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Cougars cool ‘Hawks’ hot start
- Updated: September 16, 2025
MEHS junior RB Elisha Lashone Robinson / Vic Marano
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2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
SAN YSIDRO 27, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 19
EastCountySports.com
SAN YSIDRO – A long road trip from Pine Valley to the South Bay ended in a close loss for Mountain Empire on Friday night, as the hot RedHawks dropped their first game of the season, falling to San Ysidro, 27-19.
The RedHawks (3-1) came into the contest riding their best start since 2011 and looking to prove themselves against a Cougars team rated slightly higher by the power rankings. Mountain Empire showed plenty of fight, but two costly red-zone fumbles and missed opportunities proved decisive.
“Two red zone fumbles cost us big,” Mountain Empire head coach Cam Keller said.
San Ysidro (2-2) struck first with a passing touchdown early in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead. Mountain Empire answered on its second drive when junior running back Elisha Lashone Robinson punched in a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game with just under six minutes remaining in the opening frame.
Robinson, who continues to be the offensive catalyst, rushed for over 100 yards and finished with one score.
The Cougars regained momentum, scoring two more rushing touchdowns to build a 21-7 advantage late in the first.
The RedHawks weren’t done, though. Amar Mahasin broke loose for an 18-yard rushing touchdown with two minutes left in the quarter, cutting the deficit to 21-13 after the PAT attempt was no good.
From there, the defenses settled in. Linebacker Jason Landman paced the Mountain Empire defense with nine tackles, keeping the RedHawks within striking distance.
But early in the fourth quarter, San Ysidro extended its lead with a 2-yard run, making it 27-13 after their own missed PAT.
Mountain Empire mounted one last charge in the closing minutes.
Quarterback Junior Ponce capped a late drive with a 2-yard keeper into the end zone, bringing the score to 27-19 with under two minutes to play.
But the Cougars covered the onside kick and ran out the clock, leaving the RedHawks with a long ride home and their first blemish of the season.
Despite the setback, Mountain Empire remains one of the more intriguing squads in Division 5-AA.
The RedHawks, who last posted a winning record in 2018, have shown balance, depth, and toughness through four games and may still be undervalued by the computer rankings.
Next week, Mountain Empire heads to Vista to face Tri-City Christian (0-3).
Though the Eagles are winless, the matchup is rated close by the computers, making it another test for a RedHawks team eager to bounce back and keep momentum rolling into Sunset League play.
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