MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(San Gabriel) – The El Monte Lions rolled their way to an undefeated Mission Valley League season Thursday evening, defeating the host Gabrielino Eagles, 42-14, and capturing the MVL crown, in front of a stunned crowd at Gabrielino High School.

The Lions wasted little time getting on the board, scoring on their third offensive play when quarterback Alex Aleman found wide receiver Noah Munoz for a 25-yard score. A successful Aaron Rivera PAT made the score 7-0, with 10:34 remaining in the opening period.

El Monte added to the score when running back Isaiah Standley scored on a 65-yard touchdown run. A second Rivera PAT was added, making the score 14-0, with just under 9 minutes remaining in period #1.

The Lions kept their scoring rolling, as Aleman found the end zone on a 5-yard touchdown blast. Rivera added another PAT, making the score 21-0, with 5:32 remaining in the opening stanza.

Gabrielino scored a short time later, when Marelle Moore Jr. powered his way in for a 6- yard touchdown. The extra point was added by Ozzy Ayala, making the score 21-7, after one quarter of play.

El Monte added another touchdown in the second quarter, when Standley found pay dirt for his second time on a 7-yard score. A fourth Rivera PAT made the score 28-7 as the second quarter ended.

The Lions continued their dominance in the third quarter, adding a pair of passing touchdowns. The first was a 71-yard catch and run from Aleman to wide receiver David Flores.

The second was a 31-yard toss to wide receiver Anthony Ramirez. After two additional Rivera PAT’s, the score was 42-7, with 2:52 remaining in the third period.

The Eagles added their second score of the game a few seconds later, as Moore scored his second TD of the evening on 46-yard rush. Ayala’s PAT attempt was sound, making the score 42-14, as the third period came to an end.

The Lions also got the job done defensively. Standing out for El Monte on “D” were defensive end Humberto Marin, who recorded four sacks of Gabrielino quarterback Ely Lobban. Also defensive end Cesar Amaya, who added another sack, as well as outside linebacker Giovani Meza, who recovered a fumble stood out.

Also contributing to the defensive dominance were outside linebacker Nathan Jiminez, and cornerback Brandon Torres, who each intercepted a pass.

El Monte finished the regular season schedule with a record of 8-2, 6-0 in Mission Valley League play, and an MVL Championship. Gabrielino finished with a record of 7-3, 4-2 in league play, and a second-place finish in the MVL. Both teams qualify for a CIF playoff berth. Pairings, game locations, and starting times will be announced on Sunday.