Gabrielino High School plays Mountain View High School in both teams’ second conference game of the season on Sept. 26 at Mountain View. Gabrielino enters with its best record since 2013 at 4-1, while Mountain View is 3-2 after losses to South El Monte and Garvey. The Eagles are chasing their first league title since 2000, while the Vikings are working to rebound from last year’s 1-9 season.
Last season, the matchup wasn’t close—Gabrielino shut out Mountain View, 33-0, at home. This year, the game is on the road, where Gabrielino is 2-1 with its best away record since 2013. Mountain View is also 2-1 at home, though it has already fallen once to South El Monte. Both teams enter stronger than they were a year ago, raising the stakes for this matchup.
Gabrielino is embracing what coach Dujuawn “DJ” Jones calls a “revenge tour.” Jones described this season as payback against the Mission Valley League after last year’s costly mistakes. “There were games we should have won but didn’t,” Jones said. “This year we’re ready to shock the league.”
The Eagles showed their strength in a dominating 48-13 win over rival Rosemead. The game was out of reach by halftime as Gabrielino built a 26-0 lead. Rosemead managed only two touchdowns, along with a missed extra point and field goal, while the Eagles’ defense added one interception and three sacks. Over the last three games, Gabrielino has outscored opponents 147-13.
Gabrielino is on a roll heading into the playoffs, but players emphasize taking it one game at a time. Mountain View will look to pull an upset at home, yet Gabrielino’s defense has given up only 13 points across its last three games.
Senior quarterback Ely Lobban said, “Play as a team. Don’t underestimate Mountain View. And buy into the program.”
Head coach Luis Gutierrez added, “When you play fast, you make them play your game.” A win would move Gabrielino a step closer to a Mission Valley League title, but even with a loss, the Eagles would remain in contention for both the playoffs and the crown.
