Matadors play unfriendly host to rival Monarchs

By ECS Staff
Updated: September 19, 2015

(Photo by CharlesScott Photography)

By Chris Davis

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (9-19-15) — It was a tough night for the Monarch faithful who traveled across town to root for visiting Monte Vista at Mount Miguel on Friday (Sept. 18). It was tough from the opening kickoff, as the Matadors took this one 47-0.

(Photo by CharlesScott Photography)

“That was a great defensive performance. Since I’ve been here that’s the best our defense has performed,” coach SHAUN McDADE said after his defense gave up only 23 yards of total offense.

The Matadors’ (2-2) TAYLIN JOHNSON took the opening kickoff and returned it for 25 yards to give the Red and Black good field position. BENNY VALADEZ dropped back on the first play from scrimmage and found a wide open MARIO COKER for a 35-yard touchdown just 15 seconds into the game.

Matter of fact, before Monte Vista (0-4) had run four offensive plays the guests found themselves down 14-0 after recovering a fumble and the Matadors’ ANTHONY GILMORE ran it in from a yard out.

“I have to give credit to that staff,” McDade said. “They never gave up. We had the ball inside the 20 a couple of times and they made big stands to keep us out.”

AARON GOMEZ caught an eight yard pass from Valadez for another Matadors touchdown.

(Photo by CharlesScott Photography)

After a three-and-out by the Matadors, the Monarchs had the ball at the one. On second and nine, ANTHONY YARBOROUGH forced a fumble and recovered it in the end zone for a 28-0 lead. JOEL BEAS who had been perfect on extra points added a 22-yard field goal to put the Matadors up 31-0 at the break.

“(Monte Vista) was tougher than what we thought they were going to be,” Gilmore said after the game.

The second half started out a little rocky as the Monarchs lost a bunch of yards on a botched punt. Mount Miguel gave the ball to Gilmore on the first play of the drive. Gilmore took it 30 yards to the Monte Vista 2. The coaching staff or maybe it was Valadez himself, either way they must like the Seahawks as they threw the ball. The Monarchs must have a Patriot fan or two on their team as they intercepted the pass and brought it out to the 5. After three plays netted nothing, the Monarchs looked to punt the ball. The only issue is that the snap was over the head of the punter and went out the back of the end zone for a Matador safety.

(Photo by CharlesScott Photography)

After the free kick, the Matadors found themselves in an unusual position. Not many times is a team faced with a first-and-33 situation. After a couple of personal penalties that was the situation that Mount Miguel found themselves in. No problem, for Valadez and company as he found a streaking RICHARD MOORE for a 43-yard pass and a touchdown.

Mount Miguel put a bow on the festivities with a Gilmore 15-yard run with 4:20 left in the contest.