Scotties somehow find win over Cougs
- Updated: March 27, 2021
HELIX 14, STEELE CANYON 0
EastCountySports.com staff report
SPRING VALLEY – In a battle of two teams that couldn’t get out of each other’s way, the 11th-ranked Helix Highlanders used seven turnovers to find a way to beat the punchless Steele Canyon Cougars, 14-0, on Friday night in a matchup of Grossmont Hills League teams usually considered to be among the best in the county.
Right now, the teams are just trying to navigate through this shortened spring schedule.
This game seemed to have nearly as many turnovers as points scored. Chalk this one up for the defenses to be sure, but the offenses weren’t necessarily clicking.
Helix’s Hunter Wiggins had two interceptions and Joshua Carrol had an interception, as well, for Helix.
Wiggins’ interception came on the Cougars’ first series. Steele was in Helix territory but Wiggins picked off the pass and Helix started at its own 36.
The Highlanders also had four fumble recoveries to shut out the 15th-ranked Cougars.
Helix scored both of its touchdowns in the second quarter.
Christian Washington had a rushing touchdown for the Scotties.
Leon Gillis had an interception for Steele Canyon, while teammate Finley O’Gorman added a sack on a series that resulted in a turnover on downs inside the Cougar 10 in the second quarter.
However, the Scotties picked up a loose snap on the next play and scored a defensive touchdown.
It was Felix Barraza who found himself with a football just steps away from the goal line, which he crossed already practically in celebration mode.
Helix then recovered the subsequent kickoff on a Cougar miscue, giving the Scots the ball at the SC 24.
Gorman had another big tackle for loss midway through the second quarter, however, after Helix recovered another turnover in Steele territory, the Cougars couldn’t keep the Highlanders out of the end zone another time.
Washington crashed in from the 2 for the second score of the game with 2:17 left in the first half.
Washington rushed for 101 yards on 24 carries.
James Johnson, a junior, caught two passes from Jessee for 37 yards.
“We still haven’t shown our full force on the offensive side of the ball,” Helix senior offensive lineman Shawn Martinez said “We had a lot of missed opportunities mainly because of our lack of experience.
“We have two starters from our original lineup currently in the starting lineup. We have a lot of work to do until we are to the point of where we are a well-oiled machine again and that just takes time and practice.”
Alexander Van Holten, Jordan Dominguez, and Jerry Riggins had the other fumble recoveries for Helix.
Both teams continue spring play this week.
Steele Canyon will host Granite Hills on Thursday night.
Helix will host Grossmont on Friday night.
