Claymore Sword in hand,
Helix punctures Matadors'
undefeated balloon, 37-7

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (10-9-10) — The setting Friday night (Oct. 8) definitely had playoff overtones. Host Mount Miguel and the visiting Helix Highlanders both came in undefeated, and nearly all the seats in the Matadors’ 4,000 seat stadium were filled.

“This is the kind of rivalry we want this to be – a big deal,” said Mount Miguel coach TOM KARLO. “Two ranked teams with coverage from TV, newspaper, radio and internet.”

Helix Highlanders at Mount Miguel Matadors (As posted on YouTube.com)

Helix free safety Kenny Keys leaps high for this fourth-quarter interception. The intended target is Mount Miguel receiver Adrian Adams (3). (Photo by Anthony Gentile)

What disappointed Karlo was how the game played out, as the Highlanders rolled to a 37-7 victory. For all intents and purposes this game was over by the close of the third quarter as No. 3 ranked Helix (5-0) led 30-0 with 2:20 remaining in the period.

“We wanted to win this game for a lot of reasons,” said Helix coach TROY STARR. “I think what drove us the most was the fact that we’ve practiced so hard in the last two weeks right through our bye. We just hammered the fundamentals, so to come out and play as well as we did tonight was kind of a reward. It proved to our kids that what we did in practice the last two weeks was worthwhile. I guess you could call it a reward.”

BRANDON LEWIS directed the offensive end of things for the Highlanders as he completed 13 of 17 passes for 186 yards, including touchdown strikes to SAM MEREDITH (4 yards), JIMMY PRUITT (10 yards), DARRION HANCOCK (31 yards) and CAMERON LEE (29 yards).

“Even though it looked like we passed more, we actually had pretty good balance,” said Lewis of the Highlanders, who cranked off 36 rushing and 18 passing plays to roll up 433 total yards.

Truth is the Highlanders did make the most of the passing game in the third quarter, where Lewis delivered three of his scoring passes.

“Coach told me at halftime ‘Hey, we’re gonna let it fly (pass), so be ready,’” Lewis said.

Pruitt, who later intercepted his East County-leading fourth pass in the endzone on the first play of the 4th quarter, finished with 5 receptions for 69 yards and one score. Normally a cornerback-wide receiver, Pruitt also took some snaps at quarterback, rushing for 17 yards on 4 carries.

“We came alive offensively,” said Starr, whose team had scored only 24 points in the two previous games combined. “The key was we needed to slow down their linebackers – stop them from hitting the gaps. We didn’t want to allow them any run-throughs.”

Running backs Hancock and MICHAEL ADKINS shredded the Mount Miguel defense, which had allowed only 7 points in its previous two games. Hancock just barreled right through the Matadors defense, stacking up 126 yards on 21 carries.

“We always have a sharp offensive line and that’s what drives us,” said Hancock. “We didn’t do a lot of fancy stuff. We just went with power plays and dive plays.”

Adkins came off the bench to rush for 98 yards on 7 carries in the 4th quarter. That included a 40-yard scoring junket.

“I was glad to get a chance to contribute, and I was running hard,” Adkins said. “I hit the hole hard and bounced outside where I could use my speed. They hit me a few times but they weren’t wrapping me up very well.”

The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Meredith was double trouble for the Matadors. In addition to catching three passes for 30 yards and one score, he also notched 4 tackles and forced the Matadors to double-team him when he was on the defensive side.

It was a competitive first half, including a scoreless first quarter. Helix eventually took the lead on the first play of the 2nd quarter when JAKE REED converted a 33-yard field goal. Nearly eight minutes later the Lewis-to-Meredith scoring hook-up gave Helix a 10-0 halftime lead.

Helix scored on its first three possessions in the third quarter to turn the game into a blowout en route to capturing the Claymore Sword, which is symbolic for this longtime series. The Highlanders surrendered the trophy last year for the first time in 20 meetings.

“That was definitely one of the incentives to win this game – we wanted our sword back,” Meredith said.

Mount Miguel (5-1) would no doubt have been shut out had it not been for a Helix faux pas in the final minute.

A low punt snap was recovered by Mount Miguel’s MALCOLM JACKSON at the Highlanders’ 3-yard line. One play later DERRICK DUNN scored on a 3-yard run.

It was a long night for Dunn & Company. The 5-foot-8, 178-pound junior who came into the game averaging 108 yards rushing was limited to a net 4 yards on 11 carries.

Overall Mount Miguel was rationed to 28 yards on 18 rushes, and 108 yards passing.

“We’ve played good defense all year,” Starr said. “So it would be hard to label this our best defensive game because we’ve played pretty good defense in every game.”

Karlo was convinced.

“They pounded us with their running game,” he said, “and picked their spots to throw the ball very effectively.”

“If we win that game, it’s a high for us,” he added. “But either way, we’re in the same place in terms of our league.”

GROSSMONT 61, MONTE VISTA 7 – Grossmont knows good and well the toughest part of its football schedule lies ahead. But in the meantime – before next week’s Grossmont Hills League opener at home against Valhalla – the Foothillers can boast of a 5-0 perfect start and a mind-blowing 61-7 victory over Monte Vista on Friday night.

“It was just a really good, all-around team effort,” said third-year Grossmont coach RON MURPHY, who had never come close to witnessing 61 points from one of his teams. “Offense, defense, special teams – we did a lot of things right tonight.”

For the record, the Foothillers registered their second-highest scoring output in the school’s history. The high water mark is 65 points against West Hills in 1989.

An understatement, for sure, as Grossmont scored three times on 1-play “drives”, got two touchdowns and two field goals from the special teams unit, had a defensive touchdown, yielded only 17 passing yards and did not commit a turnover until the final play of the third quarter.

That turnover – a lost fumble – was its first of the campaign. Not bad for a team with a natural tailback playing quarterback for the first time this season.

That QB, senior DESEAN WATERS, scored four touchdowns, including a 50-yard fumble return from his cornerback position on defense. Waters rushed only 11 times but gained 154 yards, including TD runs of 51, 3 and 16 yards. He also completed 4-of-9 passes for 50 yards.

It’s not easy to outperform Waters, but JOEY ACOSTA may have done just that.

Acosta had 230 return yards, including a 71-yard punt return score, a 52-yard punt return that set up a TD and a 39-yard interception return that set up yet another score. He finished with seven punt returns for 191 yards.

“I didn’t realize they were that long,” Acosta said. “I didn’t know I had that many chances. That’s all defense right there, giving me that many chances. They would have been disappointed if I didn’t get one (TD).

Monte Vista (1-5) – which has a bye next week – actually had more first downs than Grossmont (10-9), but that’s a testament to Acosta’s returns, big breaks and superior field position.

The Matadors did snap an 11-quarter scoring drought in the fourth quarter when rookie quarterback SHERVIN IRANIHA bounced off several would-be tacklers and bolted 52 yards. But by then, Grossmont already had 54 points. Iraniha finished with 72 yards on 14 carries.

“Football’s fun when you win, and it’s hard when you lose,” Monte Vista coach PAGE CULVER said. “In order to win, you have to pay attention to details. We’re not having much fun right now.

Grossmont – off to its best start since being 8-0 in 2004 – had beaten Monte Vista only one time in their past 15 meetings – a 40-7 rout in 2005.

But in a game where nearly everything went the Foothillers’ way, Grossmont needed only 20 offensive plays in the first half to score five times and take a 26-0 lead into intermission. After only nine more plays in the third quarter, the ‘Hillers had scored nine times and nearly had a 35-point third quarter until fumbling at the 5-yard line.

The ‘Hillers opened with a 9-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a 41-yard field goal by JORDAN REECE. It was Reece’s fifth field goal, but not quite as long as a 45-yarder he had earlier this season.

In the second quarter, after a 14-yard punt return by Acosta, Waters took the first snap up the middle for a 51-yard TD scamper and a 9-0 lead after a failed conversion run attempt.

A few minutes later, Acosta made it 16-0 with a beautifully athletic 71-yard punt return TD through traffic.

“I finally got one,” Acosta said of his first punt return TD. “I should have had a couple more earlier in the season. I finally learned to cut back.

A few minutes later, Acosta intercepted a pass and returned it 39 yards to the Monte Vista 3-yard line. On the next snap, Waters scored from 3 yards on a QB draw with 3:02 to play in the half.

Monte Vista tried to get something going and/or run out the clock, but the Monarchs gave the ball back to Grossmont with 0:53 left. Six plays later, Reece booted a 21-yard field goal for the 26-0 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, after a 52-yard punt return by Acosta, LAWRENCE WALKER scored on the next play from 15 yards.

A few moments later, Waters scooped up a fumble at the 50 and raced in for his first defensive touchdown.

“I like that one the best,” Waters said. “It rarely happens. It’s my first one.”

A few moments later, COLTON ALEXIO blocked a Monte Vista punt, and RYAN GREEN scooped it up at the 3-yard line and scored.

A few moments later, Waters scored his 11th touchdown of the season on a 16-yard sweep to the left off a nice block from Walker, who also carried 10 times for 39 yards.

After Monte Vista’s touchdown, Grossmont scored one final touchdown on a fourth-and-goal run from the 4 by backup QB ROHLAND DeMOSS.

One last indication of what an odd game this was: the Monarch’s Iraniha completed 7-of-12 passes for 1 yard.

“We try not to embarrass our opponent, so we just ran the ball up the middle,” Murphy said. “I’ve been on both sides (of a blowout), so I understand.”

GRANITE HILLS 47, EL CAJON VALLEY 13 – If Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT could have had three wishes concerning the games leading up to the start of the Grossmont Hills League season, he would have asked for a fast start, no injuries and a swell of momentum.

DeWitt has gotten his way, as Granite Hills improved to 4-1 Friday night (Oct. 8) by capturing the 2nd Annual Madison Cup with a lopsided win over East Madison Avenue rival El Cajon Valley.

“I really think people have taken us lightly,” said Granite Hills senior quarterback CORY LOCKMAN. “But we’re 4-1 and I think that’s a pretty good start going into league.”

The Eagles scored all of their points in the first three quarters. Lockman completed 10 of 15 passes for 141 yards, including touchdown bulls-eyes to GILBERT PEREZ (39 yards) and NATE HUFF (9 yards).

Lockman also rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown on just six carries.

“I’m really a pocket passer guy,” Lockman explained. “But when I rolled out there was almost always open field ahead. So I wasn’t afraid to tuck it and run.”

“Our O-line had a phenomenal day,” he added.

Granite Hills racked up 394 total yards. FRANTZ LARAQUE led the ground forces with 114 yards, including a 6-yard scoring run on 14 carries.

DYLAN WITTINGHAM chipped in with 41 yards, including a 15-yard scoring dash on 7 carries.

MICHAEL MILLIEN averaged more than 7 yards on only 3 carries and scored Granite Hills’ first touchdown on a 4-yard run to make it 9-0 in the opening quarter.

Granite Hills won the battle for the Madison Cup for the second straight year.

“It is a big deal when you have a trophy to play for,” DeWitt said. “It’s a big rivalry and there was a huge crowd for (Granite Hills’) Homecoming.”

Seven Eagles contributed to the scoring, led by Perez who – in addition to scoring a touchdown – kicked a 29-yard field goal and was 6-for-6 on PATs.

“We were able to spread the ball around,” DeWitt added. “We believe we are a versatile team who can beat you many ways. We impressed upon the kids how important it was to go into league on a winning note.”

Granite Hills will find out what it’s made of right away as the Eagles open Grossmont Hills League play at Steele Canyon (4-1) Friday (Oct. 15).

El Cajon Valley (0-5), which came out in a new run-oriented offense, trailed only 16-7 after one period thanks to a 4-yard scoring run by quarterback DONTAE BAILEY.

The Braves, however, would not score again until the final quarter when SHABO GIBO found the endzone from 4 yards out.

Even though his team has not won a game yet this season, El Cajon Valley coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD has found reason to believe in his boys.

“We’ve lost nobody to ineligibility this year, and we’re really proud of that, he said.”

As for the Madison Cup Whitehead said, “It’s a big deal for the kids and the school. This is my first year and I’m not into the tradition yet, but I’ll get there.”

No individual stats were available from El Cajon Valley.

“This is the worst game we’ve played this year,” said Whitehead. “They bottled us up all night.”

MADISON 23, SANTANA 21 – The visiting Santana Sultans just couldn’t keep Madison corner Jeremy Hutchison out of their plans in Friday’s (Oct. 8) non-league game played at Mira Mesa. Hutchison intercepted three passes in the second half.

Hutchison’s first theft was a ricochet off the hands of Santana’s intended receiver LANDON LOZOYA. The Madison defender grabbed the ball and raced 33-yards for a touchdown, giving the Warhawks (4-1) a 23-14 lead with 10:58 remaining in the game.

“That was a really tough break,” said Santana coach DAVE GROSS. “That pass went from six points for us to six points for them. Worse than that though, (Lozoya) hurt his ankle on that play.”

Santana (4-1-1) would close the gap in a hurry, driving 70 yards on three plays in 52 seconds. Quarterback KYLE GASNER climaxed the drive with a 13-yard scoring strike to ZACH BREIDT. BRAD CORNISH converted his third PAT kick to make it a 2-point game.

“We had our chances to win the game, but to tell you the truth it was unbelievable that they didn’t score more,” Gross said. “It was amazing because we were athletically out-manned. Even though I’m disappointed that we lost, I’m really happy with our effort. Our kids played hard.”

Gasner completed 19 of 43 passes for 253 yards, including scoring strikes of 9 yards to Lozoya and 32 yards to T.D. GROSS.

Lozoya had 5 receptions for 77 yards, while Breidt pulled down 5 passes for 50 yards. SPENCER LOVE also made 5 receptions for 38 yards and led the Sultans in rushing with 44 yards on 11 carries.

Overall though, Santana’s running game never got on track as the team totaled a net 50 yards on 18 carries.

On the defensive side Santana was not without its standouts. Senior JONATHAN BUTLER racked up 10 tackles and a pair of sacks, while junior lineman JASON PATTERSON chalked up 2½ sacks, blocked a field goal and recorded 4 tackles.

“Those guys did a tremendous job,” coach Gross noted.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 34, CV-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 12 – Foothills Christian presented first year head coach THOM LUBIC with his initial victory on the strength of a strong second half Friday night (Oct. 8) at Junior Seau Field.

It was also the Southern League opener for Foothills Christian (1-2, 1-0), while Calvary Christian Academy of Chula Vista fell to 3-2 overall and 0-2 in league.

Clinging to a 13-12 halftime lead, the Knights charged out of the gates and scored on a 40-yard pass from ZACH CUMMINGS to IAN MATHISEN. J.R. ATTERBURY kicked the second of four PATs, staking the Knights to an 8-point lead.

“They were a much bigger team than us but we were quicker off the ball,” Lubic noted. “We controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.”

The Knights extended their advantage on a 2-yard touchdown run by KEVIN SCHWARTZ.

Foothills Christian would score again in the 4th period on SPENCER GEORGE’s 31-yard TD scamper. George earlier scored the Knights’ first touchdown with a 44-yard burst.

“The kids did a great job up front. Our blocking was a big key to the game,” Lubic said. “Eight of our players go both ways – we rotate 15 in and out.”

Senior HENRY LUSCHEI was Foothills Christian’s leading rusher, garnering 103 yards on 9 carries.

George finished with 65 yards on 14 rushes, while Schwartz totaled 63 yards on 8 carries. George also contributed on defense with an interception.

Cummings, the Knights’ quarterback, scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on a 1-yard sneak, followed by an Atterbury PAT for a 13-12 lead. Cummings collected 96 yards total offense.

“It was great to finally play a game at home in front of our own crowd,” Lubic said. “We travel well but it’s a good feeling to play in front of our own people. The stands were packed – it was an electric atmosphere.”

Battle of local unbeatens
contend for Claymore Sword
No. 8 Matadors host No. 3 Scotties

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (10-7-10) — For the No. 8 ranked Mount Miguel Matadors, Friday’s (Oct. 8) showdown against perennial power and No. 3 ranked Helix is a major encounter although it has no bearing on league standings or playoff seedings.

The current Matadors players have grown accustomed to seeing the Claymore Sword displayed prominently in the Mount Miguel front office for the first time in 22 years. In addition to their undefeated record (5-0), it’s unlikely that the Matadors will be willing to surrender the symbolic trophy to the Highlanders, considering Helix has held it for 26 of the last 30 years.

“I think both of our teams are deserving of their rankings,” Mount Miguel coach TOM KARLO said. “That’s pretty exciting for us, since the last time we were ranked was in 1990.”

“That doesn’t really matter to us because we have to worry about what we’re doing,” Starr said. “Heck, we’re a team that has over 400 yards against Morse and only scored seven points on the offensive side, we had too many self-inflicted mistakes.”

Will the Highlanders be able to get away with those kinds of numbers at Mount Miguel ?

Karlo declined to comment on the Highlanders’ pluses and minuses.

“We need to do what we do best,” he said. “We can’t worry about what they’re doing.”

Helix’s DARRION HANCOCK is East County ’s leading rusher, averaging 133.8 yards per game. Quarterback BRANDON LEWIS is also among the passing leaders with 190.3 yards per game.

Mount Miguel looks to workhorse DERRICK DUNN (99-540, 10 TDs) and quarterbacks ERNEST WILLIAMS and DEE’JAY NOLEN to carry the offense.

Both teams play rock solid defense.

On paper Mount Miguel has more offensive weapons than do the Highlanders. But Helix has the defensive edge.

That’s how close this game should be... Helix 21-17.

El Capitan (1-3) at West Hills (2-2), 7: The visiting Vaqueros figure to be at full strength for the first time all season when West Hills celebrates Homecoming Friday night (Oct. 8) in Santee.

Senior slotback TYLER MASON, who suffered a broken arm in preseason drills, will be making his debut. ROBERT CRAIGHEAD, who has played sparingly in the last two games, figures to be going full bore for the Vaqueros as well.

The biggest rumor surrounds TYRONE WIGGINS. The West Hills coaches have heard that Wiggins is suffering from a torn labrum, which could not only cause him to miss this game but possibly the rest of the season.

Wiggins begs to differ.

“Yeah, I hurt my arm during (summer) passing league, but it doesn’t hurt me to throw a football,” he said.

What alarmed Wiggins was, when he was playing baseball in a Sunday scout league game with the Baltimore Orioles a month ago, he felt pain when he made routine throws.

“That doesn’t happen when I throw a football – only when I throw a baseball. My doctor says he doesn’t think I’m gonna need surgery, and that’s a good thing,” Wiggins added.

Wiggins (556 yards, 42 points) has practiced all week and figures to be in the lineup against the Wolf Pack.

“I haven’t missed any practices and I’m ready to go,” he said.

That doesn’t’ surprise West Hills coach JESS BARRAGAN.

“We’ve heard a lot of rumors about Wiggins but we’re preparing as if he’s going to play,” the coach said.

These teams are longtime league rivals, but West Hills is now in the Grossmont Hills League and El Capitan is in the Grossmont Valley League. The Vaqueros hold a 12-8 edge in the overall series.

“I’m kind of a newcomer to the Santee area but my kids tell me El Capitan is second to Santana in terms of major rivals,” Barragan said. “That’s fine with me because I want to win every game and our kids believe El Capitan is the second biggest game on our schedule that’s fine with me. It only helps in our preparation.”

West Hills learned that returning senior quarterback GARY ISAACSON is finished for the year as he’s scheduled to undergo surgery at the end of the week.

“The best thing about that is Gary has already been offered a scholarship to New Mexico State,” Barragan said. “The good thing for us is TREVOR CLIPPINGER keeps getting better every game. So do our running backs RYAN WILLIAMS, MICHAEL SCALES and ANDREW TRAN.”

El Capitan has won the last three meetings, including 35-0 last year. It won’t be a blowout like that against this season... El Capitan 21-17.

Grossmont (4-0) at Monte Vista (1-4), 7: The last time the Grossmont Foothillers began a season 4-0 was in 2004. Two years earlier they sprinted to an 8-0 start before falling to West Hills 14-0. The Hillers finished 10-2 that season.

Comparing this one to one like 2002 might be a bit presumptuous, considering the present campaign isn’t even at the midway point.

Despite a new quarterback, converted running back DESEAN WATERS, who is operating behind a youthful line of sophomores – ADAM DEAN (5-foot-11, 255 pounds), FORREST SNYDER (5-9, 250) and BRANDON WALLACE (6-1, 280), along with juniors HUNTER ROPER (5-11, 210) and JOE MEDINA (6-1,260) – Grossmont coach RON MURPHY has been pleased.

Murphy, now in his third year at the Foothillers’ helm, also praised the work of sophomores JOE ZIZZO (6-2, 260) and HAYDEN HERRINGTON (up from the junior varsity) for helping in the offensive trenches.

“These guys are doing okay right now, although we still have the toughest part of our schedule ahead,” said Murphy. “But the future looks bright.”

Waters has obviously adjusted to his new position and he is East County ’s top total offense leader, averaging 223.5 yards per game.

“All of our offense is geared around him,” Murphy said of Waters.

Monte Vista, which has been outscored 124-7 in its last three games, looks to running back MATT PARRIS (67-332) and East County pass receiving leader SHERVIN IRANIHA (28-34, 5 TDs) to right the ship.

“It’s been a matter of consistency… and we haven’t had that,” said Monarchs coach PAGE CULVER.

Despite their lopsided numbers Culver believes the Monarchs can go toe-to-toe with the Foothillers.

“I don’t know if Grossmont has been challenged by anyone who is physical,” he said. “But they’re riding high – you can’t argue with that.

“We have to contain Waters because he does everything for them.”

Historically speaking, Monte Vista has a pretty good shot at an upset. The Foothillers have won only one of the last 15 meetings from the Monarchs. Grossmont’s lone conquest of Monte Vista since 1992 was 40-7 in 2005. The teams tied 14-14 in 2006. This game on Friday (Oct. 8) in Spring Valley should be closer than some might think... Grossmont 24-14.

El Cajon Valley (0-4) at Granite Hills (3-1), 7: When these two East Madison Avenue rivals faced off they used to play for The Golden Feather. That went on for decades but when the feather was misplaced, the two schools decided to continue the tradition only now they play for the Madison Cup.

The second annual joust for the Madison Cup takes place Friday (Oct. 8) at Granite Hills, where the Eagles will be celebrating Homecoming. By any account, Granite Hills leads the series with the Braves 30-10-1, winning 9 of the last 10 meetings.

Last year’s battle was actually closer than the final 42-26 score indicates. The Eagles were leading 21-20 with 10 minutes to play before quarterback CORY LOCKMAN led a late-game charge. Many of the top players that participated in that game will return for the rematch, including Granite Hills’ Lockman (42-74, 813 yards, 8 TDs) and FRANTZ LARAQUE (39-349, 8 TDs).

El Cajon Valley ’s AJ WHITE, who rushed for 175 yards and a TD on 25 carries in last season’s game, brings in a 71.2 yard rushing average for this week’s rematch.

“We’re trying to rebuild this rivalry,” Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT said, noting that the two teams will be playing for only the second time in eight years. “By introducing the Madison Cup we think it will help spark this down-the-street rivalry.”

“This is one of those neighborhood bragging rights games,” added DeWitt. “As players you know these kids are going to see each other at the local Jack-in-the-Box or 7-11. That’s why they take pride in winning this game.”

Laraque, the Eagles’ 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior workhorse, began his high school career at El Cajon Valley, so he’s well known at both schools.

“This is probably one of the biggest games of the year for him,” said DeWitt. “A bunch of these kids grew up around him.”

The Braves will probably come out showing a new ground attack, with versatile DONTAE BAILEY taking over at quarterback. He’ll be joined in the backfield by White and SIMON DALY... Granite Hills 35-22.

Santana (4-0-1) vs. Madison (3-1), at Mira Mesa, 6:30: Fast starts are not uncommon at Santana. And the Sultans are swift out of the gates again this year. Despite stubbing their toe in a 14-14 tie at Imperial, they remain undefeated for the first time since 2005.

The 2005 Sultans started the campaign 5-0 and wound up finishing 5-6.

Santana veteran coach DAVE GROSS doesn’t see that repeating with his current group.

“I’m surprised by the emergence of our offensive line,” Gross said. “And defensively we’ve done a good job of getting to the ball and nobody’s torched our secondary. But we haven’t seen the kind of outside speed that Madison has.”

Senior linebacker JONATHAN BUTLER and lineman JASON PATTERSON are the cornerstones of the Santana defense.

The Sultans have an interesting offense in that three of their versatile players can all play quarterback. KYLE GASNER (averaging 157.8 passing yards, 6 TDs) will be the starter, while ZACH BREIDT (802 yards, 54 points), who has been the Sultans quarterback for three years, will line up at slotback. The third prong of this triangle is LANDON LOZOYA who has generated 562 yards and 30 points.

The Sultans and the Warhawks have a common opponent in Kearny. Santana escaped with a 27-22 win over the Komets, while Madison mauled the Komets 30-7. Furthermore the Warhawks are 3-0 against the Sultans overall... Madison 38-20.

Calvary Christian Academy (3-1) vs. Foothills Christian (0-2) at Seau Field, 7: Foothills Christian coach THOM LUBIC hopes the home field advantage will help his Knights break into the win column in Friday night’s (Oct. 8) Southern League opener.

Calvary Christian of Chula Vista, which won three straight before falling to Julian 14-6 a week ago, is a run-oriented attack. The leaders of the Royal Knight running brigade are Alex Howard (35-331, 4 TDs) and Justin Harrison (26-254, 4 TDs).

Foothills Christian, which dropped its first two road games to Mountain Empire 19-9 and Army-Navy 46-26, is led by quarterback ZACH CUMMINGS who is averaging 151 yards per game. Running back JR ATTERBURY is averaging slightly more than 10 yards per carry.

This is a tough game to figure, but we’ll call this the East County Sports' Upset Special... Foothills Christian 25-21.

CIF-SAN DIEGO SECTION MEDIA RANKINGS
North County Times/ SD Sportswriters-Sportscasters Poll	SignOnSanDiego/ San Diego Union-Tribune
Rank/Team Record Points LW   1. Vista (14)   2. Eastlake (4)   3. Helix (2)   5. Torrey Pines   6. Valley Center   4. Oceanside   7. Steele Canyon   8. Mount Miguel   9. La Costa Canyon 10. Mission Hills 4-0-0 5-0-0 4-0-0 4-0-0 5-0-0 2-2-0 4-1-0 5-0-0 3-2-0 3-1-0 203 182 176 133 115 110 88 41 40 23 1 2 3 5 6 4 7 — 10 —	Rank/Team Record LW   1. Vista   2. Eastlake   3. Oceanside   4. Torrey Pines   5. Valley Center   6. Helix   7. La Costa Canyon   8. Steele Canyon   9. Mount Miguel 10. Mission Hills 4-0-0 5-0-0 2-2-0 4-0-0 5-0-0 4-0-0 3-2-0 4-1-0 5-0-0 3-1-0 2 3 1 5 6 4 7 8 9 —
Others receiving votes: Ramona (20) 4-1, Rancho Bernardo (12) 4-1, Grossmont (9) 4-0, St. Augustine (4) 4-1.	Others: Ramona 4-1, Rancho Bernardo 4-1, Scripps Ranch 2-1-1, Madison 3-1, Brawley 3-1, Point Loma 3-2, Mira Mesa 2-2, Cathedral Catholic 1-4, Grossmont 4-0, St. Augustine 4-1, Francis Parker 2-2, The Bishop’s 4-0, Santana 4-0-1, Olympian 3-1.
The Sportswriters Association. poll is conducted by The North County Times. For 2010, 21 sportswriters, sportscasters and CIF representatives from throughout the county vote in the weekly poll. This year's panel includes: John Maffei, Terry Monahan, Tom Sheridan, Rick Hoff and Tom Saxe (North County Times), Nick Pellegrino (East County Sports.com), Steve Dolan and Rick Hill (East County), Rick Willis (KUSI-TV), John Kentera. Mark Chlebowski, Ted Mendenall, Bob Petinak (XX Sports Radio 1090), Bruce Ward, (San Diego City Schools), Jeff Kurtz and Andrew Jensen (kbe), Craig Elsten (619sports.com), Anthony Gentile (SD Reader) and Dave Axelson (Coronado Eagle & Journal).
THE MOVIE GUYS Now Sundays at 1 p.m. AM 600 KOGO

El Centro-Central quarterback Zach Guizar (7) is tracked by Granite Hills lineman Tyler Crockett (76). The Eagles outlasted the Spartans, 39-34, at Cal Jones Field. (Photo by Francisco Martinez; Courtesy, Imperial Valley Press)

Matadors clock Sweetwater,
next meet Helix in Top 10 tilt

© East County Sports.com
NATIONAL CITY (10-02-10) — If the Mount Miguel Matadors were looking ahead to next week’s annual bout with arch-rival Helix, it would have been difficult to convince host Sweetwater Friday night (Oct. 1).

The visiting Matadors moseyed out to a 21-7 halftime lead and then poured on the coal in the second half to post their fifth win in as many starts, handing Sweetwater a 42-7 drubbing.

That sets the stage for next week’s donnybrook against the Highlanders (4-0).

“That’ll be a battle of Top 10 teams where we are no longer in the same league or in the same division, but the intensity is as high as it’s ever been,” Mount Miguel coach TOM KARLO. “If you are a high school football fan this is a game you won’t want to miss.”

Credit the Matadors for not fouling up their latest challenge at Sweetwater. Quarterback ERNEST WILLIAMS fired a 48-yard touchdown pass to ERNIE CASTRO and JORGE MEDINA converted the first of his six PAT kicks to make it 7-0 after one quarter.

DERRICK DUNN then followed with a 16-yard scoring run to double the Matadors’ advantage. That set up a special scoring play devised by the Mount Miguel coaches.

JORDAN McDUFFIE, a senior starter at defensive end, was inserted into the Matadors’ offensive lineup and eventually scored his first touchdown on a 4-yard pass from DEE’JAY NOLEN to make it 21-0.

“The whole Mount Miguel program was saddened when Jordan ’s dad died on Sunday,” Karlo said. “Because of that we didn’t figure Jordan would be available for this game. But he showed up at Wednesday night’s practice with his uncle and said he wanted to play. We as coaches were glad to have him and wanted to do something special for him.”

Following the game McDuffie’s relatives who were at the game made it a point to thank the coaches for giving a defensive player who is usually mired in the trenches a chance to share the spotlight.

“We’re a family here at Mount Miguel,” Karlo said. “We care about every person involved in the program and if we can do something to make their lives a little bit better we’re willing to do it.”

Leading 21-7 at halftime Mount Miguel broke the game open in the 3rd quarter when Williams hit Castro for a 52-yard gain. That set up a 6-yard scoring strike from Williams to ADRIAN ADAMS. Castro finished with three receptions for 102 yards.

A little later in the same quarter Williams lofted a 39-yard scoring pass to JAVON GAUTHIER.

RICO MONROY capped the scoring on a 12-yard run in the 4th quarter.

“We can’t lie to the kids – this was a tune-up for Helix,” said Karlo. “But we got a lot of kids playing time, and that’s a good thing.”

Williams (9-for-12, 228 yards, 3 TDs) and Nolen (12-for-16, 113 yards, TD) combined for 341 yards, which shattered the Mount Miguel record for passing yards of 307 set against Ramona in 2007.

Defensively, the Matadors wrestled the Red Devils rushing game to a minus-31 yards, which is second to the Grossmont Conference record of minus-41 set by Mount Miguel ’s 1999 unit against San Diego Southwest.

Mount Miguel junior linebacker TREVION WILSON was one of the main cogs in a sticky Matadors’ defense that narrowly missed shutting out the Red Devils.

Mount Miguel junior linebacker TREVION WILSON was one of the main cogs in a sticky Matadors’ defense that narrowly missed shutting out the Red Devils.

“He must have had at least five tackles for losses,” Karlo said of Wilson.

Speaking for his teammates, Wilson said the Matadors didn’t have trouble focusing on Sweetwater (0-4).

“Every day we maintain the job that’s at hand,” he said. “We were pretty sure we could beat Sweetwater, and we wanted to send a message to Helix.”

Wilson is quite familiar with the Highlanders, at that. He spent his freshman year at Helix.

“I still have a bunch of friends at Helix,” he said. “We were at a party last week and there was a lotta talk about how they’re gonna beat us. I told them ‘You better bring your A-game because I think we’re a better team than last year (when the Matadors won 44-21).”

“This year’s team has more speed, a better defense and our “O” can get it in,” Wilson added.

Should be interesting.

STEELE CANYON 35, POINT LOMA 8 – Sure, it was just another non-league game to the Steele Canyon Cougars when they ventured to Point Loma Friday (Oct. 1) afternoon. At least that’s the way it read on paper.

Deep inside the Cougars’ huddle, however, the emotions were rising high as this was a game they definitely wanted to win.

To put it bluntly, it was a game of payback for No. 7 ranked Steele Canyon, which was eliminated by Point Loma in last year’s San Diego CIF semifinals 30-26.

“Last year they took away the stadium from us in the playoffs, so I guess it’s redemption for us,” said Steele Canyon senior running back JAKE WRAGG, who scored 3 touchdowns in the rematch – the first on a 7-yard pass from quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE, the second on a 5-yard run and the third on 6-yard run, giving him an East County-leading 12 touchdowns at the midpoint of the season.

Steele Canyon was never in trouble in this game. Although the Cougars did not garner a single first down in the opening period, they took a 7-0 lead when JORDAN GOFIGAN blocked a punt and recovered it in the endzone for a touchdown for the second time in three weeks.

It was a strange game considering Steele Canyon mustered only 249 yards while limiting Point Loma to an even 100. Guess one would say that was a defensive battle, although the score reflects otherwise.

Credit the Cougars for being economical. They took advantage of a safety, put together scoring drives of 54 yards and twice burned the Pointers with trap plays out of their Wing-T offense.

“I guess Jake made a pretty good decoy, huh?” said Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE of Wragg, who seemed to absorb all of Point Loma’s defensive attention.

After the Pointers cut the lead to 16-8 midway through the 3rd quarter, they acted as though they thought a comeback was forthcoming.

“They were so determined to key on me it just opened the door for other guys to shine,” said Wragg, who finished with 91 yards on 12 rushes. “I don’t care if they key on me. I always try to fall forward and gain as many yards as I can, and hope for the best.”

The first one to pierce the Point Loma offense was ERNIE FLINT, who barged 70 yards downfield to the Pointers’ 5-yard line. One play later Wragg scored to make it 22-8.

“A bunch of people followed me on a fly sweep and that opened the hole up for Ernie,” Wragg noted.

A fumble recovery by BLAKE BUSBY positioned the Cougars at the Point Loma 10-yard line. Three plays later Wragg crashed across from 6 yards out to make it 29-8 by the close of the 3rd quarter.

After a 13-yard sack by defensive end EASTON SIMMONS – his second of the game – pinned the Pointers back at their own 21-yard line to make it a fourth-and-long, a shanked Point Loma punt gave the Cougars the ball at the Point Loma 37.

“I just played fast,” said Simmons. “Come to think of it, the whole team played fast – I think that was a big difference. They tried to single block me most of the time but once in awhile they double-teamed me. I’m not gonna lie – I got beat a couple of times.”

But it wasn’t very often. Simmons finished with four tackles to go along with his two sacks. His aggressive play caused the Pointers to either choose running away from him or up the middle.

“They were bringing eight and nine and rushing with abandon, and we had big MARIO (YAKOO – 6-foot-4, 296) out, hurt,” said coach Boehmke. “That definitely affected us in terms of our offensive line.”

In much the same manner that Steele Canyon burned the Pointers earlier, they turned the same play – a counter trap – allowing the springing of JONATHAN DRIVICK for a 37 yard run for the last touchdown of the game.

Steele Canyon offensive coordinator “HUTCH” HUTCHISON said,” Point Loma was doing such an obvious job of trying to jump Jake that we caught them on the trap with Flint and Drivick. We were just waiting for our chance to use it and were finally able to do so.”

It turned the game into a rout.

CHRISTIAN 45, EL CAJON VALLEY 20 – Christian High scored 28 points in the 2nd quarter to turn Friday’s (Oct. 1) game against El Cajon Valley at Granite Hills High into a rout and a fourth straight victory.

While the Patriots quarterback SHANE DILLON was completing 13 of 25 passes for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns in little more than a half, El Cajon Valley coach NORM WHITEHEAD was contemplating a change in his offensive strategy.

Both teams were working on something special. For Christian (4-1) it was the maturation of JASON GAINES, whom they need to play free safety and wide receiver, among other positions.

Gaines is a basketball transplant from Granite Hills High, where as a sophomore he led East County with 134 blocked shots, averaged 13.6 points per game and grabbed 12.1 rebounds per outing.

It seems like numbers like that would be difficult to convince a player to switch sports, but the 6-foot-4, 200-pound junior has decided he wants to focus his attention on playing football rather than basketball.

“The toughest thing for me to learn out here is keeping the ball inside,” Gaines said. “It’s hard for me to adjust to playing football because I’m more accustomed to a basketball crossover move. I have to remember to keep the ball inside playing football.”

Because Gaines transferred to Christian from Granite Hills he won’t be eligible to return to the court until his senior year. Right now that doesn’t matter.

“Given his size and speed, Jason Gaines is a perfect recipe for a wide receiver,” said Christian offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER. “He’s a great player that only comes along your way very rarely. For a guy playing only his second game of football he’s proven he has the ability to make the leaping catch, the proper block and is working on making himself the kind of safety that he can be.

“But more than that, he’s a huge part of our locker room. He makes you laugh every day.”

Gaines intercepted two passes and corralled a 25-yard scoring pass from Dillon, finishing with 148 all-purpose yards.

Dillon, who was the one who recruited Gaines, completed 13 of 25 passes for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Christian’s senior running back TYRONE SAULS, who carried the ball only nine times, shredded the El Cajon Valley defense for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Sauls also made 12 tackles, recorded two sacks and recovered a fumble as a linebacker.

MICHAEL DAY also scored two touchdowns for the Patriots – one on a 23-yard pass from Dillon and another on a 1-yard run.

Christian has scored 143 points this season.

“Our offensive line had their best game of the year,” said head coach MATT OLIVER. “I’ll take a 25-point win over anybody any time of the week.

For a team that got beat by 25 points El Cajon Valley had some pretty impressive stats, including rolling up 394 yards total offense.

Three Braves broke the century mark in rushing, led by A.J. WHITE, who banged his way for 135 yards on 14 carries.

DONTAE BAILEY, who will probably be the Braves quarterback for the remainder of the season, rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns on 7 carries.

SIMON DALY bolted for 109 yards and one score on 20 carries for the Braves.

GRANITE HILLS 39, EL CENTRO-CENTRAL 34 – CORY LOCKMAN, who is being recruited by Illinois and Washington State among others, burned host Central Union with the long ball Friday night (Oct. 1) in El Centro as the Eagles improved to 4-1.

A 6-foot-3, 218-pound senior, Lockman averaged nearly 29 yards per completions as he clicked on 10 of 18 aerials for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The visiting Eagles, however, who led 27-7 midway through the 3rd quarter, wound up in a bit of a scramble at the finish line. The Spartans (2-3) scored 20 points in the 4th quarter, which cut Granite Hills’ advantage to 33-28.

The Eagles eventually put the game away on a 10-yard scoring dash by FRANTZ LARAQUE in the waning moments. Central tacked on a touchdown with 44 seconds remaining but could not execute an onside kick.

It was Laraque’s third scoring run of the contest as he earlier found the endzone on bolts of 1 and 3 yards, giving him eight touchdowns for the season.

“There was a lot going against us,” noted Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT. “It was humid, muggy, rainy and it was wet (grass) field. On top of that it was Central’s homecoming.

“Still, we came out strong on offense. We’ve got playmakers on offense – we want to keep everybody involved.”

One of the most involved, as usual, was Lockman, who drilled scoring passes to JUSTIN DAVIS (15 yards) and GILBERT PEREZ (73 yards). The versatile Perez also kicked a 32-yard field goal and was 3-for-3 on PATs. Perez finished with three passes for 132 yards, while NATE HUFF also played long ball as he reeled in three Lockman passes for 102 yards.

Reports have it that JORGE BRUNO also kicked a 32-yard field goal for Granite Hills.

“They were a physical team,” admitted DeWitt. “They tried two onside kicks and we recovered both of them. We are proud of our special teams’ effort.”

WEST HILLS 17, PATRICK HENRY 8 – After falling behind host Patrick Henry 8-0 early in the 2nd quarter, senior middle linebacker JARRETT DALE brought West Hills back to life in Friday’s (Oct. 1) non-league game on the Patriots’ field in Del Cerro.

Dale’s interception and 80-yard scoring return, coupled with JOSH McINTIRE’s PAT kick, put the Wolf Pack back into the game.

“Jarrett’s pick helped jump-start us tonight,” said West Hills coach JESS BARRAGAN. “That pick gave us what we needed to turn the game around.”

The 6-foot, 190-pound Dale seemed to surprise San Ysidro by his speed.

“He can move faster than a lot of people think,” Barragan said.

West Hills (2-2) is a team that plays defense first, so Dale’s heroics were hardly surprising. Nonetheless his scoring theft ranks third all-time at West Hills, trailing DUSTIN MELTZER (99 yards in 1993 vs. El Cajon Valley) and JOSH COOPER (99 yards in 2000 vs. El Capitan).

Dale’s key sack in the 3rd quarter followed by a STEVE ARMSTRONG blocked punt set up a 35-yard field goal by McIntire for the only score in the 2nd half.

“McIntire is an excellent kicker,” Barragan said. “He has a real strong leg.”

RYAN NUCKOLS also had a sack for the Wolf Pack.

Given that West Hills is not an offensive powerhouse – the Pack produced only 120 yards against Henry – it must rely on its defense.

“Our defense bent but did not break in the second half,” Barragan said.

West Hills quarterback TREVOR CLIPPINGER completed 6 of 13 passes for 50 yards. All of his deliveries were sent to Armstrong.

“Clippinger did a great job at quarterback,” said Barragan.

SANTANA 49, SAN YSIDRO 14 – Veteran coach DAVE GROSS challenged his Sultans to play back-to-back blue ribbon football, and based on Friday’s (Oct. 1) results of a non-league bout against visiting San Ysidro, the Sultans mentor had to be pleased.

“We’ve had trouble playing solid games in consecutive weeks, but we were able to do it this time,” Gross said.

KYLE GASNER turned in another sterling passing performance for the Sultans (4-0-1), completing 13 of 19 passes for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns.

A touch of irony here is Gasner did little more than light the spark to ignite the Santana offense when he initiated a double pass, throwing the ball to LANDON LOZOYA, who in turn fired a 41-yard scoring strike to ZACH BREIDT to make it 7-0 early in the 1st quarter.

San Ysidro (1-4) fought back to tie it 7-7 after the opening 12 minutes.

But the Sultans dominated the middle two quarters, outscoring the Cougars 42-0.

It was another big night for Breidt, who has been the Sultans shining light the past two seasons. Against San Ysidro he caught 4 passes for 118 yards, rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown on 9 carries and returned 3 punts for 45 yards. That gave him 235 all-purpose yards on the night.

The swing vote for Santana was registered by 6-foot-4, 187-pound defensive lineman JAYLEN FLEER, who intercepted a pass and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown, extending the Sultans lead to 28-7 in the 2nd quarter.

“I kept my containment – stuck my arms up and tried to block the ball (pass),” Fleer said.

Fleer did more than block the ball. He caught it and raced to the endzone for the score.

Santana cranked out 467 total yards. Seven backs contributed to Santana’s 248 yards on 36 carries.

KENNETH HEIER chipped in with 51 yards, including a 9-yard scoring burst, on just 8 carries.

SPENCER LOVE rushed for 39 yards – 26 of it coming on a TD run – in just 4 carries.

Lozoya had his hand in a little bit of everything as he accounted for 31 yards on his only rushing play, delivered a touchdown on the halfback pass, reeled in 4 receptions for 43 yards and 2 scores and returned a pair of kicks for 32 yards.

Samuel Velazquez rumbles in for the touchdown. (Photo by Chadd Cady)

Quarterback FRANK FOSTER completed 15 of 18 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns as part of Friday’s (Oct. 1) homecoming game against visiting Monte Vista (1-4). His favorite target was THOMAS McDONALD, who had 5 receptions for 99 yards and 2 TDs.

The fireworks were popping at Valhalla's homecoming, but it took awhile for the scoreboard to come to light as the Norsemen and the Monarchs fought to a scoreless tie in the first quarter. The rest of the game had plenty of rockets' red (make that Valhalla orange) glare lighting up the sky.

Andy Lopez attempts to turn the corner. (Photo by Chadd Cady)

A pass interference penalty on first down moved the ball to the 28. On the next play, sophomore running back MARTIN MOKOU broke free up the middle and scored the game's first touchdown at the 10:04 mark of the second quarter. TREVOR McGIRR's kicked one of his five PATs, giving Valhalla a 7-0 lead.

Following the kickoff, Valhalla got the ball back quickly when the Monarchs were forced to punt after one series of downs. ROBERT RUIZ returned the JAIME GUTIERREZ punt 18 yards to the Valhalla 45-yard line. Sophomore slot back NEHEMIAH BROWN moved the ball into Monte Vista's territory on a 14-yard first down scamper to the Monarchs’ 41-yard line.

On the next play, the Norsemen ran the same play, this time for 13 yards to the 28. The drive sputtered at the 21 when Valhalla coach STEVE SUTTON called a time-out on fourth-and-3. Dialed in with Coach Sutton's play, junior quarterback FRANK FOSTER threw a dart to senior slot back JUSTIN WADA at the 10-yard line where he was immediately hammered by Monte Vista defensive back SHERVIN IRANIHA with a bone-jarring hit, which should have knocked the ball loose and turned it over on downs – but somehow Wada held on to the ball with a clutch possession for a first down.

Three plays later Foster connected with McDonald, giving Valhalla a 13-0 lead at intermission.

After the homecoming halftime extravaganza, the Norsemen came out firing on all cylinders. On the first play of the second half, junior running back KYLE QUARLES gained 9 yards to the Valhalla 40, setting up a second-and-1 situation for the Norsemen. Foster threw a completion on a wide receiver screen pass to McDonald, who galloped 40 yards into Monte Vista territory. Wada put together back-to-back runs of 16 and 6 yards, with the latter crossing the plane of the endzone for another touchdown, extending Valhalla’s advantage to 19-0, less than 3 minutes into the second half.

Offensively, Monte Vista still couldn't get anything going in the 3rd quarter. Led by defensive linemen ANDREW DAOUD and ERVIN HILL, Valhalla kept the Monarchs in check, while the Norsemen offense continued to roll.

Midway through the third stanza, Ruiz fielded a Monte Vista punt at his 10 yard-line and returned it 47 yards to the Monarchs 43-yard line, where LEQUANE PEIRSON made a shoestring touchdown-saving tackle.

Two plays later, Foster and junior wide receiver JEVON HASTEN teamed up on a 31-yard pass-catch touchdown to make it 26-0 with 7:14 left to play in the 3rd quarter.

Valhalla put the game out of reach late in the 3rd quarter when Foster completed a pass to McDonald for an 8-yard TD.

Trailing 33-0 early in the 4th quarter, Monte Vista avoided a shutout when Iraniha – East County ’s leading receiver – hauled in a 33-yard TD pass from senior quarterback JOSE GONZALES.

Foster connected on his fourth touchdown pass of the evening when junior wide receiver ANTHONY MANUPELLA snagged a 36-yarder in the endzone at the 8:13 mark of the last period, increasing the lead to 40-7. Senior slotback ANDY LOPEZ finished out the scoring with an 8-yard TD run with 4:05 remaining in the game.

Defensively, led by Quartuccio's 9 tackles and a quarterback sack, Valhalla limited Monte Vista to 164 yards of total offense.

“We’ve got a lotta work to do,” said Monte Vista assistant coach MIKE EGBERT somberly.

© East County Sports.com
POINT LOMA (9-30-10) — This is a game that could be the turning point for each of these teams in terms of being ranked high in the San Diego CIF seedings when Steele Canyon (3-1) visits Point Loma (3-1) Friday (Oct. 1) at 3 p.m. on the peninsula.

“If we would have gotten one more first down we wouldn’t have lost to Eastlake,” said Steele Canyon coach RON BOEHMKE, who’s Cougars surrendered a decisive touchdown in the final 21 seconds to suffer a 20-17 loss.

Playing arguably the toughest schedule of East County’s teams, the Cougars don’t figure to have easy going against Point Loma.

“I know they lost to El Cap but they committed six turnovers in that game and it’s hard to win any game when you give the ball up that many times,” Boehmke said.

The Cougars look to running back JAKE WRAGG (63-440, 6 TDs) and quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE (37-67, 528 yards, 5 TDs).

Coach Boehmke recognizes Point Loma defensive end Christian Heyward (6-3, 280) as one of the better players in the San Diego Section.

“There’s no question, that guy is a Division I player,” coach Boehmke said. “He played nose guard against El Cap and defensive end against Scripps Ranch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him playing on Sundays.”

The Pointers will look to running back Javon Griffen (52-397, 7 TDs) to spearhead their offense.

In the only meeting between these two teams, the Pointers escaped with a 30-26 win in last season's SDCIF Division III semifinals, earning a berth to Qualcomm Stadium. If Point Loma expects a repeat performance, they’re dreaming... Steele Canyon 27-20.

San Ysidro (1-3) at Santana (3-0-1), 7: Veteran coach DAVE GROSS has made it clear to his Santana Sultans not to get cocky, despite their unbeaten record.

Gross would like to believe that the home field advantage will give his team the edge. Santana defeated West Hills at home (31-20) and also clobbered Clairemont 38-14 at Santee’s Community Stadium.

“We haven’t had two great efforts in a row,” he said. “So I don’t know what to expect this week except for the fact that we’re playing at home and the kids like to defend our house.”

Without a doubt the passing game is Santana’s strength. KYLE GASNER (30-57, 453 yards, 4 TDs) is the primary triggerman. LANDON LOZOYA and ZACH BREIDT can also pass the ball but they have been dispatched as receivers, at which they have very well. Between the two they have 20 receptions for 290 yards and 5 touchdowns. Breidt is also the Sultans leading rusher, averaging 6.6 yards per carry on 31 chances.

“We haven’t had much of a running game for five or six years,” Gross said. “And I wasn’t expecting much of our offensive line since they’re all new with no starters from last year. But they surprised me by how well they’ve done, and TD (GROSS) as a tight end, has done an excellent job as a blocker as well.

Santana’s suspect defense will be tested by San Ysidro’s no-huddle spread offense.

“There could be a lot of points scored in this game,” coach Gross said. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by our defense and they’re gonna have to keep the pressure on the San Ysidro quarterback for us to be successful.”

This is the first meeting between these two teams and the nod goes to... Santana 31-21.

Granite Hills (2-1) at El Centro-Central (2-2), 7: While most of the residents in the El Cajon Valley complained about the 113 degree temperatures on Monday (Sept. 27), Granite Hills football coach RANDY DeWITT decided it was probably a blessing in disguise.

After all, DeWitt was taking his Eagles to play Central Union in a non-league game on Friday night (Oct. 1). So getting used to the heat was something that concerned him.

“I know everybody hated it when it was so hot this week, but we were kind of glad that it was since we are going to the Imperial Valley on Friday. They tell me it’s going to be 100 degrees out there and there’s nothing we can do except be prepared for it. And I think we are.”

The Eagles are eager to build momentum, heading into their new Grossmont Hills League, so this game is ultra important.

“We’ll have our kids hydrated and prepared to play in whatever weather we face,” DeWitt said.

Running back FRANTZ LARAQUE (24-271, 5 TDs) and CORY LOCKMAN (32-56, 526 yards, 6 TDs) lead the offensive charge for the Eagles.

“Frantz is an every down back,” DeWitt said. “We lost FREDDY HALTON (who transferred to Imperial) and that limited our offense in a lot of ways.”

That has put more pressure on Laraque and Lockman, who is being recruited by Illinois and Washington State.

Granite Hills has breezed to victories over San Ysidro (38-13) and Sweetwater (38-0), but came up short against Olympian 36-28.

Central Union, meanwhile, dropped its opener to Cibola, AZ (27-6) before rebounding to beat Yuma 35-8. The Spartans dropped a tough 10-6 decision to Coachella Valley and then won a scoring free-for-all over Kofa, Ariz. (75-32).

A year ago the Eagles clobbered Central 38-7 at Valley Stadium. It won’t be that easy this time... Granite Hills 28-14.

Monte Vista (1-3) at Valhalla (2-2), 7: The Norsemen will celebrate Homecoming and hope that emotional edge will help push their record over the .500 mark when they host Monte Vista in a non-league game Friday night (Oct. 1).

While Valhalla would like to think that they are a decisive favorite, history shows Monte Vista has dominated this series 25-9-1. On the upside for the Norsemen, however, is the fact that they’ve won the last four meeting in a decisive manner. In those last four meetings Valhalla has won by three touchdowns or more.

Granted, Valhalla does not have the same firepower it had in those games, but it’s unlikely that the Norsemen will fail against a Monte Vista offense that has been shut out in its last two games... Valhalla 28-8.

West Hills (1-2) at Patrick Henry (1-2), 6:30: Talk about a perfect match-up... this one could certainly go either way, as both teams have been basically dismissed as contenders in their respective league races. Obviously, both want to prove otherwise. Games like Friday night’s (Oct. 1) duel at Patrick Henry are more than just a non-league scrap. They’re essential. A win here is pivotal for a team thinking about the playoffs.

Just how well do they match up?

History favors Henry, which has won three of the four previous meetings, although the Wolf Pack won last year 28-20. West Hills banks on the running tandem of RYAN WILLIAMS (25-143) and ANDREW TRAN (38-135) to carry the running game, while TIM SEABOCH presents the Pack with a deep passing threat. Defensive linemen STEVE ARMSTRONG and NINO LaRUSSA and middle linebacker anchor the West Hills defense.

Senior running back Homer Reed (30-241, 2 TDs) leads the charge for the Patriots, who are coming off 34-13 win over El Cajon Valley. This is the same Henry team that lost to Point Loma (54-0) and Hoover (20-16). In making the choice here, you could call this a pick’em... Patrick Henry 21-19.

El Cajon Valley (0-3) vs. Christian (3-1) at Granite Hills, 7: Running back TYRONE SAULS (103-486, 6 TDs) and quarterback SHANE DILLON (67-132, 888 yards, 4 TDs) hope to lead Christian to its fourth straight win after a season-opening loss to Mar Vista (32-20).

El Cajon Valley will look to versatile DONTAE BAILEY (459 yards, 25 points) and quarterback SHABO GIBO (24-54, 392 yards, 6 TDs) to help the Braves spring the upset. Gibo’s problem is he’s been intercepted nine times, which has hurt the Braves’ consistency.

This series is tied at 7-7, but momentum has to favor the Patriots... Christian 31-20.

No. 9 Mount Miguel (4-0) at Sweetwater (0-3), 7:30: Even though the current records bode for a lopsided non-league game Friday (Oct. 1) in National City, history shows otherwise.

Although these teams have not met since 1974, the Red Devils own a 6-2-1 advantage in the all-time series. That includes four consecutive Sweetwater victories. The last time Mount Miguel won a game in this series was 50-20 in 1966.

Stick to the present... Mount Miguel 37-7.

CIF-SAN DIEGO SECTION MEDIA RANKINGS
North County Times/ SD Sportswriters-Sportscasters Poll	SignOnSanDiego/ San Diego Union-Tribune
Rank/Team Record Points LW   1. Vista (13)   2. Eastlake (5)   3. Helix (2)   4. Oceanside (1)   5. Torrey Pines   6. Valley Center   7. Steele Canyon   8. Ramona   9. Rancho Bernardo 10. La Costa Canyon 3-0-0 4-0-0 4-0-0 3-1-0 3-0-0 4-0-0 3-1-0 4-0-0 4-0-0 2-2-0 201 177 175 149 118 92 69 63 33 27 1 3 2 4 6 8 5 9 t10 7	Rank/Team Record LW   1. Oceanside   2. Vista   3. Eastlake   4. Helix   5. Torrey Pines   6. Valley Center   7. La Costa Canyon   8. Steele Canyon   9. Mount Miguel 10. Ramona 2-1-0 3-0-0 4-0-0 4-0-0 4-0-0 4-0-0 2-2-0 3-1-0 4-0-0 4-0-0 1 2 4 3 7 9 5 6 10 —
Others receiving votes: Mount Miguel (25), Grossmont (7), Madison (3), Mission Hills (3).	Others: Carlsbad 2-1, Rancho Bernardo 4-0, Scripps Ranch 2-1, Madison 3-0, Brawley 2-1, Point Loma 3-1, Mira Mesa 1-2, Cathedral Catholic 1-3, St. Augustine 3-1, Francis Parker 2-2, The Bishop’s 3-0.
The Sportswriters Assoc. poll is conducted by The North County Times. For 2010, 21 sportswriters, sportscasters and CIF representatives from throughout the county vote in the weekly poll. This year's panel includes: John Maffei, Terry Monahan, Tom Sheridan, Rick Hoff and Tom Saxe (North County Times), Nick Pellegrino (East County Sports.com), Steve Dolan and Rick Hill (East County), Rick Willis (KUSI-TV), John Kentera. Mark Chlebowski, Ted Mendenall, Bob Petinak (XX Sports Radio 1090), Bruce Ward, (San Diego City Schools), Jeff Kurtz and Andrew Jensen (kbe), Craig Elsten (619sports.com), Anthony Gentile (SD Reader) and Dave Axelson (Coronado Eagle & Journal).
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The Bishop's
Ramona
Point Loma
at Valhalla
BYE
at West Hills
*at Santana
*Monte Vista
*El Cajon Valley
*at Mount Miguel
at Francis Parker
**at EC-Southwest