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Monarchs make mark for playoff berth
- Updated: October 28, 2025
2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
MONTE VISTA 35, VALHALLA 11
EastCountySports.com
SPRING VALLEY — In what felt like a de facto playoff qualifier on Friday night, the Monte Vista Monarchs made their statement loud and clear this time around.
Four different players rushed for touchdowns as Monte Vista powered past visiting Valhalla, 35-11, in a Grossmont Valley League showdown that likely cemented the Monarchs’ spot in the Division V postseason picture.
The Norsemen likely needed an upset to claim a spot in this year’s postseason tournament.
Last season, the Monarchs finished one spot out of the playoffs and were only promoted into the field after a qualifying team dropped out of the Division V tournament.
Despite being the last team “in” the playoffs, Monte Vista went on to win the Division V championship in 2024.
After being held to just one touchdown a week earlier, the Monarchs (5-4, 2-2 GVL) came out determined to put points on the board and did just that, racing to a 28-3 halftime lead and never letting up.
Daesean Jenkins led the charge with 110 rushing yards, including a 74-yard touchdown run that broke the game open in the third quarter.
Deon Hunter added 80 yards and a 20-yard score, while Gio Lopez and quarterback Derrick Taylor chipped in short rushing touchdowns.
Taylor also connected with Rashawn Florence for an 8-yard touchdown pass, one of four catches for Florence totaling 78 yards.
Valhalla (2-7, 1-3 GVL) showed early life behind quarterback Jackson Newman, who completed passes to Lorenzo Matos and Brody Shartel to move deep into Monarch territory on the opening drive, but the Norsemen came up empty after a missed field goal.
Monte Vista’s defense then took over, setting the tone with key sacks from Juan Duran and constant backfield pressure that slowed Valhalla’s resurgent run game.
The Norsemen’s lone touchdown came late in the fourth quarter when Newman found Matos for a 13-yard score, followed by a two-point conversion pass to Marcus Martinez. Anderson Turner accounted for Valhalla’s other points with a 49-yard field goal early in the second half.
Senior linebacker Brody Shartel led Valhalla defensively with nine tackles, while Giacomo Lupo added six and linemen Zachary Haggar and Carlos Aranda split a sack.
The result was a reversal from last year’s 38-21 Monte Vista victory — and perhaps a turning point in the Monarchs’ postseason hopes at the time, which had Monte Vista one spot out of the playoffs.
Monte Vista has now climbed above .500 and into position for a playoff berth, while Valhalla’s playoff chances likely slipped away with the loss, but they will get one more shot at improving their chances in the season finale, where they must record an upset at Santana.
Monte Vista will wrap up the regular season Thursday at Grossmont, where they could also play spoiler against the Foothillers, who have already clinched a share of the Grossmont Valley League championship, but are vying for an undefeated league season.
