WEEK SEVEN

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-16-10) — The new decal found on the jersey of Valhalla High quarterback FRANKLIN FOSTER was anything but desirable: a series of backward "G's."

Staggered to the ground a sum of 10 times on sacks, the defense of Grossmont High tossed a second-half shutout in stuffing visiting Valhalla, 13-7, in Friday's (Oct. 15) Grossmont Hills League opener at Lt. Thomas M. Adams Field.

The triumph keeps the Hillers (6-0, 1-0 GHL) undefeated through six starts heading into next week's showdown with ancient rival Helix. The winning streak also matches the school's best since 2005, when Grossmont last captured a league crown.

Multiple takedowns by linebackers COLTON ALEXIO (2.5 sacks) and MICHAEL DAVIS-TUCKER (2) allowed the Hillers to rally from a 7-0 deficit, closing with 13 unanswered points while the defense shut down the Norsemen to just 53 yards in total offense in the second half.

Valhalla's Jevon Hasten leaps above double-coverage for this touchdown in the second-quarter vs. Grossmont. (Don De Mars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

"Tonight was a little different because usually we're able to force the ball out (cause fumbles)," said Alexio, a senior. "But we were in their backfield all night – we'll take all those sacks for sure."

Also causing havoc for Foster were Grossmont defenders BRENNAN DARLING (1 solo sack, plus 2 shared stops) and TAYLOR RATHBUN (a pair of shared sacks).

"We knew they were a passing team, so we tried to put as much pressure as we could on their quarterback all game," noted Rathbun. "It was all defense tonight – we really played together."

However, the biggest stop of the ballgame was registered by defensive back DYLAN COOPER.

With Valhalla on the verge of re-claiming the lead early in the fourth quarter, Cooper charged into the Norsemen backfield to register a 2-yard loss to foil a 4th-and-goal from the Grossmont-2.

"We knew what they were trying to do – Valhalla likes to throw a lot of screens," noted senior defensive back JOEY ACOSTA. "And we went single coverage on all of their receivers."

And with Grossmont's speed advantage, Valhalla remained hemmed in all contest.

The Norsemen (3-3, 0-1 GHL) had two more chances to overcome a 6-point deficit.

One drive was halted on a combined sack by Rathbun and RYAN DAVIS-TUCKER (a play which also featured an intentional grounding penalty), then safety JON GREEN broke up another 4th-down pass on the next series with 2:48 remaining.

Grossmont quarterback DESEAN WATERS followed by running out the clock, playing keep-away from Valhalla. Waters rushed six straight times, including a 25-yard burst, giving the senior a total of 119 yards on the ground.

Valhalla opened the scoring while Foster connected with JEVON HASTEN on a 30-yard scoring pass with 4:20 remaining in the first half. The pair hooked-up 7 times for 117 yards, but the rest of the Norsemen offense managed a mere 52 yards in total offense.

The Foothillers answered on a pair of field goals by JORDAN REECE, hitting from 32 yards in the final seconds of the half, then a long, 43-yard boot in the third quarter to trim the margin to 7-6.

Waters gave Grossmont its only lead on a 2-yard gallop to cap a short, 36-yard drive with 3:35 left in the third period. The march was set-up by a short Norsemen punt, then a 21-yard rush by TONY ABUKA on his lone carry of the contest.

When Foster wasn't lying on his back, he completed 7-of-14 passes for 127 yards. Yet again, he failed to receive much aid from his teammates, as four of his passes were dropped, stalling an offense which produced just 169 total yards compared to 296 by the Foothillers.

For the fifth time in six games, Grossmont did not have any turnovers.

El Capitan running back Tyler Mason (Photo by Susan Cooper Photography)

Santana quarterback Kyle Gasner (Photo by Heather Gasner)

EL CAPITAN 40, SANTANA 28 – It was almost as if El Capitan running back DAKOTA FURR and his sidekick TYLER MASON had a pass to skate through the Santana defense in Friday’s (Oct. 15) Grossmont Valley League opener in Santee.

The flash-and-dash duo helped the Vaqueros gain 399 yards on 56 rushes in a key victory over the Sultans (4-2-1, 0-1 GVL). The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Furr was the burly one, smashing the Santana defense for 218 yards and 4 touchdowns on 30 carries.

“I don’t know, but I think it’s because we basically decided to run this week,” said El Capitan coach RON BURNER. “Dakota has been there for us all year, but now that we have Mason back there with him it can only help us.”

And so it did. Playing in his first game of the season after missing the first half due to injuries, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Mason gave the Vaqueros outside speed and misdirection options as he gained 188 yards – including a 50-yard scoring romp – on 18 carries.

“Having Mason back was huge for us,” Burner said. “But basically our offensive line just wanted it and opened up the holes.”

Furr scored on runs of 24, 8, 9 and 24 yards to set the pace for the Vaqueros. A fifth scoring run of 74 yards by Furr was wiped out on a holding penalty in the fourth quarter.

“This was a big win for us because it was our first league game and it was against Santana,” said Burner, who forgot to mention that El Capitan maintains possession of the symbolic Golden Whip by beating Santana for the past six seasons.

Furr did little more than shrug his shoulders after what was obviously the biggest game of his career.

“My lead blocker ROBERT (CRAIGHEAD) was blocking really well, as was our O-line,” Furr said. “Everyone was just doing their jobs, and when we do that we can win. We’ve suffered some tough injuries and some tough losses but I think we’ve got it going now.”

Mason’s presence obviously takes much of the heat off Furr, Craighead and the offense in general.

“I know we’re all glad to have him back,” Furr said of Mason.

Mason is also pleased to be back in the lineup.

“First game back – senior year – I wanted to prove to everyone what I have,” Mason said. “My game is all about speed and vision.”

Not to be overlooked was the work of Craighead, a 6-foot-4, 258-pound senior. In addition to his hard-nosed blocking, he caught 5 passes for 76 yards, returned two kick-offs, rushed one time for 7 yards and intercepted a pass.

“As if those two running backs weren’t beating us to death, that Craighead kid must have had a career game, too,” said Santana coach DAVE GROSS.

Vaqueros quarterback JAKE ALVERNAZ completed 6 of 16 passes for 93 yards.

Santana, which committed six turnovers, fell behind 33-0 with 5:40 to go in the third quarter before showing any signs of life.

Enter LANDON LOZOYA. The 6-foot-2, 160-pound junior caught 3 consecutive touchdown passes – a 5-yarder from ZACH BREIDT, and two from KYLE GASNER of 50 and 9 yards – pulling the Sultans to within 13 points of the Vaqueros with 4:27 remaining in the game.

“I think we forgot to show up tonight, and that really fooled me,” Gross said. “While we were trying to figure out what we were doing it certainly didn’t help that they had guys that were enjoying career days.”

Gasner, who did not start, completed 13 of 23 passes for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. Breidt, who did start at quarterback, completed 5 of 11 passes for 66 yards and one score. He also caught 5 passes for 54 yards and logged 150 return yards.

Lozoya finished with 7 receptions for 126 yards and returned two kickoffs for 69 yards.

STEELE CANYON 49, GRANITE HILLS 16 – JAKE WRAGG scored 4 touchdowns to take over the East County scoring lead with 96 points as Steele Canyon opened up the Grossmont Hills League season with a convincing victory before a Homecoming crowd.

Three of Wragg’s scoring runs came in the first half as the Cougars (6-1, 1-0 GHL) built a 35-3 halftime lead.

“They were talking a lotta (stuff) about how they were going to get us,” said Wragg, who has 16 touchdowns. “Our running back coach (JOSH BARNEY) is a teacher at Granite Hills, and he was telling us how much of a hard time they were giving him. So in a way we kinda wanted to dedicate this game to him.”

While Wragg was rushing for 160 yards on 16 carries, quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE was completing 12 of 17 passes for 188 yards and one score. Five of Boehmke’s aerials went to Wragg for 58 yards.

Overall, Wragg compiled 257 all-purpose yards to go along with his scoring spree.

“Our big line has done an amazing job of knocking down people and making holes for us to run through,” he said.

Wragg was heaping accolades on interior linemen RYAN SCURLOCK (6-2, 242), BLAKE BUSBY (6-1, 222), SEAN BOOZEL (6-1, 227), AUSTIN BROWN (6-0, 196) and MARIO YAKOO (6-4, 296).

“Zone blocking is our main scheme,” Wragg said. “We have a pulling guard and a kick-out guy that really do the job. And our lead blockers out of the backfield – BRANDON WATSON and ERNIE FLINT – do a tremendous job too.”

No. 7 ranked Steele Canyon pushed Granite Hills (4-2, 0-1 GHL) around for 420 total yards.

Recognized for his blocking, Watson also intercepted a pair of passes for the Cougars.

Boehmke fired a 14-yard scoring strike to REECE DALE to make it 14-0 in the first quarter. Boehmke later scored on a 3-yard run before ROBBIE NELSON scored the final Steele Canyon touchdown on a 2-yard run.

Kicker DANIEL URIBE was 7-for-7 on PATs for the Cougars.

“We had a pretty complete game in all three phases of the game,” said Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE. “Special teams really played well. Offensively, we mixed things up – the offensive line played well. It was a good, solid game – a good Homecoming win for us. It gives us a good start in league.”

Granite Hills was never really in this game as the Eagles trailed by as much as 49-3 in the third quarter.

“We ran into Steele Canyon on their Homecoming,” noted Eagles coach RANDY DeWITT. “They deserve their ranking. This is by far the best team ever at Steele Canyon. Their line is huge and block well for their running backs.”

Not to be overlooked for Granite Hills was the work of senior running back FRANTZ LARAQUE, who chalked up 147 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries. He also caught three passes for 18 yards.

“We were able to move the ball down the field, but once we got the ball in the red zone we seemed to stop ourselves,” said DeWitt.

The Cougars were rough on Eagles quarterback CORY LOCKMAN, who completed only 6 of 18 passes for 67 yards. He was intercepted twice.

Reserve quarterback JUSTIN DAVIS came off the Eagles’ bench to complete 4 of 7 passes for 86 yards.

GILBERT PEREZ hauled in 3 passes for 83 yards, kicked a 24-yard field goal and averaged 39.5 yards on two punts.

Scotties running back Cameron Lee provides a straight-arm to subdue West Hills defender Andrew Tran in a comfortable 41-7 decision. (Photo by Chris Stone, Patch.com)

No. 3 ranked Helix, the preseason favorite, broke a 13-7 game open with a 28-point second quarter scoring blitz. After that outburst, the second half was played with a running clock.

“We couldn’t run much offense because of the nature of the game,” said Helix coach TROY STARR.

The Highlanders (6-0, 1-0 GHL) in fact took only 37 offensive snaps, yet managed to roll up 306 total yards.

Two of Helix’s six touchdowns did not come by offensive hands.

A blocked punt by GARY THOMPSON set up a recovery in the endzone by ERNEST SHIPLEY to make it 13-0 by the close of the first quarter.

DEREK MAEVA returned an interception 50 yards for the final score of the game.

MICHAEL ADKINS scored on a 23-yard run and a 6-yard pass from BRANDON LEWIS in the pivotal second quarter. Adkins led the Highlanders’ ground game with 82 yards on 7 carries.

“(Adkins) is the lightning guy of our thunder-and-lightning backfield,” Starr said. “He’s definitely fast.”

The thunder half of the Highlanders’ backfield is DARRION HANCOCK. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound junior came in averaging 132.2 rushing yards per game, finishing with 19 yards on only three carries.

“We took him out because he got a deep bruise on his thigh and there was no reason to leave him in there when he wasn’t at full strength,” Starr said of Hancock. “It’s not a serious injury, but he’s gonna be sore tomorrow.”

Lewis completed 9 of 13 passes for 117 yards and also scored on a 9-yard run. CAMERON LEE was his leading receiver with 3 catches for 33 yards. ROMELLO CARBUCCIO had 2 receptions for 42 yards, while KENDAL KEYS reeled in 2 passes for 37 yards. Adkins also had 2 catches for 12 yards.

West Hills made a game of it briefly in the second quarter when the Highlanders were charged with a fumbled punt that the Wolf Pack recovered at the Helix 11-yard line.

“That ball hit one of our blockers, and they got it,” Starr said. “It was a fluke thing.”

The Wolf Pack (3-3, 0-1 GHL), however, didn’t miss the rare scoring opportunity. MICHAEL SCALES scored his first varsity touchdown on a 4-yard junket and JOSH McINTYRE kicked the PAT.

“We went into our double wing offense and took it in,” said West Hills coach JESS BARRAGAN. “After that, the wheels started coming off.”

West Hills could drum up only 56 total yards against a Helix defense that has allowed only two touchdowns in six games.

“Helix was just as good as I anticipated them to be,” Barragan said. “The talent level and size level was obvious. I think our kids were a little bit in awe of them, and that made Helix look even better. That comes from our lack of experience.

“Like I told my kids, ‘Welcome to big boy football.’ But we got out of it what we needed to. We needed to come out healthy, both physically and mentally, and I think we did.”

Although he rushed for only 9 yards on 12 carries, the Wolf Pack’s RYAN WILLIAMS returned three kickoffs for 64 yards.

TREVOR CLIPPINGER completed 4 of 10 passes for 23 yards for the Pack.

Helix has never lost to West Hills in 12 previous meetings.

The Highlanders can look forward to Homecoming and hosting archrival Grossmont (6-0, 1-0 GHL) next Friday (Oct. 22) in a game that should pack the Helix house.

Junior DERRICK DUNN set the pace for Mount Miguel (6-1, 1-0 GVL) with four touchdown runs and 53 yards on nine rushes in abbreviated playing time.

“At most Derrick was on the field for 25 snaps,” Mount Miguel coach TOM KARLO said. “We had our twos (second unit) in by the second quarter. Mount Miguel teams of late haven’t been in these kinds of positions very often. You feel bad, but it’s a league game and you can’t bench your starters the whole night.”

Mount Miguel started fast as quarterback ERNEST WILLIAMS scored on a 16-yard run. An interception by ERNIE CASTRO set up a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback DEE’JAY NOLEN to ADRIAN ADAMS making it 13-0.

The Matadors led El Cajon Valley (0-6, 0-1) by a 21-0 count after one quarter and 42-0 by intermission.

Williams paced Mount Miguel ’s running game with 84 yards and two TDs on just three carries. He was 3-for-3 passing for 23 yards. ANTHONY ORTEGA was the lone Matador with more than one reception and he had 4 catches for 43 yards.

The final two quarters were played with a running clock, which helped keep the Matadors from breaking the Mount Miguel scoring record set against the Braves 63-6 in 1983.

“We weren’t thinking about breaking records tonight,” Karlo said. “We brought our starters back in for the first series of the third quarter and finished the game with our twos and threes after that.”

URI MONROY came off the Mount Miguel bench to score a pair of touchdowns in the second half.

Senior safety HORACE JOHNSON sparked the Matadors’ defensive reserves with his first two career interceptions.

“Our twos played really well and that is a good thing to see,” Karlo said. “They helped us keep our second shutout of the season and did a solid job of stopping a team that came in averaging 17 points per game.”

Senior DONATE BAILEY led the Braves with 50 yards on nine carries. He also caught one pass for 8 yards and completed 2 of 3 aerials for 7 yards. SHABO GIBO clicked on three of nine passes for 32 yards.

AJ WHITE was limited to 15 yards on 13 carries, but Braves coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD was pleased with his effort.

“He ran the ball hard and didn’t turn it over,” the coach said. “We were simply outmanned.”

El Cap challenged to Whip the Sultans

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (10-14-10) — Both coach RON BURNER of El Capitan (1-4) and DAVE GROSS of Santana (4-1-1) are concerned about key injuries going into Friday’s (Oct. 15) battle for the symbolic Golden Whip.

El Capitan superstar TYRONE WIGGINS is a questionable participant for El Capitan, which would cause Burner to revamp his offense. Rumor has it that Wiggins has a torn labrum but the jury is still out on that. Further maladies for El Capitan include the loss of all-state center CARL MARTIN to a dislocated elbow.

“Every time I come to practice I wonder who’s going to be missing – it’s been that kind of year,” Burner said.

“This is one of the best Santana teams I’ve seen in a long time,” Burner added. “They have two excellent slots (ZACH BREIDT and LANDON LOZOYA) and they can be explosive.”

El Capitan has one impressive win over Point Loma 31-21, but otherwise has stumbled out of the gate.

“We should be 3-2 at the very least,” Burner said. “Ramona rocked us (42-21) and we gave up two defensive touchdowns to lose to West Hills (14-9). Other than that we should have won.”

Historically speaking, El Capitan has held the upper hand in the battle for Golden Whip. The Vaqueros have won 5 straight and 9 of the last 10 meetings between these teams, including a 21-0 win last year.

“I would feel comfortable about this game if we were all healthy,” Gross said. “But I’m not sure where we stand because we have guys complaining about sore backs and gimping around and missing practice.

“We’re in a shuffling-of-people mode.”

As for the Golden Whip, folks around Santana haven’t seen it for six years.

“When we won it in 2004 (14-0) we actually saw it because coach JOE COTA found it when he was cleaning out former El Capitan head football coach DAVE WAASTAD’s desk,” said Gross. “I think it’s in their front office right now.”

El Capitan has blown out the Sultans 175-21 over the last five years. That won’t happen this time...Santana 30-21.

Granite Hills (4-1) at Steele Canyon (4-1), 7: Folks around Steele Canyon believe that the Cougars are the best team in East County. That could be the case but they may have to wait until the final day of the season to find out if their hunches are right.

They open the Grossmont Hills League season on Friday night (Oct. 15), which is Homecoming night for the Cougars.

“We know anybody in our league is going to be a tough opponent,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT. “This is a huge week for us.”

DeWitt pointed out that this is another neighborhood battle.

“The majority of our kids are friends, so this turns into a bragging rights kind of game,” he noted.

The Eagles look to FRANTZ LARAQUE (53-463, 9 TDs) and CORY LOCKMAN (52-89, 954, 10 TDs) as their top guns.

“This is the most important game of our season,” DeWitt said.

That’s a bold statement considering Steele Canyon leads the series 6-1.

“We’re looking forward to starting league,” said Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE. “This is probably the best offensive line we’ve ever had and I think it’s a lot of reason for our success so far. And that’s a credit to (assistant) coach ALEX McTRUSTY.”

Granite Hills won the first meeting in 2002 by the odd score of 6-4. The Cougars have won the last six but scrambled to escape 41-34 last year... Steele Canyon 34-17.

Valhalla (3-2) at Grossmont (5-0), 7: Valhalla has rolled over the Foothillers by a combined score of 103-38 in the last three meetings between the two. Whether that serves as an incentive for the Foothillers remains to be seen.

The Foothillers offense and defense surrounds East County rushing and total offense leader DESEAN WATERS. If the Foothillers are to remain undefeated, Waters is going to need help.

“At least Valhalla doesn’t have a bunch of D-I guys like they’ve had in the past,” said Grossmont coach RON MURPHY.

According to STEVE SUTTON, that doesn’t matter. Once again Sutton has one of the top passers in FRANK FOSTER, who has completed 64-110 passes for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also has a blue chip receiver in JEVON HASTEN, who has 12 receptions and a 27.1 yard average and 4 touchdowns.

This may be one of the closest games of the Grossmont Hills League season... Valhalla 28-24.

Helix (5-0) at West Hills (3-2), 7: The host Wolf Pack has nothing to lose against Grossmont Hills League favorite Helix in Friday’s (Oct. 15) circuit opener in Santee.

Helix has beaten the Wolf Pack in all 11 of the previous meetings and doesn’t figure to stumble now. This is a smooth Helix team that has a breakaway running game led by DARRION HANCOCK and a pinpoint passing game directed by BRANDON LEWIS.

“We know we’re underdogs and that’s what makes this a great challenge for us,” said West Hills coach JESS BARRAGAN. “We know we don’t have the weapons or firepower that they do, but we look at this as a great opportunity. Our focus is to give our all.”

West Hills, which has lost the last three games to the Highlanders by a combined score of 119-7, is no match for the Scotties... Helix 38-7.

Mount Miguel (5-1) at El Cajon Valley (0-5), 7: These teams have not played since 2002, and that’s probably a good thing. The Matadors have won 24 of the last 26 meetings, although El Cajon Valley did post a 35-0 victory in 1997 and a 22-18 victory in 1995.

The last time these teams faced off, in 2002, the Matadors claimed a 37-20 win.

Although the Braves do show some offensive mettle, they have virtually no chance of knocking of the Grossmont Valley League favorite... Mount Miguel 47-14.

Southern League
Borrego Springs (0-5-1, 0-2 SL) vs. Foothills Christian (1-2, 1-0 SL) at Junior Seau Field, 7: This should be a walk in the park for Foothills Christian, which has scored 60 points in the last two against the visiting Rams, who have given up 29 points per game. Quarterback ZACH CUMMINGS and running back HENRY LUSCHEI are the offensive leaders for the Knights, who defeated Calvary Christian Academy last week... Foothills Christian 28-7.

Sat., Oct. 16
Coastal League
Christian (4-1, 0-0 CL) at Francis Parker (3-2, 0-0 CL), 1: This Saturday matinee is a key game in the airtight Coastal League race. For one of the few times, neither of these teams is favored. Furthermore the Patriots have lost their last two meetings by a composite 75-21 score. Are the Patriots prepared for payback? They’d better be if they plan on stretching their winning streak to five games and remaining in the CL race... Christian 28-14.

© East County Sports.com
The newly-formed Grossmont Hills and Grossmont Valley leagues promises to feature some interesting matchups over the course of its inaugural season.

Here’s a peek at what might happen.

GROSSMONT HILLS LEAGUE
1. Helix (5-0): The Highlanders have been hovering in the Top 10 throughout the first half of the season and don’t figure an exodus any time soon. Anchored by DL SAM MEREDITH, linebackers KACY SMITH and ROCKY FUGA along with corner JIMMY PRUITT, the Highlanders’ defense has allowed only 17 points (an average of 3.4 ppg, much of that due to late-game substitutions). QB BRANDON LEWIS (206.8 ypg, 11 TDs) is a double-threat as a passer and a rusher while DARRION HANCOCK is producing 132.2 ypg with six TDs. In the last decade, Helix has captured league championships in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002 and 2000).

2. Steele Canyon (4-1): The Cougars have the ingredients to spring an upset and post their second league title in nine years behind the strength of running back JAKE WRAGG (106.2 ypg, 12 TDs), quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE (118.6 ypg, 6 TDs) and an aggressive defense that has mastered a rugged schedule. The GHL may not be decided until the final night of the season (Nov. 12) when Helix hosts Steele Canyon, looking for its first circuit crown since 2005.

3. Valhalla (3-2): For the record, the Norsemen are a defending league champion. Asking them to repeat is a tall order as they do not have the talent to bang helmets with either Helix or Steele Canyon.

4. Grossmont (5-0): Coach RON MURPHY’s Foothillers are the darkhorse in the race. Grossmont’s chances hinge heavily on the shoulders on running back-turned quarterback DESEAN WATERS (222.2 ypg, 14 TDs). This team may be a year away from making a serious charge.

5. Granite Hills (4-1): The Eagles are off their best start since 2006 when they claimed victories in four of their first five decisions. Granite Hills went on to finish 6-5 and did qualify for the playoffs. Coach RANDY DeWITT has higher expectations this season.

6. West Hills (3-2): First-year Wolf Pack head coach JESS BARRAGAN has kept his team in the victory lane despite losing his senior quarterback and other key players. Escaping the cellar would be a nice move.

GROSSMONT VALLEY LEAGUE
1. Mount Miguel (5-1): Not since 1987 have the Matadors claimed a league championship, which in that case was the Grossmont 3A flag. The Matadors went 4-0 in the league and 11-1 overall. This group is a shoo-in to capture the GVL pennant as there is little chance of any of their new league rivals matching strides.

2. Santana (4-1-1): The Sultans are the only team in the GVL that has a remote chance of knocking off heavily favored Mount Miguel. This is a team with three players that are interchangeable between quarterback and wide receiver – KYLE GASNER, LANDON LOZOYA and ZACH BREIDT. Add tight end T.D. GROSS to the mix and Santana is easily the most potent passing unit in this circuit.

3. El Capitan (1-4): Injuries have riddled the Vaqueros, which makes coach RON BURNER’s game plan hard to figure on any given Friday night. The workhorse he can count on is senior running back DAKOTA FURR (104 ypg). The Vaqueros need at least three wins in this league or they can probably forget about making the playoffs.

4. Monte Vista (1-4): Coach PAGE CULVER’s crew should find more comfort in this league, considering they were bludgeoned by an average score of 46 to 10 the first five non-league games of the season. MATT PARRIS is averaging 64 yards rushing per game, but has yet to score a TD. SHERVIN IRANIHA should give the Monarchs some kind of lift as he leads the East County with 30 receptions for 400 yards and 5 TDs.

5. El Cajon Valley (0-5): The Braves have enough energy to deliver a decent scoring punch, but too many guys are doubling on defense which has caused El Cajon Valley to surrender 39.4 points per outing.

COASTAL LEAGUE
1. Santa Fe Christian (4-2): The Eagles will benefit running with the elite as their only losses were at the hand of Helix and Grossmont. Nobody in this league is that good.

2. The Bishop’s (5-0): It’s hard to argue with an undefeated team, but the Knights have not played the quality of schedule that SFC has dueled.

3. Christian (4-1): The Patriots seem to get better every week behind East County passing leader SHANE DILLON (221.6 ypg, 7 TDs) and hard-nosed running back TYRONE SAULS (122.6 ypg, 8 TDs). Christian may pull the biggest surprise in the county by capturing the Coastal League crown.

4. Francis Parker (3-2): The Lancers lost a lot of their luster when the stars of the huddle moved on to college. Much like any team in this league the Lancers are geared to pull surprises.

5. Horizon (3-2): Picking the Panthers last may not be fair because this group also could be upset loaded.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE
1. Foothills Christian (1-2): Although coach THOM LUBIC is in his first year as head coach, a championship could be well within reach for the Knights. Quarterback ZACH CUMMINGS is the leader of this pack. The championship could be decided on Nov. 5 when defending champion Calvin Christian faces Foothills Christian at Junior Seau Field.

CIF-SAN DIEGO SECTION MEDIA RANKINGS
North County Times/ SD Sportswriters-Sportscasters Poll Rank/Team Record Points LW   1. Vista (16)   2. Eastlake (3)   3. Helix (2)   5. Torrey Pines   6. Valley Center   4. Oceanside   7. Steele Canyon   8. La Costa Canyon   9. Ramona 10. Rancho Bernardo 5-0-0 6-0-0 5-0-0 5-0-0 6-0-0 4-2-0 4-1-0 3-2-0 4-1-0 5-1-0 204 181 170 135 130 110 85 50 28 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 — — Othersreceiving votes: Grossmont (17), Mission Hills (10), St. Augustine (9), Mount Miguel (2), Olympian (2), Carlsbad (1), Madison (1).	SignOnSanDiego/ San Diego Union-Tribune 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. Grossmont 5-0-0 6-0-0 3-2-0 5-0-0 6-0-0 5-0-0 3-2-0 4-1-0 5-1-0 5-0-0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 — Others: Ramona 4-1, Rancho Bernardo 5-1, Mission Hills 3-2, Scripps Ranch 3-1-1, Madison 4-1, Brawley 4-1, Point Loma 3-2, Mira Mesa 2-3, Cathedral Catholic 1-4, St. Augustine 4-1, Francis Parker 3-2, The Bishop’s 5-0, Olympian 4-1.
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).
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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