Matadors prove seniority over Cougs

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 20, 2025

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

No. 13 MOUNT MIGUEL 28, No. 16 STEELE CANYON 21

EastCountySports.com

SPRING VALLEY — The Mount Miguel Matadors proved once again that they belong among San Diego County’s elite, turning away previously unbeaten Steele Canyon, 28–21, in a fierce Grossmont Hills League clash that lived up to its billing Friday night.

It was a showcase of resilience, precision, and big-play execution as the Matadors (6–3, 2–1 GHL) handed the Cougars (7–1, 1–1 GHL) their first defeat of the season — and did it with a balanced offensive attack and a defense that rose to the moment at home.

Steele Canyon came in riding a seven-game winning streak and boasting one of the stingiest defenses in the county, but Mount Miguel — playing in front of an energized Spring Valley crowd on Senior Night — found the formula to break through.

The Cougars wasted no time making a statement, striking first when quarterback Gavin Caha hit Nico Jara on a short screen pass that turned into a dazzling 60-yard touchdown. The PAT missed wide, but Steele Canyon jumped out to a 6–0 lead.

Mount Miguel responded with a patient drive behind junior quarterback Jeremiah Loper, who spread the ball to multiple receivers before sophomore running back Jeremiah Holliday, a bruising 5-foot-10, 210-pound sophomore, muscled in from the 1-yard line on third-and-goal. Senior kicker Clint Ettleman nailed the extra point to give the Matadors a 7–6 lead.

The Matador defense then took command, recording multiple sacks on the Cougars’ next possession to force a short punt. Still, it was a late-half miracle that defined the opening 24 minutes.

With no time left on the first-half clock, strong-armed sophomore quarterback Andre Jackson — who shared the drives with Loper — launched a Hail Mary from his own 40-yard line. The ball was deflected by a Steele Canyon defender at the 10, but it bounced into the waiting arms of Delontay Williams, who saw it in for a stunning 52-yard touchdown as time expired.

The play sent the home stands into chaos and gave Mount Miguel a 14–6 halftime lead.

The Cougars, however, didn’t fold. Midway through the third quarter, a Mount Miguel special teams miscue turned the tide.

A high snap on a punt was mishandled in the end zone, where Steele Canyon recovered for a touchdown. Jara then converted a two-point run out of the swinging gate formation to tie the game at 14–14 with 5:28 left in the quarter.

But just when it appeared Steele Canyon might seize control, the Matadors’ offense found its rhythm again.

A pair of completions from Jackson — including a key strike to A.J. Logan — moved Mount Miguel deep into Cougar territory.

Holliday then finished the drive with his second rushing touchdown, a bruising short-yardage run that made it 21–14 with under a minute to go in the third.

Mount Miguel extended the lead early in the fourth quarter when Loper connected with freshman Tmarrion Williams on a 19-yard touchdown pass down the seam to push the lead to 28–14. The play was another example of Mount Miguel’s ability to mix its passing and running threats effectively all night.

Caha and the Cougars fought back late as the quarterback found Jacob Henton for a 33-yard touchdown on a short throw that turned into a weaving sprint to the end zone, cutting the lead to 28–21 with 4:12 to play.

After forcing a punt, Steele Canyon got the ball back near midfield with just over a minute left.

Caha completed passes to move his team to the Mount Miguel 36-yard line, but on the next play, his deep throw toward the end zone was intercepted in spectacular fashion by a Matador defender Gianni Porfilio, sealing the victory and setting off another celebration on the home sideline.

Holliday carried 19 times for 83 yards and two touchdowns to lead Mount Miguel’s ground game, while Jackson completed 16-of-21 passes for 188 yards and a score. Loper added 109 yards through the air and a touchdown of his own, combining with Jackson for 297 passing yards.

Logan led all receivers with nine receptions for 74 yards, while Williams caught four passes for 72 yards and the Hail Mary touchdown.

For Steele Canyon, Caha threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-26 passing. Jara finished with two receptions for 60 yards, including the Cougars’ opening score, while Henton added four catches for 52 yards and a late touchdown.

Defensively, the Cougars were led by Gunner Minich, who recorded 12 tackles (one for loss), and Nico Jara, who added eight stops. Sebastian Castellon, Tyree Zarkaryan, and Luke Rode were also active throughout the night.

The Matadors improved to 3–0 at home this season, outscoring opponents 84–45 in those victories. They’ve now beaten Torrey Pines, Helix, and Steele Canyon in Spring Valley — three programs with strong historical pedigrees.

Mount Miguel, ranked near the top ten in San Diego County entering the week, strengthened its case as one of the section’s most complete teams. Their balance — 144 rushing yards and 297 through the air — and their ability to generate pressure and turnovers have them looking more and more like a playoff dark horse.

Meanwhile, Steele Canyon suffered its first defeat of the year but remains very much in the Grossmont Hills League title race and may get a chance to compete in the Division I playoffs. The Cougars’ defense continues to shine despite the loss, allowing just 91 total points across eight games.

Mount Miguel will have a bye before visiting El Capitan on October 31.

Steele Canyon will look to bounce back quickly with a road test against Helix next Friday — a matchup that could have implications in the Division I postseason rankings.