EAST COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL — 2010

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WEEK FOUR Eastlake claims last-second victory over Steele Canyon in Top 10 battle © East County Sports.com CHULA VISTA (9-25-10) — Steele Canyon High made another strong argument as to why it belongs in the section Top 10 rankings, but forgive the Cougars for feeling robbed after Eastlake pulled out a stunning 20-17 victory Friday night (Sept. 24) at Eastlake. “They stole one,” Steele Canyon coach RON BOEHMKE said. “We feel like we just got home, our house had been broken into by thieves, and we lost everything. The only difference is we can’t call the insurance company.” The No. 5-ranked Cougars (3-1) led for more than three quarters until No. 3 Eastlake (4-0) scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds left in the thrill-a-minute game. Starting quarterback Jordan Hines had been moved to wide receiver midway through the fourth quarter, and it was Hines pulling in the game-winning TD reception from backup Josh Palet. Steele Canyon ’s THOMAS CLANTON had good coverage on the play, but Hines managed to twist his body into position to snare the lobbed pass five yards deep in the end zone near the left sideline. “We got away with one there,” Eastlake coach John McFadden said. “They basically out-coached us. We have to do a better job coaching. I do. “Steele Canyon played a great ballgame. Wonderful group of kids. We came up with a couple of big plays on that final drive and pulled one out. That’s what high school football is all about.” Asked why he made the QB switch, McFadden said, “ Jordan is an incredible receiver, and Josh can throw it pretty well. If he throws three interceptions, I look like an idiot. We got lucky.” After a 38-yard punt by FRANK CALIFANO with 1:19 remaining, Eastlake started its final possession with three consecutive incomplete passes. On fourth-and-10 from its 28-yard line, Palet hit Chris Fletcher on a 12-yard out pattern, then Fletcher slipped a tackle, turned up the right sideline and raced for a 53-yard gain before being pushed out of bounds by MAURICE McNAMARA at the 19-yard line. A delay penalty and a 3-yard gain by Palet preceded Hines’ heroics, but Steele Canyon wasn’t finished quite yet. The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds giving the Cougars possession at the 35-yard line. On the next play, BRAD BOEHMKE fired a strike to JAKE WRAGG, who turned upfield for a 33-yard gain down to the 32-yard line. With 0:07 left, Boehmke threw long to CHANCELLER JAMES near the end zone, but the pass was broken up by Eastlake’s Travis Gardner and Fletcher. With 0:01 left, DANIEL URIBE attempted a 49-yard field goal to try to tie the game, but his lined kick fell just short of the uprights. Further frustrating the Steele Canyon faithful was a non-call on the game-winning TD when slotback Zach Bannon appeared to move forward before the ball was snapped. “You watch the film, and (the officials) get it right more than they get it wrong,” coach Boehmke said. “You’ve got to tip your hat to Eastlake. They made the plays when they needed to. They made an adjustment with the quarterback situation, and it paid off. “Couple things here and there, and it easily could have gone our way.” Having already beaten defending San Diego Section Division III champion Cathedral Catholic in its opener, Steele Canyon was looking to move up in the section rankings with a win over the defending Division I champion Titans. Steele Canyon defensive coordinator SCOTT LONGERBONE addressed the Cougars after the game. “We belong in the Top 10,” Longerbone told his players. “We answered that question tonight. We did not lose the CIF championship. We did not lose the league championship. We lost Game 4. We’ve got plenty of games to play. Hold your heads high.” In a homecoming game with a halftime theme of The Beatles’ songs, Eastlake’s (Hey) Jude Isbell rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. On his last carry, (pardon the pun), Isbell got his bell rung on a monster face-to-face hit by Cougars linebacker JAKE RUYSSCHAERT. Isbell likely sustained a concussion and left the game with 10:29 remaining. Wragg was a workhouse for the Cougars, gaining 159 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. “He’s a great athlete,” Coach Boehmke said, “and what makes him so special is his intelligence. He’s got a 4.6 GPA; never had anything but an ‘A’ in his life.” Steele Canyon set a school record for points last week with a 56-7 dismantling of Serra, and the Cougars looked to eclipse that mark early on against Eastlake, which now owns a 4-0 record against the Cougars. In the first quarter alone, the teams produced 27 points, two 100-yard rushers and four critical penalties for 45 yards against the Cougars. On its opening drive, Eastlake capitalized on a pass interference call and three defensive holding flags when Isbell scored from 6 yards out. The extra-point kick sailed left, so the Titans took a 6-0 lead On Steele Canyon ’s first play, Wragg broke free off right tackle for a 58-yard pickup. Four plays later, he scored his East County-leading ninth touchdown on a 4-yard run over right tackle, and Uribe’s conversion made it 7-6 with 3:45 to play in the quarter. Eastlake needed only one play to retake the lead, 13-7, as Isbell busted up the middle for an 80-yard touchdown run. Steele’s turn now: Wragg returned the ensuing kickoff 49 yards, prompting the Eastlake band to strike up a Saturday Night Live-inspired “What Up With That?” rendition. Three plays later, Wragg raced 37 yards to the 2-yard line, and BRANDON WATSON carried it over the goal on the next play. Uribe’s 19th consecutive conversion to start the season made it 14-13 with 1:54 left in the quarter. When the quarter ended, Wragg had 107 yards on five carries and Isbell 119 on seven rushes. The first punt of the game – by Eastlake – came on the final play of the first quarter. Steele Canyon then ran 16 plays for 66 yards over 7:41, but the Cougars had to settle for a 38-yard field goal by Uribe to go up 17-13. As much offense as there was in the first quarter and a half, both defenses made serious statements in the final three quarters when only three points were scored until the Hines’ TD at the end. “After that first quarter, the defenses showed up, that’s for sure,” Coach Boehmke said. P.J. RUSSELL blocked an attempted 30-yard field goal with seconds remaining in the first half. Clanton had an interception in the third quarter. Ruysschaert, James, McNamara, EASTON SIMMONS, RUDY DIRECTO and BENJAMIN GOSSMEYER added a number of big plays and big hits on defense for the Cougars. “When you play a Division I champion, you know it’s going to be a physical game,” Coach Boehmke said. “And it was a very physical game. “If anything, it shows where we are. We belong among the top teams in the county.” Steele Canyon plays an afternoon game (3 p.m.) next Friday (Oct. 1) at Point Loma. It was the Pointers who ended the Cougars’ season last year with a 42-35 win in the Division III semifinals. Point Loma lost to Cathedral 20-14 in the championship game. got pix? East County Sports.com accepts photos from anyone... students, parents, pros, et al. Send them in a.zip file HERE. Waters, Hillers air it out Grossmont moves to 4-0 with pass attack © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (9-25-10) — In basketball, there are fouls and there are less-costly violations. Hockey has penalties which leave a team short-handed, then infractions which only result in faceoffs. PHOTOS & MORE PHOTOS For the Grossmont Foothillers, the team overcame several mistakes which left the team without points on (way too many) drives, yet they endured the comeback effort of the Eagles after the visitors committed turnovers on three of their final four possessions. Thus, Grossmont secured a 23-14 victory Friday (Sept. 24) to capture the non-league triumph at Lt. Thomas M. Adams Field to remain one of four undefeated East County teams. In a mistake-filled contest, Hillers quarterback DESEAN WATERS rushed 26 times for 133 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but it was the senior's passing ability which left the Santa Fe Christian defense scrambling. With SFC focused solely on his running ability, Waters completed seven consecutive passes to set-up short TD runs in the middle two quarters, keeping Grossmont undefeated in front of a homecoming crowd. The Foothillers (4-0) are now off to their best start since opening the 2004 season at 5-0 en route to a deep playoff run which resulted in a CIF Division II Final Four appearance. "We showed that we can pass, too," noted Waters, who finished with 123 yards through the air on 8-for-14 accuracy. "There's more here than me just running or handing off." After Eagles back Austin Knoth busted through a hole for a 66-yard touchdown to grab a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter, Waters answered by directing several long marches with a balanced attack. Consecutive pass receptions by JOEY ACOSTA (34 yards) and DIMITRI SCOTT (11) set-up a 2-yard, go-ahead score by Acosta to carry a 10-7 lead into halftime. Grossmont opened the second half with a 32-yard scramble by Waters. However, facing an important third down later in the drive, Waters flipped a short pass for 7 yards to RYAN GREEN. Two plays later, Water scored from 1-yard out for a 16-7 cushion. Santa Fe Christian answered on Knoth's second TD on a 29-yard burst around the corner, but the Grossmont defense would close strong by forging three turnovers over the game's final 14 minutes. Linebacker COLTON ALEXIO forced a fumble which was recovered by teammate COLTON ANDERSON. Two series later, defensive end BRENNAN DARLING stripped an Eagles ball-carrier, with JAMES HYATT pouncing on the loose football. Grossmont then overcame a trick play on the final series. On a double-pass, Eagles receiver Kyle Doan accepted a lateral along the sideline, then heaved a 38-yard pass to Louie Dedonates to advance deep into Hillers territory. But with the clock winding down and SFC needing a score, plus time to execute an onside kick to pull out a miracle finish, the plan was ruined by Grossmont defensive back AUSTIN WAGNER, who registered an interception in the end zone to clinch the win with 4.2 seconds remaining. Among Grossmont's early mistakes, all of which placed the team in potential peril yet failed to hurt the team, were a pair of bombs to wide open receivers. However, one pass was overthrown, while another was dropped. Hillers placekicker JORDAN REECE was also a little unlucky. After booting a 45-yard field goal to open the scoring, a 43-yard effort sailed just wide to the left, while a 50-yard attempt to close the first half, landed just under the crossbar. Acosta finished with 4 receptions for 86 yards. On special teams, Waters booted a pair of 45-yard punts, yet both were high enough as Santa Fe Christian finished the contest without any return yards all night. Quarterback Franklin Foster powered Valhalla past El Capitan. (Photo by Chadd Cady) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE VALHALLA 38, EL CAPITAN 13 – Valhalla coach STEVE SUTTON had to come up with an altered game plan Friday night (Sept. 24), as the Norsemen hosted El Capitan without the services of their leading wide receiver, JEVON HASTEN, out with an elbow injury. Long-known in the East County as a master of an intricate passing game, Sutton used eight different ball carriers to gain 185 yards in 34 running plays, as the Norsemen defeated the visiting Vaqueros 38-13. The Norsemen finished with 452 yards total offense, which included 269 yards on the passing arm of FRANKLIN FOSTER. Two of Foster’s strikes went for touchdowns of 32 yards to NICKOLAS KURTZ and 32 yards to NEHEMIAH BROWN, which opened up a 24-7 lead for the Norsemen. El Capitan (1-3) started out strong with a 16-play, 80 yard opening drive, led by senior running back DAKOTA FURR, who used his 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame to plow the field for 45 of those yards in 10 carries, including a 1 yard touchdown run, with only 2:13 left to play in the first quarter. JOSH MURPHY'S kick was good, giving El Capitan a 7-0 lead. “We were surprised how good El Capitan was on offense,” said Foster. “We were disappointed in ourselves, coming off two losses. We were surprised when they were able to drive down the field and score on their first possession. Luckily we were able to answer back.” The Vaqueros’ nearly 10 minute possession limited Valhalla to only five plays in the initial stanza. Valhalla made good use of its limited time on offense in the opening quarter however, after HANSSELL WILSON returned the ensuing kickoff 38 yards to the Valhalla 41-yard line. Senior slotback JUSTIN WADA got the Norsemen into El Capitan territory with a 13-yard run to the Vaqueros 36-yard line. Foster then hit a wide-open THOMAS McDONALD for another 13-yard gain to the 23-yard line. Three plays later, junior running back KYLE QUARLES sprinted 9 yards to the 4-yard line, setting up senior slotback ANDY LOPEZ for a quick 4-yard touchdown run. The first of TREVOR McGIRR's five PAT kicks was good, knotting the game at 7-7 only 1:01 minutes into the second quarter. Foster hit Brown with a quick middle-screen pass, racking up another 15 yards to the 8 yard-line. The Vaqueros' defense stiffened, however, forcing a McGirr 24-yard field goal, giving the Norsemen the lead for keeps with 8:12 left to play before intermission. “The O-line blocked really good – kept me safe in the pocket,” said Foster. “Our receivers found a lot of holes and I was able to deliver the ball to them, and they caught them.” Late in the second quarter, with less than 2 minutes to play before halftime, and starting at their 22-yard line, the Norsemen showed they can score in a hurry. Foster threw a perfect strike to McDonald for a 30-yard gain to the El Capitan 33. Two plays later, he hooked up with senior wide receive NICKOLAS KURTZ for a 32-yard scoring play, with only 42 seconds left, giving Valhalla a 17-7 halftime lead.

El Capitan defender Jake Arcamo forces Norsemen quarterback Franklin Foster to throw to the opposite side of the field. (Photo by Susan Cooper Photography)

Midway through the third quarter, Valhalla's Brown scampered 37 yards to the endzone, but a holding penalty negated his outstanding run.

Late in the third quarter, Brown duplicated that feat, this time after catching a pass from Foster and breaking several tackles for a 37-yard TD, making it 24-7 going into the final period. Brown finished with 117 yards and two touchdowns on 6 touches.

El Capitan added a 54-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback GRANT KIRBY to senior wide receiver TYRONE WIGGINS, but it was too little, too late, especially since Brown scored again for the Norsemen on a 19-yard burst to the left, ending the scoring at 38-13, with 4:06 left in the game.

Furr led the Vaqueros with 107 yards on 24 carries, while Wiggins caught 4 passes for 72 yards.

Christian High defensive back Grant Todd (right) comes forward to stop Brawley ball-carrier Anthony Aguirre. (Photo by Eric Miller; Courtesy, Imperial Valley Press) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

SHANE DILLON delivered scoring passes to KYLE HARRIS of 18 and 56 yards to stake the visiting Patriots to a 21-10 halftime lead that they would not surrender.

Probably the key scoring strike of the evening was the longer of the two.

“I think that was the play of the game,” said Patriots head coach MATT OLIVER.

Dillon, who completed 14 of 23 passes for 177 yards, agreed.

“Playing in front of a crowd like that is pretty exciting,” Dillon said. “While it’s a lot of fun, you certainly can’t hear yourself think. Our goal was to take the crowd out of the game as much as we could. I found myself yelling in the huddle just to get the play across, but we practiced during the week using key words and hand signals.”

The key touchdown to Harris late in the second quarter was set up by a screen pass to newcomer JASON GAINES, who caught 4 passes for 51 yards and doubled as the Patriots’ free safety in his first ever varsity football game.

That set up a scoring hitch-and-go to Harris.

“No question the quick screen pass to Gaines set up the hitch-and-go,” Harris said. “When I caught the ball, the guy who was covering me tripped. I was running as fast as I could and just when the free safety caught me I dove into the endzone.”

Harris scored on an 18-yard pass from Dillon that snapped a 7-7 tie in the second period.

“That was a fade,” Harris recalled. He finished with 5 receptions for 103 yards.

Workhorse TYRONE SAULS rushed for 137 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries in addition to playing linebacker all night on defense.

Other key defensive plays for Christian included an interception by GARRETT HEIN and a fumble recover by JOSH HARRISON.

“We gave the game ball to defensive end JON McNEAL because we felt he was the hub of our defense,” said Oliver.

Christian’s MICHAEL DAY scored on a 2-yard run, coupled with a PAT kick by GRANT TODD to tie the game 7-7 early in the second quarter.

It was the second game in a row that Christian had not committed a turnover..

Brawley fell to 2-1.

Mount Miguels’ RONNIE HICKS blocked a 33-yard field goal with one second left in the 2nd quarter to preserve the Matadors’ lead.

It was 14-0 by the end of the third quarter and the Matadors turned the game into a blowout in the final period. The game could have been scoreless at halftime had the Matadors not executed a fake punt by RICO MONROY, who ran 28 yards for a first down.

Southpaw quarterback ERNEST WILLIAMS then completed a pass to AJ ADAMS, who celebrated his 18th birthday with a key 23-yard reception.

From there TONY DOZIER scored on a 1-yard run to give the Matadors a narrow halftime lead.

In the second half DERRICK DUNN (14 carries, 134 yards, 2 TDs) scored on a 4-yard run to make it 14-0 after three quarters.

RICO MONROY proved he was valuable on both sides of the ball. He blocked a punt in the 4th quarter at the Serra-12, which was recovered by Mount Miguel and led to a Monroy 6-yard touchdown run.

Dunn, thanks to some excellent zone blocking by TAURUS JAMES, EDUARDO BACASEHUA and MOHAMED MOHAMED, scored on a 52-yard draw play to close the scoring in the 4th quarter.

“Special teams were key to the game,” said Mount Miguel coach TOM KARLO. “We forced their punter to rush his kicks and blocked two kicks. It helped us control field position in the game.

“We started real slow and had too many penalties and too many turnovers in the 1st half. We scored on three of our five possessions in the 2nd half. But we did get a key play from linebacker RAUL FUENTES, who tipped the ball and intercepted it in the 3rd quarter to stop a scoring drive.”

Quarterbacks Williams and Dee’Jay Nolen combined to complete 9 of 14 passes for 65 yards, spreading their throws between eight receivers.

Hicks and TREVION WILSON logged 10 tackles apiece to lead the Matadors.

HELIX 10, MORSE 0 – For the second week in a row No. 2 ranked Helix struggled on the offensive side but played shutdown defense to knock off visiting Morse Friday night (Sept. 24) in La Mesa. PHOTOS

Despite the fact that the Highlanders have scored only 24 points in the last two games, they remain undefeated. That’s because their defense has allowed only 10 points and posted two shutouts.

JIMMY PRUITT intercepted his East County-leading third pass to help spearhead the Highlanders’ blanking of the Tigers. ROMELLO CARBUCCIA also had a theft in the game.

DARRION HANCOCK, who took over the East County rushing lead with 161 yards on 25 carries against the Tigers, scored the only touchdown of the game with a 6-yard run in the first quarter.

It was all about defense after that, even though Helix quarterback BRANDON LEWIS completed 11 of 20 passes for 130 yards.

Kicker JAKE REED, who averaged 37 yards per punt, kicked his first varsity field goal from 21 yards out in the fourth quarter to seal the victory for the Highlanders, who have never lost to Morse in four meetings.

SANTANA 38, CLAIREMONT 14 – The Santana Sultans used a 28-point, second-quarter outburst to basically decide the issue in Friday’s (Sept. 24) non-league against visiting Clairemont. The win improved the Sultans’ record to 3-0-1, which is their best start since the 2005 squad began the season 5-0.

The usually pass-happy Sultans used a variety of means to take their 28-0 halftime lead. Quarterback KYLE GASNER capped a 7-play, 75-yard drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak to open the scoring.

Less then two minutes later, JESSE ROBERTO picked off a Clairemont pass and returned it 35 yards to extend Santana’s advantage to 14-0.

The Sultans turned to their aerial antics from there, as Gasner fired an 8-yard TD pass to ZACH BREIDT to make it 21-0 with 5:04 left in the half.

But the Sultans weren’t through. This time Breidt took a pitch from Gasner and fired a halfback pass of 24 yards to TYLER WHITE to finish the first half scoring.

It took the Sultans 39 seconds into the 2nd half to expand their advantage to 35-0 as Breidt scampered 6 yards for the score.

BRAD CORNISH, who was 5-for-5 on PAT kicks, launched a 43-yard field goal with 6:09 left in the third period.

After that Sultans coach DAVE GROSS made wholesale substitutions.

If ever the cliché “team effort” fit a game, this would be one of them. Santana, for example, mustered a total of 274 yards on 44 plays.

Breidt picked up 88 yards on 6 rushes and completed his only pass for 24 yards and a score. He also caught 2 passes for 23 yards, which tied TD GROSS (2-46) for the team lead.

PATRICK HENRY 34, EL CAJON VALLEY 13 — Once again the El Cajon Valley Braves dug themselves into a hole and couldn’t climb out Friday night (Sept. 24) as they fell to visiting Patrick Henry.

The Patriots forged in front 27-0 before the Braves (0-3) could find the end zone.

El Cajon Valley finally broke the spell on a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback SHABO GIBO – a 30-yarder to AJ WHITE and a 15-yarder to DONTAE BAILEY.

Overall it was Gibo’s best passing night of the season as he completed 14 of 22 for 183 yards. Five of his connections went to White for 80 yards. A do-it-all senior, White also led the Braves in rushing with 42 yards on 12 carries. He also had a sack and two tackles for loss.

Bailey finished with 3 receptions for 39 yards and totaled 105 all-purpose yards for the evening.

Linebacker DANNY LA logged a sack, and TARIQ WASIMI recovered a fumble for the Braves.

Overall the Braves finished with 272 total yards and cut their turnovers in half with just three this week.

Patrick Henry tagged the Braves for 370 total yards.

ARMY-NAVY 46, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 26 – A more physical Army-Navy Academy team rolled up 486 yards – averaging 8.3 yards per carry rushing – as they manhandled the Knights in Friday’s (Sept. 24) non-league game in Carlsbad.

The Warriors (2-1) built up a 22-7 halftime lead and never looked back.

Foothills Christian (0-2) picked up the offensive pace in the second half, thanks to some nifty work by quarterback ZACH CUMMINGS. Cummings rushed for 52 yards, including scores of 8 and 30 yards.

The senior signal caller also completed half of his 14 passes for 109 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown pass to AJ HOFFMAN. In addition Cummings returned two punts and intercepted a pass.

Also joining the scoring parade for Foothills Christian was JR ATTERBURY, who took a 59-yard run to the endzone, pulling the Knights to within 30-14 heading into the final period. Atterbury led the Knights for 69 yards on only 2 carries. He also averaged 33 yards on 2 punts and converted two PAT kicks.

As a team, Foothills produced 284 yards.

“Army-Navy was physical and they were strong,” noted Knights coach THOM LUBIC. “They were pretty fast. The effort was there – we went toe-to-to with them. We played pretty well tonight. We are still tweaking, making corrections and hoping for improvements.”

LINCOLN 49, MONTE VISTA 0 (Revised) – A rigorous early season schedule continued to take its toll on the Monte Vista Monarchs.

For the second week in succession, the Monarchs were blanked, the latest knock out coming Friday night (Sept. 24) at the hands of the visiting Lincoln Hornets 49-0.

The Monarchs (1-3) have been outscored 118-35.

Monte Vista’s lone bright spot was the rushing of 5-foot-10, 168-pound running back senior MATT PARRIS, who rolled up 129 yards on 19 carries. Together with kickoff returns he totaled 217 all-purpose yards.

It was Lincoln’s first win in three decisions.

Help Wanted: Scoreboard Operator
Shootout expected in Norsemen-Vaqueros

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-23-10) — There have been some ugly encounters in this series between El Capitan (1-2) and Valhalla (1-2). Most memorable was the Norsemen’s 70-7 rout in 2005. Since that fiasco El Capitan has won two of the last three. In the recent past, these games have been high scoring, but don’t look for that to happen this time.

Valhalla is bringing sophomore running back MARTIN MOKOU into its offensive scheme this week.

“He’s strong and fast and has the potential to be pretty good,” said Norsemen coach STEVE SUTTON.

On the flip side the Norsemen will probably be without leading receiver and No. 1 scoring threat JEVON HASTEN, who suffered an elbow injury in the second quarter of the 24-14 loss to Ramona.

Not that Sutton has given up on his offense, but strangely enough, it would appear that Valhalla’s defense is its strength so far this year. HANSSELL WILSON, BRANDON STEED and ANTHONY BUZZELL are the defensive leaders for the Norsemen.

Not to be overlooked on the offensive side for Valhalla, however, is quarterback FRANK FOSTER, who has completed better than 50 percent of his 68 passes for 511 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, no East County team is more beat up than El Capitan. The Vaqueros have been dinged in almost every area with their latest loss being all-state center CARL MARTIN, who was knocked out in the Point Loma game by a cheap shot, resulting in what appeared to be serious because he left the game in an ambulance.

“Carl was walking the track last night,” El Capitan coach RON BURNER said. “He has no broken bones but he’s just sore with a lot of deep bruises. He’ll sit out this game, and the fact that we have a bye next week will give him two weeks off.

“If this was a playoff game, I’m sure he’d probably play. Since it’s not there’s no reason to rush him back into the lineup.”

Burner pointed out that El Capitan will be missing five starters for this game. The Vaqueros will count on quarterback JAKE ALVERNAZ, slotback TYRONE WIGGINS and running back DAKOTA FURR to lead the offense.

Sutton said, “I can’t worry about his team. I have to worry about mine. We’re about ready to break out – close to putting it together.”

The two teams did not meet a year ago, but El Capitan has captured two of the previous three meetings. This is probably the toughest call of the night... Valhalla 14-10.

No. 5 Steele Canyon (3-0) at No. 3 Eastlake (3-0), 7 – The host Titans have never lost to Steele Canyon, having posted comfortable victories of 35-14, 21-14 and 38-13 the last three seasons.

Is Steele Canyon capable of halting its losing streak to Eastlake, especially on the Titans’ home field?

This is coach RON BOEHMKE’s ninth season at Steele Canyon ’s helm and he believes this band of Cougars is capable of almost anything. Steele Canyon has already run over Cathedral Catholic 35-12, Bonita Vista 28-14 and Serra 56-7.

Numbers like that can’t help but give a coach and his players confidence. But perennial power Eastlake also has produced victories over Thousand Oaks Moorpark 24-21, Lincoln 42-21 and El Camino 34-6.

Three-year varsity quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE (29-53, 466 yards, 5 TDs), running back JAKE WRAGG (41-281, 5 TDs), BRANDON WATSON (22-107, 2 TDs) and receiver CHANCELLER JAMES (8-120, 1 TD) are the Cougars mainstays.

Eastlake ’s primary threat is senior Chris Fletcher, who has produced 311 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. But the Titans have plenty of other quick-strike guys, including Jude Isbell and Zach Bannon.

“They run the fly-sweep so well,” coach Boehmke said. “That No. 2 (Isbell) and No. 24 (Bannon) really make it work. Once they get that going they pop one up the middle and use the counter trey.

“They live on the big play for the most part.”

Sounds pretty exciting. Once again, another tough pick... Steele Canyon 28-27.

Morse (2-1) at No. 2 Helix (3-0), 7 – The Morse Tigers have never beaten the Helix Highlanders in three tries and will be hard-pressed to do so Friday (Sept. 24) in La Mesa. Twice Helix eliminated the Tigers from the SDCIF playoffs and the two fought to a 21-21 tie in 1979. That should surely gear up the Tigers.

Perhaps nearly losing to winless Cathedral Catholic before squeezing out a 14-7 victory on a JIMMY PRUITT interception return for a touchdown should let the Highlanders know that they’re hardly invincible. What’s hard to figure in that Cathedral game is running back DARRION HANCOCK rushed for a career-best 232 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown in a narrow escape over the Dons.

Morse is only two points away from being undefeated as they lost to Mount Miguel 21-20 in a game where the Tigers scored two touchdowns in the final minute, only to come up short. They own victories over Westview 18-10 and Mar Vista 26-14.

Helix crushed Rancho Bernardo 52-0 and Santa Fe Christian 49-10 before struggling to get past Cathedral Catholic.

This is a pivotal game for both teams, but the nod goes to... Helix 28-7.

Santa Fe Christian (2-1) at Grossmont (3-0), 7 – The Foothillers have rolled past Coronado 33-0, University City 37-7 and Castle Park 23-7. Yet there are those out there who believe that Grossmont’s 3-0 record is misleading because none of those teams figure to make the playoffs. Another chip against the Hillers is Santa Fe Christian beat Grossmont 24-13 last year in Solana Beach.

Thus Grossmont coach RON MURPHY and his Foothillers hope to prove to what figures to be an overflow crowd expected Friday (Sept. 24) to celebrate Grossmont’s 90th annual reunion and homecoming that they are as good as their record.

For that to happen senior quarterback DESEAN WATERS (55-381, 5 TDs), East County ’s leading rusher, will have to continue his magic in running Grossmont’s spread offense. Waters has thrown only 25 passes but completed 18 for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is the man.

One of the things that makes Grossmont’s fast start so amazing is the fact that the Hillers’ offensive line includes four sophomores.

“They make some mistakes but they’re getting better every game,” said Murphy. “And Waters has done a great job of running our dink and dunk passing game.”

Junior Connor Moore is Santa Fe Christian’s primary weapon. He rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries as the Eagles flew past Coronado 42-17.

While SFC runs the Wing-T as well as any team in the section, the Foothillers aren’t about to let the visitors spoil the big night... Grossmont 21-17.

Clairemont (0-3) at Santana (2-0-1), 7 – It should be a big night for the Santana passing game as the Sultans attack a Clairemont defense that has surrendered 122 points in three games.

Southpaw KYLE GASNER (24-46, 368 yards, 3 TDs) should pad his stats with East County’s top three receivers – ZACH BREIDT (11-128, 2 TDs), LANDON LOZOYA, averaging 22.2 yards per catch, and tight end TD GROSS.

Clairemont also prefers to pass the ball, with 6-foot-7, 225-pound Chris Bonner at the helm. The senior flinger has completed 43 of 94 for 555 yards and 7 touchdowns.

“This should be a real shootout-type game,” said Sultans coach DAVE GROSS. “Clairemont has two receivers that have 10 catches apiece, so they know how to move the ball through the air. We like to think we can too.”

This game could last all night because the ball figures to be in the air nearly every play. The Sultans have won the previous two meetings 20-7 and 13-12, but there will be a lot more points on the board this time around... Santana 35-28.

Lincoln (0-2) at Monte Vista (1-2), 7 – Not many teams have played a tougher schedule than coach PAGE CULVER’s Monarchs. Monte Vista beat Del Norte but was overmatched by Los Angeles County teams Compton and Inglewood.

Lincoln buzzed the Monarchs 41-7 a year ago, however the Hornets have lost to Eastlake 42-21 and to Poway 20-7 this season. That’s what makes this game hard to figure.

SHERVIN IRANIHA, who leads the Grossmont Conference with 19 pass receptions for 271 yards and 4 touchdowns, needs to get more offensive support from his teammates if the Monarchs are going to be successful against the Hornets.

“People are double and tripling off on him, which means we have to develop one more – if not two more – receivers to take the heat off him,” said Culver.

The Monarchs will look to running back MATT PARRIS (41-180) to provide more consistent punch to the running game.

“Matt’s only going one way now because we’ve taken him off the defense,” Culver said. “That should make him fresh when he goes in offensively.”

This one is a pick’em, and our guess is... Lincoln 27-13.

Christian (2-1) at Brawley (2-0), 7 – Christian’s mighty band of 16 will travel to Brawley on Friday (Sept. 24) in hopes of knocking off the Wildcats, who have posted victories over Cathedral City 27-10 and Indio 40-0. No question, this is a tall order for the Patriots as the Wildcats attempt to prove themselves kings of the Imperial Valley. Of course that is nothing new for Brawley, which has captured 10 of the last 13 Imperial Valley League championships.

Donald Wharton is the man at the throttle for the Wildcats. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound senior has completed only 11 of 21 passes, but he’s averaging 22.5 yards per connection. He’s also a longball rusher, averaging 7.4 yards on 22 carries.

Christian’s TYRONE SAULS is East County’s premier workhorse with an Inland-leading 81 carries in three games. He’s rolled up 349 yards and 5 touchdowns. Patriots quarterback SHANE DILLON is averaging 237 yards through the air.

“We always like going down to the desert because of the great crowds and excitement that surrounds the game down there,” said Patriots coach MATT OLIVER. “We just need to keep our focus and try to maintain control of the ball.”

This may be the best game of the night... Brawley 22-17.

Patrick Henry (0-2) at El Cajon Valley (0-2), 7 – The Henry Patriots lead the series two games to one, having won the last two by a composite score of 62-7. No way will they be able to continue their dominance in the valley this week. Make no mistake about it though, the two teams will register plenty of points.

For the Braves, DONTAE BAILEY (354 yards, 3 TDs) is no doubt the No. 1 threat. AJ WHITE leads the El Cajon Valley running game.

The Patriots prefer to run the ball as well with Homer Reed (22-116) and Quincy Lamar (20- 93) lead the charge. In its last outing El Cajon Valley turned the ball over six times, losing to San Ysidro 26-20. If the Braves can hold onto the ball... El Cajon Valley 28-26.

Serra (0-3) at Mount Miguel (3-0), 7 – After registering two 1-point victories the Matadors proved they’re no fluke as they whacked West Hills 38-21. This is a team that’s only going to get better.

Junior running back DERRICK DUNN should have a field day running against the Conquistadors, who have been outscored by 134 points in their first three games.

These teams met for the first time last year with Serra prevailing 31-17. Look for the Matadors to pull a reversal to remain undefeated... Mount Miguel 42-13.

Foothills Christian (0-1) at Army-Navy (2-1), 3 – Tough match-up for the Knights, who began the season last week with a 19-9 loss at Mountain Empire. The Warriors of Army-Navy, started out strong, toppling Maranatha Christian 32-14 and San Pasqual Academy 46-34 before being leveled by Temecula Linfield Christian 55-0 last week.

Perhaps playing a matinee will help the Knights, who had to fight the altitude as well as the Red Hawks in Pine Valley a week ago. Foothills Christian senior ZACH CUMMINGS adapted to the transition from wide receiver to starting quarterback, accounting for 141 total yards in his debut. He hooked up with KYLE MOBERG for an 18-yard touchdown pass late in the game.

Foothills should be able to put up enough points to spring the upset. It’s just a matter of whether the Knights can keep the Warriors out of the endzone... Army-Navy 23-20.

Christian High quarterback Shane Dillon (Courtesy, Christian High School)

Patriots' discipline keys fourth-quarter rally, 26-14 © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (9-19-10) — Christian High, maintaining a lead throughout most of Saturday's (Sept. 18) non-league affair, needed to find a way to keep its composure after Verbum Dei of Los Angeles rallied to take a 14-13 lead late in the third period. Despite the momentum switch, it was Verbum Dei which folded like a house of cards while the Patriots bounced off the deck by registering a pair of unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the difference in a 26-14 triumph over the visiting Eagles at Valley Stadium. The reason: the Patriots' new Silver Sledgehammer, which the team showcased following their second straight victory. "The sledgehammer destroys everything, even bricks," said defensive nose guard JOSH HARRISON. "It's also a reminder to us to play with discipline." "The Sledgehammer" Verbum Dei's late collapse featured five of its 10 penalties in the final period. A pair of flags forced the Eagles to punt and prevent another rally from a 19-14 deficit. Two additional marks gave the Patriots a late first-down in the red zone, setting up TYRONE SAULS' 3-yard TD gallop to cap a 130-yard rushing effort. "We showed that we have a lot of weapons -- you can't key on one or two guys." added Sauls. "And our O-line played their best game of the season." The Eagles' last chance to move back in front was thwarted when Christian linebacker GARRETT HEIN broke through the line to send Verbum Dei quarterback Caylin Moore back for a 6-yard loss on third down. Meanwhile, one of the Eagles took a cheap shot at Sauls, as a forearm to the head sent not only the helmet flying, mixed with an assortment of penalty flags to force a punt. However, Sauls would miss the next few plays while his helmet's chin strap was replaced. In the past, this might have been a problem, but not on this occasion. With RAYVON OWENS and MICHAEL DAY paired in the Patriots backfield for the first time all contest, Owens carried twice to advance the ball to near midfield, then Day kept his legs churning for a key 6-yard burst and a first down. "We've developed a rotation among the running backs to give us some air," said Sauls, who registered the game-clinching score with 1:40 left, yet was even better on the defensive side all contest. "And when I needed to come out Rayvon and Day came through for us." Sauls then returned and busted loose for runs of 3 and 25 yards. And when Christian's drive stalled at the Verbum Dei-16, the Eagles twice jumped offsides, the latter giving the Pats a first down inside the 10 instead of going for another field goal. Christian quarterback SHANE DILLON tossed a pair of scoring passes. He capped a 14-play, 67-yard drive to open the contest by connecting with KYLE HARRIS, who made a sweet, finger-tip grab for a 9-yard score. Dillon then started the 4th-quarter comeback when he hit JOSHUA FELDSCHER on a skinny post for a 22-yard touchdown with 9:46 remaining. In between, Patriots kicker BLAKE TODD booted field goals of 34 and 28 yards, the latter to mount a 13-7 halftime advantage. On defense, the Patriots collected a pair of first-quarter turnovers. A hit by JON McNEAL forced an early fumble which was recovered and returned 5 yards by ZANE COFFMAN. Later, Feldscher leaped high above an Eagles receiver for an interception along the Patriots sideline. Christian also pulled some trickery on special teams with a series of squib kicks. Todd kicked a slow roller, which he covered after the ball rolled the mandatory 10 yards to open the second half. Another kickoff was hauled in by freshman TRENTON SAULS. Pats-on-the-back — Senior TYRONE SAULS noted that his three leading choices for college include offers from Oregon, Air Force and Cal Poly. "I'll just stay prayerful and things will work out," he said.

UNDERCLASSMEN SCOREBOARD

JUNIOR VARSITY Valhalla 27, Ramona 14 Steele Canyon 48, Serra 0 West Hills 21, Mount Miguel 20 Grossmont 55, Castle Park 14 Cathedral Catholic 14, Helix 6 Santana 7, Imperial 6 Granite Hills 26, Sweetwater 18 Point Loma 26, El Capitan 0 Christian 45, SD-Southwest 7 ECVHS 42, San Ysidro 0 Records — GVL: Santana 3-0, ECVHS 2-1, Monte Vista 0-2, El Capitan 0-3, Mount Miguel 0-3. GHL: Granite Hills 3-0, Valhalla 3-0, Grossmont 2-0, Helix 2-1, Steele Canyon 2-1, West Hills 1-1. Others: Christian 2-0-1.

FRESHMEN West Hills 14, Mount Miguel 13 Ramona 27, Valhalla 24 Cathedral Catholic 21, Helix 6 Grossmont 41, Eastlake 0 Granite Hills 33, Sweetwater 27 Point Loma 50, El Capitan 6 Serra df. Steele Canyon, score not reported Only scores reported Records — GVL: Mount Miguel 1-1, El Capitan 1-2, Santana 0-1, Monte Vista 0-1 (+1). GHL: Grossmont 3-0, West Hills 3-0, Valhalla 2-1, Helix 2-1, Steele Canyon 1-2, Granite Hills 2-1.

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Pruitt interception lifts Scotties
over 3-time champion Cathedral

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (9-18-10) — A team scoring one offensive touchdown against a three-time defending section champion shouldn’t expect to win often. On the other hand, a team rolling up nearly 400 yards against anyone shouldn’t expect to lose often.

Helix needed every one of DARRION HANCOCK’s 232 rushing yards (on 26 carries), if only to run the clock and establish field position. It needed every bit of BRANDON LEWIS’ 133 passing yards, though it could have been much more without a pair of long dropped passes.

The Highlanders REALLY needed JIMMY PRUITT’s 37-yard interception return for a touchdown, essentially the difference in the game.

“Four hundred yards and one TD; that’s hard to do, isn’t it?” asked Helix coach TROY STARR. “But I tell you, when you get a team constantly answering adversity, that’s the sign of a good team.”

Helix High's Sam Meredith (85) registers yet another tackle, aided by Gary Thompson. (Helix High courtesy photo)

On Friday night at Cathedral’s immaculate Manchester Stadium, the Highlanders totaled 393 yards to 189 for the Dons, who got 80 of those on their opening drive of the second half.

Helix got more yards out of Cathedral’s passing game than the Dons, who watched two quarterbacks, sophomore Garrett Bogart and Luke Ramsey, complete only three passes for 21 yards.

Pruitt’s 37-yard interception return was a thing of beauty and gave Helix a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. On a slant play, Pruitt picked off the pass, turned and headed toward the left sideline. He got a crushing block from KENNY KEYS around the 10-yard line and tiptoed into the end zone along the sideline.

“We just spotted them one,” said Cathedral coach Sean Doyle, referring to the 7-0 lead.

The Dons tied the game with an eight-play (all runs), 80-yard drive on their first possession of the second half. Jonny Martin reeled off runs of 6, 5, 8, 4 and 3 yards before bolting up the middle and toward the left sideline for a 40-yard touchdown sprint.

Helix followed that with threatening drives of eight and 10 plays but came away empty after Lewis was intercepted on a fourth-down pass, and kicker VANN SABIN missed wide left on a 25-yard field-goal attempt.

Finally, halfway through the fourth quarter, the Highlanders drove 57 yards on eight plays, and Hancock bulled into the end zone from 4 yards for the 14-7 lead. The key play in the drive was an 18-yard pass from Lewis to CAMERON LEE (five catches, 62 yards).

Cathedral got only seven more plays. It went three-and-out on its next possession and lost yards on its final possession after defensive tackle SAM MEREDITH batted down a pass in the backfield and GARY THOMPSON sacked Ramsey on a fourth-and-15 with 2:10 remaining.

Thompson’s second sack of the game gave Helix first-and-goal from the 9-yard line, but Helix was content with running out of clock.

“Just an ugly performance,” Starr said. “We’ll take it though. The defense played very well. They kept us in the game all night.”

Martin finished with 162 yards on 29 carries, but the rest of the Dons got only six rushing yards. Bogart was 3-of-12 for 21 yards and the interception. He was rHHHe was eplaced on the final drive, but Ramsey threw three successive incompletions before getting sacked on his final snap.

“I guess the better team won,” said Hancock, who recorded a career high with his 232 rushing yards. “We made a lot of mistakes, but we got the win.

“The defense played great, and everyone knows defense wins championships.”

Helix was the runner-up in Division II last season, losing 26-10 to Oceanside in Qualcomm Stadium last December, but Hancock believes the Scotties can take it all this year.

“We can be the best,” he said. “We have great coaches, a great offensive line and a dominating defense.

“Last year we got demolished by this team on our home field. We wanted to return the favor.”

Cathedral was the No. 1-ranked team in the section in the preseason but now has lost 35-12 to Steele Canyon, 10-0 to Torrey Pines and 14-7 to Helix.

“It’s tough being 0-3,” Martin said. “I’ve never been 0-3 in my life. I know the talent is there. We’re so close. I don’t doubt this team at all.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Dons, who play Carlsbad and defending Division I champion Eastlake the next two weeks.

Helix plays host to Morse next Friday before a bye on Oct. 1.

Starr is hoping his Scotties can iron out some of the “self-inflicted wounds” they accumulated against Cathedral.

Lewis completed 13-of-23 passes for 133 yards, but he also fumbled a snap on one failed opportunity and was whistled for intentional grounding on another.

“Devastated by penalties and self-inflicted mistakes,” Starr said, “we’re really disappointed with our offensive performance.”

EL CAPITAN 31, POINT LOMA 21 – After stumbling out of the gate with back-to-back losses and a boatload of injuries, El Capitan coach RON BURNER knew his Vaqueros were going headlong into a locomotive Friday night (Sept. 17) in Lakeside.

Tabbed as a 16-point underdog the Vaqueros (1-2) scrambled to a 9-6 halftime lead. They led 17-14 after three periods and forged in front 31-14 with 4:10 remaining.

“This was the miracle of miracles,” Burner said after the Vaqueros stunned the previously unbeaten Pointers. “We started the game missing two of our top receivers, then lost our quarterback – JAKE ALVERNAZ – to an elbow injury.”

It gets worse.

A late hit on El Capitan’s all-state center, 6-foot-4, 270-pound CARL MARTIN, put a major dent in the Vaqueros’ offensive line. The Point Loma offender was tagged with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty. Martin left the game in an ambulance.

“At first we thought it was a broken hip or a fractured pelvis,” Burner said. “That was a cheap shot that was totally uncalled for.”

Somehow El Capitan found a way to rally under adverse conditions.

The focal point was TYRONE WIGGINS, who scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass from back-up quarterback GRANT KIRBY. Well before Wiggins made the long haul, he stepped in at quarterback. He delivered a 5-yard scoring pass to Kirby to give the Vaqueros a 9-7 halftime lead.

After the Pointers regained the lead 14-9 in the 3rd quarter, the Vaqueros executed a pivotal hook-and-ladder play. Wiggins completed a pass to Kirby at the 22-yard line. Kirby then lateraled the ball to JOSHUA MURPHY, who traveled the final 13 yards for the touchdown giving the Vaqueros a 15-14 lead. Kirby then passed to Murphy for the 2-point conversion to make it a 3-point advantage after three quarters.

“Coach Burner drew it up in practice,” Wiggins said of the surprise play. “Point Loma has an aggressive corner and Coach Burner recognized that and wanted to take advantage of it. He’s a great coach.”

After that, Kirby and Wiggins hammered the Pointers with the long ball, giving the Vaqueros a 24-14 lead.

Wiggins then helped cut short a Point Loma rally with an interception and a 55-yard return for a TD to give El Capitan a 17-point lead.

“We were in a cover-four and I believe it was a third down,” Wiggins said. “Coach (MATT) WESTRICK told me to play the hash mark. He put me in perfect position to make the play. Once I got the ball it was all green after that.”

Wiggins talked about the Vaqueros’ 0-2 start.

“I’ve never seen a team work as hard as we did last week in practice,” he said. “These guys went out and took what they wanted. They refused to lose.”

Mount Miguel ball-carrier Derrick Dunn (1) drags a West Hills defender for extra yardage, helping the Matadors move to 3-0 after downing the Pack. Dunn rushed for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns. (Courtesy, West Hills High School) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Quarterbacks ERNEST WILLIAMS and DEE’JAY NOLEN combined to complete 15 of 23 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown.

ANTHONY ORTEGA was the Matadors leading receiver with 6 receptions for 137 yards, including a 30-yard scoring strike from Williams that gave the Matadors a 21-14 lead at halftime.

“It was a route 91, straight up the seam,” Ortega said. “Their DBs were playing 8-9 yards off the ball and I just flew past them. Ernest put the ball right in my arms.”

Karlo was more than pleased by the breakout of Ortega, who has 16 receptions for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns in three games.

“I’ll tell you this, he’s the sleeper of the year – a special player,” Karlo said. “I’ll put him in among the best receivers in East County and maybe higher.”

Mount Miguel broke the game open with 14 points in the 4th quarter.

“We were coming off two pretty emotional wins,” said Matadors coach TOM KARLO. “Then suddenly we were ranked.

“I’m not sure what our kids knew to make of that. We didn’t play our best ball in the first one and a half quarters against West Hills, but I like the fact that we were able to turn it up when the game was on the line. We began to blitz and run the ball like we do best.”

Durable DERRICK DUNN rushed for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries. That much was expected. The fact that Williams completed 8 of 15 passes for 118 yards and Nolen clicked on 7 of 8 for 51 yards might have come more of a surprise.

“Derrick is such a quiet kid – you never know what he’s thinking,” Karlo said. “But once he gets the ball he knows where to go with it.”

Mount Miguel (3-0) executed the element of surprise against West Hills (1-2) three times. Twice they recovered onside kicks – one of which led to a 29-yard field goal by JORGE MEDINA. The other was a fake punt on a fourth-and-four that RICO MONROY turned into a 14-yard gain and a first down.

Ortega recovered the opening onside kick.

“No question – they weren’t ready for it,” he said. “We watched film all week and knew they were vulnerable to it. I lined up at L1, which was closest to our sideline. The ball went 12 yards and just as it was about to pop up I fell on it. That fired our team up right there.”

Ortega and his teammates were pleased to be included in the various Top 10s.

“It’s a great feeling. We at Mount Miguel haven’t been ranked that high since 1987,” Ortega said.

West Hills quarterback TREVOR CLIPPINGER scored a pair of touchdowns on runs of 2 and 1 yards, but the biggest thrill the Pack got on the offensive end was a 77-yard scoring run on a fly sweep by JARRED KLYMCHECK.

“They have a lot of speed over there and we were trying to do things to offset it,” said Wolf Pack coach JESS BARRAGAN. “We made turnovers that hurt us.”

Another thing that neutralized the Wolf Pack was their inability to complete passes. The only pass that had any impact was a 31-yard halfback toss from BEN SCHUSTER to TIM SEABOCH. Outside of that the Pack was 1 for 6 for minus 2 yards.

RYAN WILLIAMS established himself as the premier running back for West Hills, picking up 98 yards on 16 carries.

Valhalla linebackers Anthony Buzzell (66) and Daniel Davis apply the sandiwch hit on Ramona running back Jason Laws. Ramona won, 28-14. (Photo by Ruth Mims) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Jackson twice dived in from 1-yard out in the opening nine minutes, then scored from 7 yards out in the fourth quarter for the lone score of the second half. For the ballgame, the senior carried 32 times for 139 yards, as the undefeated Bulldogs (3-0) registered 291 rushing yards (405 in total offense)

"We knew they could run the ball well, especially after watching the film from the El Cap game," noted Valhalla coach STEVE SUTTON. "But we did a much better job containing them in the second half."

The Dawgs scored on their first three possessions, but the Norsemen stayed close thanks to a 52-yard TD pass from junior quarterback FRANK FOSTER to junior receiver JEVON HASTEN late in the first period to trim the deficit to 14-6.

However, when Hasten exited with an undisclosed injury, the pass attack just missed connecting on several deep patterns after moving to within 21-14 in the second quarter on a Foster pass to ANDY LOPEZ, who collected a swing pass, then turned it up the right sideline before diving and sliding the ball inside the pylon.

The 2-point PAT saw Foster roll to his left, but when he found no open receivers, he turned it upfield and made the dive into the end zone for the conversion.

However, it was the scrambling ability of Ramona quarterback Nathan Hunt which kept Valhalla off balance. While taking extra notice of Jackson, Hunt rambled 9 times for 85 yards, while running back Nate Lutu raced 13 times for 56 yards, including a 14-yard TD in the second quarter. Lutu also took the opening kickoff 50 yards which allowed the Bulldogs to score just 2:51 into the contest.

Valhalla's defense finally stopped Ramona when defensive tackle JUSTIN RAMBEAU forced a fumble, which was recovered by SPENCER HAVIRD.

Later, ANDREW DAOUD and SAMUEL VELAZQUEZ combined on a sack of Hunt on the final play of the first half, while ANDREW QUARTUCCIO also nailed Hunt in the backfield for a loss on fourth down to get the ball back in the third quarter.

But when Valhalla failed to advance the ball, BRANDON STEED boomed a 56-yard punt to pin back Ramona, only to watch the Dawgs rush the ball 12 times on a 14-play, 77-yard drive to run off the game's final 7:58 to secure the victory.

Foster completed 15-of-28 passes for 207 yards to seven different receivers, completing 9 straight passes to open the second half. JUSTIN WADA (42 yards), MICHAEL PARISI (28) and NICKOLAS KURTZ (28 yards) recorded three catches each.

This game was a blowout after one quarter as No. 5 ranked Steele Canyon (3-0) led 21-0. It was 35-0 by halftime. The Steele Canyon subs came on to contribute the final 21 points in the 4th quarter.

Ten ball carriers chipped in to Steele Canyon’s 216 rushing yards on 28 carries. Only BRANDON WATSON (7 for 31) logged more than four carries.

JAKE WRAGG took only 4 handoffs in producing 66 yards and his 7th and 8th touchdowns of the year.

Junior CODY WELLS broke the Steele Canyon record for longest pass completion with the help of quarterback TJ CARLYON. The duo teamed up for an 84-yard scoring strike, breaking the mark of 78 yards set on a Boehmke-to-Wragg connection against Ramona in 2008.

COLTON HUBBS and TREVOR SNIPES also scored 4th quarter touchdowns for the Steele Canyon.

The Cougars compiled 459 total yards involving 10 rushers, 6 receivers and a pair of quarterbacks to roll their record to 3-0.

JORDAN GOFIGAN contributed to the scoring with a 40-yard return of a blocked punt in the first quarter.

Quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE, despite limited playing time, contributed 8 of 10 passes for 169 yards including a 15-yard TD strike to KYLE SAGER. Boehmke also scored on a 1-yard QB sneak.

Sure-footed kicker DANIEL URIBE converted all 8 of his PAT attempts, setting a Steele Canyon record previously held by MATTHEW BRUDER. Bruder went 7-for-7 against Ramona a year ago.

GROSSMONT 23, CASTLE PARK 7 – Another unbeaten team from East County found itself with its back to the wall halfway through Friday night’s (Sept. 17) action.

The Grossmont Foothillers trailed host Castle Park 7-0 and were still tied 7-7 after three periods.

“For some reason we just couldn’t get going in the first half,” Foothillers coach RON MURPHY said. “We beat these guys 42-0 a year ago and I guess our kids just thought we could come down here and jump off the bus and do it again.”

It took a 16 point uprising in the 4th quarter to allow the Foothillers to stretch their record to 3-0.

JOEY ACOSTA led the comeback for Grossmont. He scored 2 touchdowns, intercepted a pass and recorded a safety. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior tied the game on a 15-yard scoring scamper in the 3rd quarter, then gave the Hillers the lead with a 30-yard dash early in the 4th. He finished with 79 yards on 8 rushes.

“Joey had quite a game,” Murphy said. “He does so many things well for us.”

Senior quarterback DESEAN WATERS turned in another sparkling performance in Grossmont’s spread offense. He rushed for 111 yards – including a 21-yard TD – on 19 carries. He also completed 6 of 9 passes for 66 yards.

Waters, who plays defensive back on occasion, has also taken over the punting chores. He averaged 32.5 on two kicks against the Trojans (2-1).

Senior TONY ABUKA was Waters’ leading receiver with 41 yards on two catches.

“Probably the thing I’m most proud about is we have no turnovers in our first three games,” Murphy said. “I hope I haven’t jinxed myself by saying that.”

GRANITE HILLS 34, SWEETWATER 0 – A quick glance at the final score indicates that Granite Hills’ offense ran rampant over visiting Sweetwater on Friday (Sept. 17).

No question, the Eagles (2-1) packed plenty of offensive firepower with 414 yards on 48 plays.

FRANTZ LARAQUE touched the ball only six times but accounted for 112 rushing yards, 29 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns for Granite Hills.

Obviously Laroque could have had more had coach RANDY DeWITT elected to give him the ball as much as he usually does. But the fact that the Eagles led 34-0 after three quarters, there was no reason to require Laraque’s services thereafter.

Both of Laraque’s scores came in the 3rd quarter – the first on a 12 yard run and the second on a 29-yard pass from quarterback CORY LOCKMAN.

MICHAEL MILLIEN scored on a pair of 1-yard runs while rushing for 56 yards on 12 carries. He also caught 2 passes for 25 yards.

To complete Granite Hills’ offensive balance GILBERT PEREZ kicked field goals from 21 and 39 yards out.

Lockman spread his 8 completions for 132 yards among six Granite Hills receivers. Other than Millien, Perez is the only one to catch as many as two (for 26 yards).

“We were able to move the ball pretty well – six players shared the running game workload,” DeWitt said.

Granite Hills had a total of six sacks of the Red Devils’ quarterback. Junior linebacker ALEX MAYORGA led the Eagles’ sack patrol with 2½ takedowns.

Junior defensive back BRANDON SPEAR had a key interception at the Granite Hills 5 right before halftime to help preserve the shutout.

“We played strong defense. We had tremendous pressure on their quarterback all night,” said DeWitt. “We were able to show our fans what Granite Hills football is all about. This was important for us tonight.”

Imperial High running back Freddy Halton (32) breaks the tackle of a Santana defender during Friday's nonleague game. The Sultans rallied from 14 points down at the half to secure a 14-14 road deadlock in the Imperial Valley. (Photo by Francisco Martinez; Courtesy, IVPressOnline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Santana finally came to life as quarterback KYLE GASNER fired scoring strikes of 26 yards to LANDON LOZOYA and 6 yards to ZACH BREIDT over a 4½ minute stretch to tie the game 14-14. Kicker BRAD CORNISH contributed two kicking points to the comeback, leaving the game tied at 14-all with 1:27 remaining.

The first scoring surge by Santana (2-0-1) was an 18-play, 85-yard touchdown march that began in the 3rd quarter and ended midway through the 4th. The Sultans were able to eat 8:33 off the clock, but still needed more.

Santana’s defense was determined to give the Sultans one last chance. The Tigers (0-1-1) were facing a fourth-and-three on the Santana 30, but came up short when JONATHAN BUTLER and JASON PATTERSON stuffed a running play 2 yards short of its intended destination.

The Sultans were unable to capitalize, as they went 3-and-out. But they would get still another chance, thanks to back-to-back tackles for no gain by TIM SCHULTZ.

Taking over at their own 28-yard line with 2:01 remaining the Sultans took to the air. Gasner fired a 31-yard completion to Breidt on first down. After being slapped with a 5-yard penalty, Gasner clicked on a 40-yard pass to GARRETT HATH, making it first-and-goal at the Imperial 6-yard line.

Once again Gasner dropped back to pass and flipped a 6-yard scoring toss to Breidt with 87 seconds left. Then Cornish came on to tie it.

Neither team threatened thereafter.

Gasner, a junior southpaw, completed 13 of 26 passes for 163 yards. He was not sacked nor did he turn the ball over.

Breidt was the Sultans leading receiver with 5 catches for 52 yards. Hath hauled in 3 aerials for 53 yards, while Lozoya had 2 catches for 41.

Patterson led the Santana defense with 9 tackles.

SAN YSIDRO 26, EL CAJON VALLEY 20 – Visiting El Cajon Valley overcame a 14-0 halftime deficit with 20 points in the 3rd quarter but couldn’t hang on in Friday’s (Sept. 17) non-league game at San Ysidro.

Braves coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD said that three of his starters missed the first half for disciplinary reasons.

No doubt that hurt.

But the biggest shortcomings for El Cajon Valley were 6 turnovers, 3 interceptions, and 3 fumbles.

“We just gave San Ysidro too many possessions,” Whitehead said.

ECV quarterback SHABO GIBO completed only 2 of 14 passes but both went for touchdowns to DONTAE BAILEY.

AJ WHITE carried the ground load for the Braves, rushing 19 times for 86 yards. He also scored on a 2-point conversion run.

Gibo scored the Braves’ third touchdown on a 4-yard run, which at the time put his team in front.

Bailey totaled 92 all-purpose yards to go with his 12 points.

Not to be overlooked was the El Cajon Valley defense, which intercepted four passes and recovered two San Ysidro fumbles. White, DEMETRIUS WITHERSPOON, JONATHAN BILLIOT and TARIQ WASIMI each picked off a pass. Billiott and JACQUELLE MORRIS had fumble recoveries for the Braves.

It was Witherspoon’s second interception of the season, which ties him for the East County lead.

“I thought we played well defensively,” Whitehead said.

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 19, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 9 – Visiting Foothills Christian went through several firsts in Friday’s (Sept. 17) non-league game against Mountain Empire in Pine Valley.

It was the Knights first game under new head coach THOM LUBIC.

“This was our first game and their third,” Lubic said. “We were slow off the ball and it showed. Fumbles really cost us tonight. We gave them too many possessions.”

The Red Hawks (1-2) took a 12-0 lead in the first half. Foothills got on the scoreboard late in the second period when Mountain Empire snapped the ball out of the endzone.

The Knights produced their first touchdown of the season on the strength of an 18-yard pass from first-year quarterback ZACH CUMMINGS to KYLE MOBERG. JR ATTERBURY added the PAT kick.

“We noticed their corners were cheating up toward the line,” Lubic said. “That opened up a good slant pass for our touchdown.”

Cummings led a respectable Foothills Christian ground game with 68 yards on 8 carries. In his signal-calling debut he completed 7 of 22 passes but was intercepted twice. He also returned 4 punts for 37 yards.

KEVIN SCHWARTZ chipped in with 50 yards on 16 rushes, while Atterbury averaged 45.7 yards on three punts.

“We had a good drive in the 4th quarter,” Lubic said. “We were able to open up several trap plays for good yardage.”

The coach took the game for what it was.

“You could tell this was our first game,” he said. “We hadn’t hit anybody but ourselves since our scrimmage.”

INGLEWOOD 28, MONTE VISTA 0 – Although Monte Vista junior running back ERIC OWENS rushed for 80 yards, the host Monarchs continued to struggle in Friday’s (Sept. 17) loss to Inglewood.

After a scoreless first quarter the visiting Sentinels scored on a pair of short running bursts to lead 14-0 at intermission.

Senior defensive lineman DAVID ROGERS recovered a fumble in what was a long night for the Monarchs.

OTHER VOICES

Santana-Imperial: Imperial Valley Press Mount Miguel-West Hills: SignOnSanDiego Valhalla-Ramona: North County Times Helix-Cathedral Catholic: SignOnSanDiego / North County Times

Mount Miguel seeks ranking validation

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (9-16-10) — Visiting Mount Miguel has a chance to prove that it is worthy of a Top 10 ranking when it takes on host West Hills in a non-league contest Friday night (Sept. 17) at 7 p.m.

Five-foot-8, 178-pound Matadors junior running back DERRICK DUNN is averaging 110.5 yards per game with 4 touchdowns. To keep their streak alive though, the Matadors must receive more aerial support from quarterback DEE’JAY NOLEN to take pressure off their defense.

Dogged by injuries, including the loss of senior quarterback GARY ISAACSON, West Hills (1-1) was able to rebound from a loss to Santana to knock off La Jolla, 13-7, last week.

TREVOR CLIPPINGER has picked up the reins for West Hills at QB and could be one of the biggest surprises of the East County season. Calling signals against Mount Miguel will certainly be a test for Clippinger.

West Hills first-year head coach JESS BARRAGAN is a former head coach at Mount Miguel, so his feelings about this game go without saying.

The Wolf Pack leads the all-time series 11-6, but the Matadors have won two of the last three... Mount Miguel 17-12.

No. 2 Helix (2-0) at Cathedral Catholic (0-2), 7 — For host Cathedral Catholic, which began the season ranked the No. 1 team in the San Diego CIF, this is a chance to save face.

For Highlanders, who has blown out Rancho Buena Vista and Santa Fe Christian by a combined 101-10 score, this is the first test the Scotties will encounter.

Junior quarterback BRANDON LEWIS, who has delivered 7 touchdowns to go along with 498 yards while completing 24 of 40 attempts, is the ringleader of the Helix offense. Lewis is also an adept runner, as he proved against SFC with a 50-yard dash.

DARRION HANCOCK is the leader of the Helix ground game with 142 yards and 2 TDs on 21 carries. Right on his heels is MICHAEL ATKINS with 15 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown.

JIMMY PRUITT is the kingpin of the Helix receivers with 6 catches for 164 yards (27.3 ypc) and 2 touchdowns. Teammate CAMERON LEE is also a nugget at reeling in the aerials with 6 receptions for 98 yards and a score.

AUSTIN GONZALEZ, coming off an injury, is another blue chipper who has caught 5 passes for 85 yards.

The KACY SMITH-led defense has allowed only 3 points in two games.

The Dons dynamited the Highlanders 41-19 a year ago but that won’t happen in the rematch...
Helix 17-7.

Grossmont (2-0) at Castle Park (2-0), 7 — It’s difficult to determine which of these unbeaten teams is actually that good. The visiting Foothillers have outscored Coronado and University City by a combined 67-7 tally. Castle Park has clubbed Kearny and Mater Dei by a 64-21 count.

The Foothillers’ offense is all about senior DESEAN WATERS. He is East County ’s leading rusher with 270 yards and 4 touchdowns on 36 carries. The first-year quarterback has also completed 12 of 16 passes for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s definitely lethal as long as coach RON MURPHY doesn’t have to use him on defense.

Not to be overlooked in the Foothillers’ offensive arsenal is senior TONY ABUKA, who has rushed for 157 yards on 24 carries. JOEY ACOSTA, another senior, spends the majority of his time playing corner on defense and returning kicks, averaging 9.4 yards per carry on offense. Acosta has also scored 3 offensive touchdowns.

Grossmont beat Castle Park 42-0 a year ago, yet that was the Foothillers first win in four decisions over 49 years. This match-up is a pick ‘em for sure. Give the nod to... Grossmont 21-20.

No. 9 Ramona (2-0) at Valhalla (1-1), 7 — After suffering a 13-12 slap in the face provided by Mount Miguel a week ago, the Norsemen hope to get on track Friday night (Sept. 17) when they host No. 9 ranked Ramona. Knocking the Bulldogs off track will be no small task considering Ramona has doubled the scoring of its opponents 76-38 in wins over Serra and El Capitan.

Ramona’s Tyler Jackson scored a school-record 5 TDs against El Capitan and has 9 TDs and 397 yards on 52 carries after two games.

Pass-happy Valhalla looks to FRANK FOSTER (20-40, 301, 2 TDs) to provide the offensive spark. Receiver JEVON HASTEN could be ready for a break-out game and the Norsemen will need that if they expect to muzzle the Bulldogs. The two teams have split two previous encounters, but the pick this time is... Ramona 28-24.

Point Loma (2-0) at El Capitan (0-2), 7 — Injuries and a tough schedule continue to provide tradition-rich El Capitan with a rocky beginning to the season. Things don’t figure to get any better for the Vaqueros Friday night (Sept. 17) when they host Point Loma, which has outscored Orange Glen and Patrick Henry by a composite count of 95-24.

“There are a couple of players we could play if we wanted to take a chance of losing them for the season, but I’m not going to do that,” said Vaqueros coach RON BURNER. “Sure, we want to win every game, but at this point our focus is on winning league.”

Jay Griffen (26-299) is the Point Loma workhorse, while DAKOTA FURR (31-222, 1 TD) is the ground leader for the Vaqueros. El Capitan also has a fine aerial attack led by quarterback JAKE ALVERNAZ (17-30, 341, 3 TDs) and speedy wide receiver TYRONE WIGGINS, who averages 27.4 on 11 receptions.

El Capitan has beaten the Pointers only one time in four previous meetings, although the 1974 contest ended in a scoreless deadlock... Point Loma 28-12.

Santana (2-0) at Imperial (0-1), 7 — Santana veteran coach DAVE GROSS is familiar with the desert area as he once coached at Imperial High. Just how much that will help him when his Sultans shoot for their third straight win is debatable.

Santana is coming off victories over West Hills 31-20 and Kearny 27-22, while Imperial lost its season opener to Horizon 43-37 in OT. The Sultans are 4-0 against the Tigers, including an 18-15 victory last season.

Santana has a powerful passing attack which could feature any one of three quarterbacks. That could only further confuse the Tigers... Santana 35-28.

Inglewood (0-1) at Monte Vista (1-1), 7 — Last time the Monarchs tackled a Southern Section foe, it resulted in a season-opening loss at Compton. Monte Vista, which bounced back to down North County neophyte Del Norte 21-7 last week, face Inglewood’s Sentinels Friday (Sept. 17). Biggest difference here is the Los Angeles team must take the two hour bus ride to Spring Valley.

Inglewood dropped its season opener 7-0 to Quartz Hill in Lancaster.

“They moved the ball fairly well, but kept stopping themselves with turnovers,” Monte Vista coach PAGE CULVER said. Their overall team speed is much like Compton’s and their quarterback Sean Simmons (12-15 182 yards) is pretty good (but was picked off 3 times). Workhorse MATT PARRIS, who has rushed for 165 yards on 31 carries and East County receiving leader SHERVIN IRANIHA (17-251, 4 TDs) carry the Monarchs hopes... Monte Vista 21-14.

Serra (0-2) at No. 5 Steele Canyon (2-0), 7 — The Conquistadors have been laced by Ramona 34-17 and Otay Ranch 44-7 while the Cougars were rocking Cathedral Catholic 35-12 and Bonita Vista 28-14.

JAKE WRAGG, who has logged an East County best 36 points, heads a charged up Steele Canyon offense. No less than five Q-Dogs were injured against Otay Ranch, which could make this even more of a mismatch... Steele Canyon 38-13.

Sweetwater (0-2) at Granite Hills (1-1), 7 — Quarterback CORY LOCKMAN (24-44, 394 yards, 5 TDs) and running back FRANTZ LARAQUE (19-159, 4 TDs) should be able to pad their stats Friday night (Sept. 17) when the Eagles host Sweetwater. The visiting Red Devils are coming off losses of 49-14 to San Juan Capistrano 49-14 and 42-12 to Chula Vista.

History also favors Granite Hills, considering the Eagles have subdued the Red Devils four games in a row. The last two knockouts came by a combined 83-6 score (2005-06)... Granite Hills 42-20.

El Cajon Valley (0-1) at San Ysidro (0-2), 3:30 p.m. — Coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD’s ECV Braves hope playing in the daytime and coming off a bye week may add up to a victory in Friday’s (Sept. 17) non-league trip to South Bay. Both teams have had trouble gaining solid footing, the Braves falling to Montgomery 45-20 in their opener while the Cougars were smacked around by Granite Hills (38-13) and Hoover (31-7).

El Cajon Valley has some productive players in breakaway running back AJ WHITE, all-purpose receiver DONTAE BAILEY (262 ypg) and QB SHABO GIBO (159 ypg). The Cougars quarterback David Vega has suffered seven interceptions. These teams have split two previous meetings, but the Braves won 54-12 a year ago... El Cajon Valley 26-20.

Foothills Christian (0-0) at Mountain Empire (0-2), 7 — First-year head coach THOM LUBIC’s Knights are playing only eight games in the regular season and open the campaign Friday (Sept. 17) in Pine Valley against the winless Red Hawks. Mountain Empire does have the advantage of playing two games even though both resulted in losses — 14-6 to Calvin Christian and 25-10 to San Diego Southwest.

ZACH CUMMINGS, who caught 43 passes for 692 yards as a receiver a year ago, will test his talents as Foothills Christian’s quarterback. Nine starters return, but will that be enough to post a victory the first time out of the chute?... Mountain Empire 14-13.

Sat., Sept. 18 — L.A. Verbum Dei (1-1) vs. Christian (1-1) at Granite Hills, 7 — The Patriots, who are only 16 players strong, will have their hands full against Los Angeles Verbum Dei, which crushed Animo South 54-12, but lost to Santa Ana Valley 14-12. Junior tailback Anthony Charles is averaging more than 10 yards on 31 carries for the Eagles.

Hard-nosed TYRONE SAULS (58-219, 4 TDs) carries the mail via the rush Christian, while SHANE DILLON (44-84, 586 yards) leads East County QBs. The lack of depth is going to be a problem for Christian... Verbum Dei 22-17.