POSTSEASON

Hornets nip Helix for summer league crown

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (7-17-12) — In a battle of what is expected to be two of the top teams next football season, the Hornets of Lincoln High knocked off the Helix Highlanders 35-21 in the San Diego Coaches Summer Passing League championship Saturday (June 14) in South Bay.

Helix is the defending CIF Division II state champions.

Throwing the football might be more of a challenge for the Highlanders, but that did not look to be the case in the title bout against the run-happy Hornets.

Sure, these were only summer league games without the use of linemen. But Helix displayed that it is ready for the season through its untested skill positions.

NFL PLAY 60
A two-day fitness program, sponsored by NFL Play 60, is being presented at West Hills High School on Tue.-Wed., July 17-18. The program is designed to teach kids about good nutrition and physical activity habits while putting them into action. The NFL Play 60 campaign is designed to tackle childhood obesity by getting kids (9-13) to pledge to play 60 minutes a day.

While the camp enrollment is filled at this time, the public is invited to come and watch the activities.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (7-13-12) — It’s never surprising when a high school post-season all-star football game is a low scoring affair.

Such was the case in Friday night’s (July 13) 22nd annual Alex Spanos All-Star Football Classic played at San Diego Mesa College played before 3,128 fans. This was an unexpected game where only six penalties were called all night. Only one went against the North but it proved to be the stepping-stone to the South’s 14-10 victory.

The win was the fifth victory in the last seven years for the South.

The pivotal play of the contest was a pass interference call against the North on South receiver JASON GAINES of Christian High at the goal line midway through the 4th quarter. Trailing 10-7 at the time, the South edged up to the 3-yard line but was faced with a fourth down with, no doubt, the game on the line.

“We tried to draw them offside but they didn’t bite,” said South offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER of Christian High. “But my quarterback – Josh Palet of Eastlake – called timeout to talk to me. He told me that the play up the middle was there.”

So the offensive-minded Beezer decided to keep the ball on the ground with the game on the line.

Lincoln’s Isaac Smith barged off tackle to cover the final three yards on a fourth down call to score what proved to be the game winning touchdown with 6:37 remaining. Hilltop’s Omar Hernandez booted his second conversion, which kept the North out of field goal range.

The South defense, led by Ben Moa (4 tackles, 3 sacks), a defensive lineman from Kearny who earned MVP honors, was the cornerstone in the trenches that included Mount Miguel ’s MALCOLM JACKSON (6 tackles) and Valhalla linebacker ANTHONY BUZZELL (4 tackles).

“We’ve been practicing really hard as a team (for the last nine days),” said Moa. “So it’s great to come out here and show off all our hard work.”

The South broke a scoreless tie in the 2nd quarter when Palet hit Kearny wide receiver Shawn Boose on a deep post pattern covering 64 yards, giving the South the early 7-0 lead.

The North fought back to tie the game when Westview quarterback Eric Beagle barged through a surge of South defenders to fire a 20-yard TD pass to Escondido’s Sam Browning, evening the count at 7-7 by halftime.

The North took the lead in the 3rd quarter on a 25-yard field goal by Torrey Pines’ Jack Mitchell. But the North offense stalled after that, allowing the South to put together a game-winning drive.

The MVP of the North was Westview’s Jason Snyder, who recorded 7 tackles.

No Name              High School    Pos  Ht   Wt   College         .
1  Davon Flores      Olympian       LB   6-0  185        
2  Tareq Abulabbah   Kearny         DB   5-11 170  N. Colorado
3  Arturo Cuevas     Olympian       LB   5-9  203
5  Shawn Boose       Kearny       WR/QB  5-9  190
6  ISAAC MARTINEZ    CHULA VISTA    WR   5-8  155  GROSSMONT COLLEGE
7  Tre Roberts       Morse          RB   5-8  180  
8  Omar Hernandez    Hilltop        QB   6-2  180  So'western College
9  Aaron Watkins     Point Loma     DB   6-0  180  San Jose State
10 Josh Palet        Eastlake       QB   6-6  190  UC Riverside
14 Tevin Hayward     Point Loma     TE   6-2  213  U. of San Diego
15 JOSH MURPHY       EL CAPITAN   TE/QB  6-2  190  SO'WESTERN COLLEGE
19 JASON GAINES      CHRISTIAN      WR   6-4  200  SAN DIEGO CHRISTIAN
20 Calvin Rogers     Kearny         LB   5-11 190 
21 David Mondy       Otay Ranch     WR   5-8  175  Panhandle St. Okla.
22 Asante Gibson     Olympian       DB   5-10 180  Harvard
23 BJ Bonner         Scripps Ranch  DB   5-10 170  SD Mesa College
24 Maurice Carnell   Lincoln        DB   5-9  150  
25 Isaac Smith       Lincoln        RB   5-8  175
27 CHRIS LaCHANCE    LA JOLLA       DB   6-3  185  GROSSMONT COLLEGE
28 DARNELL HARRIS    KEARNY         DB   6-1  190  GROSSMONT COLLEGE
31 Daniel Castro     Sweetwater     DB   6-0  180  So'western College
32 Justin Wanery     Clairemont     RB   6-0  220
33 Casey Palid       Cathedral      DL   6-3  220  Humboldt State
44 MALCOLM JACKSON   MOUNT MIGUEL   DL   6-3  270  SAN DIEGO STATE
45 Josh Kilmer       La Jolla       LB   6-0  220  Azusa Pacific
50 Mike Molina       Chula Vista  DL/OL  6-0  240  So'western College
54 ANTHONY BUZZELL   VALHALLA       LB   6-0  215  JAMESTOWN COLLEGE
55 Ben Moa           Kearny         DL   6-4  230  San Diego State
56 Andrew Martinez   Mater Dei      LB   6-4  240  UC Irvine
59 SANTANA LEOMITI   OLYMPIAN       LB   5-10 250  GROSSMONT COLLEGE
63 Ramiro Ramirez    Olympian       OL   5-11 290  
65 Arturo Hurtado    Eastlake       OL   6-4  270  So'western College
66 VICTOR VELLAVERDE MAR VISTA      OL   6-2  290  GROSSMONT COLLEGE
68 Sean Fuimaono     Bonita Vista   DL   6-2  275
72 SEAN SULLIVAN     MAR VISTA      OL   6-5  265  GROSSMONT COLLEGE
73 Gabe Casillas     Eastlake       OL   6-4  255  So'western College
75 CARL MARTIN       EL CAPITAN     OL   6-3  310  U. OF SAN DIEGO
77 Nico Siragusa     Mater Dei      OL   6-5  310  San Diego State
79 Paul Sierra       Castle Park    OL   5-11 299  CSU Los Angeles
80 Charles Tucker    Kearny         WR   6-0  185
81 GRANT KIRBY       EL CAPITAN     WR   6-3  185
Head Coach:  Gil Warren, Olympian
Assistant: DAVID BEEZER, CHRISTIAN, Offensive Coordinator

Former Monte Vista coach Page Culver joins football staff at The Bishop's School. (File Photo by Chris DeRosier)

© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (6-15-12) — Former Monte Vista head football coach PAGE CULVER has accepted an assistant coaching post at The Bishop’s for the upcoming season.

Culver will join the coaching staff of former Christian High quarterback and now head coach of the Knights, JOEL ALLEN, after being involved in the Monte Vista football program for 17 seasons since 1990.

A 1989 graduate of Christian High and a two-year lineman at Grossmont College, the 41-year old Culver has been a head coach for nine seasons at Monte Vista where he compiled a 32-59-3 record. His best season was 2004 when the Monarchs finished 11-1, including a perfect 10-0 regular season mark while out-scoring their opponents, 341-111.

Valhalla quarterback Frank Foster

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-3-11) — Versatile Valhalla High quarterback FRANK FOSTER has accepted a football scholarship to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Definitely a double threat, the 6-foot, 188-pound Foster amassed 4,910 yards passing and 48 TD passes over his final two years. He also ran for 446 yards and 17 TDs as a senior.

A Division II university, Colorado Mesa's Mavericks posted a 4-7 mark a year ago in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Foster will vie with two seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a redshirt freshman for playing time.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (4-21-12) — Mount Miguel High’s MONAY SWAFFORD has signed a football scholarship to Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn.

The Golden Bears of the Div. II Northern Sun Conference cast the 5-foot-8, 165-pound Swafford as a future defensive back. He earned second team All-Grossmont Valley League honors and chalked up 41 tackles, 7 pass breakups and three interceptions last season.

“Monay moved here the summer of his senior year from Helix, and did a great job of catching up and becoming a key contributor to our team,” said former Mount Miguel head coach TOM KARLO, who recently took over the Grossmont High program. “He is now moving on to play college football and I couldn't be prouder."

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-10-12) — A trio of East County products have signed to continue their college careers.

El Capitan High center CARL MARTIN has signed to attend USD on scholarship. A 6-foot-4, 300 pound all-state selection, Martin was also recruited by Idaho but chose USD instead.

Valhalla liinebacker ANTHONY BUZZELL has signed by the Jamestown College Jimmies.

Mount Miguel defensive back NAJEE NICHOLS has committed to Mayville State.

Buzzell joins the team after earning the Valhalla High School football team’s Leadership Award and Defensive MVP after recording 102 tackles in his senior season.

“Anthony was a player we identified last fall in the recruiting process,” said Jameston head football coach Shawn Frank. “He is a natural fit in many ways, starting with his character, abilities, as a student and person, and the fact that he plays football at a physical level.”

“He is a downhill linebacker who loves to play the game,” Frank said. “His ability allows him to drop in coverage as well, which is very important in our scheme. We see this young man being able to play either inside linebacker position. He plays well at the point of attack and we are excited he has chosen Jamestown College as his new home.”

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-21-12) — Albeit he admits it was a difficult decision, TOM KARLO is leaving Mount Miguel High after seven successful seasons to become head football coach at his alma mater, Grossmont High.

“At the end of the day for me is I live in La Mesa,” Karlo said. “This is where my kids go to school... where they play with their neighborhood friends. With my kids growing up and entering Parkway Middle School next year I figured it would be better for my family if I coached in my own community.”

Karlo is replacing RON MURPHY, who died suddenly of cancer in last month.

“I knew Ron Murphy and we want to honor his memory by keeping the program on the upswing like he had it,” Karlo said. “The people at Grossmont were happy with Ron and I was happy coaching at Mount Miguel. In no way was I seeking this change in jobs. Ron died when I was at a football clinic in Oregon. I was probably one of the last ones to know.”

Karlo quarterbacked the Foothillers and played basketball for athletic director FRANK FOGGIANO in the early 1990s. He moved on to Humboldt State, transferred back to Grossmont College and then rode a scholarship to Alabama-Birmingham.

“We were the last Grossmont team to beat Helix (28-14),” he said proudly.

“He is a tremendous young coach who is dynamic about football,” Foggiano said. “He is a great shot in the arm for our entire athletic department. He is going to carry over all the good things Murphy had going for us.”

Grossmont principal DAN BARNES was equally pleased with his latest hire.

“It was a huge loss when we lost Murphy,” Barnes said. “We are so fortunate to get Karlo on our staff. It is always a good thing when you can hire a member of your alumni.”

© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (3-18-12) — A pair of East County football players have signed to continue their education and football careers at the University of San Diego.

Running back DARRION HANCOCK (5-9, 185) of the state champion Helix Highlandersm was a member of the All-East County Sports.com first team in 2011. He rushed for 1,326 years for a 7.4 average and scored 22 touchdowns. He finished with 144 points overall.

Mount Miguel Matadors defensive back HENRY INGRAM (5-10, 170) tied for the East County lead in interceptions with five and was a fierce tackler for the Grossmont Valley League champions.

© East County Sports.com
CHADRON, Neb. (3-12-12) — It seems like if it weren’t for East County football, Chadron State College might have trouble fielding a football team.

Three Helix High linemen and a Mount Miguel linebacker have made their commitment to Chadron State, an NCAA Division II school in Nebraska.

Highlander seniors AUGIE LUGO, 5-foot-11, 245 pounds, VICTOR BOWEN (6-2, 310) and DARRIEN OLIVER (5-11, 270) – all of whom were starters on the Helix State Championship team – will join the Matadors’ TREVION WILSON (6-0, 222) in continuing their football careers with the Eagles.

Last season, Chardon went 6-5 overall (6-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-24-12) — Grossmont High School is looking for a head football coach to replace the late RON MURPHY, who succumbed to cancer earlier this month. This is a coaching position only.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-1-12) — More East County football players have announced their plans to attend the four-year college institution of their choice.

Among the latest to sign letters of intent are Helix defensive end GARY THOMPSON who will attend Marshall University, Steele Canyon defensive back CHANCELLER JAMES and offensive lineman MARIO YAKOO are ticketed to Boise State, and Cougars defensive end BEN GOSSMEYER is headed for Eastern Washington.

Meanwhile, El Capitan offensive lineman ANDRES MEZA changed a verbal commitment to Idaho State and will instead enroll at the University of San Diego.

Mount Miguel running back DERRICK DUNN, who averaged an East County-best 124.1 rushing yards per game and scored 16 touchdowns on 161 carries, will pick up his education and football career at Bemidji State (Minn.). The NCAA Division II Beavers finished 8-3 a year ago.

Thompson will join former Helix teammate TRAVON VAN, the Thundering Herd’s No. 2 rusher at the West Virginia based campus.

Yakoo was headed for UCLA until last week when the Bruins new coaching staff said they were taking a different direction and did not include the 6-foot-4, 320-pound Yakoo.

“That left Mario about a week to find another school,” said Steele Canyon head coach SCOTT LONGERBONE. “Boise State got themselves a good one. Make that two good ones.”

Others who made it official by signing on Wednesday (Feb. 1) included Christian 3,000-yard passer SHANE DILLON (Colorado); Helix wide receiver-defensive back JIMMY PRUITT (San Jose State) and Highlanders’ quarterback BRANDON LEWIS (USD); two-time all-Grossmont Valley League defensive player of the year Mount Miguel’s CORY LITTLETON (Washington); Santana tight end T.D. GROSS (Arizona); Grossmont DB-WR MARCUS PHILLIPS (Chadron State, Neb.); and Santana nose guard JASON PATTERSON (Cal Poly-SLO).

All-State Honors – Littleton also received another honor on Wednesday, named an All-State Medium Schools defensive lineman by Cal-Hi Sports.

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
CARSON (1-30-12) — Playing in front of a big crowd at Home Depot Center is the kind of game every kid dreams of winning even though it was only an exhibition contest in the long run.

In fact, Valhalla High wide receiver JEVON HASTEN was literally doing back flips on the field after his team of San Diego All-Stars pulled off an improbable 23-21 come-from-behind victory against players from the Los Angeles City Section in the first ever PrepStar California Classic All-Star game.

“It feels great to win this game because we got a lot of trash talk all week from other guys in San Diego telling us L.A. is better than us and we stood no chance,” Hasten said. “To play in front of a crowd like this against the hardest hitting team I've ever faced is something I'll never forget.”

With the majority of the players having never played with each other before and only eight practices together as a team under their belt, the timing and rhythm obviously was an issue in the early going.

Failing to move the ball in the first half San Diego was finally able to muster a field goal before going into the locker room facing a 7-3 deficit.

Getting the ball only down one score out of the tunnel seemed promising, but on the first possession of the second half a fumble was scooped up by L.A. and returned 22 yards for a touchdown.

Even though San Diego 's offense was sputtering Helix running back DARRION HANCOCK had no trouble moving the ball when given the chance. He rushed 19 times for 100 yards, caught one pass for 13 and returned a kickoff 25 yards to set San Diego up at midfield trailing 14-3.

They managed to gain 20 yards and settled for Seamus McMorrow's (St. Augustine) second field goal of the afternoon from 47 yards out to trim the lead to 14-6.

A quick response is what they got in return though in the form of a 6-play 80 yard touchdown drive that made the game a 21-6 contest with just one quarter remaining.

It was finally time to queue Rancho Bernardo's Trent Sessions at quarterback. He moved the offense down the field for a touchdown on his first drive thanks to a crucial 4-yard run by Hancock on a fourth and 2.

The receivers had their issues hanging onto the ball for San Diego, dropping five passes in the first three quarters, but when the main culprit finally reeled one in it wasn't “boo's” he was hearing from the crowd.

They were actually ironically cheering “Boose” as in Kearny's Shawn Boose after he hauled in their first touchdown of the game on a 22-yard pass and then caught the two point conversion on a slant route that made it a one possession game at 21-14.

Unable to slow L.A. and not being able to rush the kicker in an All-Star contest a 27-yard field goal seemed all but inevitable to seal the deal for the home team right?

Wrong.

Even though the L.A. roster size was 2-to-1 and their crowd tripled that of San Diego's, one of the smallest kids on the field made the biggest play jumping up to block the field goal attempt and give his team life.

“These kids have a lot of passion, love and respect for the game of football,” San Diego coach Richard Sanchez of St. Augustine said. “I just asked them to go as hard as they could every play and I think the entire line on that kick had their hands up at least 10 feet high.”

Given new life Sessions and Hancock drove the team 80 yards down the field and Hasten kept the drive alive on a 4th-and-long play with a huge 13-yard catch while getting out of bounds to preserve time on the clock.

Sessions went 3-for-3 passing for 58 yards and with a little help from Hancock he made it into the end zone two yards out on a QB sneak.

“No one else has the heart or intangibles he brings to the table, so someone needs to pull the trigger on that kid,” proclaimed coach Sanchez.

Hancock's two best runs of the day went for 63 yards combined, but were both negated by holding penalties.

“It's always great blocking for one of the best backs in California,” his fellow Helix teammate offensive lineman DARRIEN OLIVER said. “We're now 2-0 in this stadium together and no one can take that from us.”

A failed two-point conversion even had the public address announcer saying, “That will most likely end the game as it looks like L.A. will come away with the victory.”

La Jolla Country Day's Daniel Henry recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt and Boose and Hancock quickly gained 17 yards on two plays to set up the potential game-winner.

Hancock, meanwhile, was too busy afterwards playing the role of fortune-teller on the last play than accepting any praise headed his way.

“I knew he was gonna make it,” he said of his kicker. “I was with him in the last All-Star game and have seen him in practice and he never misses.”

McMorrow calmly drilled his third attempt of the day from 45 yards out to bring the inaugural PrepStar classic victory trophy along with the game's MVP trophy back to San Diego with him and his teammates.

“I did it during the regular season against Eastlake in a comeback just like this one,” he said. “I had to do it for my boys then and had to do it for my boys now.”

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-20-12) — Post-season all-star games are popping up in all sports with regularity these days.

One of the latest newcomers to the post-season files is the PrepStar California Classic All-Star Game triple-header on Sunday (Jan. 29) at The Home Depot Center in Carson.

This should pique interest to local fans since 18 East County seniors will represent the San Diego CIF All-Stars in a duel against the Los Angeles City Section seniors in a 3 p.m. kickoff.

The SDCIF team, coached by St. Augustine’s Richard Sanchez, features three East County quarterbacks – Christian’s 3,000-yard passer SHANE DILLON, versatile Valhalla signal-caller FRANK FOSTER and Helix fireballer BRANDON LEWIS.

See the complete SDCIF roster below:

OFFENSE
Quarterbacks: Shane Dillon (Christian), Brandon Lewis (Helix), Joe Kennedy (St. Augustine), Frank Foster (Valhalla);
Running Backs: Darrion Hancock (Helix), Aaron Anderson (St. Augustine);
Wide Receivers: Cameron Lee (Helix), Jevon Hasten (Valhalla), Eric Judge (San Diego), Shawn Boose (Kearny);
Tight Ends: T.D. Gross (Santana), Jake Jackson (La Costa Canyon);
Utility: Jimmy Pruitt (Helix), Aaron Anderson (St. Augustine);
Offensive Tackle: Grant Bays (Oceanside), Victor Calravejo (Mar Vista), Eric Magnuson (La Costa Canyon), Jared Clark (Scripps Ranch);
Offensive Tackle/Center: Ryan Klum (Valhalla);
Offensive Guard: Mario Yakoo (Steele Canyon), Sean Sullivan (Mar Vista), Andrew Deeb (St. Augustine), Victor Bowen (Helix);
Center: Darrien Oliver (Helix).

DEFENSE
Defensive End: Gary Thompson (Helix), Malcolm Jackson (Mount Miguel), Andrew Daoud (Valhalla), Ben Gossmeyer (Steele Canyon), Leshon Riggins (Mar Vista), Brian Guendling (Poway);
Defensive Tackle: Lipo Napoleon (Helix),
Linebackers: Gilbert Valderma (Patrick Henry), Ryan Moreno (Poway), Daniel Farias (St. Augustine), Evan Moore (Mar Vista), Devon Flores (Olympian), Santana Leomiti (Olympian);
Corners: Chanceller James (Steele Canyon), Miles Milner (Mission Hills);
Safeties: M.J. Bailey (San Marcos), Jordan Lertique (Mar Vista).

Valhalla grad Thomas
moving to Vanderbilt

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (1-11-12) — Former Valhalla High standout quarterback PETE THOMAS has indicated that he is going to transfer from Colorado State to Vanderbilt University in Nashville local sources report.

A 6-foot-5 and 225-pounds sophomore, Thomas started as a true freshman for then-head coach Steve Fairchild and was considered a big part of the Rams future entering the 2011 season.

However, after completing nearly 65 percent of his passes for 2,662 yards as a freshman, Thomas fell to 62 percent and threw for 1,607 yards and seven touchdowns to eight interceptions before an injury ended his second season at the Mountain West Conference institution.

Following the injury, Thomas was essentially benched by Fairchild in favor of Garrett Grayson. Fairchild went as far as to predict that Grayson would get playing time regardless of Thomas' health.

If that wasn’t a big enough hurdle for Thomas, the fact that local Craig Leonard was now in the quarterback mix was making things even more attractive for Thomas to leave. Leonard is a local Fort Collins, Colo., player and attended prep school in North Carolina this past year.
When and if Thomas does pack his bags he will hardly be guaranteed a starting spot. Vanderbilt, which tied for fourth in the rugged Southeastern Conference’s East Division at 6-7, has a minimum of five returning quarterbacks. Of course, by making a mid-career transfer, Thomas will have to sit out a year due to NCAA rules next season before competing for the Commodores starting job.

A year off could be a plus, however. Vanderbilt will be in need of a new quarterback come 2013.

Vandy advanced to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn. last month and lost to co-Big East Conference champion Cincinnati 31-24.

This could turn out to be Thomas’ third verbal commitment as he agreed to attend Arizona State during his senior season at Valhalla. That never transpired as Thomas headed north to CSU.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (12-22-11) — The changing of the guard in Santana High football brings forth a familiar face as longtime leader DAVE GROSS is stepping aside to clear the way for prodigy TIM ESTES.

The 43-year-old Estes played his high school football under the tutelage of Gross at Rosamond High in Lancaster (1984-85). Estes was a quarterback-free safety in his playing days.

Since then Estes has served as an assistant coach to Gross from 1995 to present. The duo has made stops at El Cajon Valley, Mount Miguel, and – for the past 12 seasons – Santana.

“I am very much excited about having this opportunity,” Estes said. “But I know I’ll never be able to fill Dave Gross’ shoes completely. He is a fantastic coach and a great guy to hang out with. He has a tremendous since of humor and great insight to the game.”

Estes, an on-campus special education teacher, was Gross’ personal choice to replace himself.

“I think he’s going to a great job,” Gross said. “He’s been at Santana for 12 years – the last four as our DC. He knows the ropes.”

Looking ahead Estes plans to bolster the lower levels – junior varsity and freshman. He is compelled to do that considering the San Diego CIF Division IV finalists lost 10 starters on offense and 8 on defense.

“Graduation hit us pretty hard this year,” he said. “So we need to work some of the younger kids into varsity positions.

“I am so proud of what we did last year. But now it is time to look ahead instead of behind.”

Gross capped his coaching career as the CIF San Diego Section Coach of the Year, covering all five divisions as voted by the media under the auspices of the San Diego Hall of Champions.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (12-20-11) — SCOTT LONGERBONE, known for designing successful defenses as a coach, was a quarterback and free safety in his playing days at Corona High School.

Longerbone was recently named head football coach at Steele Canyon when RON BOEHMKE stepped down earlier this month. Prior to accepting that position, the 41-year-old Longerbone served as Boehmke’s defensive coordinator for 12 seasons.

“There will be some changes,” Longerbone said when asked about his coaching philosophy. “What they will be I really don’t know yet. Our team banquet is Jan. 10, so I’ll wait until after that to sit down with the rest of the coaches. I’m open to any ideas.”

Having played quarterback for three seasons in high school has aided Longerbone on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

“Defense is my specialty so I will always have a hand in things on that side of the ball,” Longerbone said. “Seeing the game from the offensive side definitely builds your knowledge as a defensive coach.”

Longerbone also played free safety at Corona and for one season at UC Santa Barbara before that school dropped football in 1993.

“I’m excited about this opportunity – it’s going to be a blast,” he said.

His wife, Janet, is a counselor at Steele Canyon.

“Yeah, I know... just like (the TV show) Friday Night Lights,” chuckled Longerbone, who is an Exercise-Nutrition Science teacher at the school.

Repeating on the All-East County first team on offense is Helix quarterback Brandon Lewis (4), and one of his key blockers, Amu Milo (54). (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-13-11) — It should come as little surprise that the state bowl-bound Helix Highlanders have claimed 17 berths on the 2011 All-East County Sports.com football team.

Senior quarterback BRANDON LEWIS and WILLIAM "AMU" MILO of Helix were repeat first-team All-East County Sports.com selections. Same is true for Christian High senior wide receiver KYLE HARRIS.

On the defensive side, Helix linebacker KACY SMITH was selected the East County Sports.com Player of the Year.

Coach of the Year honors went to Santana’s DAVE GROSS for leading the Sultans to an 11-2 finish and a berth in the San Diego CIF Division IV finals at Qualcomm Stadium.

Lewis, who has passed for 2,750 yards and 34 touchdowns this season, shared All-East County Sports.com Offensive Player of the Year honors with Valhalla signal-signal-caller FRANK FOSTER (2,933 total offense and 39 TDs).

Milo established himself as the premier two-way lineman.

Repeat first team picks on the All-East County Sports.com defense from Helix were Milo, senior linebacker GARY THOMPSON, Smith and corner JIMMY PRUITT, along with linemen BEN GOSSMEYER (Steele Canyon) and CORY LITTLETON (Mount Miguel). El Capitan’s JOSH MURPHY was tabbed the top punter for the second year in a row.

Other East County Sports.com offensive award winners included: Grossmont sophomore quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE (Offensive Rookie of the Year) and Christian High junior RAYVON OWENS (Offensive Unsung Hero).

Defensively speaking, junior lineman De’SHAWN TONE (Rookie of the Year) and senior linebacker ANTHONY BUZZELL (Unsung Hero), both of Valhalla also received major awards from the East County Sports.com staff.

East County sweeps all major awards

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (12-14-11) —The All-San Diego Section team, selected by the media, was released, with East County sweeping all of the major awards. Ten players (five on defense and five on offense) were named first team, with KACY SMITH and BRANDON LEWIS tabbed the section Players of the Year. Coach of the Year went to Santana High's DAVE GROSS. Nine more made the second team, too.

CIF Defensive Player of the Year	CIF Offensive Player of the Year
Helix High linebacker Kacy Smith (left) and quarterback Brandon Lewis were named the CIF-San Diego Section players of the year, in voting by the media under the auspices of the San Diego Hall of Champions. (Photos by Neal Williams (left) and Anthony Gentile)
CIF-San Diego Section Coach of the Year
The CIFSDS Coach of the Year for 2011 is Santana High's Dave Gross, who led the Sultans to a berth in the CIF Division IV championship game. A media panel with the Hall of Champions bestowed the honor. (Nathan Price photo, youatplay.com)

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