Cougars keep helmet near spotless in win

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 23, 2025

Steele Canyon with the Jamacha Helmet on Friday.

EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

No. 21 STEELE CANYON 58, VALHALLA 6

EastCountySports.com

SPRING VALLEY – Winning is always nice, but doing it behind a season-high scoring output in your perpetual trophy matchup makes it even sweeter.

Steele Canyon posted its best offensive performance of the year Friday night, rolling past Valhalla, 58-6, to keep possession of the Jamacha Helmet.

The Cougars, ranked No. 21 in the county, are now 5-0 for the first time since 2019. Friday’s victory also marked their sixth straight win over Valhalla in the long-running rivalry.

Steele Canyon’s offensive balance was on full display.

Junior quarterback Gavin Caha turned in one of his finest outings, completing 12 of 15 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior Martin Rinaldo added a touchdown pass of his own, while receivers Trevor Zenno, Jacob Henton, and Morgan Myers all found the end zone.

The ground game produced three rushing scores, highlighted by a short-yardage plunge from Abel Lopez, while senior Josiah Stocker accounted for two touchdowns – one on offense and another on special teams with a 99-yard kickoff return, he also tossed a two-point conversion pass.

Henton also reached the end zone twice, once through the air and once on the ground.

Defensively, the Cougars allowed just 1.5 yards per rush and came away with two interceptions from Matthew O’Campo and Marcell Hill.

Linebacker Gunner Minnich led the way with four tackles, while Sebastian Castellon, of the Cougars, and Zachary Haggar, of Valhalla, exchanged sacks for their respective teams.

Valhalla (1-4) avoided back-to-back shutouts thanks to senior Anderson Turner, who hauled in a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jackson Newman in the second half.

Senior running back Ahmed Husaini carried 19 times for 42 yards to lead the Norsemen’s rushing attack.

Defensively, Semaj Ward (7 tackles), freshman Gideon Hypes (6 tackles), and Haggar (sack, 5 tackles) turned in gritty efforts.

The Norsemen, who also fell 42-0 to Ramona in their last outing, have endured a rugged non-league schedule. But with Grossmont Valley League play approaching, Valhalla’s playmakers – including league-leading tackler Brody Shartel and sack leader Haggar – could help them turn things around against more evenly-matched competition.

For Steele Canyon, the victory not only extends its perfect start but also underscores its momentum heading into another tough matchup. The Cougars will return home to face Los Angeles stalwart Dorsey (2-2) next Friday night, but will be a confident favorite to win.

Valhalla has a bye week before opening league play on Oct. 3 against Grossmont.

Jamacha Helmet Rivalry (last five meetings)