In a thrilling CIF Division 11 quarterfinal match, Western Christian defeated El Monte 21-14, marking the second consecutive year that El Monte”s football season ended in the playoffs. The game took place on a rainy Friday night, where Western Christian improved to 12-0, thanks to a crucial 60-yard touchdown run by Yoan Chairez and a 65-yard scoop-and-score fumble recovery.
The victory sends Western Christian to the semifinals, where they will host Baldwin Park. El Monte quarterback Alex Aleman expressed his disappointment, stating, “I thought we had it in the bag, but mistakes cost us. It was a good game overall; defense held it up.” With the score tied at 7-7 and just seven minutes left, El Monte appeared to be in control after Isaac Salinas-Torres made a pivotal tackle on Chairez, forcing a turnover on downs at the 5-yard line.
The game featured limited passing plays due to the inclement weather, but Aleman managed to keep the drive alive with a 50-yard completion to Anthony Munoz on a critical third down. Aleman reflected on the moment, saying, “In the moment, it was exciting, but you know, it is what it is. They”re 12-0 for a reason. They showed today.”
After the completion, running back Isaiah Standley scored to give El Monte a 14-7 lead with just over three minutes remaining. Standley concluded the game with 43 yards on eight carries, while Aaron Rivera led the team with 118 yards on 17 attempts. However, Western Christian staged a comeback when they faced a fourth-and-12. Despite appearing to throw his tenth incompletion, a defensive holding penalty kept their drive alive.
On the next play, Chairez dashed through the defense for a 60-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion, giving Western Christian their first lead of the night with only 1:19 left in the game. Rivera commented, “We really thought we were gonna stop them and win the game. But it”s football; you know, things happen. It was a surprising play, and it happens.”
With just eight seconds remaining, El Monte needed a miracle. However, Aleman fumbled while driving downfield, allowing Western Christian to recover the ball and score a 65-yard touchdown. Aleman lamented, “Man, I love this group. We grew up freshman year together. We just worked our butts off all those four years. It sucks it ended today. We were hoping we”d make the run for the “ship.”
