EAST COUNTY FEARLESS FORECASTER – Week 8

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 9, 2025

West Hills pressures Monte Vista last Friday. / Vic Marano

Fearless Forecaster – East County Prep Football Week 8 Preview

EastCountySports.com

The stakes rise every Friday from here on out, and Week 8 of the East County prep football season features major implications in both the Grossmont Hills League and the Grossmont Valley League, as teams begin their final push toward playoff positioning.

The emergence of Steele Canyon as a league championship contender doesn’t necessarily mean that this week’s Game of the Year in the East County is necessarily the game for the league championship. The winner of Friday’s night’s expected title tilt may have to withstand the challenge of an undefeated Cougars team in the future. But until then, the aniticipated biggest game of the local schedule is Friday night.

No. 10 Mount Miguel (5-2, 1-0 GHL) at No. 8 Granite Hills (3-3, 0-0 GHL)

The 10th-ranked Matadors take another shot at the region’s elite when they visit the defending Grossmont Hills League champion Eagles. Granite Hills remains clearly rated ahead of Mount Miguel and will be a solid favorite on its home field.

Granite Hills averages an impressive 467 yards per game, while Mount Miguel checks in at 367 yards per contest, making for a potential shootout. The Eagles’ quarterback Zac Benitez, who leads the section with 325 passing yards per game, directs an offense loaded with targets — including Noah Walker (95 yards per game, 569 total yards, seven TDs), D.J. Wilkins (386 yards), and Tristan Diaz (356 yards).

Mount Miguel’s Jeremiah Loper ranks fifth in the county with 1,561 passing yards and only two interceptions in 155 attempts. His top weapon, A.J. Logan, has been red-hot with nine touchdowns in his last four games and 569 total receiving yards.

The Eagles handled the Matadors 45-30 last season in Spring Valley, and while Mount Miguel has closed the gap, Granite Hills still has the balance, depth, and home-field edge to prevail.

PREDICTION: Granite Hills 42, Mount Miguel 27

El Capitan (4-3, 0-1 GHL) at Helix (1-6, 0-1 GHL)

Helix’s record may be unrecognizable to longtime fans, but the Highlanders remain capable of asserting control at home. Despite their offensive struggles, they’ll be a clear favorite against an El Capitan squad that saw its four-game winning streak snapped last week against Steele Canyon.

Both teams average around 220 yards per game offensively, and the Vaqueros will look to Spencer Chastang — one of the area’s top two-way talents — to spark big plays on both sides. Defensively, El Cap features tackling machines Brewin Ford (55), Paul Marcelin (53), and Chastang (51), giving them toughness at the second level.

Helix still has pride and a history of dominance in this series, winning the last five meetings — including a 65-14 victory in 2019. Expect a gritty, lower-scoring affair than in past years, but the Highlanders should right the ship this week.

PREDICTION: Helix 28, El Capitan 14

Santana (4-2, 1-0 GVL) at No. 25 Grossmont (5-1, 1-0 GVL)

The Grossmont Valley League’s biggest matchup of the season pits two 1-0 squads in a battle that may well decide the league championship. Grossmont entered its first Valley League season as the favorite and has lived up to that billing so far, averaging 35 points per game compared to Santana’s 21.

Foothiller quarterback Tyler Holmes continues to impress with 12 touchdown passes, just two interceptions, and over 217 total yards per game. Holmes is also third in the Grossmont Conference with 426 rushing yards, complementing backs A.J. Hooker (493 yards) and Corbin Dow (467 yards) — the top rushing tandem in East County.

Santana’s Ethan Miller has 11 TD passes in six games, while Julian Mayers (434 yards) leads the ground game. Koko Thornton remains a two-way anchor, both scoring and defending effectively.

Grossmont won this matchup 46-21 a year ago, and with superior offensive balance and a fierce pass rush led by Ryder Robinson (10 sacks), the Foothillers should remain in control.

PREDICTION: Grossmont 35, Santana 17

West Hills (1-5, 1-0 GVL) at Valhalla (1-5, 0-1 GVL)

The Wolf Pack snapped their skid last week with a 7-6 win over Monte Vista, giving them early momentum in the Valley League race. Despite identical records, West Hills will be favored over a Valhalla team averaging just 7 points over its last five games.

West Hills quarterback Evin Dill engineered the game-winning drive last week, while the defense continues to hold firm. Valhalla’s defense features standout Brody Shartel (nearly seven tackles per game) and Zachary Haggar (3.5 sacks), and playing at home could keep things tight.

Last year, Monte Vista defeated Valhalla 42-14, but this matchup should be more competitive. Expect another grind-it-out, defensive struggle.

PREDICTION: West Hills 19, Valhalla 13

El Cajon Valley (2-4, 0-1 GVL) at Monte Vista (3-3, 0-1 GVL)

Monte Vista’s loss last week likely dashed its title hopes, but the Monarchs can still finish strong. Both teams feature strong rushing attacks — Deon Hunter for Monte Vista and Janvier Kashindi for El Cajon Valley each average over 80 yards per game.

The Braves nearly upset Santana last week and have shown resilience, but Monte Vista’s offensive depth gives them an edge. Common opponents favor the Monarchs — they routed Castle Park 49-12 on the road, while the Braves won 32-23 at home.

Monte Vista has won the last three meetings, including a 40-12 victory last season, and should again have enough firepower to pull away.

PREDICTION: Monte Vista 31, El Cajon Valley 22

Christian (1-5, 0-2 Eastern) at Scripps Ranch (4-2, 0-0 Western)

Christian’s brutal schedule has taken its toll, and the Patriots face another tough test on the road. Quarterback Kaleb Runkle ranks among the county’s top 10 passers with 1,328 yards, while Kai Rosier has emerged as one of the section’s elite receivers with 656 yards and five touchdowns.

However, Scripps Ranch has found its rhythm, winning three straight over Ramona, Mira Mesa, and La Jolla Country Day. Though not as star-studded as its Western League peers (Lincoln, Cathedral, and University City), the Falcons have balance and momentum.

The Patriots have talent, but depth and defense give Scripps Ranch the advantage.

PREDICTION: Scripps Ranch 34, Christian 23