NORSEMEN SCHEDULE Overall: 2-7-0 Grossmont South League: 0-4-0 Date Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Opponent at Brawley VIDEO at Chula Vista BYE Hesperia-Sultana Grossmont at El Capitan *Helix *at Steele Canyon *at Monte Vista *Mount Miguel *at Granite Hills Time 14-15 18-40 33-03 34-31 33-52 0-43 7-28 ccd. 14-21 31-38 CHEERLEADERS   WHERE ARE YOU? Team Photo yet to be submitted

JUNIOR VARSITY (4-5, 2-2 GSL) Date Opponent Score Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4 Wk 5 Wk 6 Wk 7 Wk 8 Wk 10 Wk 11 Brawley Chula Vista BYE Hesperia-Sultana Grossmont El Capitan *Helix *Steele Canyon *Mount Miguel *Granite Hills 02-88 30-47 42-14 34-26 00-31 13-41 08-49 19-13 21-07 FRESHMEN (4-5, 2-2 GSL) Date Opponent Score Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4 Wk 5 Wk 6 Wk 7 Wk 8 Wk 10 Wk 11 Brawley Chula Vista BYE Hesperia-Sultana Grossmont El Capitan *Helix *Steele Canyon *Mount Miguel *Granite Hills 08-26 22-00 19-00 07-55 00-29 00-29 14-35 28-07 28-20

WEEK 11
GRANITE HILLS 38, VALHALLA 31 -- For two teams not going to the playoffs, archrivals Granite Hills and Valhalla went at it pretty good in Friday night's (Nov. 9) regular season finale. The host Eagles (3-6, 1-3 GSL) kept their fading playoff hopes alive by staving off a late Valhalla rally to celebrate their homecoming with a victory.

Norsemen sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS, who enjoyed a record passing night, nearly directed a come-from-behind victory for Valhalla (2-7, 0-4 GSL). Trailing 38-24 with just over two minutes remaining, Thomas scampered 8 yards for a touchdown to close the gap to 7 points.

JOSH QUEJA's subsequent squib kick was nearly recovered by Valhalla but the ball went out of bounds at the Granite Hills 31-yard line. The Eagles tried to kill the clock, but NATE BROWN and DYLAN MITCHELL stuffed the runner for a loss on first down, and TANNER HITT (15 tackles) buried the runner for a 3-yard loss on second down, forcing Granite Hills to attempt a trick halfback pass that was dropped when two receivers collided.

Following the ensuing punt, Valhalla had one last chance to pull it out, starting at its 42-yard line with only 1:26 left in the game. Thomas hit BRANDON GIANDONI (10 catches, 154 yards) with back-to-back completions to the Eagles' 35-yard line. On the next play, senior linebacker EDDIE MINEAR sacked Thomas for a 4-yard loss. Undeterred, Thomas completed a quick out to ALEX JOHNSON for a 9-yard gain to the Granite Hills 30 with only 42 seconds to play.

On a third and 5 from the Eagles' 30, Minear once again burst through the line and sacked Thomas at the 35, setting up a 4th and 10 with time ebbing away.

Thomas then spotted Giandoni open near the goal line and threw a perfect pass that was spoiled by a pass interference penalty. That infraction gave Valhalla a first down at the Granite 20, but 8 seconds remaining.

Thomas hooked up again with Giandoni at the 11-yard line, where the receiver quickly stepped out of bounds with 2 seconds left. On the final play of the night Thomas threw a fade pass intended for RUFFY BACONG in the endzone, but the ball was batted away, securing the victory for Granite Hills.

"It was a fun game to be a part of," said Eagles coach RANDY DeWITT. " When you go up against a STEVE SUTTON-coached team you know its going to be a real shootout with a lot of passing."

Thomas had his best game of the season, connecting on a Valhalla record 32 of 51 passes for a Norsemen all-time high 383 yards and a touchdown. Thomas' completion count is the third best in Grossmont Conference history.

Sophomore TYLER JOWORSKI, starting only his second varsity game, did a nifty job of playing longball. His 5 of 13 passing accuracy produced 182 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a school record 88 yard scoring strike to BRADLEY CARTER.

Granite Hills senior HAROLD HARRIS enjoyed a career night, rushing for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns on 24 carries. He also caught two passes for 54 yards and a touchdown.

"We were fired up for tonight's game," added DeWitt. "It was our Homecoming game and it was our traditional rival. I had a speech all prepared for pregame but I didn't have to give it. I could tell in the players' eyes that they were really ready to play. The seniors really stepped up and took the lead."

Valhalla ran 76 offensive plays for 425 yards, compared to Granite Hills' 48 offensive plays for 366 yards.

On the defensive side, linebacker Hitt set an all-time Valhalla regular season record for tackles, finishing with 116 in only 9 games, eclipsing TRAVIS REED'S previous mark of 111, set in 1991.

The Valhalla defense looked tough in the early going. Mitchell tackled the runner for a 10-yard loss on first down, and defensive end SHANE PENNIX nailed the next ball carrier for a 2-yard loss, to the Norsemen 46. On third and 22, Joworski threw a strike to Harold Harris, who promptly turned on the afterburners and outran the defenders to the endzone for the game's first touchdown. COLLIN CRESAP kicked the first of his 4 PATs, and Granite Hills led 7-0, with 9:23 left in the first quarter.

A few minutes later, Joworski hooked up with running back BRENDAN CARTER for a 35-yard touchdown pass that floated over a leaping IVAN MAY to put Granite ahead 14-0.

As the first quarter was drawing to a close, Valhalla's May got his revenge when he intercepted an errant pass at the Norsemen 30 and eluded several tacklers, cruising 70 yards to put Valhalla on the board. After Thomas made the first of 3 PATs, the Norsemen trailed 14-7, with 38 seconds left in the first quarter.

Early in the second stanza, Thomas booted a 23-yard field goal, closing the gap to 4 points with 9:24 left until halftime.

Twenty seconds later, Harris swept around the left side of the Valhalla defense and sprinted 80 yards for a touchdown, extending Granite Hills' lead to 21-10.

Valhalla did not roll over, however. Starting at their 20-yard line after the ensuing kickoff, DEREK WHITE hauled in a 13-yard Thomas pass for a first down on the Valhalla 35-yard line. A nifty 8-yard run by ANTHONY JOPLIN got the visitors to their 43-yard line. A series of short passes motored the Norsemen down the field with some superb pass protection by offensive tackle JOSE CORTES, who is being recruited by New Mexico, Buffalo, Montana State, UC Davis and Sacramento State among others.

The Norsemen eventually scored as running back CHRIS BROWN swept around the right side and cut back to score a 17-yard touchdown, making it 21-17, with 4:47 left before intermission.

Just before the half ended, Thomas hooked up with Chris Brown for a 45-yard touchdown pass, giving Valhalla a 24-21 halftime lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, Granite Hills regained the lead on Joworski's record-breaking pass to Bradley Carter.

A poor punt snap handed the Eagles a safety and a 30-24 lead with 8:44 left in the game.

Following the free kick, Granite Hills eventually scored what proved to be the winning marker on a 5-yard run by Harold Harris. The Eagles were successful on a 2-point conversion pass as Joworski connected on a fade to Bradley Carter to take a 14 point lead with 4:22 remaining.

Many schools have taken up donations to help support the Varshock family.

While the Norsemen did enjoy a 14-7 halftime lead with a chance to play Grossmont South League spoiler, the visiting Matadors scored two touchdowns in the second half, preserving the Mount Miguel ’s chance to win at least a hunk of the league title.

AARON BRYANT completed half of his 26 passes for a season-best 256 yards and 2 TDs to lead the Matadors (6-2, 3-0 GSL). His favorite target was AHMAAD NUNLEY with 6 catches for 158 yards and one TD. Mount Miguel 's stable of running backs rushed for 134 yards in 35 attempts.

For Valhalla (2-6, 0-3 GSL), ZACK ROMERO carried the ball 14 times for 100 yards and a TD, his best effort of the season. Sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS threw for 128 yards on 12-of-29 and DEREK WHITE snagged five passes for 67 yards for the Norsemen.

The start of the second half was delayed several minutes due to the homecoming ceremony and both offenses started off sluggishly. Valhalla received the second half kickoff, started at its 31-yard line and advanced to its 42, but the Matadors' BRANDON KAIMULOA sacked the quarterback for a 10-yard loss to its 32-yard line. Romero had a quick hitter good for 13 yards to the Valhalla 45, forcing a punt situation. WES PARKER (5 punts, 40.8 average) hit a 42-yarder that pinned the Matadors at their 13-yard line.

On its ensuing drive, Mount Miguel took some punishment by the Valhalla defense, led by senior linebacker TANNER HITT (16 tackles), TREVOR DOTSON (3 tackles for loss) and sophomore defensive end SHANE PENNIX.

After nine plays, the Matadors' offense gained only 20 yards to its 33-yard line. On the 10th play, IVAN MAY intercepted and returned it 35 yards to the Mount Miguel 16-yard line. A personal foul penalty on the return tacked on 8 more yards, giving the Norsemen the opportunity to blow the game open. On second and goal from the 9, Mount Miguel recovered a fumble on an option play, taking the wind out of Valhalla ’s proverbial sails.

Rejuvenated and starting from its 11-yard line, Mount Miguel moved quickly down the field. A key pass play from Bryant to senior wide receiver TONY SWINTON covered 37 yards down the right sideline to the Valhalla 23. Five plays later, Bryant found Swinton open in the endzone for a 12-yard TD pass. ALAIN ROMERO converted the second of his three PAT kicks to tie the game 14-14 with only 10 seconds left in the third quarter.

Valhalla couldn't move the ball on its next possession against the fired-up Matadors defense, having to punt less than a minute into the last period. Mount Miguel then put together a nine-play, 64-yard scoring drive, culminating in the go-ahead touchdown on a 5-yard run by DERALL HUNTER with 7:13 left to play in the game. Hunter led the Matadors’ rushers with 62 yards on 13 carries.

Late in the game, Valhalla mounted an 18-play drive that was marred by dropped passes and a holding penalty, but the Norsemen managed to get to the Matadors' 36-yard line when SAMATRE JONES leaped for an interception at the Mount Miguel 25-yard line, ending the attempted Norsemen comeback.

Early in the second quarter, Valhalla broke the scoreless deadlock. Romero burst through the middle of the line, sprung by TAYLOR PHIPPS' crushing block, and cruised 43 yards to the endzone. Following Thomas PAT kick, the Norsemen led 7-0, with 9:36 left to play in the half.

After JOSH QUEJA planted the ensuing kickoff in the endzone for a touchback, the Matadors went on the attack. Bryant hooked up with Nunley for an 83-yard scoring strike, which included the senior receiver’s ability to shake a couple of tacklers. Nunley’s effort is the sixth longest pass play in Mount Miguel history.

Valhalla responded immediately, moving quickly down the field from its 11-yard line, highlighted by a 19-yard screen pass from Thomas to White, and a 25-yard gain on a slant pass from Thomas to fellow sophomore NINO MALLORY, setting up the Norsemen at the Mount Miguel 15.

Valhalla coach STEVE SUTTON then called a play that would make ex-Charger quarterback Drew Brees proud. Thomas handed off to Mallory, who started to sweep right. Thomas took off down the left sideline and Mallory quickly stopped and threw a fade pass to Thomas in the endzone for the go-ahead TD, with 4:09 remaining in the second stanza. Thomas' kick gave the Norsemen a 14-7 lead at the halfway mark.

Both defenses ruled the field until midway through the first quarter when Valhalla's May returned a punt 28 yards to the Matadors' 39-yard line, giving Valhalla excellent field position. On first down, Thomas threw a dart to fellow sophomore Mallory for a 13-yard gain to the Mount Miguel 26. Three plays later, Thomas rushed for a first down at the Matadors' 14. Three plays and two dropped passes later, Valhalla had to try a 30-yard field goal, but Thomas' kick was blocked, ending the only scoring threat by either team in the initial period.

Steele Canyon senior defensive end DILLON MILLS recovered two Valhalla fumbles and TED WOMACK, a junior safety, intercepted an errant Norsemen pass in his team's endzone to seal the victory for the Cougars (5-2, 2-0 GSL).

Not unexpectedly, it was a JAMIE DALE rushing night (34 carries, 212 yards, 3 TDs) rushing right, rushing left and rushing up the middle the first four plays of the game for 23 yards to the Cougars' 43-yard line.

And that was just the beginning for Dale, who produced his second 200-yard game this season and the 5th of his career.

That's not surprising considering Dale -- with 2,764 yards -- is Steele Canyon's all-time rushing leader. Did we mention scoring? Dale has 35 TDs, also a Steele Canyon career record.

Late in the 1st quarter, the Cougars -- riding the tail of Dale -- reached the Valhalla-23. It looked like Valhalla's defense was going hold the line when linebacker DYLAN MITCHELL and sophomore defensive end SHANE PENNIX teamed up to sack quarterback NICK STATHAS.

Stathas was undeterred, however, and quickly hit junior wide receiver JASON COFIELD for a 20-yard gain to the 15. Four plays later, Dale scored the first of his three rushing touchdowns from the 2-yard line. SCOTT PERLIN's converted the first of his 4 PATs, and Steele Canyon led 7-0, after using up almost 8 1/2 minutes of the first quarter on its 15-play drive.

Starting from its 20 following Perlin's kickoff also found the endzone, Valhalla's offense quickly moved into Steele Canyon territory after sophomore NINO MALLORY gained 17 yards on two runs, RUFFY BACONG picking up 9 yards on a sweep, and sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS tossed a strike to DEREK WHITE for another 10-yard gain.

Then disaster struck. Thomas was blindsided for a sack which resulted in a fumble. Mills scooped up his first fumble recovery at the Cougars-47. Six plays later, Dale scored his second touchdown from 1 yard out after Stathas completed a 40-yard pass to Brown to make it 14-0 with 9:28 left in the first half.

Perlin's second half opening kickoff didn't reach the endzone, but it worked out okay for the the Cougars when the returner got smacked and coughed up the football. Steele Canyon's Mills had his second fumble recovery at the Norsemen-30.

Like a broken record, it was Dale left, Dale right, and Dale up the middle for 29 compositeyards, setting up Stathas' 1-yard TD run, increasing the lead to 21-0.

The Norsemen (2-5, 0-2 GSL) didn't quit. Starting from their own 34, senior running back ZACK ROMERO blasted through the middle of the Steele Canyon defense for an 18-yard gain. Nino Mallory added a couple of nifty runs of 13 and 9 yards to get the Norsemen down to the Cougars-19, but Steele Canyon's defense stiffened and the drive appeared to stall.

Faced with a 4th-and-10 from the 19, Valhalla coach STEVE SUTTON eschewed a field goal attempt, and elected to call another pass play. This time, SPENCER SUTHERLINE hauled in a Thomas pass at the 1-yard line, then Romero danced into the endzone on the next play with less than a minute to go in the third quarter.

Valhalla's defense, led by linebacker TANNER HITT and safety SHANE MALLORY, was able to force a punt with 10 minutes left in the game. Starting at thr 28, Thomas moved the Norsemen quickly down the field, with Nino Mallory picking up 39 yards on 3 carries, and Sutherline snagging a 17-yard pass for a first down at the SC-13.

Thomas then found White open in the endzone, but Womack dives in front of the receiver, intercepting the pass for a touchback with 5:59 left.

Steele Canyon iced the victory 8 plays later, as Dale scored his third touchdown on an 11-yard sprint around the right end with 2:54 remaining.

Both teams ran 54 plays and team yardage totals were comperable, but turnovers spelled the difference. Steele Canyon finished with 336 yards to Valhalla's 314.

Thomas went 18-30-1 for 164 yards, while Stathas totaled 89 yards on 8-12-0 passing. On defense, Hitt led all tacklers with 17.

Better believe that the college scouts are aware of Toilolo, who caught a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback TY CULVER in Friday's (Oct. 12) Grossmont South League opener at Valhalla.

"We had a fade on the outside and then a play-action pass up the middle," said Toilolo of his two TD passes from Culver.

Although Toilolo would not come right out and say that his obvious height advantage over opposing defensive backs is a major benefit, the facts are clear.

"I just told Ty to look for me," the towering Toilolo said. "Yeah, people try to hold me and jam me at the line of scrimmage, but I just try my best to get released and get out into my route."

It seems almost surprising that Helix (4-1-1, 1-0 GSL) has pitched only 12 passes to Toilolo, who
has 12 receptions for 140 yards and 3 TDs. Look for the Highlanders to take advantage of the big fella in coming weeks.

As an offensive target, he has caught the attention of many Division I colleges, including Florida's Urban Meyer. The Gators, who won the national championship a year ago have already offered Toilolo a scholarship.

"That was pretty exciting," Toilolo admitted. "I really wasn't expecting an offer so soon."

Given his size and talent, this is just the beginning. Cal, Louisville, Miami (Fla.), USC, UCLA, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alabama, Stanford and Boston College are among the DI colleges interested in Toilolo.

Although aware of the nationwide interest in him, Toilolo has maintained his composure. In fact, he's just downright modest.

His focus at the moment is on helping the Highlanders capture the Grossmont South League championship and the SDCIF Division II crown.

The Highlanders' JO-JO PHILLIPS scored on the opening play of the game on an 80-yard dash off tackle. Phillips added a 2-yard run to make it 14-0 and the rout was on.

Culver completed 9 of 18 passes for 116 yards, including a 36-yard scoring bull'seye to MARQUISE DEADWILER and the 2 short lobs to Toilolo.

But the stellar unit in this affair was the Helix defense, which smothered the Norsemen (2-4, 0-1 GSL). Officially, the Highlanders held Valhalla to minus 11 yards rushing on 23 carries.

Valhalla sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS, who was averaging more than 241 yards passing, was limited to 79 yards through the air against the Highlanders.

"We have talent on this team. Our job as coaches is to make sure they stay intense," said Helix coach DONNIE VAN HOOK. "I believe with the new guys East County coaching has gotten a lot tougher."

The Highlanders rolled up 250 yards rushing, led by Phillips (6-81, 2 TDs) and ANDRAY JACKSON (8-61, 1 TD).

The Helix defense forced 4 turnovers, which enabled the Highlanders to stroll to a 27-0 lead by the break.

Helix safety TRELAN TAYLOR picked off his fourth pass -- tying him for the East County lead.

JAMAR TAYLOR, a Division I prospect, blanked Valhalla's BRANDON GIANDONI, the Grossmont South's leading receiver.

Linebackers ANTHONY LARCEVAL and O.J. AUIMATAG also picked off Thomas passes for the Highlanders. Toilolo also logged 2 sacks and batted down a pass.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (10-06-07) — BEN WILKINS, arguably the finest running back in East County, put on a clinic Friday night (Oct. 5) at Wendall Cutting Stadium.

The 6-foot, 215-pound senior rambled for an El Capitan record six touchdowns as the host Vaqueros cruised by Valhalla , 52-33. Wilkins scored on runs of 59, 39, 18 and 12 yards, along with a couple of 1-yard scampers. In addition to his scoring bonanza, Wilkins rushed for 192 yards on 19 carries.

“Everything was clicking for us,” said Wilkins. “ Valhalla was keying on the pass and that opened up the run. The draw was there all night. But we didn’t just stick to one or two plays. We gave them a lot of different looks and that seemed to keep them on their heels the whole game.”

Wilkins’ scoring binge broke the El Capitan single game scoring mark of 31 points set by FRED HIGHT in a 1968 game against Santana. Wilkins’ effort also ties him with West Hills’ MATT HOUAR (1994 vs. Eastlake) for second all-time on the Grossmont Conference list.

Valhalla sophomore fullback TRAIVONNE BROWN broke the century mark for the first time as a varsity athlete, garnering 103 yards in 10 attempts. But all that running aside, coaches RON BURNER and STEVE SUTTON showed why they have the top two passing teams in the Grossmont Conference.

Vaquero junior quarterback TANNER RUST had a field day of his own, completing 16 of his 27 passes (with one pick) for 366 yards and two touchdown tosses to senior wide receiver GARRETT JARVIS (5 catches, 123 yards).

El Capitan amassed 636 yards of total offense in a game that was almost close.

Valhalla's 6-foot-5 sophomore QB PETE THOMAS, completed 19 of 38 passes (with one interception) for 342 yards and 2 TDs. Valhalla finished with 473 yards of offense.

Do the math: The two teams had 1,109 yards of total offense. It was the fourth time El Capitan (4-2) had scored 50 points or more.

Not surprisingly, the game began with a bang as El Cap’s TILA CASE returned the opening kickoff 82 yards. Valhalla kicker JOSH QUEJA made the touchdown-saving tackle at the Norsemen’s 12. That respite was brief.

On first down Wilkins plowed the 12 remaining yards into the endzone and El Cap led 6-0 only 20 seconds into the contest.

Valhalla kick returner Chris Brown. (Photo by Mark Gonzales)

Valhalla senior CHRIS BROWN returned ALEX ROSTAMIJAM's kickoff 52 yards to the El Cap 46-yard line giving the Norsemen fine field position. From there, Thomas didn't waste any time, hitting BRANDON GIANDONI for a 41-yard gain to the Valhalla 12. Thomas eventually scored on a 3-yard run and added the first of his three PAT kicks.

On its next drive, El Capitan began marching down field, but Valhalla's WES PARKER sacked Rust for a 5-yard loss as the first quarter ended, leaving the Vaqueros with a 3rd-and-18 at the Norsemen 35-yard line.

After picking up 9 of those yards, Rust found Case wide open on the sideline for an 18-yard pickup on 4th down for a first-and-goal at the Valhalla 8. Three plays later, Wilkins walked into the endzone from the 1-yard line, giving El Cap an 18-7 edge with 8:45 to play in the first half.

A series later, El Cap scored quickly on an 18-yard TD pass from Rust to Jarvis. Rostamijam's kick was true and El Cap increased its lead to 25-7, with 5:31 to play before intermission.

Valhalla (2-3) managed to cut the deficit before the break. The key play was a Thomas spiral to Giandoni for 40 yards. That set up ALEX JOHNSON’s 4-yard charge into the endzone for a touchdown, courtesy of a superb block by offensive lineman NATE BROWN.

Burner tried a little razzle-dazzle before intermission, with a flea-flicker pass from Rust to PHILLIP COOK, who pitched it to Case, who was cutting back against the middle. Case sprinted 42 yards to the Valhalla 31, where he was dragged down by TANNER HITT.

Burner wasn't through with the trick plays. On 1st down from the Valhalla 19, he called a reverse to Case, who has both excellent speed and moves. However, Valhalla defensive back SHANE MALLORY made a sure-handed open-field tackle to foil the play. On 4th and 1 from the Valhalla 9, linebacker KELLEN WILEY stuffed Wilkins for no gain, turning it over to Valhalla and holding the halftime score to 25-14.

Trailing 31-14, Valhalla's special teams continued to shine as Brown returned a kickoff to the Vaqueros' 37-yard line. A penalty advanced the ball to the El Cap 18. A controversial call by the line judge nullified an apparent Valhalla touchdown pass from Thomas to DEREK WHITE, forcing Valhalla to attempt a 25-yard field goal which was partially deflected, veering wide left.

Valhalla got the ball right back, however, after Hitt intercepted a pass at the El Cap 23-yard line and rumbled 9 yards to the Vaqueros' 14, where RUFFY BACONG scored 3 plays later on a 3-yard TD run around left end, cutting the Vaqs lead to 31-20.

It took the Vaqueros 20 seconds to score on two plays following the kickoff. Rust hit Case for a 33-yard pass play to the Valhalla 39-yard line. On the next play, Wilkins pounded his way through the middle of the Valhalla defense with some quality blocking by 6-foot-6, 302-pound JEFF SCHILLER and 6-8, 332-pound DERYCK BEVERIDGE for a 39-yard TD run. That stretched El Cap’s lead to 38-20, with 4:29 to play in the 3rd quarter.

Valhalla appeared to answer quickly on its next possession when, on 4th-and-goal from the 2-yard line, it appeared that sophomore NINO MALLORY had broken the plane of the endzone behind the cone before he hit the ground, but he was ruled down inside the 1-yard line.

That was a major turn-around and all but sealed the deal for El Capitan .

The Vaqueros drove 99 yards in 17 seconds, with Wilkins burning for a 59-yard TD run with 42 seconds left in the 3rd stanza.

Down by 25 points entering the final period, Valhalla used a 42-yard run by Brown to set up a 4-yard TD pass from Thomas to White.

Any hopes of catching the Vaqueros ended a few minutes later when Rust found Jarvis for a 19-yard TD for a 52-20 with 7:14 left in this 3 hour game.

Despite the setback, at least one Valhalla wish was granted. Nino Mallory fulfilled his promise to his mother that he would score a touchdown on her birthday, hauling in a 3-yard Thomas pass with 40 seconds to go.

Norsemen defensive end Shane Pennix vs. El Capitan. (Photo by Mark Gonzales)

Sutton, East County’s offensive maestro, was talking about the Norsemen passing game – and opponents who have to defend it. His team put that practice into motion Friday night (Sept. 28) and eventually wore down the visiting Foothillers for a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

Valhalla (2-2) scored 21 points over the final 20 minutes of the second half to stun the Foothillers (3-2). TRAIVONNE BROWN sandwiched a pair of touchdowns around RUFFY BACONG’s 5-yard scoring run to complete Valhalla ’s comeback.

“Like a lot of teams we play, all of Grossmont’s skill guys go both ways,” said Sutton. “They run pass patterns on offense and then have to cover our pass patterns on defense.”

Valhalla executed 75 plays, which is on the high end for a high school team.

“We just ran them into the ground with our no-huddle,” Sutton noted.

Valhalla began it winning drive at the Grossmont 44 with 2:49 remaining. On first down, Norseman quarterback PETE THOMAS faked a handoff, holding the ball at his side, biding his time. Brown wandered out to the left flat.

Thomas then zinged the ball to him, and Brown put it into overdrive, taking off for the endzone.

A Grossmont defender caught Brown at the 5-yard line, but the determined Norseman literally dragged the would-be tackler the last 5 yards into the endzone. It was his third touchdown of the game and Valhalla ’s first lead of the night.

Senior quarterback JOSH SIMMS tried to initiate a last-ditch effort for the Foothillers, completing successive passes of 14 and 13 yard for a first down at the Valhalla 45. Simms would have kept the Foothillers’ drive alive had not two of his last four passes been dropped.

Simms gained a slight edge over Valhalla sophomore sensation Thomas, completing 18 of 37 passes for 301 yards and 4 touchdowns. Thomas hit 20 of 35 passes for 258 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Top: Just like the New England Patriots, those spies from Chl. 4 San Diego attempt to steal Valhalla's signals... what, they weren't? Oh, nevermind. Bottom: Norsemen Brandon Giandoni (81) goes for the ball in the endzone for the touchdown. (Photos by Mark Gonzales)

Back-to-back 18-yard runs runs by ZACK ROMERO and RUFFY BACONG helped position the Norsemen at the Grossmont 15. Thomas then threw a perfect fade pass to the back of the endzone that was grabbed by wide receiver BRANDON GIANDONI (6 catches, 115 yards). Thomas kicked the first of his 5 PATs, closing the gap to 14-7, at the 10:09 mark of the second quarter.

Grossmont came right back on its next possession, driving 59 yards in 8 plays, upping their lead to 21-7 on a 17-yard toss and catch from Simms to wide receiver BRYAN HAAR.

Valhalla's offense sputtered and stumbled on its next possession until it had a first-and-28 from its own 26-yard line. Thomas threw a bomb downfield to Giandoni for a 61-yard gain to the Hiller 13. Four plays later, running back Brown burst through the middle of the Grossmont defense for a 3-yard TD run

Grossmont wasn't done, however. Simms maneuvered his team down the field quickly, hooking up with Floyd for a 24-yard pickup and with Haar for a 43-yard pass gain to the Valhalla 12. When the drive stalled at the Valhalla 7-yard line, Simms kicked a 23- yard field goal to give the Foothillers a 24-14 halftime lead.

Early in the second half, a punt by Valhalla ’s WES PARKER hit a Grossmont player and the Norsemen recovered at the Hiller 41. Thomas eventually attempted a 30-yard field goal that hit the left upright and bounced back into the field of play.

As momentum swung to Grossmont, Simms spotted Haar wide open down the field and heaved the pigskin to him for a 55-yard TD, extending Grossmont’s advantage to 31-14 with 7:41 left in the third stanza.

Valhalla quarterback Pete Thomas. (Photo by Susan Cooper Photography)

The Norsemen, rapidly becoming known as a passing team, proved they can run the ball with consistency. Bacong scored his first touchdown of the season on a 5-yard run – Valhalla ’s seventh consecutive running play in that series. Suddenly it was a 3-point with 6:48 to play.

An interception by Valhalla defensive back KEENAN HIRSCH was a huge play for the Norsemen. Unable to advance past the Grossmont 12-yard line, Valhalla turned it over on downs, electing not to try another field goal, which would have tied the game.

“Yeah, that was kind of a gamble,” Sutton said. “But we figured that they were tired and our defense could hold them and give us another chance.”

And so they did.

For Grossmont Floyd caught 7 passes for 89 yards with 2 TDs, while Haar caught 3 passes for 117 yards and 2 TDs. Waters accounted for 128 all-purpose yards. Linebacker DOMONIQUE BRADLEY topped Grossmont with 16 tackles.

The Norsemen produced their own pyrotechnics, both on offense and on defense and they presented STEVE SUTTON with his first victory in three starts as Valhalla’s new head coach.

Sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS was 16-for-22 for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. Counting reserve help Valhalla passed for 276 yards – the highest aerial count since 1997 when AARON SANDERS threw for 343 yards against Helix – a mark that remains a Valhalla passing record today.

“Thomas did a nice job throwing the ball and our receivers made some nice catches,” Sutton said. “But we could have and should have had more.”

Several penalties nullified more than 100 passing yards. With Sutton installing a new spread offense this year, it was expected that Valhalla would have a one-sided, pass-happy attack, with no running game.

That wasn’t the case against Sultana. The Norsemen produced a balanced attack against the visitors, however, with 26 running plays and 23 passing plays. The total yardage count was 396.

“I think our kids are starting to see how our offense works,” Sutton said.

Trailing 3-0, Valhalla got fire. After RUFFY BACONG ran for a 6-yard gain, Thomas threw a bomb to BRANDON GIANDONI for a 70-yard touchdown. After Thomas added the PAT, the Norsemen led 7-3, with 4:23 to play in the first quarter.

Starting at their 24-yard line following the kickoff, the Sultans drove into Valhalla territory, but had to punt when TANNER HITT and SHANE PENNIX combined to stuff the third down run. JOOLER FARAJ blocked the punt, giving the Norsemen (1-2) superb field position at the Sultans 32-yard line.

Top: Alex Johnson hauls in a touchdown pass. Bottom: Ruffy Bacong slashes forward for a big gain in topping Hesperia-Sultana, 33-3. (Photos by Mark Gonzales)

Sultana threatened to narrow the gap two series later when it marched down the field to the Valhalla 22-yard line. The Norsemen defense stiffened, however, knocking the ball loose from the runner and recovering the fumble at their 20-yard line. Thomas and his receivers made it look easy. First, he hit Giandoni for 19 yards to the Valhalla 40. Thomas then threw to NINO MALLORY for a 28-yard gain. A few plays later, ANTHONY JOPLIN made a seal block to spring CHRIS BROWN loose down the right side line for a 29-yard touchdown run to make it 21-3.

In the second half, Valhalla's defense limited Sultana (1-2) to 72 yards.

Meanwhile, Valhalla ’s offensive machine continued to grind. Thomas was near-perfect as he found Giandoni open for a 29-yard gain, and then hooked up with Brown for 51 yards to the Sultana 2-yard line. Thomas ran it into the endzone on the next play making it 27-3.

Sultana attempted to rally in the 4th quarter, but some sure tackling by defensive lineman ADRIAN ISAACS and defensive back MARCO SAKO, and a quarterback sack by WES PARKER snuffed out any hopes the visitors ascertained. Following that stop, the Norsemen came right back and added an insurance touchdown when TRAIVONNE BROWN scampered 37 yards, increasing the lead to 33-3.

Valhalla’s offensive line, led by senior blue chip tackle JOSE CORTEZ and guards NATE BROWN and TAYLOR PHIPPS, gave Thomas excellent pass protection. Giandoni led all receivers with 6 catches for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Ceremonies for the dedication of the new synthetic playing surface at Valhalla Stadium featured (l-r): Former Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis, San Diego County supervisor Dianne Jacob, and former NFL placekicker Brad Daluiso. (Photo by Mark Gonzales)

Norsemen back Zach Romero. (Photo by Chris Edwards)

Coming off a big win against Castle Park last week, the Spartans expected to roll through Valhalla's defense. The El Cajon lads had other ideas, forcing Chula Vista to punt on its first series of the game. Starting from its 16 yard line, Valhalla stunned the home crowd when sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS hit wide receiver SPENCER SUTHERLINE with a 42-yard bomb to the Spartans-24.

Valhalla quarterback Pete Thomas. (Photo by Chris Edwards)

Late in the second quarter, Chula Vista kicked a 28 yard field goal to extend its lead to 10-3. Valhalla didn't waste any time when it got the ball back. On 1st down, Thomas hooked up with BRANDON GIANDONI for a 43-yard pass play to the Spartans-22. Thomas then showed why this team has potential: he threw a strike to Romero for 15 yards and, on the next play, hit Sutherline with an 18-yard completion for a touchdown, with only 39 seconds remaining in the first half. A Chula Vista penalty allowed the Norsemen to go for the 2-point conversion, with Thomas sneaking across the goal line, giving Valhalla a 11-10 lead at intermission.

Valhalla running back Klay Shapiro (2) receives a block from lineman Zachary Romero (top), while Pete Thomas tries running around the right side against Chula Vista, aided by a Nino Mallory block. (Photos by Mark Gonzales)

Remember that shot-up foot? Chula Vista was the beneficiary of two Valhalla personal fouls on one play, a gift of 22 yards to Chula Vista.

Trailing 17-11, Valhalla put together a 12-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a one yard TD run by junior ALEX JOHNSON. After Thomas' PAT kick, Valhalla reclaimed the lead, 18-17.

In the 4th quarter, the jumbo-sized Chula Vista offensive line wore down the Norsemen defense, which seemed to spend most of the evening on the field. Valhalla linebacker TANNER HITT led all defenders with 14 tackles, followed by fellow linebacker KELLEN WILEY with 12 (Wiley had 17 tackles against Brawley last week), and SHANE MALLORY, who contributed 10 tackles to the cause.

Thomas was 10-19-1 for 172 yards. On the ground, Valhalla was 22-109 yards, with sophomore TRAIVONNE BROWN leading the way with 61 yards in 8 carries. Now, about those 117 penalty yards.

It was 111 degrees when the game started at 7:30 p.m. When the game ended at about 10:15 p.m., the temperature had dipped all the way down to 100, but at least the humidity remained high the entire evening. It was a heated (literally) battle between Brawley's steady running game and Valhalla's newly installed passing attack.

Despite the heat, Valhalla managed to score first with just 11 seconds left in the first quarter, shortly after senior defensive back SHANE MALLORY scooped up a Brawley fumble and ran it back 26 yards to the Wildcat 4 yard line. On first down, KLAY SHAPIRO bounced off defenders into the endzone for a touchdown. The PAT kick failed, and the Norsemen led 6-0.

Brawley took the ensuing kickoff, and, starting from its 17-yard line, marched down the field, culminating in a one-yard TD run by Kyle Mohamed. Jose Peralta's kick split the uprights, giving the home team a 7-6 lead with 7:25 remaining in the first half.

Valhalla kick returner CHRIS BROWN gave the Norsemen good field position to open the second half, rumbling to the Valhalla-37. On first down, JOSH QUEJA burst through the middle of the Brawley defense for a 15-yard gain to the Brawley-48. Sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS hit ZACK ROMERO for a 21-yard gain on the next play, advancing the Norsemen to the Wildcats-27e. Following a completion to wide receiver DEREK WHITE, junior running back ALEX JOHNSON made the most of a nifty mis-direction play, scrambling 9 yards for the go-ahead TD. Romero tacked on two more points when he dove into the endzone on the conversion, giving his team a 14-7 lead with 9:06 left in the third quarter.

On its next possession, Brawley showed why it made the playoffs last season. On third-and-seven from the Wildcats-23, Mohamed broke free for a 73-yard run to the Norsemen-4. Gilbert Rebollar scored a TD on the next play, running wide left. Trailing one point, Brawley elected to attempt a 2-point conversion. Quarterback Mark Valdez powered his way into the endzone, giving the home team the lead, 15-14, with 8:20 left in the third quarter.

Thomas ended the evening completing 15 of 30 passes for 167 yards. SPENCER SUTHERLINE had two receptions for 73 yards. Brawley amassed 427 yards of total offense, almost all of which was on the ground. Valhalla garnered 224 yards total offense.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (8-16-07) -- The first five ballgames for CIF Football Friday telecasts have been announced, as Channel 4 San Diego has switched last season's Thursday Night specials to the traditional final day of the school week.

Included will be a Week 3 (Sept. 14) matchup between two of county's most respected programs, as Helix (10-3 last season) will entertain defending CIF Division I champion Carlsbad.

Then in Week 5 (Sept. 28), the pairing will feature Valhalla (6-7-0) playing its second-ever home game on a brand new artificial carpet against Grossmont (4-6-1).

Both the Highlanders and Norsemen also hosted Channel 4 contests last season, including the series debut at Helix' Jim Arnaiz Field.

Cox Cable producer JASON BOTT, the husband to former All-CIF women's basketball player PAULA (MASCARI) BOTT, noted that the station will utilize a flex schedule, thus, the final six regular season contests won't be annouced until about two weeks prior to the cablecast, ensuring top-flight match-ups.

Games which are opposite San Diego Padres ballgames will be shown on tape delay following the baseball post-game program. Otherwise, the games will be shown live, starting at 7 p.m.

Steve Quis will be joined by Chris Ello of XX Sports Radio (AM-1190) to announce the first game. After that, it will be Ello (play-by-play) over the course of September.

Cox Cable 4 Schedule
Aug. 31: Carlsbad vs. St. Augustine (at Douglas Stadium)
Sept. 7: Oceanside at La Costa Canyon
Sept. 14: Carlsbad at Helix
Sept. 21: Escondido at Rancho Buena Vista
Sept. 28: Grossmont at Valhalla