RedHawks hammer Knights in finale

By Ramon Scott
Updated: November 3, 2025

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 54, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 12

EastCountySports.com

LA MESA – The Mountain Empire Redhawks claimed a resounding 54-12 victory over the Foothills Christian Knights, closing the regular season on a high note and setting the stage for the Division 5-AA playoffs.

It was a showcase of balance and big-play ability for Mountain Empire.

Sophomore Elisha Lashone Robinson led the charge on the ground, rushing for 228 yards on just 19 carries while scoring three touchdowns. His 12.0-yard-per-carry average included a 52-yard burst that left defenders in the dust.

Quarterback Chance Ross was equally impressive, completing 10 of 13 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, finding Amar Mahasin for a 50-yard scoring reception and connecting with Junior Ponce twice in the end zone.

The Redhawks’ offensive attack didn’t stop there.

Mountain Empire racked up 297 rushing yards overall, dominating a Foothills Christian team that managed just 155 yards on the ground.

Ponce’s 112 receiving yards and two touchdowns, combined with Mahasin’s 105 yards receiving, highlighted the passing game.

Maxwell Anderson added a memorable defensive flourish, scooping up a fumble and returning it 50 yards for a touchdown.

Mountain Empire’s defense also made its presence felt.

Michael Noble and Mason Hotka each intercepted passes, keeping the Knights’ offense in check, while Aiden McGervey and David Oney combined for key tackles and a sack. The Redhawks forced turnovers and limited Foothills Christian to just 268 total yards, effectively shutting down any momentum.

For Foothills Christian, Jack Sudi’s 160 rushing yards and a touchdown provided a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. The junior also contributed on special teams with solid kickoff returns.

Jaelyn Hastens added 53 receiving yards and a touchdown, showing flashes of promise in the Knights’ first year back in 11-man football after dominating the 8-man division for the last several years. Despite their 1-9 record, the experience gained this season should serve as a foundation moving forward.

The win gave Mountain Empire an 8-2 record, with the Redhawks claiming five victories in their last six games. Their consistent offensive output—averaging 30.5 points over that span—has positioned them as a formidable playoff contender in the limited competition division in the section.

On Sunday, the San Diego Section announced the playoff brackets, revealing Mountain Empire as the No. 3 seed in the Division 5-AA playoffs.

The Redhawks will host Victory Christian Academy in the first round.

Maranatha Christian, which defeated Mountain Empire 41-0 during the regular season, holds the top seed, followed by Palo Verde Valley.

In the 10-team Division 5-AA playoff pool, the top eight teams qualify for the bracket format, giving Mountain Empire a prime opportunity to make a postseason run at a section title.

With their high-powered offense, opportunistic defense, and a roster full of playmakers like Robinson, Ross, Ponce, Mahasin, and Anderson, Mountain Empire enters the playoffs with momentum and confidence. Victory Christian Academy will be their first test, but the Redhawks have shown they can score in bunches and shut down opponents when it matters most.

For Foothills Christian, the season came to an end on Senior Night as one of the two teams that didn’t qualify in Division 5-AA

As Mountain Empire turns its focus to the postseason, one thing is clear: this Redhawks squad isn’t just content with regular-season success—they’re aiming for a championship run.