Monarchs get their business out of way before Homecoming

By David Dickens
Updated: October 20, 2018

Monte Vista following the win on Friday night.

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

MONTE VISTA 51, EL CAJON VALLEY 13

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

SPRING VALLEY (10-19-2018) On Homecoming night, the Monte Vista Monarchs have had a season to celebrate, not only with the now 8-1 record but also the fact that this team is healthy at this point in the season.

The El Cajon Valley Braves, still winless on the season, bring great fight and attitude, playing 100 percent until the clock shows zero.

However, the game definitely started in favor of the hosts as one minute into the first quarter of play the Monarchs’ senior linebacker Blake Schmidt picked off the Braves and took it to the El Cajon 5-yard line.

The following play was a 10-yard scamper from running back EJ Henderson for the touchdown. The extra point was successful by kicker Jason Hernandez, 7-0, Monarchs with just under 11 minutes to go in the first quarter.

The Braves, facing a fierce pass rush and defensive line, is forced to punt on their next possession, advancing only one yard to their own 26.

With Monte Vista having to start their next drive on the Brave 34-yard line, we all know who is going to carry the load, as Mr. Beast Mode Jahmon McClendon bulldozed his way through Brave defenders to the 6-yard line, ultimately scoring on the 6-yard run, the point after was successful, and it was 14-0 Monte Vista with six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

After another three-and-out and an El Cajon Valley punt, the Monarchs once again had the short field.

Henderson broke out for a beautiful 25-yard run to the 12. Two plays later, McClendon had a 3-yard burst into the end zone, and the point after was good, and Monte Vista was riding high, leading 21-0 with under three minutes left in the first quarter.

With under a minute left in the first, the Braves scored on an Atlantas Eidejus pass for six, but the extra point was missed,
and the Braves were on the board, now only down 21-6.

However, the Monarchs would score 21 straight points on a 9-yard run by McClendon, not to mention a Levi El Shaddai sack, a 65-yard long rushing score by Jahmon, and a 6-yard scamper in for six by Levi, with the Monarchs in full control of this contest, 42-6 with four minutes left in the half.

Kenny Stevens and Sergio Cortez added an interception each, as well.

As coach Ron Hamamoto is well respected throughout the Grossmont Conference, it is often for the smaller things, as the Monarchs took a knee four times with little time left in the half instead of possible scoring, yet again.

The Braves would also turnover on downs their next possession, heading into intermission and homecoming festivities, as it was 42-6 Monte Vista at the half.

“I just don’t see running the score up on teams,” said Hamamoto. “We decided to also take out our starters and it went to a running clock.”

Ruben Silva scored for the Monarchs on a 32-yard burst with just one minute remaining in the third quarter, making it 49-6.

Monte Vista would score yet one last time on a scoop and score by Sebastian Valdez for the 16-yard touchdown, making it 56-6 and eight minutes still remaining in the game.

As the Braves have battled all year, they did score one last time, but the final in favor of the Monarchs was 56-13.

Next up for Monte Vista is something they wanted last year, but a feat that was not achieved, a Grossmont Valley League title.

The Monarchs will be hosting the 8-1 West Hills Wolf Pack for the title.

The Pack and the Monarchs each have their attributes.

“They have a great defense and a very talented quarterback and could end up being a very quickly played game as we both like to run the ball,” said Hamamoto. “This game is also important as whoever wins it will most likely get the first round bye in the playoffs.”

This could possibly be the game of the week folks, played at Monte Vista on Friday, the 26th at 7 p.m.