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High-flying Eagles cruise by Crusaders
- Updated: August 31, 2025
No. 2 Granite Hills 52, No. 18 Mater Dei Catholic 17
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON – Granite Hills, ranked No. 2 in the East County Prep Top 25, flexed its firepower in a 52-17 win over Mater Dei Catholic on Friday night, improving to 2-0 on the season.
The Eagles took care of another top twenty opponent
The Crusaders struck first, taking a 3-0 lead on an opening field goal, but the Eagles quickly seized momentum.
Quarterback Zach Benitez capped the answering drive by finding Rocket Demery for a touchdown to put Granite Hills ahead 7-3.
Moments later, the defense struck when Braydon Wells stepped in front of a pass and raced 36 yards for a touchdown, sparking the Eagles’ surge.
From there, Granite Hills piled on.
On a third-and-1, running back Davion Williams burst through the line and went 51 yards for a touchdown.
Benitez kept the pressure on through the air, connecting with Tristan Diaz on an 8-yard score and later hitting Noah Walker for two touchdowns, including a 39-yard strike. Demery also proved unstoppable, turning both of his receptions into touchdowns from 51 and 44 yards out.
Benitez finished 16-of-23 for 214 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball around to seven eight different receivers. Diaz led with three catches for 48 yards and a touchdown, while Walker turned both of his grabs into scores. Williams added balance on the ground with the Eagles’ long rushing touchdown finishing with 121 yards on eight carries, and kicker Jacob Nunez stayed perfect on PATs.
Backup quarterback Brody Vicars chipped in with an 18-yard touchdown run out of a direct snap and several double-digit gains, though he also had a pick-six go against him.
Mater Dei Catholic (0-2) showed flashes in the passing game behind quarterback Will Guzman, who completed 23-of-34 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Diego Mendoza was the Crusaders’ top target, hauling in four receptions for 109 yards and a score.
By halftime, Granite Hills had built a commanding 42-10 lead, and the Eagles’ depth carried them through the second half to a decisive victory.
Granite Hills junior Zhedan Smith had a team-high five receptions, good for 40 yards.
Eagles who had interceptions were Demery, Smith, junior Connor Williams, and senior Braydon Wells, who returned his pick for 36 yards.
With a balanced offense, opportunistic defense, and contributions from up and down the roster, Granite Hills looked every bit the Open Division title contender their ranking suggests heading into the heart of the season.
