Junior quarterback Derrick Taylor led an efficient offensive attack, completing 8 of 10 passes for 235 yards and accounting for three touchdowns. Taylor connected with receivers through the air for one score and added two rushing touchdowns of his own in a masterful performance.
The Monarchs' aerial assault was highlighted by wide receiver Rahshawn Florence, who rewrote the school record books with 206 receiving yards. Florence's explosive performance pushed his season total to 930 yards on 38 receptions, establishing new single-game and single-season records for the program.
Senior running back Alexander Villanueva continued his record-breaking season, rushing for 145 yards, further cementing his place as the San Diego Section's all-time single-season rushing leader. Villanueva saved his most dramatic contribution for the final minutes, when he intercepted a Pasadena pass and returned it 97 yards for a touchdown, setting a new school record for the longest interception return while sealing the victory for the Monarchs.
The game remained competitive early, with the teams locked in a 7-7 tie after the first quarter. Monte Vista seized control in the second quarter, building a 21-7 halftime advantage. The Bulldogs mounted a spirited comeback in the third quarter, closing the gap to 27-21, but the Monarchs dominated the final frame. Monte Vista's defense stiffened, and the offense added two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including Villanueva's electrifying interception return.
The Monarchs now turn their attention to the CIF State 6-A Championship game, where they will face Summerville on Saturday, November 14th at 3 PM. The championship matchup at Fullerton UHSD Stadium will give Monte Vista an opportunity to add a state title to their impressive 2024 campaign.
Edison hold off Granite Hills to earn first state title bid
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - In a thrilling state regional game, the Granite Hills Eagles' comeback attempt fell short as the Edison Chargers (11-4) from Huntington Beach clinched a 34-28 victory. Edison's Julius Gillick was pivotal, rushing for 136 yards and three touchdowns, helping establish a 27-7 lead by halftime. Granite Hills (11-3) mounted a rally in the second half, with Maxwell Turner scoring three times to narrow the gap. However, Edison's defense, highlighted by a key interception by Matt Lopez, sealed the game, advancing the Chargers to the CIF Division 1-A State Championship.
Turners' phenomenal prep career ends as the Eagles' all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Saints' rare postseason run comes to an end
DOWNEY, CA - A historic season for the St. Augustine Saints concluded with a tough 28-7 loss to the St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy Warriors (6-9) in the Division 4-A State Regional. The Saints (4-11) fought valiantly, but the Warriors' offensive onslaught, led by quarterback Jassi Williams who threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns, was too much to overcome. Williams connected on long touchdown passes to Jaylen Stokes, Gregory Taylor, and Demari Nunley, showcasing St. Pius's aerial prowess. On defense, the Warriors were relentless, securing four sacks and an interception that Trayce Mallard returned for a touchdown. Despite a late rally with a touchdown, the Saints' defense couldn't contain the Warriors' multifaceted attack. The effort from the Saints was commendable, and although their season ended here, they left the field with pride, having played a significant role in one of the most memorable seasons in the school's history.
Poway falls to Rio Hondo
POWAY, CA - In the 3-A regional game, the Rio Hondo Prep Kares (13-1) advance to the state championship with a 28-14 win over the Poway Titans. The game started with a scoreless first quarter until Poway's Luke Jorgensen broke through for an 8-yard rushing touchdown, putting Poway (6-8) up 7-0 after a successful extra point by Tyler Hughes. Rio Hondo responded in the second quarter with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Yanick Diaz to Nathaniel Curtis, tying the game at 7-7 before halftime.
The third quarter saw the Kares take control, starting with a four-yard rushing touchdown by Noah Penunuri, followed by another score from Penunuri with just a minute left in the quarter, making the score 21-7 after both PATs by Marco Chan were good. The fourth quarter was more of the same for Rio Hondo Prep, with Penunuri adding another 3-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 28-7.
Poway made a late push, scoring a touchdown with 5:52 left in the game when Ty Hurst connected with Colin McCann for a seven-yard pass, followed by another successful PAT by Hughes, bringing the score to 28-14.
2024 CIF State Championship Games:
Division 1-AA: LINCOLN vs. Pittsburg
Saddleback College - Friday at 8pm
Division 5-AA: EL CAPITAN vs. Carmel
Fullerton UHSDS - Friday at 8pm
Division 6-A: MONTE VISTA vs. Summerville
Fullerton UHSDS - Saturday at 3pm
No comments:
Post a Comment