Highlanders churn, earn shutout of Dons

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 16, 2017

“FATTO” NOA runs past Cathedral on Friday. / photo by Antonio McIntyre

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

HELIX 39, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 0

Helix on offense Friday night. / photo by Antonio McIntyre

By Ramon Scott

EastCountySports.com

LA MESA – On the surface, the third-ranked Helix Highlanders’ 39-0 dismantling of visiting ninth-ranked Cathedral Catholic Friday night would drip of revenge for a pair of losses to the Dons last season, including the San Diego CIF Open Division championship game.

But given the team’s current championship standing this season, the Scotties took the opportunity to challenge themselves in the rematch in La Mesa rather than necessarily focus on the Dons as one single-game opponent.

“We Challenged the offensive line during the bye week and they responded,” Helix head coach ROBBIE OWENS said. “We knew we were going to run football. We are a different team than last year against Cathedral.”

Sophomore ELELYON “FATTO” NOA had 174 yards on 19 carries as Helix rushed for 317 yards.

Noa, in particular, was eatin’ in the second half, as they say.

“Elelyon Noa had a great day running the football,” Owens said.

Center MATT AVII and quarterback CARSON BAKER ready for a play Friday night.

Senior quarterback CARSON BAKER threw for four touchdowns.

Baker also rushed for a 6-yard touchdown to make it 6-0 to open the scoring.

Helix got a 15-yard touchdown pass completion to RASHAD SCOTT for a TD to extend the lead to 13-0.

“Rashad is a go-to guy for us on offense and made an unbelievable catch for a touchdown,” Owens said.

ISAAC TAYLOR-STUART, a nationally-recruited senior, had a 45-yard touchdown run as he sprung through the line, then cut back to the right side to race past pursuing Dons, as he displayed his top-ranked speed to the large crowd on both sides at Benton Hart Stadium.”

“Rashad and Isaac are two of the best players in California,” Owens said. “They flew around and their strength is defending pass.”

RASHAD SCOTT scores a touchdown Friday night against Cathedral Catholic.

KEATON CHASE added a field goal for Helix (2-1).

ISAIAH WOODEN capped the scoring with a 34-yard touchdown reception from Baker. He used a double spin to bounce off a pair of defenders inside the 5.

Cathedral Catholic (1-3) was limited to just 106 yards, including just 39 yards passing as the Dons completed just 4 of 11 passing attempts. The last 4:41 was played with a running clock

“MICHAEL SHAWCROFT made a lot of plays at linebacker,” Owens said.

Helix dominated the line on both sides, but especially in front of Noa, and even if there wasn’t a boast of revenge, the Scotties made their point, in the end, finishing the game at the Dons’ 1.

“This game is a rivalry because of each team’s success,” Owens said. “We will continue to see each other year after year.”