Improved Foothillers shave 70 in reversal

 

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EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

GROSSMONT 42, PATRICK HENRY 14

EastCountySports.com

RANCHO SAN DIEGO — Coming off a season-opening loss to Patrick Henry last year in which they allowed 77 points, Friday night’s 42-14 season-opening victory over the Patriots on the road suggests the Grossmont Foothillers are dramatically improved defensively from last year’s club. The Hillers looked every bit a top contender in preparation for their return to the Grossmont Valley League.

Quarterback Tyler Holmes set the tone early, connecting with Randy Ballard on the opening touchdown. Soon after, linebacker Colton Burke turned defense into offense with a remarkable 86-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, giving Grossmont a 14-0 lead.

“Tyler Holmes was definitely a big factor running the ball at QB tonight, and a few of our guys laid big hits — like Kaiden Ong and Kai Jones,” Burke said. “Things like that just set the tone for us as a team and on defense.”

Defensive end Ryder Robinson was relentless in the backfield.

“Hell of a game tonight. It was very good all around,” Robinson said. “The offensive line was definitely slower and weaker than us, so it allowed me to make those kinds of plays. On Colton’s scoop-and-score, it was a double-team sack and he ripped the ball out and ran for the touchdown.”

Safety Nate Clark added an interception, and the fumble recovery electrified the Hillers’ sideline.

Randy Ballard scored three times. The Hillers dominated on both lines, limiting Patrick Henry’s opportunities and controlling the clock.

“The offense was great last year, we just needed a defensive game plan and the guys to pressure the opposing QB,” Lawrence said after the game.

While Grossmont’s move to the Valley League may be a step down in on-field competition, Friday night’s performance looked like a statement: a team that dismissed its chances for improvement in 2025 may already be the team to beat upon its return.

“We executed and played physical football, and the defense made it fun for us,” Burke added.

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Scoring Summary

Grossmont     14 13 6 7 — 42
Patrick Henry  0  0 7 7 — 14

 

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Key Stats (Grossmont)

• Tyler Holmes: 179 passing yards, 5 TDs

• Randy Ballard: 12 receptions, 91 yards, 3 TDs

• Ryder Robinson: 7 tackles, 3 sacks

• Colton Burke: 1 fumble recovery TD

• Nate Clark: 1 interception

 

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