yard TD run. The PAT attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 6-0 with 7:18 remaining in the game’s opening quarter. The Lions added another score in the period, when QB Alex Aleman connected with WR Noah Munoz for a 30-yard “catch-and run”. The
2-point PAT attempt was successfully converted by Brandon Do, making the score 14-0 as the first quarter came to a close.

The Lions continued their scoring in the second period, as the aforementioned “Aleman to Munoz” tandem connected for the second time, scoring on a 6-yard hook-up. The PAT attempt was blocked, making the score 20-0 with 10:25 remaining in the game’s opening half.

The score remained the same until late in the third quarter, when El Monte’s Isaiah Standley found pay dirt on a 1-yard TD blast. The 2-Point PAT attempt failed, making the score 26-0 after three periods of play.

The fourth quarter provided a barrage of scoring excitement. Pomona opened the quarter’s scoring with a 1-yard TD pop by RB Michael de la Vega. The PAT was added by Isaac Moreno, making the score 26-7, with 8:52 remaining in the contest. El Monte added to their scoring total as Aleman tossed his third TD pass of the evening to Brandon Do. This 10-yard connection made the score 32-7. The PAT was added by Aaron Rivera, making the score 33-7, with 7:09 remaining in regulation. Rivera added to his personal scoring total on the Lions’ next series, as he scored on a 53-yard TD rush.

Rivera converted the PAT as well, making the score 40-7. With just under five minutes left on the clock. El Monte added a final score, when RB Felipe Taboada scored on a 51-yard run. Rivera’s PAT was successful, making the score 47-7 and the game came to an end.

The Lions also shined on the defensive side of the ball, logging eight sacks and a fumble recovery. Andrew Lopez, Ethan Morales, Jason Lopez-Torres, Jaime Hernandez, Yandel Ramirez, Nathan Jimenez, Humberto Marin, and Ernesto Triguero are only a few of the names that kept the defense rolling and limited the number of scoring opportunities that were provided to the Red Devils.

El Monte’s next contest is Thursday, 8/29 when the Lions will host the Alhambra Moors. Pomona’s next game is Friday, 8/30 when the Red Devils will host the Garey Vikings. Kickoff for both of these contests is at 7:00 PM.