Hillers ask Helix: ‘Where’s the musket?’

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: October 4, 2025

Grossmont seniors Gabi Thomas (left) and Marissa Farace

UPDATED w/stats
2025 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

LA MESA — Grossmont senrior Gabi Thomas, the reigning Grossmont Hills League player of the year onoffense, again proved to be the frontrunner for the award this season.

Thomas, an Hinirs student who hopes to attend Stanfor next school years scored three touchdwns — one on a back-breaking 63-yard pasa from Marissa Farace — and a pair of PATs for 209 total points, leading the Hillers past ancient rival Helix, 32-6, Thursday (Oct. 2) at Benton Hart Stadium.

Thomas also excelled on defence with a pair of interceptiosdn, including akey theft in the third period which prevented any rally by the Highlanders.

Meanwhile, members of the Foothillers asked about the location of “The Musket,” the traditional prize between the schools in fotball — well, it’s almost been boys tackle football.

However, the Hillers conceded and will not play the Schotties this season following 30 consecutive contests without defeating their neighbors — the last victory came in 1991.

Grossmont head coach Tony Lawrence admitted to his troops that The Musket was not in play for the flag variety of the sport, yet hopes to come up with a prepetual prize or trophy by next season — or evenin this season’s return, which comes at Grossmont on Oct. 21 in Lt. Mitchell Memorial Field.

Until a an award is developed, there was talk about painting a large “H” on the city hall building (with permission, of course), and painting it Blue & Gold *for Grossmont) rather than Kelly Green, Gray & Black (for Helix).

A year ago, the Hillers won there GHL opener, but fell in Game 2 before reiling off seven stragiths wins. In 2025, it was again a win, then aossm so Thomasa believes the ballclub gained from the experiece.

“After our loss, we learned to keep our energy up and stay focused,” added Thomas. “If we play the way we’re supposed to play, we can beat them.”

Farace, who posted four TD passes (one shy of a season high(, added, “We’ve had our ups-and-downs, but we need to keep pur foot on the gas and keep going. We know when we play with energy and keep focus and we play together, we can win.”

Instead of Helix getting back into the contest, Grossmont, which held a 20-0 halftime lead with theee second-oeriod scores — pushed the margin to 26-0.

Just like the boys teams from the 1950s — Helix fell four times before finally downing Grossmont on its fifth attempt in 1955 –the Hillers were a favorite since they have been playing flagfootb allk for four season, while Helix took up the sports just 10 weeks ago.

Holding the experience advantage and a GHL title from 2024, the Hillers hold loftier goals this season.

“We won’t be satisfield until we go all the way in CIF,” added Farace.

Grossmont moved to 14-3 overall; the Scotties skide to 8-6.

Nikayla Domingo

The Longest Yard(s) — In the JV ballgame, the longest possible play from scrimmage was recorded by Helix quarterback Nikayla Domingo.

Trailing 14-0, Grossmont took opened the second half with possession of the ball, but the drive stalled at the Helix-5. The Scotties ten fumbled back to the 1-yar dline.

However, on second down, Domingo elluded a pass rusher to avoid a safety, shirted around the left side to escape the end zone, then raced to the rigt sideline, storming 79 yards in front of the Hillers bench for a touchdown.

Unless, the dimensions of a flag football field even get cganged, that will a record which can never be broken. Helix won, 28-0.

Elsewhere

Grossmont Hills League

Granite Hills 33, Santana 20

EL CAJON – Granite Hills prepared for its first-place showdown contest with Steele Canyon by out-lasting visiting Santana 33-20, at Valley Stadium.

The Eagles (*10-2 overall) is the lone remaining undefeated in GHL action at 3-0. Steele Canyon (13-4), which had a bye on Thursday, is tied with defending GHL titlist Grossmont at 2-1 in the standings.

Eagles quarterback Cameron Udvarhelyi passed for 227 yards and a pair of scores., both to Kylee Aziz, who hauled in seven passes.

Grossmont Valley League

West Hills 26, El Capitan 24

SANTEE – The roller coaster ride that is the Grossmont Valley League becamrdt Hills nipped league-leading El Capitan, 26-24, at Wolf Pack Stadium.

Both ballclubs scored three touchdown, bvut the Pack converted a pair of PATs, while the Vaqueros missed each time — the difference inthe outcome.

The two schools at now tied for second place at 2-1, while surprising Valhalla at the top of the ladder at 3-0. The Norsemen coplete the first round of GVL action Tuesday atEl Capitan.

For El Capian, quarterback Kylee Frazier passed for 291 yards, her second-highest total of the season. Her best mark is 334 against Santanam, which is the highest reported matrk in the conference (but not schools have yet to report).

Valhalla 33, at ECVHS 31

RANCHO SAN DIEGO — No one expected Valhalla to rest at the top of the GVL table heading into the midway point of the schedule, but although many of the victories have been close, the Orange reains unbeaten at 3-0 after nipping visiting El Cajon Valley.

Once again, converting point0after-touchdowns was the difference, with the Norsemen securing a trio of bonus points to just one single for the braves.

Individual statistics and how the game ended were not reported.

Valley League (N.C.)

Ramona 19, 19, at Mt. Carmel 18

RANCHO PENASQUITOS – Among the combined six touchdown by the ballclubs — three each — the Ramona Bulldogs needed just oneOAT conversionto edge the host Sundevils in Valley League action.

Ramona did not report, but according to a pair of social media sources, the Dawgs trailed, 18-13, before grabbing the lead late in the fourth qyarter to pull out the victory and remian in first place.

The Dawgs and Escondido are tied for first. They meet Monday at Escondido to decide the leader on the final noight of the first round.