By Tim Peterson
(Whittier) – Gabriel Canchola hauled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Michael Maldonado with 21 seconds left in the fourth quarter to propel South El Monte to a 14-6 win over Pioneer Friday night at Dick Torres Memorial Stadium in the CIF Division 14 Finals.
With the win South El Monte captured its first CIF Championship in football in school history. “It’s great for the school, great for the community. Small town, Love it, love it!” said South El Monte head coach Frank Gallardo.
The Eagles got the ball on their own 24-yard line with 3:42 left on the clock tied 6-6. They put together their best drive of the game marching 76 yards on 10 plays. Canchola capped it with the 10-yard touchdown grab on a toss from Maldonado. Damian Cordova, who had a big night on the ground, then ran in the two-point conversion to make it 14-6.
An excessive celebration penalty on South El Monte set Pioneer up at the Eagles 45-yard line but the South defense held on the final possession. Pioneer’s Noah Anderson was sacked on the last play and the Eagles celebration ensued.
South El Monte struggled in the first half. The Eagles punted twice and missed a 29-yard field goal. On the last play of the first half Eligh Ybarra was tackled at the Pioneer thee-yard line after a reception as the clock hit zeroes.
Pioneer also punted twice but came up big on the third possession. Anderson hit Jose Rojas on a quick toss. Rojas got to the edge and raced down the sidelines 56 yards for the score. There was a bad snap on the extra point attempt leaving the score 6-0 with just 53 seconds left in the second quarter. The Titans took that lead into the break at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Eagles tied it in the fourth. Pioneer attempted a fake punt on fourth down and four at its own 26-yard line. A direct snap on a run came up a yard short and the Eagles took over at the Titan 29-yard line.
South El Monte took advantage when four plays later Cordova crashed in from three yards out. The extra point was missed leaving the score tied at six with 5:47 left. The Eagles then forced a Pioneer punt, got the ball back and promptly went on the game winning march.
Cordova finished with 112 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries for South. Isaac Gonzalez had seven catches for 71 yards and Canchola had four for 36 yards and a score. Maldonado threw for 166 yards and ran for 30 yards.
For Pioneer Rojas had three catches for 77 yards and a touchdown and Anderson combined for 104 yards through the air and on the ground.
Pioneer, after winning a CIF title last year, finished the season at 7-7. South El Monte ended with an overall record of 10-4 and more importantly its first ever CIF championship.
Eagles 0 0 0 14 14
Titans 0 6 0 0 0
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Who did south lose to in league?
From T. Peterson: Gabrielino and El Monte.
@HDIW …. Montebello had stronger strength of schedule being in a better league . SEM was #1 seed in 14 , so if they had rolled Rosemead , hadn’t been rolled by El Monte they would have been in D13 as lower seed because of slightly better power rating . Did they lose to Gab ?
If in 13 they might not have won a game
It’s a CIF lottery
The system is designed to giveveveryone a chance and have close games. It doesn’t reward excellence in the season per se , league champions .
Your example is one of many . Undefeated league champs have to go on the road to play also rams from better leagues .
Most of the press , especially Escarcega and Sondhiemer sing the praises of system .
I think teams should be rewarded for league championships and great seasons , and past years should have relevance in divisional placements.
So how does this new CIF format work? South El Monte destroyed Montebello 33-0, yet Montebello was in the D13 final while SEM was in the D14 final? #makeitmakesense
If you’re El Monte, this is gotta sting. You rolled SEM and had to watch them win a CIF title. Same league, same kids, CIF rewards a lesser team. Ouch.
Hi I’m with south El Monte football is it possible you can send me that picture of the teams with the CIf plaque
From T. Peterson: Sent.
Once again CIF rewards mediocrity, 3rd place team gets placed in lower division to win it all.
how does this guy know SEM wanted to fire Frank ? Ok this guy i know knows everything there is to know!
In every post game team photoI’ve seen includes at least one “who is that and why are they there?”person. I’m pretty sure the team doesn’t care.
Congratulations to the Eagles Football Players and Coaches, congratulations to the leaders of school and the leaders of the Community who have supported the Eagles. Great job Eagles we are proud of your success.
@Soar,
Politicians, more than any group of people, never turn down a photo op.
Why is that pathetic mayor in the picture? Congrats to SEMHS!
Does the South El Monte people still want to fire Frank after this title
I hope our good buddy “Rise of the Titans” got my message to NOT order those rings yet. Just because there’s a black friday special on plastic championship jewelry doesn’t mean you should jump the gun and order two for everybody. The bright side of all this is that, as always, there’s plenty of room for more rising.
Congratulations to the SEM Eagles on your Championship you have made the community and the Mission Valley League proud.
Fake punt from your 26 when you have a lead and have shutout opponent through 3 quarters???
From T. Peterson: Yeah, I was surprised too.