Sunday, December 8, 2024

Prep Football: Monte Vista Advances to State Championship with 41-21 Victory Over Pasadena


SPRING VALLEY, CA - The Monte Vista Monarchs (10-5) punched their ticket to the CIF Division 6-A State Championship game with a convincing victory over the Pasadena Bulldogs (8-7) in Saturday's state regional matchup. The win sets up a showdown with Summerville next Saturday at Fullerton UHSD Stadium.

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.

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Prep Football: Lincoln Advances to State Championship with Thrilling 34-27 Win over Newbury Park


CHULA VISTA, CA - The Lincoln Hornets (11-2) staged a furious fourth quarter rally to defeat the Newbury Park Panthers (14-1) 34-27 in a thrilling Division 1-AA Southern California Regional playoff game on Friday night at Southwestern College's Devore Stadium. The victory sends Lincoln to the state championship game next Friday, December 13th at Saddleback College where they'll face Northern California champion Pittsburg (CA).

Trailing 27-14 entering the final period, Lincoln scored 20 unanswered points, capped off by two clutch touchdown passes from senior quarterback Akili Smith Jr.