Granite Hills quarterback Justin Montgomery airs out a pass against No. 9 Mission Bay. (Photos by Adolfo Villanueva)

© East County Sports.com
MAUI, Hawai'iI (9-2-07) — First-year head coach CASEY ASH was not overly fond of going to Hawaii to begin his varsity career at West Hills.

When Ash and the Wolf Pack escaped with a 37-16 victory over St. Anthony’s of Hawaii Saturday night (Sept. 1), the skipper had to admit he was pleased.

“I’m just glad we didn’t have any problem,” said Ash, who also spent his high school football career in the Wolf Pack secondary. “Yeah, I’ll have to admit it feels good to get that first win. It’s nice to get it out of the way. But making this trip – and all the bonding that goes with it – well, I’m just so happy that everything went so well.”

CHRIS BLUMKA’s 55-yard touchdown run just 1:07 into the game propelled West Hills into a 7-0 lead.

Blumka, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound senior, accumulated 120 yards on 9 carries. CHRISTIAN FONSECA, a 6-0, 185-pound junior, led the Wolf Pack with 187 yards on 19 carries including a 27-yard TD dash.

Overall, West Hills totaled 419 yards.

Senior kicker LEVI JACOB booted a 32-yard field goal and converted 4 of 5 PATs for the Wolf Pack.

“ St. Anthony’s only had 23 players in uniform because they had 10 guys injured in their season opener last week,” Ash said. “And in Hawaii , the Mercy Rule is 35 points and then it becomes a running clock.”

West Hills led 28-3 at halftime, which created a twofold dilemma for Ash.

“We wanted to get all of our kids in the game but we were aware of what the rules were over here,” Ash said. “So it was kind of a precarious situation for us since we had such a big halftime lead. We wanted to give all our kids a chance to play.”

And so Ash did.

“By the 2nd half we knew we were going to win the game,” Ash said. “So our biggest goal was to allow every kid a chance to say he played in the Hawaiian Islands .”

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (9-2-07) -- Christian High running back LAWRENCE WALKER was given just eight chances to go for a test-spin over the new artificial carpet at Valhalla Stadium. Nevertheless, the senior didn't mind the results.

Walker busted loose by running for 179 yards and four touchdowns, allowing the Patriots to hound visiting Bassett High of La Puente, 55-0, to complete the opening weekend of the 2007 football season on Saturday (Sept. 1).

"It's all (about) my linemen," said Walker, who scored on gallops of 17, 47, 50 and 26 yards. "PAT KELLY is our leading lineman, and I just follow him and my other blockers."

"And playing on the turf was good -- I like it -- but it's still all the same. Turf or dirt, nothing really changes, although I can cut better on the turf."

The tailback has now rushed for 3,439 yards in his career as he moves closer to cracking the CIF San Diego Top 20 all-time list. If Christian can advance to the CIF title game to defend its Division V title, Walker would have 12 contests remaining, needing to average 184.3 yards per contest to eclipse the section record (5,650 by Demetrius Sumler, Cathedral Catholic, 2002-05).

Meanwhile, CHARLES "Sweet Pea" THOMPSON reached the end zone via three different methods in his Patriots debut. Thompson rushed for one score of 48 yards, caught an ERIC ALLEN pass for 50 yards and another TD, then capped the 4th-quarter running clock by returning an interception 42 yards to complete the romp.

"We didn't have any kick returns, or else I would've tried to get in that way, too," joked Thompson. "This is our school's greatest team, but we have to win CIF to prove it."

Allen, a sophomore, was solid in his debut behind center. He completed 10-of-13 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

"We came out strong -- the first three drives we scored instantly, never needing more than three plays," noted Allen, as Christian raced to a 28-0 advantage through one quarter, needing just a dozen total snaps. "And playing on this brand new field was nice. I like the two-tone -- it makes it a lot easier on the eyes and it's a cool visual effect."

"The rest of our schedule is really tough, but we're not worried -- we're a lot better team than last year and we won CIF last year."

Meanwhile, Kelly, an NCAA Division I prospect at linebacker, paced a defensive attack which yielded just three first downs all contest. The third time that the Olympians moved the chains, Thompson registered his TD theft on the very next play, stepping in front of the receiver and racing untouched along the sideline in front of the Christian bench.

Bassett, which initiated contact with Christian to schedule the ballgame, has now lost 21 of its last 22 outings since falling in the CIF Southern Section playoffs to cap the 2004 campaign, although the Olympians received one game back via a forfeit last season.

"We didn't know anything about them, and they had a new coaching staff," said Patriots coach MATT OLIVER. "But we needed to schedule a game after the Mount Miguel game fell through, then they called us."

Even with a young quarterback, the Patriots mounted 409 yards in total offense.

"We have a lot of weapons and we showed that tonight," added the coach. "And everyone got to play, that's the one good thing about a game like this -- everyone gets to play and everyone improves."

Thompson ran for 99 yards on five carries, giving Christian a total of 309 yards on the ground running behind the line of BOBBY McNEAL (LT), MATTHEW FIELDS (LG), ADAM NASH (C), JOSH PORRAS (RG) and Kelly (RT). Field also received an opportunity to carry the ball, gaining 41 yards on three tries.

As for the new home venue following decades of play at Granite Hills' Valley Stadium, it was thumbs-up from all concerned on the Patriots.

"Loved it. The turf is well-suited for our team with Walker and Thompson and all of our speed guys," added the coach. "And it's here close to our school, which still makes it easy for our fans to get to."

Oliver also noted the play of outside linebacker STEVEN PITTS and tackle ERIC SCHINDLER (1 of 3 Christian sacks) for their contributions on defense: "They are unsung guys who don't get much credit."

The Olympians were held to negative yards in total offense. They completed just 2-of-15 passes for 7 yards, then rushed 21 times for minus-22 yards for a game total of minus-15.

Christian is now 7-1-1 (12-2-1 with playoffs) in its most recent non-league contests.

© East County Sports.com
PUKALANI, Maui, Hawai'i. (9-1-07/Updated 9-2-07) — While most of Southern California slept, the El Capitan Vaqueros proved that they could ride the Pineapple Express in Friday night’s (Aug. 31) season opener in Maui as they defeated Hawai'i’s defending state champion King Kekaulike, 51-36.

Quarterback TANNER RUST, who might shudder at walking in the footsteps of El Capitan’s record-breaking passer, RYAN LINDLEY (now at San Diego State), showed that he is a prospect those in the college ranks might want to keep an eye on.

The 6-foot-3, 201-pound junior, who spent the majority of last season establishing himself as East County ’s leading punter with a 41.3 average on 23 kicks, went berserk as a varsity starter, completing 16 of 23 passes for 345 yards and 5 touchdowns. Rust, who also played shortstop and catcher on the varsity baseball team, scored on a 60-yard run and converted 3-of-4 PAT kicks.

Day-long rain soaked the field prior to the opening kickoff.

“The balls were wet and the field was soggy, but I don’t think any of us cared,” said Rust. “I felt good all night. Our coaches thought that their coaches were able to recognize our plays, but it didn’t bother me. The post routes were there and I think our play-action kept them off balance.”

TILA CASE opened the scoring with a Grossmont Conference record 95-yard punt return in the first quarter. That return is the third-longest in San Diego CIF history. Case caught 8 passes for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns, playing longball with receptions of 71, 67 and 41 yards. He also rushed for 35 yards on 4 carries and intercepted a pass on defense.

Rust credits fullback BEN WILKINS, who rushed for 113 yards and 1 touchdown on 12 carries for lighting a fire under the Vaqueros offense.

“I think they were intent on stopping Ben,” said Rust. “But we showed them that we have a lot of weapons. They thought they knew us because they ran some weird defense, but they found out that we’re a pretty good team.”

How good are these Vaqueros? Only the San Diego Union-Tribune included El Capitan in its preseason rankings. The other media poll snubbed the Vaqueros.

“I think they’ll all see that El Capitan is no one-hit wonder,” Rust emphasized. “When we have Wilkins picking up yardage running it makes the defense focus on him. When they do that, it opens up our passing game.”

Also joining in El Capitan ’s scoring parade was GARRETT JARVIS, who reeled in a scoring pass of 33 yards from Rust. BRANDON SANCHEZ also accepted an 11-yard scoring pass in the 2nd quarter, giving El Capitan a 13-0 advantage.

The Vaqueros led 31-14 after 3 quarters before the humidity began taking a toll on the Lakeside 11. Even so, the two teams were able to trade touchdowns, as each team scored three times for a total of 42 points in the final 12 minutes.

Jarvis also had an interception, as did Case, for the Vaqueros.

Case proved his versatility by collecting 447 all-purpose yards, while Wilkins had 141 all-purpose yards.

HELIX 28, OCEANSIDE 20 – In a battle of two of the best teams in the county, the Helix Highlanders stormed to a 21-0 lead in Friday night’s (Aug. 31) season opener in Oceanside.

Junior quarterback TY CULVER probably stunned the host Pirates when he completed 20 of 38 passes for 217 yards, including touchdowns of 32 yards to LEVINE TOILOLO and 14 yards to LARRY GIST to snap a 4-game losing streak to the North County kingpins.

“It was a pretty exciting night,” said Helix coach DONNIE VAN HOOK. “I don’t care what the rankings say, you had to believe that Oceanside would be the favored team on its home field.”

The Highlanders used a little uncharted moxie to deny Oceanside’s comeback bid.

One of the key plays of the evening came in the final minutes when Van Hook called for a fake punt on a 4th-and-5 on the Highlanders’ 45-yard line. It was a successful call that Van Hook did not want to elaborate on, but led to another key play that provided Helix with a victory-clinching touchdown.

“I was pretty happy about that 4th-and-5 call,” Van Hook said. “They had all the momentum but we needed to do something to turn things our way.”

As big as the fake punt call was, Van Hook admitted that he was caught off guard when Culver called an audible, overruling Van Hook’s original run call. Culver seemed to mystify the Oceanside defense when he pulled up and threw a 14-yard victory-clinching TD strike to Gist.

Historically known for its powerful running game, the Highlanders kicked out only 39 rushing yards against the Pirates. Culver, the new kid in town, proved the Highlanders can make noise through the air.

Senior PATRICK MAUII, a 6-3, 190-pound wide receiver, caught 7 passes for 90 yards. MARQUISE DEADWILER caught 4 passes for 70 yards, while 6-7, 243-pound tight end Toilolo reeled in 3 passes for 51 yards.

Gist proved to be the Highlanders’ all-purpose standout, rushing for 16 yards, collecting 42 pass receiving yards, returning 4 kickoffs for 142 yards, and returning one punt for 6 yards. For those without computers, that totals 206 all-purpose yards.

“This kid is so gritty, you know he’s going to find a future,” Van Hook said.

The Highlanders’ fourth-year skipper couldn’t say enough about Culver.

“Here we have a kid who has very little experience, but has the poise of a true veteran,” Van Hook said. “When he called that pass in the last few minutes, he overruled us, but he’s the kid on the field and he knew what he was doing.”

GROSSMONT 39, HORIZON 7 – All the talk during the off-season was about how the Foothillers were going to open up their offense by taking to the air. That may be true – perhaps a few games down the line.

Friday’s (Aug. 31) season opener belonged to the running game in general and KHALID WATERS in particular. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior rushed for 145 yards on a dozen carries, and scored on runs of 6, 42 and 46 yards as the Foothillers stormed to a 32-7 halftime lead in the non-league contest.

Waters proved himself one of East County’s top two-way stars as he also scored from the defensive side, returning an interception 35 yards for a 2nd quarter touchdown.

This was a brilliant start for Waters, who totaled 36 points in 11 games last year. On this day he totaled 204 all-purpose yards.

The only score in the 2nd half was a 30-yard pass from CHARLIE PIRO to JOSH SIMMS in the 3rd quarter. Simms earlier contributed a 2-yard scoring run in the 1st period.

It was a solid day for Simms, who was 3-for-3 passing for 39 yards in relief of starting QB Piro (6-20, 99 yards). Simms also accounted for 33 yards rushing and 21 on two receptions.

With the exception of one long run by Horizon in the 2nd quarter, the Foothillers literally bullied the Panthers.

Junior defensive back DOMINIQUE BRADLEY posted a team-best 11 tackles, while senior linebacker ERIC SPRINGE made 8 stops, and MICHAEL BARTLETT had 6 tackles. RAYSHAWN GLOBE recovered a fumble, made a sack and totaled 3 tackles upfront for Grossmont. MICHAEL O’NEILL recovered a fumble as did KEVIN WRIGHT, and ANDRES CHAVARIN also had a sack as Foothillers’ coach JUDD HULBERT made wholesale substitutions.

In two meetings with Horizon, Grossmont has claimed a 70-7 scoring edge.

PATRICK HENRY 32, SANTANA 27 -- This was one of those games where it seems the last team with the ball comes out a winner. And so it went in Friday’s (Aug. 31) non-league opener between the visiting Sultans and Patrick Henry.

Following early TD scoring passes of 22 and 69 yards from JAMES NEEDY, TYLER AUBREY collected a quick slant out of the right-side slot for a 13-yard TD – his 3rd in the game ­– giving the Sultans a 27-26 advantage with 55.1 seconds remaining.

Soon after the Sultans reclaimed the lead, Henry quarterback Darrin Alix directed the Patriots some 68 yards to pull out the triumph, capped by a 14-yard rush by Malcom Coleman -- his fourth touchdown of the ballgame -- with 6.4 seconds remaining.

Trailing 3-0 after a 23-yard field goal by Patrick Henry’s Christian Corriera – the first of two 3-pointers he had in the game – Santana coach DAVE GROSS inserted Needy to direct the offense. Needy came through, passing for 294 yards on 17-for-33 accuracy without an interception.

"Offensively, we can strike at any time. We may not drive the ball all the time, but we're capable of scoring from anywhere at any time and the kids believe in that," said Gross. "But we just couldn't stop them -- they're very physical."

Aubrey collected seven of the aerials for 143 yards and 3 TDs, while ANTHONY MORENO (58 yards), KYLE ROMERO (55) and TYLER BLACKLEDGE (34) also registered three receptions each. Needy also accounted for Santana’s first score on a 1-yard quarterback sneak, which gave the Sultans a 7-3 lead in the second quarter.

In this battle of point-counterpoint, the Sultans still came up short.

"It looks like we got worn down -- we needed to make a big play and it didn't happen," added Gross. "Henry is a lot better, but we had our chances."

"Henry's a big school -- a Division I school - and we're just a Division IV school now, so we're going to be fine. There are a lot of positives we can take from this game."

The last-second loss also tainted Santana's remarkable record, which was a 12-1 showing over the previous three seasons. The Sultans are only a matter of seconds from going 14-0 during this stretch. The previous loss in this span was a came by a matter of 2 points.

Meanwhile, the Patriots snapped an 11-game home-field losing streak at Giddings Stadium, although one ballgame came back via a forfeit last season.

BRAWLEY 15, VALHALLA 14 — New Valhalla football coach Steve Sutton must have had his memo pad out after his team's football game at Brawley Friday (Aug. 31) evening: "Note to self: Don't schedule any more August games in the desert."

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-yard line. Sophomore Quarterback PETE THOMAS hit ZACK ROMERO for a 21-yard gain on the next play, advancing the Norsemen to the Wildcats' 27- yard line. 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 attempt, 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 year. On third and seven from the Wildcats' 23-yard line, Mohamed broke free for a 73-yard run to the Norsemen 4-yard line. 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.

MISSION BAY 21, GRANITE HILLS 14 – The CARTER brothers – BRADLEY and BRENDAN – ran a virtual track meet over Mission Bay in Friday’s (Aug. 31) season opener on the Buccaneers’ field in Pacific Beach.

The Carters, led by Bradley’s 107 yards on 14 carries, buzzed the Bucs for 156 yards between the two of them, while the LANDON TURLEY-led Granite Hills defense planted bruises on 9th-ranked Mission Bay’s high-scoring offense.

But missed opportunities – having a 20-yard field goal blocked with the score tied and 8:30 remaining in the game – caused the Eagles to leave Pacific Beach with a frustrating loss.

Earlier in the game the Eagles missed another golden scoring opportunity when a sloppy Mission Bay punt snap and a key tackle by Granite Hills’ FRANK CLAUS gave the East County unit a 1st-and-goal at the 5-yard line.

“We should have gone up 7-0 there right away,” said Eagles coach RANDY DeWITT. “What happened was our fullback, as he went to lead the block on our Iso-play, got a piece of the ball that knocked it out of the quarterback’s hand and our tailback never got it.”

Unfortunately for the Eagles, that 2nd-and-1 play resulted in a fumble recovery by Mission Bay .

Even in the final seconds – trailing by 7 points – the Eagles had a chance to pull this one out. But a 2nd-down-and-3 from the 22 resulted in an interception in the endzone by Mission Bay ’s Mario Arellano who pulled the ball away from a flock of Eagles with 11.4 seconds left.

“Everybody talks about our defense, and it’s time for our offense to catch up,” DeWitt said.

Granite Hills JUSTIN MONTGOMERY, who is making the transition from tight end to quarterback, did not post spectacular numbers, hitting just 7 of 21 passes for 79 yards and one touchdown. But it’s obvious that the 6-2, 210-pound senior has the potential to be successful.

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 21, STEELE CANYON 7 – Senior JAMIE DALE turned in an Ironman performance in Friday night’s (Aug. 31) season opener at Cathedral Catholic.

That’s pretty good stuff, considering the 5-9, 163-pound Cougars running back doesn’t measure up with the so-called “giants” in the San Diego Section – at least not in stature. His performance, however, against the vengeful Dons of Cathedral Catholic is another story.

After falling behind 13-0 in the opening half, the Cougars finally put together a long scoring drive in the 3rd quarter.

No question the focus of Steele Canyon’s offense centers around Dale. The durable scatback rushed for 45 yards on 10 carries on the Cougars’ first possession of the opening half, which concluded in a 1-yard plunge into the endzone.

Coupled with MIKE DIAZ’ PAT kick, the Cougars chopped Cathedral’s 13-0 halftime lead in half.

“Our O-line did a good job,” said Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE. “We pounded them pretty good physically, and our defense kept us in the game until the last few minutes. It could have gone the other way.”

Dale, who finished with 142 yards on 35 carries, was stopped on a 4th-and-1 play at the Cougars 30-yard line with 2:29 remaining.

After the exchange in possession, Cathedral’s Torrance Jacko raced 30 yards for a victory-clinching touchdown.

“We made a few too many mistakes to win against a quality opponent,” said Boehmke. “This is our typical M.O. Maybe we can learn some things from this though.”

Despite the loss Dale accounted for 198 total yards.

MOUNT MIGUEL 50, MONTE VISTA CHRISTIAN 9 – RICO SMITH scored on a 32-yard run and a 67-yard punt return to lead host Mount Miguel in Friday night’s (Aug. 31) opener against the visitors from Watsonville.

This game was all about long runs. A 62-yard pass from quarterback AARON BRYANT to TRAVON CAPLES gave the Matadors a 21-6 halftime lead.

Bryant, who passed for 213 yards on 12 of 20 completions, scored on runs of 3 and 12 yards for the Matadors.

TONY SWINTON caught 5 passes for 57 yards, but it was Caples who made the big impact with 4 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. JUDGE EVANS also caught 3 passes for 40 yards.

On the defensive side, Mount Miguel’s ARTHUR HOBBS had an interception, as did SAMATRE JONES and ERNEST JOHNSON for the Matadors. MYCHAQUELL SHIELDS recovered a fumble, as did SKYY HUBBARD. RANDY TAITI registered a sack for Mount Miguel.

SWEETWATER 23, EL CAJON VALLEY 9 – The Braves of first-year head coach DANNY GOODRICH could not generate enough offense to keep visiting Sweetwater from snapping a two-year, 13-game losing streak Friday night (Aug. 31) in El Cajon.

Goodrich, who was an offensive coach during the Braves’ record-breaking 2005 season, saw his debut as a head coach delayed by Mother Nature and bedeviled by Sweetwater.

“It felt good to play tonight but it was weird for us overall,” said Goodrich. “The field was wet from the rain and, due to the lightning, we had to call our JV game and didn’t get the varsity game going until after 7:30. We didn’t know if we were going to be able to play.”

What offense the Braves were able to generate was centered around senior KEVIN KELLY. The 3-year varsity veteran erased an early 3-0 deficit with a 43-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter.

Two quarters later Kelly would reel in a 71-yard scoring pass from junior quarterback ISAAC SOLIZ. By then it was too late, as the Red Devils were sitting on a 14-point lead as the clock wound down.

Soliz completed 8 of 20 passes for 126 yards in his varsity debut.

“We were able to move the ball well in the first half, but we shot ourselves in the foot too often,” Goodrich said. “We were a faster team than (Sweetwater). I would like to play them again on a dry field.”

“The defense played well overall. We gave them a couple of big plays and we had too many blown assignments. The O-line needs to dominate more up front. That’s what we’ll be working on this week.”

While traditional powers are listed in the preseason rankings, including a Vista team which went just 3-7 last season, the Vaqueros are nowhere to be found in the San Diego Sportswriters/Sportscasters Association poll.

Yup, not even a single vote.

Even Valhalla and Christian received at least one vote from the 22 members of the panel, while upstart Mount Miguel collected seven. But after posting the third-most prolific passing attack in East County history a year ago, El Capitan seemingly disappeared from the map.

Football observers in the Islands believe the "Na Ali'i" (translation: "The Royalty") were lucky to earn its championship, barely squeaking past two opponents by scores of 38-37 and 33-20. Thus, King Kekaulike is only ranked 10th among the approximately 50 football-playing schools in the 50th state.

Both ballclubs have chips on their shoulders to re-obtain the "royalty" tag as an elite team, but considering the success of San Diego County ballclubs in Hawai'i recently, we'll take … El Capitan 35-28.

Fri., Aug. 31
Granite Hills at No. 9 Mission Bay -- The Eagles are on a similar path which the Buccaneers recently took to rise among the county elite. They are just a year or two behind from reaching their desired destination.

The major difference is at quarterback, where Granite Hills will utilize a converted tight end. He's looked good in practice, but Mission Bay has a proven commodity in Evan Taylor, plus a speed receiver in sophomore Dillon Baxter. If this game was played later in the season, Granite Hills could get the nod, but since it's Week One... Mission Bay 35-20.

Steele Canyon at Cathedral -- Both teams love to run the football, with the Cougars raising more than a few eyebrows with last season's 20-13 victory in the school's first-ever on-campus home contest. The Cougars returned a pair of fumbles for scores to swing that one their way.

It may be the Steele Canyon offense that decides this one as the Cougars return speedy RB JAMIE DALE who will benefit from an offensive line that averages 6-foot-4, 273 pounds per man.

The Dons will seek revenge with a bigger offensive line and 12 other returning starters. This could be a real physical grinder . . . Cathedral, 20-14.

No. 3 Helix at No. 2 Oceanside -- In a way, it's a shame these two traditional powers meet almost every season -- it would be great to see a pair of undefeated teams meet in a classic SDCIF showdown at the stadium in December.

Oceanside is the 3-time defending SDCIF Division II titlists, including a pair of victories over the Scotties. So can the infusion of fresh blood with a new passing offense allow Helix to hurdle its seemingly annual postseason rivals? Maybe, but the Pirates also added some spark to its passing game with an excellent showing in summer league. So until Helix can prove they can climb the extra step, the pick still remains . . . Oceanside, 27-21.

Sweetwater at El Cajon Valley -- The remnants of the Braves' 2005 run to Qualcomm Stadium might bear fruit this season. With football suddenly becoming the cool thing to do on campus, a large crop of junior varsity players are now on the varsity, giving the program depth which hasn't been seen in decades.

What the Braves need to translate those bodies into motivated players are some early victories to re-ignite the dream. And the Red Devils are just the team to light the fuse . . . El Cajon Valley 28-6.

Grossmont vs. Horizon (at Helix) – A year ago, the Foothillers tamed the Panthers 31-0. On that night, the Hillers took them on the run.

In Friday’s rematch, expect Grossmont to come out throwing in its new-look offense guided by three-year veteran QB CHARLIE PIRO.

Horizon has decent speed at the skill positions, but lacks the depth to hang in against the Foothillers . . . Grossmont 35-7.

Monte Vista Christian (Watsonville) at Mount Miguel -- No, the Matadors are not meeting their Spring Valley neighbors -- that one is coming in two months -- it's the Mustangs from Watsonville who will come calling Friday night.

MVCH went 4-5-1 last season, but three of those victories were against small-division schools. Mount Miguel is anything but that, and with better success than Oceanside in the summer passing league, the Matadors should enjoy opening their 50th season of football by cruising. . . Mount Miguel, 40-7.

Santana at Patrick Henry -- The Sultans will need to rely on their defense to make-up for an untested offense which lost most of its yardage and points to graduation. For one week at least, that might be fine against a once-powerful Patriots program which hasn't posted a winning season in nearly a decade.

The edge goes to the offense which makes the fewest mistakes and doesn't commit key turnovers. This one should be a complete flip to last season's 35-21 shootout in the opener, but the winning side remains the same . . . Santana, 13-7.

Valhalla at Brawley -- The Norsemen intentionally slated a series of road games to start the season, unsure if their upgraded home stadium -- complete with a new artificial carpet -- would be ready.

Fortunately, construction was complete on time. Unfortunately, the team still will hit the road for the 100-plus degree temperatures of the Imperial Valley against one of the desert’s top teams.

This will be a good test for veteran coach STEVE SUTTON’s passing attack against a Brawley squad known to control the clock with a methodical chip-away running game.

This Valhalla opener will not be like last season's 66-0 conquest over lowly San Ysidro . . . Brawley, 24-21.

Sat., Sept. 1
West Hills vs. St. Anthony ( Wailuku , HI), at Maui , Hawai'i -- If the goal of every San Diego CIF team is to advance to play in an NFL stadium, West Hills found a way to get there via a side entrance. The Wolf Pack will play at War Memorial Stadium in Maui , home of the annual NFL Pro Bowl.

The Pack's opponent, the St. Anthony Trojans, already have a game under its belt, downing Fort McMurray of Alberta, Canada , 37-12. And with all the changes occurring at West Hills, this one is up for grabs . . . St. Anthony’s 20-14.

Bassett ( La Puente ) vs. Christian, at Valhalla -- Bassett's Olympians played more like Bassett hounds in 2006, claiming just a single victory -- via a forfeit. Meanwhile, the Patriots seek a fast start in their quest of back-to-back SDCIF Division V crowns . . . Christian 42-7.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (8-29-07) -- The difference between the two Grossmont Conference leagues has been apparent for more than a decade: Football in the North League involves throwing the ball, while the South League circuit is more noted for a hard-nosed rushing attack.

So with key coaching changes announced over the summer months, East County football fans should notice a pendulum swing, with the aerial scheme taking greater prominence in the South League.

A pair of key personnel moves found STEVE SUTTON, the only varsity head coach in the 17-year history of West Hills High, moving to take over the program at Valhalla, while El Cajon Valley mentor JASON TEXLER, who guided the Braves to a surprising Qualcomm Stadium appearance in the 2005 CIF Division II championship game, also moving south to become an assistant coach at Helix.

Sutton was noted for operating a spread offense, which often included elements of the hurry-up offense with the Wolf Pack. Thus, Norsemen fans should expect their traditional Wing T to be replaced.

The changeover may not be as dramatic with the Highlanders, but no opponent should be surprised if the Scotties utilize elements of Texler’s Five-Wide philosophy which allowed El Cajon Valley quarterback ABRAHAM MUHEIZE to develop into an award-winner as the 2005 San Diego CIF player of the year.

Throw in the success of Mount Miguel in summer passing league, plus the discovery of a strong passing arm at quarterback for Granite Hills, and the transition of the South League is well underway.

© East County Sports.com
SAN YSIDRO (8-27-07) -- San Ysidro High football coach GARY PUGH reports that Cougars senior DAVID NEELY, who was injured during Friday's CIF Kickoff Classic against Christian High, has already returned to school.

"David has bruising in his neck area is out for a week," noted Pugh. "He was at school today (Monday), wearing a neck brace, and attended practice."

Neely was hurt during a PAT attempt in the third quarter of the scrimmage, with two sets of paramedics eventually tending to the player to stablize his neck and back. Fortunately, initial reports of a fractured vertebra by two medical sources proved premature.

© East County Sports.com
SAN YSIDRO (8-25-07) -- Christian High School demonstrated great determination in 2006, serving well in the role of an underdog en route to the San Diego CIF Division V football championship.

Now with a target firmly planted between the numbers, the Patriots don't seem too concerned about serving the part of favorite after rolling past host San Ysidro High, 34-0, in Friday's (Aug. 24) second game of the SDCIF Kickoff Classic.

Christian (9-3-1 in 2006) dominated the Cougars in all areas, demonstrating some new-found speed to jump-start its plodding offense from a year ago. Included were four rushing touchdowns, including a pair by the Walker cousins -- senior tailback LAWRENCE WALKER and sophomore receiver EMMANUEL "MANNY" WALKER.

"The two Walker boys are the best running tandem in East County ," Lawrence Walker noted in the third-person. "With our team speed and great blocking, we're ready to show that we're the best."

The senior rushed for 1,222 yards and 13 TDs last season after posting 1,941 yards and 17 scores as a sophomore. Against San Ysidro, he plowed up the middle for a 12-yard touchdown to open the second half and mount a 27-0 lead.

Meanwhile, middle linebacker PAT KELLY dominated the first half to keep the Cougars pinned on their half of the field throughout the opening two quarters.

"Pat was in on virtually every tackle -- he was all over the field," noted Patriots assistant coach MIKE MITCHELL.

Kelly understands the Patriots' role-reversal, but believes his troops are prepared.

"The only thing we have to worry about is our mental makeup," said the senior, who is being courted by several Division I programs. "Our coaches had us prepared with three specific defenses and we were ready with all of them since we didn't know what to expect from San Ysidro."

MATTHEW FIELDS opened the scoring on an 11-yard pass from Allen in the opening period. CHARLES THOMPSON completed the rout with a 13-yard burst up the middle late during the fourth quarter, played with a running clock.

© 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

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (7-18-07) -- Few people know that the original sports mascot for Mount Miguel High School was going to be the 49ers. According to the school's website, Melvin C. Grant, the first principal, revealed a steering committee's decision that the school's theme would be American Heritage, with special attention to California's Gold Rush period.

However, a student referendum overruled the steering committee and voted to change the nickname to the Matadors (although the concept colors of red and black were accepted) when the campus opened for classes to 1,400 students on Sept. 10, 1957.

Fifty years later, Mount Miguel will celebrate its golden anniversary with a special dinner prior to the Matadors' homecoming football game on Fri., Oct. 19. During the dinner, the school's Athletics Hall of Fame will introduce 20 former athletes, coaches and teams for induction ceremonies.

Included will be (alphabetically): Khalif Barnes, Carrie Belanger, Ned Bless, Mike Ela, Duane Freeman, Charmelle Green, Robert Griffith, Don Jackson, Bob Jacobson, Pete Jernigan, Wally Johnson, Tommy Mount, Stephanie Olo, J Robinson, Brian Smith, Jane Trude, Jerome Weatherspoon, Billy Joe Winchester, Rick Wurtz, and coach Richard Ridgeway's 1968 CIF Champion and undefeated boys' basketball team.

The catered dinner runs from 4:30-6:30 p.m., followed by the football game against crosstown rival Monte Vista. Tickets are $20, which included admission to both the dinner and the football contest, with a special guest speaker and professional entertainment to be featured.

For further information or to purchase tickets, contact Sylvia Sposato at (619) 667-6472, Shaun Harvey at (619) 644-8400 ext. 113, or fill out an application HERE (.pdf format).

Further information is also available on the Mount Miguel High Alumni Association webpage HERE.

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (7-14-07) -- A large contingent of fans from Lakeside witnessed a microcosm of the El Capitan High football program's transition in a single game Friday (July 13), when several Vaqueros plus game MVP TREVOR KOLOCHESKI of West Hills powered the South to a 14-0 victory in the Alex Spanos All-Star Classic at Mesa College's Douglas Stadium.

El Capitan quarterback RYAN LINDLEY, who is contending for a roster spot at San Diego State, directed a pair of second-half scoring drives, as Kolocheski registered key receptions on both drives.

The first was a 65-yarder to set-up a 1-yard touchdown gallop by Lester Arnold of Point Loma in the third period, then Kolocheski was rewarded following a 19-yard gainer by running the ball in from the 1-yard line out of the right slot on a sweep to the left side with 2:55 remaining.

"You have to chalk it up to the defense, we got some points on the scoreboard by making them pay for being too aggressive on defense," said Lindley, who completed 12-of-18 passes for 169 yards. "I think you're starting to see a lot more parity in San Diego County football."

The Vaqueros had been a .500 program in recent years, then posted a perfect 10-0 regular season slate in 2006, ranking No. 1 in both major San Diego CIF polls.

"Look at what we did at El Capitan this past year -- we were unknown before that," added Lindley. "A lot more people are putting in the work and taking football a lot more seriously."

"Now you see a lot of kids going to big schools after putting in the work for four years. Todd (Doxey of Hoover) is going to Oregon, for example -- now you're getting your school paid (college scholarships) as people are realizing San Diego football -- not just North County -- is for real and they're taking notice."

Meanwhile, the South defense dominated the perennially powerful North squad. Following a stalemate in the first half which left the contest scoreless, the South defenders maintained control in the second half, limiting the North to a mere 55 yards in total offense in one of the most dominating performances in the Classic's 17-game series.

"Our spread offense was opening up and moving the ball downfield -- everything just clicked," said Kolocheski, who indicated he has yet to finalize his college choice for this fall. "In the first half, it was pretty even -- they stopped us, we stopped them -- but after that, we controlled the game."

"They bit on our fake and we were wide open."

The short passing game of the South featured a game-high five receptions for 44 yards by El Cap's BEN NOY, who will play for Hawai'i this season. Arnold was the leading ground-gainer with 56 yards on 10 carries, following the lead of East County linemen, including TOMMIE DRAHEIM and TOMMY TOWNS of El Cap, JUAN BALANOS of Mount Miguel, West Hills' MIKE ROBLAS and Steele Canyon's LUIS GUERRA.

Meanwhile, the defense yielded just two first downs in the first half, then capped the shutout by getting to North quarterbacks for five quarterback sacks, including a pair of backfield hits by Grossmont College bound defensive lineman Richard Moore. Other sacks were recorded by MIKE HOLZ (El Capitan), Bobby Erskine (St. Augustine) and UCLA bound Robert McCurdy (Otay Ranch).

"We were really psyched for that goose(-egg, as in a shutout)," noted Towns. "The first thing to come in our minds was don't let them in the end zone."

Added Draheim, "We were just trying to prove the South has the ability, even if we don't have the same resources as a North County team. And we were willing to prove it here."

"We had something to prove and we proved it on the field. We had a lot of guys from El Cap here and our work ethic really helped us to win tonight. It was a great game and I enjoyed playing in it."

Other locals participating included: SCOT ALLEN and KYLER DWYER (Christian), TAELOR WORRELL and CODY FURR (El Capitan), DERRICK PERRAULT, MATT COBB and JERAD RUIZ (Helix), and RICHARD WICK (Steele Canyon).

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (7-12-07) -- In a twist, passing the football will take precedent over rushing the ball in Friday's (July 13) 17th edition of the Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic, pitting the top graduating seniors from East County, City and the South Bay against an elite team pieced together from North County schools.

Most all-star games feature running attacks due to the lack of preparation time, yet anything but is expected this go-round. San Diego CIF Offensive Player of the Year RYAN LINDLEY of El Capitan High, East County 's second-leading single-season all-time passer with 3,521 yards, will go against a trio of North County quarterbacks, featuring Poway 's Donnie McKillop (2,950 yards, 24 TDs, 4 INTs).

The showcase is slated for Douglas Stadium at San Diego Mesa College, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

Even with the display of firepower, the South All-Stars may hold an advantage with a squadron of speedy receivers, as the San Diego State bound Lindley (35 TDs, 7 INTs) -- a second-team All-State pick and winner of the San Diego Hall of Champions' Russ Saunders Award -- will target to Todd Doxey of Hoover and St. Augustine's Larry Parker.

Also scheduled to be in the mix is one of East County 's top pass receivers in Vaqueros teammate BEN NOY (47 catches, 750 yards, 12 TDs). El Cap head coach RON BURNER will serve as an assistant coach to the South All-Stars.

Since the contest went to the North-South format in 1995, the North holds an 8-4 advantage, but the South has won two of the past three meetings, including last season's miracle finish by scoring two touchdowns in the final minute of a 20-19 victory under the guidance of then West Hills head coach STEVE SUTTON, who now heads the football program at Valhalla.

Also featured will be the debut of the 2007 Charger Girls, who will perform at halftime.

The Spanos Classic is produced by the San Diego High School Sports Association.

Admission prices: $8 Adults;
$5 Children 12-5 years old; Free 4 years old and under.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (6-30-07) -- West Hills High defensive coordinator CASEY ASH has been named the interim head football coach of the Wolf Pack, athletic director DON RUTLEDGE announced. Ash, 28, becomes the youngest head football coach in the Groissmont Conference after operating the defense for the past three seasons.

A strong safety for West Hills in the 90s, Ash joined the coaching staff as secondary coach of the Wolf Pack freshmen, then served as junior varsity head coach before being promoted to the varsity staff for the 2004 season.

"It certainly is a position I wanted, but not so soon," said Ash. "I got it earlier than I wanted or expected, but with (assistant) coaches who have been coaching a long time and will support us, the transition will go smoothly."

Ash steps in for STEVE SUTTON, who resigned earlier in the week to take over the program at Valhalla High. Under Sutton, the only head coach in Wolf Pack history, the team became known as one of the CIF-San Diego Section's top passing teams.

"We're not sure on what offense we'll run just yet," noted Ash, who teaches English. "We'll do whatever fits the personnel best. We're still looking for coaches to put the best staff together we can. We know it's short notice, but we will turn it into a positive thing."

Ash is seeking an offensive coordinator to complete his coaching staff. A physical education teaching position is probably available, replacing Sutton's vacated position.

"It was important to maintain continuity since the position became open so late and the team is preparing to open the season in Hawai'i," said West Hills principal BRIAN WILBUR. "But that doesn't mean I won't remove the 'interim' tag at the end of Noivember. Casey will make a fine coach."

According to Wilbur, Sutton will remain as head softball coach for the Wolf Pack. He is one of the San Diego Section's all-time leaders in coaching victories, resting 18 short of the magic 500 total for his career at both West Hills and Grossmont.

Sutton welcomes the challenge for a Norsemen team which will play on a new artificial surface. The ballclub will share the field with Christian High, which makes the move from its longtime second-home of Valley Stadium at Granite Hills High.

"There are a lot of positives here at Valhalla," said Sutton. "But right now, we only have about 60 players, so we need to get the word out and get all of the other athletes at the school to come out."

"Sure it's difficult to take over at such a late date, but the kids here are smart and will do everything possible to keep this a winning program."

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (6-26-07) — The 17th annual Alex Spanos All-Star Classic will be held on Friday, July 13 at San Diego Mesa College's Douglas Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The longest continuous running post-season all-star football game in the state of California, the Spanos Classic pits the 2007 graduated seniors from the North County schools against the best of the South/East and City schools in a competitive rivalry that serves as an exciting cap to these seniors’ high school careers.

The North All-Stars will be coached by El Camino’s Trace Deneke, while the South All-Stars will be coached by Point Loma’s Mike Hastings and assisted by El Capitan’s RON BURNER.

The contest will feature such 2006 senior standouts as El Capitan quarterback RYAN LINDLEY, speedy receivers Todd Doxey (Hoover) and Larry Parker (St. Augustine), along with running backs Corbin Cutshaw (Santa Fe Christian) and Leitch James (St. Augustine) and plenty more.

The South squeezed out a 20-19 victory in the final minute last year.

Admission prices: $8 Adults; $5 Children 12-5 years old; Free 4 years old and under.

Rosters will be posted as soon as they are made available.