By David Dickens

December 18, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Monte Vista (7-6) was expected to cruise through this Division 4 rematch on December 8th against the Sweetwater High Red Devils (9-4) for the SDCIF crown. However, just like the age-old saying, “On any given Sunday,” this time the whims of fate kicked in on Saturday. Playoffs at any level discount regular season play as a whole new atmosphere. The ironic stat in this battle: not a single pass was thrown in the Monarch triumph early in the regular season play; this time it was the pass that stole the game.

The Monarch strength all season long was the elite rushing attack led by running back Jermeil Jackson. This time around Monte Vista was stymied for a mere 186 yards – all rushing – and only amassed 31 yards total the entire second half of play. This hard-fought contest was full of turnovers and miscues on both sides. The slippery weather added to the ball security issues as well.