East County Sports

RedHawks continue rapid success

Mountain Empire's Jason Landman. / Vic Marano

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 29, O’FARRELL 3

EastCountySports.com

SAN DIEGO – Mountain Empire made a statement Friday night, turning what could have been a close contest into a commanding 29-3 victory over O’Farrell Charter.

The RedHawks, now 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Sunset League play, are enjoying their best start since 2018, thanks to a balanced effort on both sides of the ball and a stingy defense that has become the backbone of their season.

The game began chaotically, with Mountain Empire fumbling the opening kickoff. O’Farrell quarterback Dakobi Coleman and the Falcons capitalized immediately, scoring the team’s first and only points.

After that brief hiccup, however, Mountain Empire took control and never looked back.

Quarterback Chance Ross had a standout performance, throwing for over 100 yards and a touchdown while also running one in himself.

Star running back Elishia Lashone Robinson added about 80 yards on the ground and a touchdown, while Michael Noble also contributed a rushing score.

Defensively, Junior Ponce provided the highlight of the night, scooping up a fumble and returning it for a touchdown that sealed the blowout.

The RedHawks’ dominant showing was part of a three-game winning streak, following a razor-thin 36-35 victory over Victory Christian Academy and a 34-0 shutout at Tri-City Christian.

Mountain Empire has now won three games this season by more than 25 points, and over those contests, the defense has surrendered just 12.7 points per game.

Head coach Cameron Keller praised his team’s focus and discipline after the game.

“I’m proud of the way they played tonight,” Keller said. “Unselfish, disciplined football. We’re certainly excited about where we are right now, but our focus doesn’t change. Each week we approach it as if we’re 0-0, and the goal is always to go 1-0. It’s not about what happened last week or who’s next on the schedule, it’s about staying locked in on the task in front of us.”

O’Farrell Charter, now 2-4 overall and 1-1 in league play, had little answer for Mountain Empire’s balanced attack.

The Falcons struggled to contain Ross and Robinson, and their defensive lapses, including Ponce’s fumble return, highlighted the gap between the two teams.

With a bye week coming up, Mountain Empire will have time to rest and prepare for their biggest test: a certain championship showdown with Maranatha Christian at 7:00 p.m. on the 17th.

With their best start in seven years and consistent dominance on both sides of the ball, the RedHawks have firmly positioned themselves as one of the top Division V-AA programs in San Diego County this season, able to compete for a league and section title.

The team is on the brink of posting one of the best seasons in program history, which includes RedHawk champion teams in 2012, 2000, 1998, 1987, 1985, 1983, 1976, and 1965.

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