Montclair Prep Returns to a Division Final, 40-0

By MITCH POLIN

Dec. 3, 2000 12 AM PT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

VALLEY GLEN — It was Gary Sonkur’s poorest rushing performance of the season.

But that isn’t the only way he can unravel an opponent.

Sonkur returned a punt and an interception for touchdowns in Montclair Prep’s 40-0 victory over Rosemead Bosco Tech in a Southern Section Division XII semifinal Saturday night at Valley College.

The top-seeded Mounties (13-0) earned their first berth in a division final since 1994. They play second-seeded Paraclete on Saturday at a site to be determined by a coin flip today.

Sonkur’s 69-yard punt return midway through the third quarter gave the Mounties a 21-0 lead and might have broken the spirit of Bosco Tech (10-3).

For good measure, Sonkur had a 74-yard interception return for the final touchdown in the fourth quarter.

He finished with only 75 yards rushing in 10 carries, but it was enough to break the school record for rushing yards in a season with 2,581.

That surpassed the record set by Wilbert Smith in 1993.

“Gary’s a great all-around player,” Coach George Giannini of Montclair Prep said. “That’s why there were three colleges here looking at him.”

Despite Sonkur having an off night, the Mounties finished with 274 yards rushing. Justin Goss led the way with 124 yards and two touchdowns in 16 carries.

“I think we can run the ball well no matter who’s carrying the ball,” Giannini said. “Our offensive scheme allows a tailback to run for an exceptional amount of yards.”

The Tigers had difficulty mounting an offense.

Bosco Tech, making its first appearance in the playoffs since establishing a football team five years ago, was held to 103 yards.

Montclair Prep held Michael Sencion, who entered with more than 1,400 yards, to 23 yards in 14 carries.

Although he was happy about setting the school’s rushing record, Sonkur said he is more excited about the Mounties reaching the final.

“This is just a dream come true,” he said. “This is what we’ve been working toward for three years.”

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

Southern Section Semifinals

(Sites to be determined)

Division IV

Ventura: 34

Lompoc: 21

Division XI