WEEK 7 — Oct. 16-17

Wolf Pack all dressed for homecoming,
including an unfashionable tie, 24-24
Crazy 2-point PAT pass decides
CIF tiebreaker in 4th overtime

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (10-17-09/REVISED 10-18-09) — How fitting that a homecoming game would end in a tie.

And while West Hills will wear this tie like a win, as well they should, El Cajon Valley will treat it like a loss, as well they should not.

Official final score: 24-24.

But because this was the opener of Grossmont North League play and both teams are striving for Division II playoff considerations, an overtime session was played.

After both teams had scored twice and fumbled away a third possession, West Hills was forced to attempt a 2-point conversion with the overtime tied at 14-14.

And fittingly on this crazy night, the Wolf Pack called a running play up the middle and wound up completing a pass along the sideline that set off a wild celebration in the West Hills Den as the scoreboard now read 40-38.

It came on the 29th “extra” snap – about 45 minutes after the final seconds had ticked off the official game clock.

Quarterback GARY ISAACSON had just rushed for a 2-yard touchdown to tie things again in overtime, and senior running back ALAN PARKS, in his first game back from a knee injury, was called on to try to blast one up the middle on the 2-point conversion. El Cajon Valley stopped him cold, but Parks alertly turned and pitched the ball back to Isaacson. Dashing left, Isaacson broke a tackle and raced for the corner of the end zone, only to find a host of Braves in his way.

So he tossed the ball forward like a shot putter in track and field, and wide receiver DONTE ADDISON snatched it about 6 yards deep in the end zone.

“It wasn’t how we thought it would go,” stated West Hills coach CASEY ASH. “I don’t know what it was. Desperation? The play was supposed to be a blast up the middle, and (Addison) was supposed to be a blocker.”

Meanwhile, in the official portion of the game, El Cajon Valley (1-5-1, 0-0-1) got huge performances out of two previously ineligible players and looked to be pulling away early, only to watch West Hills come back again and again.

In his first game, receiver JOHNNY BULLOCK scored the first three touchdowns on catches of 15 and 33 yards and a brilliant end-around run for 64 yards to give the Braves an 18-2 lead two minutes into the third quarter.

Isaacson, however, answered on the next play for his own 64-yard touchdown run. He then connected with ANDREW TRAN on 2-point conversion pass to make it 18-10.

“Our defense kept us in the game in the first half,” Ash said. “Then our offense started to roll in the second half. At halftime we said we just need to fix one thing. Make one extra block, and we can spring one of these plays.”

A few minutes later, the Braves made it 24-10 when ALEX HANN darted a 13-yard scoring strike to DONTAE BAILEY. Until overtime, the Braves had zero luck and zero points on four 2-point conversion attempts.

Two minutes later, West Hills trimmed it to 24-17 on its next possession as Isaacson threw 25 yards to KYLE VELOVICH for the TD.

El Cajon ran 10 plays on its next possession and pushed the ball to the 24-yard line but had to punt after a 26-yard loss by Bullock. Attempting at first to run, Bullock was trapped and raced backward to get out of trouble. He then looked to throw but eventually was pushed out of bounds for a sack.

“There were a couple of plays we could have made – I could have made – that would have turned the game around,” Bullock said.

On his next possession, Isaacson rushed twice for 9 yards each and then turned in his biggest gain of the night on a shot put dump to DONTE ADDISON, who turned the short toss into a 42-yard touchdown.

Velovich’s second PAT kick tied the game 24-24 with 6:39 left, and he had two more long opportunities to win it in the final two minutes. A 38-yard field-goal attempt with 2:00 to play, was tipped at the line and wound up short of the goal-line. A 50-yarder with 0:01 left was on target and appeared to be going through the uprights before falling just inches short.

Isaacson finished regulation with 200 passing yards, completing 10-of-15 attempts. He rushed for 70 yards on 11 carries, including four sacks by the Braves in the first half. Revilla caught four passes for 67 yards and Addison three for 72 yards, including the touchdown.

“Gary’s a pretty high-strung kid,” Ash said of his quarterback, “so my biggest goal with him at halftime was trying to keep him fairly positive. He sometimes wants to try to do it all. He did a great job of rallying us in the second half.”

West Hills’ defense registered 7 sacks – 3 of them by STEVEN ARMSTRONG. NICK McDANIEL, NINO LaRUSSA, MIKE LIPSCOMB and ERIC LOPEZ each had one quarterback takedown.

Before his big loss, Bullock was over 100 yards rushing, but he wound up with 76 on eight carries. He also caught four passes for 58 yards and had three kickoff returns for 83 yards. Also in his first game, KENDALL CONLEY caught five passes for 39 yards.

Hann finished 17-of-27 passing for 187 yards in regulation, and his three touchdown passes gives him 10 for the season. He did not throw an interception, but he had the game’s only interception while playing defensive back. In overtime, he threw for an additional (but unofficial) 70 yards.

“We got some kids back, and they played really well,” El Cajon Valley coach DANNY GOODWIN said. “Hopefully we’ll get a few more kids back from injury, and we’ll be even better.

“Our kids fought their butts off. Give credit to West Hills. Every time we had them on the ropes, they rallied and came back.”

Countered Ash: “The real story tonight was El Cajon. They just fought like crazy. As good as I felt for our guys after the game, I felt bad for them. I’ve been on that side before.”

Thomas was able to connect on 16 of 26 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns against a very tough and talented Mount Miguel secondary – and without being sacked for the first time this season.

“People were kind of doubting us,” Thomas said, referring to EastCountySports.com selecting the Matadors as the favorite to capture the GSL. “We wanted to show who was the best team in the league.”

And so they did.

“This was a key win because they are really a good team,” Thomas added. “We weren’t too happy about being picked second. But that’s just their opinion. We weren’t picked too high last year either.”

Valhalla's defense forced the Matadors to punt after a three-and-out series following the opening kickoff. Valhalla got great field position after a minus 1-yard punt, starting on the visitor's 27-yard line. Two plays later, Norsemen slotback NINO MALLORY hauled in a Thomas 19-yard TD pass.

Mount Miguel showed why it is a contender for the Grossmont South crown. Senior quarterback A.J. SANFORD (14-19, 169 yards) completed a 54-yard pass to tight end WILLIE MORALES to the Norsemen 19-yard line. Four plays later, running back DERALL HUNTER scored the first of his three touchdowns by crashing into the endzone from 1 yard out.

A shanked punt set up a second Hunter score, this one from 2 yards out, staking Mount Miguel to a 14-7 lead with just 25 seconds left in the 1st quarter. But Mount Miguel wasn’t through.

Linebacker CHRISTIAN HENRY scooped up a fumble and rumbled 27 yards for a touchdown, extending Mount Miguel’s advantage to 21-7 with 8 seconds remaining in the first period.

Valhalla’s NICK GIANDONI, whose 4 of 6 kickoffs wound up as touchbacks, closed the gap with a 28-yard field goal with 3:10 left in the first half, the only scoring in the second quarter, making it 21-10 at halftime.

“One of the keys to our win was Giandoni’s ability to get all those touchbacks,” said Valhalla coach STEVE SUTTON. “The other two kickoffs landed at the 1 and 5-yard line. I don’t think people realize how valuable that is. When you make your opponent have to drive 80 yards on a possession, it definitely helps your defense.”

Valhalla’s HANSELL WILSON returned the second-half kickoff 53 yards to the Mount Miguel-42. Thomas promptly found JAMES LEIGHTON wide open in the middle of the field for a 25-yard gain. Thomas then scampered 14 yards to the 3-yard line, setting up a short touchdown run by TRAIVONNE BROWN to cap a quick 3-play drive.

Brown scored again on Valhalla’s next possession, darting 11 yards to put the Norsemen on top 23-21 with 6:32 to play in the third quarter.

Valhalla’s defense, which limited the Matadors to 1 net yard in the middle two quarters, was led by senior end SHANE PENNIX, who had 11 solo tackles, 6 tackles for losses and 3 quarterback sacks. ALEJANDRO SAVIN logged 2 sacks and 4 tackles for losses for the Norsemen.

Mount Miguel finished with 223 total yards.

Valhalla increased its lead to 36-21 early in the fourth quarter when Thomas connected with Leighton for a 27-yard TD pass with 9:17 left to play in the game.

Mount Miguel mounted a comeback after the ensuing kickoff, putting together a 13-play drive that culminated with Hunter scoring from one yard out, with 4:40 left in the game. Hunter then caught a two-point conversion pass from Sanford, shrinking the Norsemen lead to 36-29.

The Matadors forced Valhalla to punt on its next series, giving Mount Miguel coach TOM KARLO's charges one last chance for a comeback victory. Starting at its 23-yard line with 2:48 left to play, a holding penalty backed the Matadors up to their 9-yard line, but Stanford threw a strike to TYLER MILLER for a 21-yard gain.

On the next play, a screen pass was sniffed out by Pennix, who flattened the receiver for a 3-yard loss. The next snap saw Pennix and Savin sack the quarterback for a 5-yard loss, giving the Matadors just one more play to pull out a stunning victory.

However, on 4th-and-18, Valhalla's two interior linemen, DAVID BELL and ANTHONY TOMA, combined for yet another quarterback sack to preserve the victory.

Hunter finished with 87 yards on 23 carries.

JORDAN GENTNER led the Matadors with 11 tackles, while KHAALID ABDULLAH made 8 stops and blocked a kick.

BRYANT MITCHELL, who led the Matadors with 5 receptions for 40 yards, also blocked a kick, while tight end WILLIE MORALES made 4 catches for 82 yards.

STEELE CANYON 41, GRANITE HILLS 34 – Picked to finish last in the Grossmont South League race, the Granite Hills Eagles probably played their best game of the season in Friday’s (Oct. 16) loop opener against visiting Steele Canyon.

The Eagles (3-3, 0-1 GSL) scored the final two touchdowns in a 42-point fourth quarter (21 points by each ballclub), only to fall short against the Cougars (4-2, 1-0 GSL), who were labeled a preseason contender for the circuit crown.

In the fourth quarter, Steele Canyon was cruising 41-20 with six minutes to play. The Eagles’ quarterback, TYLER JOWORSKI, who appeared to have lost his job to injured junior CORY LOCKMAN, came close to providing Granite Hills with a miracle comeback.

Joworski, who completed 14 of 19 passes for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns, ralled the Eagles with scoring strikes of 7 yards to JOE CRESTIK and 9 yards to DYLAN RUBIO.

On onsides kick recovery set up the Rubio TD, but Granite Hills did not touch the ball again.

Steele Canyon shattered the former school record of 431 yards total offense, compiling 582 yards against Granite Hills – 381 rushing and 201 passing.

ALEX PERLIN set the tone for the Cougars’s fast breaking offense, rushing for 249 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 23 carries. He finished with 273 all-purpose yards.

“Alex Perlin ran like crazy tonight,” said Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE.

Perlin scored on runs of 9 and 13 yards in the second half of this scoring fest.

Quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE had one of the best passing games of his career, completed 11 of 18 for 201 yards. Reciever CODY SIMPSON hauled in 9 passes for 112 yards, and JAKE WRAGG added 111 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 21 carries.

“The passing game set up the running game tonight,” said Boehmke. “Granite Hills did a great job of shutting us down in the 1st half. When you look at the final score it’s hard to believe it was only 13-6 at halftime.

“It’s great having running backs like Alex and Jake in the backfield with me. They make calling the game an easy job. Jake and I have played together a long time and we both know each other’s moves well. He’s my best friend.”

Granite Hills’ FREDDY HALTON had a banner night, rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He also caught 3 passes for 74 yards.

JONATHAN VALENCIA led the Eagles receivers with 5 catches for 65 yards. GILBERT PEREZ also caught a 12-yard TD pass from Joworski.

“Tyler Joworski was outstanding,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT. “He ran our offense well and kept us in the game. He threw the ball well. We scored with about two minutes to play and tried an onsides kick and they recovered.

“We missed a PAT and a field goal tonight and that really hurt us.”

So did the absence of running back FRANTZ LARAQUE, who suffered a concussion in last week’s game against West Hills. He was held out of this game as a precautionary measure yet is expected to return for the next game.

“Our league this year is going to be really interesting,” said DeWitt. “The way things are looking its going to be topsy-turvy and any team can win any week.”

Helix running back Jimmy Pruitt (8) makes a move to avoid the charge by Monte Vista linebacker Kenneth Tribble in Friday's GSL ballgame. (Photo by Tori Mills)

No. 8-ranked Helix (5-1, 1-0) was on the ropes when the Monarchs’ KENNETH TRIBBLE scored on a 12-yard run in the third quarter, presenting Monte Vista with a 14-10 advantage.

Instead of making excuses for playing without kingpin quarterback JAKE REED (ankle injury), the Highlanders battled back. In fact, it was Reed’s sophomore replacement JIMMY PRUITT, who stepped into the limelight to lead the Highlanders.

Pruitt scored on an 18-yard run later in the third period that proved to be the game winner.

“He’s kind of a knuckle-baller who has good vision,” said Helix coach TROY STARR of Pruitt, who finished with 154 yards rushing on 16 carries. “That is, he comes at you with a lot of body action. He has a little acceleration but it’s more the way he weaves and glides – he causes people to miss.”

Pruitt also completed 8 of 13 passes for 88 yards. Not a bad night for a guy who is supposed to be Helix’ backup quarterback. Pruitt actually is one of the Highlanders’ starting corners, but had to surrender that position when he moved in under center.

Ironically, MONAY SWAFFORD, who has filled Pruitt’s defensive shoes, made what Starr called a ‘game-saving tackle’ on Monte Vista’s MAURICE PAYNE, who scored on a 2-yard run in the opening quarter.

“We have a great sophomore class and he’s part of that group, even though I don’t know if I’d recognize him if I saw him face-to-face,” said Starr. “But Payne was scrambling and made a nice cutback and probably would have scored on that play if Monay didn’t get him.”

Starr obviously will know who Swassford is now.

It’s been that kind effort that Helix has received all year – a bunch of greenhorns keeping the Highlanders’ tradition on a roll.

Running back CHRIS HUNTER, another of the sophomore sensations, rushed for 104 yards on 21 carries.

Junior AUSTIN GONZALEZ led the Highlanders with 5 receptions for 44 yards.

Starr also praised defensive end ACE TUFI, who “kept the pressure on and made a couple of key sacks.”

For Monte Vista, Payne was limited to 17 yards on 25 rushes. He did complete half of his 10 passes for 103 yards.

Tribble paced the Monarchs running game with 39 yards on 6 carries.

SHERVIN IRANIHA had a solid all-around night for Monte Vista, averaging 12 yards rushing on 2 carries, caught 2 passes for 51 yards and logged one of Monte Vista’s two interceptions. MOSES WALKER also had an interception for Monte Vista.

“This is the best game we’ve played all year,” said Monte Vista coach PAGE CULVER. “We intercepted a pass in good position with about two minutes to play but could not move the ball at all.”

Culver emphasized the Monarchs haven’t quit on the season.

“It’s like I told our kids, if we run the table we win our league,” he said.

The pass rush of El Capitan, featuring (l-r) Cole Davidson (58), Dillian Schlotter (37) and Billy Holley (75) put the pressure on Santana quarterback Zach Breidt. (Photo by Ed Piper)

Linebacker DANIEL WADE did a nifty scoop-and-run of a Santana fumble for a 35-yard touchdown, giving El Capitan (3-4, 1-0) a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.

“Our defense was lights out again,” said El Capitan coach RON BURNER. “I don’t have any way of proving it but this may be the best defense El Capitan has ever had. I just know they’re awfully good – very consistent.”

El Capitan forced five turnovers, two coming on interceptions by DOMENIC PROUTY and a third on a pick by JAMES GALLIVAN, who leads East County with six thefts. Prouty stands second with five interceptions.

Gallivan’s interception came at the El Capitan 12-yard line, which stymied an early Santana scoring bid.

“We were going man-on and it was pretty effective,” Gallivan said. “We take a lot of pride in our defense.”

Senior running back MATT BURKETT rushed for a career-high 148 yards on 26 carries. He is the first El Capitan back to rush for more than 69 yards in a game this season.

“We are moving the ball pretty well between the 20s,” Burkett said. “But once we get into the red zone we struggle a lot. There’s a lot more guys in the box and it makes it tougher to run the ball. Maybe it doesn’t show, but I think we’re getting better.”

Burner would agree.

“We got the ball in the red zone four times and didn’t score,” he lamented. “But the fact is we’re getting the ball into the red zone more often now, and that’s a good sign.”

Sophomore quarterback R.J. FAULKNER made his varsity debut in the 2nd half for the Vaqueros. He completed only three passes in nine tries but one was a 34-yard screen pass on a 4th-and-18 that TYLER MASON carried into the endzone in the 3rd quarter.

“RJ has only been with us for a week but he picks things up fast,” Burkett said. “Admittedly it’s harder to adjust to a change in quarterbacks but he did a really good job.”

Senior starting quarterback MARK SCHARFENBERG put the Vaqueros on the board in the 1st quarter when he fired a 45-yard TD pass to ROBERT CRAIGHEAD.

Scharfenberg completed 5 of 12 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Craighead finished with 4 receptions for 73 yards, and Mason hauled in 3 passes for 42 yards.

For Santana, quarterback ZACH BREIDT, who was a under heavy El Capitan rush all night, completed 15 of 44 passes for 170 yards.

JOHN BURKE was the Sultan’s leading receiver with 5 catches for 67 yards.

Flu-ridden Santana (2-5, 0-1 GNL) suffered its third straight shutout. According to Sultans coach DAVE GROSS, 15 players – 5 of them starters – were either injured or ill and could not play in the Grossmont North League opener.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 48, BORREGO SPRINGS 0 – Knowing full well that a victory would return the Knights to first place in the Southern League following a Thursday setback by previously undefeated San Diego Jewish Academy, the Foothills Christian defense forced three turnovers and registered four sacks in blanking the host Rams in Friday's (Oct. 16) contest held in San Diego County's back country.

The Knights (3-3 overall) moved into a first-place deadlock with Calvin Christian at 3-0 in league. These two teams battled on the final day of the 2008 season to finally decide the league championship, which Foothills claimed on the final play of the ballgame.

"We are kind of following the same blueprint as we did last year," noted Foothills head coach STEVE PERDUE. "Our defense is starting to play up to their expectations."

BEN HOUSLEY and DYLAN WESTRICK powered the defense with a pair of sacks each. And when Borrego Springs' quarterback was able to pass, ANDY HOFFMAN and RYAN EDMISTON stepped up to register interceptions -- Edmiston's went 36 yards for a touchdown.

"I do not think Borrego (1-5, 0-3 SL) had a first down until we started to sub," added the coach, who gave credit to the father-son coaching pair of THOM and TONY LUBIC for developing the defensive line. "They do a tremendous job of rotating people, especially linemen, to keep them fresh. We are so fortunate to have a great coaching staff."

Meanwhile, GARRET CAMPBELL tossed a trio of TD passes, including two to ZACH CUMMINGS on aerials of 15 and 22 yards. The other score was a 30-yard hookup to Hoffman.

For the contest, Campbell completed 11-of-14 passes for 121 yards. He also rushed 8 times for 159 of the team's 303 yards, including a pair of TDs.

SAM MARTIN added 114 yards on 5 carries, then RAFAEL GRAY capped the scoring with a 4-yard TD rush in the fourth quarter. And the score could've been more one-sided.

"Offensively, we fumbled 5 times, 4 times in the red zone, including two times inside the 10," noted Perdue. "It forced our defense to step it up. They, by far, had their best game as a defensive unit. The result was a tribute to hard work and confidence by the players."

ROBERT KAKOS led the Knights' defense with seven tackles, while CODY LEWIS added six stops.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-14-09) — The late Hollywood master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, would never write a script like this. But the Grossmont South League championship could well be decided on opening night, Friday (Oct. 16) when Mount Miguel (4-1) visits Valhalla (3-2).

Not one to tip his hand early, Hitchcock teased moviegoers to watch his films in their entirety for the denouement. This encounter should go down to the wire as well.

The Matadors are seeking their first league crown since 1987 when they finished the regular season 10-0.

Valhalla, which began playing football in 1975 – compared to Mount Miguel’s 1957 – has never won a Grossmont Conference championship.

Mount Miguel has been labeled the preseason favorites to capture the gold, while Valhalla was tabbed in the same ratings to finish second. So a lot will be determined on this first Friday night.

This is a must-win for both the Matadors and the Norsemen if they envision themselves as league champions.

Mount Miguel leads the all-time series 23-10-1, but the Norsemen have won 4 the last 6 meetings... for whatever that’s worth.

When these teams collided last year in Spring Valley, the Matadors took a 14-7 halftime lead but a blocked punt with 8:07 left enabled the Norsemen to escape with a 21-14 victory.

There are no secrets here. Valhalla relies on the best passer in the section in PETE THOMAS (84-139, 1129 yards, 14 TDs), while Mount Miguel will count on record-breaking running back DERALL HUNTER (104-822, 13 TDs) to pave the way for the Matadors.

On the defensive side, both teams have standouts.

Defensive end SHANE PENNIX and linebacker GREG GOULDING are the cornerstones for Valhalla. Mount Miguel has Defensive Player of the Year candidate KHAALID ABDULLAH and linebacker JORDAN GENTNER as its mainstays.

Considering the Matadors have had decades of success against Valhalla, the pick is... Mount Miguel 24-21.

The rivalry began right away and the perpetual trophy was the Golden Whip, which was awarded to the winner of the annual football contest between the two schools.

The Golden Whip, which some coaches have said looks more like a snake, has been housed at El Capitan eight of the last nine seasons.

The sad thing about trophies such as the Golden Whip is it rests in the memories of the alumni. The majority of today’s students don’t even know what it is – haven’t even heard of it. It’s a shame that these long traditions are becoming faint memories instead of renewing rivalries where there is a mythical prize.

Nonetheless, this should be a spirited game, with the Vaqueros beginning a defense of the Grossmont North League title they won last year. Defense is the name of the game at El Capitan this season. Senior safeties JAMES GALLIVAN and DOMENIC PROUTY rank No. 1-2 in interceptions in East County at 5 and 3, respectively.

The Sultans have been shut out in back-to-back games. They do have the East County’s leading receiver in tight end T.D. GROSS, who has 10 more receptions than anybody else in the inland community.

The Vaqueros have struggled offensively but should not have major difficulties on a Santana defense that has allowed 175 points... El Capitan 21-7.

No. 8 HELIX (4-1) at MONTE VISTA (1-4), 7 – Even though the Highlanders have won eight of the last 10 meetings in this series, they don’t figure to run away in Friday’s (Oct. 16) Grossmont South League opener. Despite playing without Division I quarterback JAKE REED, Helix does, however, have enough firepower to take a first step toward a fourth straight league title.

“When Jake went down (against El Cajon Valley on 10-2-09) I thought we’d lost him for the year,” said Helix coach TROY STARR. “But he sprained the knee, there was no tear. That’s the good news. Just when we’ll have him back is still day-to-day.”

Running back CHRIS HUNTER, slotback RAYMONT NAILON and backup quarterback JIMMY PRUITT – all three underclassmen – will play key roles. The return of UNLV-bound receiver SEAN LINTON due to injury coupled with the fine work of sophomore CAMERON LEE, who leads the team in receiving, computes to sufficient offense for a Helix victory.

Monte Vista, meanwhile, casts its hopes on do-it-all senior MAURICE PAYNE. Payne gives the Monarchs speed and passing expertise as a quarterback and can also contribute as a running back. SHERVIN IRANIHA also ranks among the Monarchs’ top receivers.

When it comes to defense, the edge goes to Helix in spite of its youthful makeup. Thus the pick here is... Helix 27-13.

EL CAJON VALLEY (1-4) at WEST HILLS (3-3), 7 – The Braves are a mystery team. Rumor has it El Cajon Valley has reinforcements ready to go for the Grossmont North League opener on Friday (Oct. 16) against the Wolf Pack in Santee.

If the Braves are as improved as they hope to be, they will still have their hands full with West Hills – a team that seems to always find a way to keep victory in its sights. The key to West Hills’ success is quarterback GARY ISAACSON, who has completed more than 68 percent of 66 passes for 670 yards and 9 touchdowns. This guy can run too, as he’s rushed for 143 yards.

West Hills has the “good hands kid” and a deep stable of receivers despite losing ADAM COYLE to a broken collarbone last week against Granite Hills.

The Braves are all about offense. Quarterback ALEX HANN (208 ypg, 11 TDs) directs ECV’s 5-Wide attack, which should be bolstered for this game if all goes according to play.

The Wolf Pack hopes a homecoming crowd will lend added support in a game both of these teams need to win to keep their playoff hopes and possible league championship aspirations alive. This has been a one-sided series over the years, with West Hills claiming 18 wins in 20 decisions... West Hills 21-20.

STEELE CANYON (3-2) at GRANITE HILLS (3-2), 7 – The visiting Cougars have dominated this series by winning five of the last six games – three and them by shutouts.

That trend should continue, considering the Eagles will be without quarterback CORY LOCKMAN (ankle), who was injured on the second to the last play in last week’s 1-point loss to West Hills.

Granite Hills senior TYLER JOWORSKI will take the quarterbacking reins against the Cougars, who have outscored Grossmont and Santana by a combined 77-7 score in the last two weeks.

Speed-laden Steele Canyon could wind up the surprise team of East County when all is said and done. Picked to finish 4th in the Grossmont South League, the Cougars are looking to make a resounding statement at the Eagles’ expense... Steele Canyon 35-13.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (2-0, 2-3) at BORREGO SPRINGS (0-2, 1-4), 7 – The defending Southern League champion Foothills Christian Knights should be able the handle the Rams, who have totaled only six points in consecutive losses to Calipatria, San Diego Jewish Academy and San Pasqual Academy... Foothills Christian 37-8.

CHRISTIAN (4-2) at HORIZON (2-3), 1 (Sat.) – Those who play in the Coastal League must tread lightly because much is possible in terms of upsets. The Patriots have the defense and the kicking game to match up with all in the circuit. But do they have enough offense to gallop past Parker and Santa Fe Christian? Saturday’s (Oct. 17) visit to Horizon will be a good test for the Patriots. A homecoming crowd should be a boost to Horizon, but not enough to hoist the Panthers to an upset... Christian 31-7.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-12-09) — In what will be the final season of the Grossmont South and Grossmont North Leagues, the races should be tight as usual. The circuit action kicks off on Friday (Oct. 16) at 7 p.m. On Saturday (Oct. 17) Christian opens Coastal League action at Horizon.

Here is a glance and prediction of finish in these league races:

GROSSMONT SOUTH
1. Mount Miguel (4-1): Picking coach TOM KARLO’s Matadors for the top spot may be a long shot considering Mount Miguel last won a league title in 1987. But this team has plenty of talent, led by career rushing leader DERALL HUNTER, southpaw quarterback A.J. STANFORD, linebacker KHAALID ABDULLAH and 6-foot-2, 335-pound nose guard MONTEL WILLIAMS.

3. Helix (4-1): An injury to do-it-all junior quarterback JAKE REED has diminished the Highlanders’ chances of capturing a fourth straight league title. Although Reed’s ankle sprain is not likely to sideline him for the remainder of the season, he may miss key games that could cost the Highlanders the title. Helix is a sophomore-laden team that is only going to get better.

4. Steele Canyon (3-2): Somehow the Cougars keep getting left out when talk of winning the GSL pops up. But coach RON BOEHMKE and his staff always have the Cougars picking up speed – literally, with running backs ALEX PERLIN and JAKE WRAGG and receiver CODY SIMPSON – when league play kicks off.

5. Granite Hills (3-2): The Eagles are off to a good start but the loss of injured quarterback CORY LOCKMAN put a crimp in their plans. Fortunately, Lockman’s status is day-to-day. Versatile senior BRIAN CARROLL could be the best player in the league.

6. Monte Vista (1-4): Senior MAURICE PAYNE is without a doubt one of the best players in the league, considering he contributes in all phases. But he can’t do it alone, as the Monarchs are finding out.

GROSSMONT NORTH
1. El Capitan (2-4): The Vaqueros will find out if they are championship material for a second straight year when they host Grossmont on Oct. 23. These guys live on defense to show them the way, although the offense is showing signs of improvement. The defending champions from Lakeside are nothing close to a lock.

2. Grossmont (2-4): The Foothillers have a bye this week, which comes at a good time according to coach RON MURPHY. These guys are hard to figure out, since they’ve been probably the most inconsistent team in East County. The Foothillers have their share of standouts but they need more help from their supporting cast.

3. West Hills (3-3): The Wolf Pack is certainly capable of capturing its second league title in three seasons if it can avoid any more injuries. Razzle-dazzle quarterback GARY ISAACSON seems capable of making anything happen. Don’t count these guys out.

4. El Cajon Valley (1-4): Coach DANNY GOODRICH is hoping to receive reinforcements and eligibility clearance for a key transfer by the start of league play. If the Braves can get all their people healthy and on the field at the same time, they could run the table.

5. Santana (2-4): The Sultans have a quality quarterback in ZACH BREIDT and a blue-chip tight end in T.D. GROSS, but can’t seem to get much support from any other area. They need at least two wins to secure a playoff berth in the Division IV playoffs.

NOTABLE: Next fall, the Grossmont Conference will shuffle the deck and it will look like this:

The Grossmont Valley League will consist of: El Cajon Valley, El Capitan, Monte Vista, Mount Miguel and Santana. The Grossmont Hills League will be made up of Granite Hills, Grossmont, Helix, Steele Canyon, Valhalla and West Hills.

COASTAL LEAGUE
1. Santa Fe Christian (5-0): The kings of the Wing-T have been bowling over all those to cross their path. They are averaging more than 42 points per game with their simple, yet precision offense.

2. Francis Parker (4-1): Led by blue-chip quarterback DEON RANDALL, the Lancers may be the team to beat. But they’ll have to prove it when they travel to Santa Fe Christian on Halloween.

3. Christian (4-2): The Patriots rate as a long shot to win this league as it is unlikely that they can beat either SFC or Parker. Perhaps upsetting one of the teams picked ahead of them could create a logjam, and that would have to be satisfying for coach MATT OLIVER and his staff.

4. Bishop’s (3-1): The Knights under first-year coach JOEL ALLEN will have their share of standouts but don’t figure to keep pace with the top three.

5. Horizon (2-3): The Panthers are one of the better San Diego CIF Division IV teams, but appear to totally out-classed in this league.