MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(Arcadia) – The Arcadia Football Team opened its 2026 Football season in a grand fashion Friday evening, defeating the visiting El Monte Lions, 46-12, at Salter Stadium.

Arcadia started quickly, turning the opening kickoff into points when quarterback Freddy Alexander Bysshe connected with tight end Joshua De Luca for a 12-yard score. The extra point was unsuccessful, making the score 6-0, with 8:58 remaining in the opening quarter.

Arcadia added to the score on their next possession, when Bysshe hit wide receiver Aiden Reyes for a 48-yard score. The two-point PAT attempt was successful, making the score 14-0 at the first period ended.

In the second quarter Bysshe connected with receiver CJ Reddy Muchumari for a 70-yard catch-and-run. The two-point conversion, a toss from Bysshe to Reyes, was successful, making the score 22-0 Arcadia with 10:34 remaining in the opening half.

El Monte broke through later in the quarter with two scores. The first came when quarterback Luis Gonzalez hit receiver Carlos Naranjo for a 35-yard touchdown. The Lions’ second score was again provided by Gonzalez…the result of a four-yard touchdown pop to Geovanni Flores. Neither PAT attempt was successful.

Arcadia answered with another score in the first half, when Reyes showed that he could also contribute defensively, by returning a Gonzalez interception 93-yards for another touchdown. The extra point was good making the score 30-12 at halftime.

Arcadia tacked on two more scores in the contest. The first coming from a 12-yard Bysshe connection to Ayden Albarran. Coincidentally, this tandem also added the two-point PAT. The second score was provided by running back Aaron Cerda, who scored on a 10-yard run. The two-point conversion was also scored by Cerda. This made the score 46-12 as the game came to a close.

Next up for Arcadia is a visit to nearby San Gabriel, where they will battle the 1-0 Matadors. El Monte’s next contest is a home affair, where the Lions hope to even their record against the 0-1 Ganesha Giants. Both contests are scheduled for next Friday, with the kickoff posted at 7:00 PM.