Fast-approaching Valhalla defender Kenneth De Mars (35, center) will force a fumble from West Hills' Ryan Williams to prevent a score. (Photo by Don De Mars)

No blame, just game for Valhalla

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (11-5-11) — Scrambling to make a positive showing in the final weeks of the season, the Valhalla Norsemen used a 20-0 scoring spree in the second quarter to fuel Friday’s (Nov. 4) Grossmont Hills League 33-17 victory over visiting West Hills.

Losing teams could obviously look to Milli Vanilli’s song “Blame it on the Rain” for any ill fortunes they might have suffered on this night.

“I don’t know how many times we put the ball on the ground,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY. “But you can’t blame the rain for false starts and blocking in the back penalties.”

While Bussey could complain about his team’s overall performance, the fact that his crew came out on top is the bottom line. © East County Sports.com
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Valhalla junior WARREN PRESTON, making his first varsity start, collected 3 touchdown passes of 82, 34 and 26 yards from quarterback FRANK FOSTER. He finished with 4 receptions for 167 yards.

“He came up with some big plays for us tonight,” said Bussey of Preston. “We’ve always known he’s a quality player but we didn’t have a place to play him until tonight. He took advantage of the opportunity to make big plays and came through.”

Foster was an economic QB as rain pelted the playing field the majority of the night. He completed 7 of 15 passes for 207 yards and 4 touchdowns.

“This is the first time I’ve ever played in the rain,” Foster said. “One thing I know for sure, it’s hard to get a good release on the ball. It sails at the top of my release when it’s wet. I was able to hit some long stuff but the short passes were harder because the ball slipped off my hand.”

Valhalla’s KYLE QUARLES was a long distance running bandit, compiling 131 yards on six carries, including a 61-yard touchdown dash.

“It was a little bit cold and obviously people get slippery when you’re trying to tackle them in the rain,” said Valhalla linebacker ANTHONY BUZZELL.

JIHAD ELDER added 75 yards on 10 carries for the Norsemen, who finished with 457 total yards.

“They surprised us with their pressure but we were able to come through with our running game,” said Foster.

West Hills senior RYAN WILLIAMS rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries and caught 7 screen passes for 101 yards, totaling 181 yards and one touchdown.

The Wolf Pack also punched in 10 points on a 27-yard field goal by JOSH McINTIRE and a 4-yard scoring plunge by JUSTIN LEPISI.

SANTANA 46, MONTE VISTA 0 – After the Sultans concluded its regular season Friday night (Nov. 4) with a lopsided win over host Monte Vista, Santana established several records. Of course, several of those marks may be topped during the playoffs as they remain a sure bet to gain a Top 4 seed in the San Diego CIF Division IV tournament.

Check the record board, which is subject to change:

Points in a season, 449; Scoring Average in a season, 44.9; Fewest Points allowed on defense, 93 (breaking the existing record by one point); Shutouts in a regular season, 4; Sacks in a season, JACOB PATTERSON, 14.5 (breaking the record set by JONATHAN BUTLER last year).

Santana put this game away early, taking a 21-0 lead after one quarter and hoisting that advantage to 31-0 by intermission.

'Geoff Peterson' of The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He is not related to the Santana player. (CBS photo)

Gasner, a senior southpaw, completed only 5 of 14 passes but two of them went for touchdowns, including a 12-yard scoring strike to JEFF PETERSON.

Monte Vista mustered less than 100 yards in total offense.

EL CAPITAN 21, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 – Ladies and gentlemen, football weather was hand-delivered this evening, county-wide.

In a contest previewed to be a shootout, the first two quarters did not pan out that way as the game was scoreless by the midway point.

Both defenses would control the tempo in the first half of action as the host El Cajon Valley Braves hung up an interception and coughed up a fumble. However the visiting Vaqueros returned the favor, airmailing the ball into awaiting defensive back SIMON DALY’S hands to conclude the first half.

It appeared Friday's (Nov. 4) rain had subsided at the half, although homecoming festivities had already been postponed. The home crowd was eager to support an upset of their league foe, but were sadly disappointed yet again.

El Capitan coach RON BURNER apparently reiterated the importance of winning tonight in order to become a possible playoff contender. The visiting Vaqueros put the words into action.

Quickly getting on the board for 7 with only two minutes elapsed, El Capitan was in the driver’s seat. El Cajon Valley was not gonna lay down by any means, scoring one minute later on a 60-yard strike from JAFAR ALSHIMARY to VIRNEL MOON to knot it up at 7 apiece.

It was all El Cap for the remainder of the game.

Quarterback JOSH MURPHY would run his second touchdown in from 3 yards, and two possessions later aired out a beauty to wide receiver GRANT KIRBY for 61 yards and a 21-7 lead with 6:36 left in regulation. Murphy would finish 2-6 on passing for 78 yards, one passing TD, and led the rushing attack with 10 carries for 95 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Murphy suffered interceptions at the hands of El Cajon Valley ’s SIMON DALY and ANTHONY TY.

“Josh played well, as he is filling in once again for our starting QB (JAKE ALVERNAZ), but it’s different going from RB to quarterback and running an offense,” said Burner.

“This team played us tough, but was an important win for us,” Burner continued.

Defensive standout CODY FINCHER helped to propel the El Capitan offense by grabbing a pair of interceptions on the night.

The El Cajon Valley Braves fought hard. Offensive standout quarterback JAFAR ALSHIMARY carried the ball 5 times for 105 yards. He completed 4 passes on 12 attempts for 95 yards, including a touchdown pass to VIRNEL MOON for 60 yards.

“Defensively, we came off our man coverages in the second half. We need to overcome the mental breakdown towards the end of the game,” said Braves coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD. “Jafar has come a long way, and is learning how to become a leader.”

El Capitan is hoping for an upset next Thursday (Nov. 10) and squeak into the playoffs when they close the regular season, hosting Mount Miguel.

El Cajon Valley is hoping to finish the season with a W when they host Monte Vista on the same day.

– Dave Dickens

CHRISTIAN 24, LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY 21 – The visiting Patriots scored a key come-from-behind Coastal League victory on a rainy Friday (Nov. 4) night when quarterback SHANE DILLON drilled wide receiver JASON GAINES with a game-winning 14-yard scoring pass with 1:36 remaining.

Earlier in the evening, Dillon scored on a quarterback sneak which gave the Patriots (6-3, 3-1 CL) a 10-7 edge.

This was a see-saw battle in the first half when all but the final touchdown was scored. LJCD (6-3, 1-3 CL) took a four-point halftime edge on a 30-yard run on a 3rd-and-17 play in the final 25 seconds of the second quarter.

“I think we had more dropped balls in this game than the rest of our season combined,” said Christian assistant head coach JIM McNEAL. “Sure, the weather was a factor but I think it gets into our kids heads more than it physically impacts things.”

Dillon completed 17 of 39 passes for 203 yards. Gaines grabbed seven aerials for 61 yards. TRENT SAULS racked up 119 all-purpose yards on a mere seven touches.

RAYVON OWENS fired past century mark for rushing with 158 yards on 27 carries. It was the fourth time in nine games he has reached that plateau. He also scored on a 4-yard run which at the time gave the Patriots a 17-14 advantage in the second period.

“He ran hard,” McNeal said.

After Christian forged in front for the final time the Torreys came firing back.

“I think they got down to our 40,” McNeal said.

That’s where the Patriots’ defense came up big. Christian junior tackle JACK VANDERBILT stripped the ball loose from a scrambling Torreys quarterback. The loose ball was recovered by sophomore safety ZANE COFFMAN with only seconds remaining.

Other standouts for the Patriots included sophomore linebacker TRENT SAULS and sophomore kicker MASON POWELL, who booted a 24-yard field goal and three extra points.

“It rained about 80-to-90 percent of the game,” McNeal said. “Rain was an equalizer.”

CALIPATRIA 14, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – The Knights continue to struggle on offense in Friday’s (Nov. 5) Manzanita League duel with Calipatria at Seau Field

Due to injuries Foothills Christian (4-5, 0-3 ML) has scored only 18 points during a current four-game losing streak.

Calipatria (7-2, 2-2 ML) scored in the 1st quarter on the first drive of the game for an early lead.

Foothills Christian’s defense was once again solid, but could not get a lift from the offensive side.

A clutch interception by Foothills Christian’s BEN HOUSLEY at the Knights’ 1-yard line kept it a one possession game.

“Ben Housley, who is our defensive captain, was the stalwart of our defense tonight,” Foothills Christian’s head coach THOM LUBIC said.

Given a brief respite following Housley’s pick, Foothills Christian took over only to fumble the ball away on the first snap. That enabled Calipatria’s quarterback to score one play later to make it 14-0.

“The rain didn’t really bother us. Our field is (artificial) turf field and we were able to maintain solid footing. I thought we played very well on defense. For Calipatria’s first series we didn’t start several of our regular players due to missed practices,” Lubic said. “

“We were very inconsistent on offense. That’s been one of our major problems all year.”

A.J. HOFFMAN had 16 carries for 87 yards for the Knights. Quarterback KYLE MOBERG passed for 64 yards and rushed for 31 for Foothills.

Granite Hills' (l-r) Steve George, Tyler George, Dylan Andrews and Gene Andrews, Jr. (Photo by Dave Dickens)

The next generation at Granite Hills By Dave Dickens Special to © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (10-31-11) — In the past few years there have been many talented athletes come out of the confines of East San Diego County high schools. Most recently of the East County heralded are Helix products and now NFL stars REGGIE BUSH (Miami Dolphins) and ALEX SMITH (San Francisco 49ers). Two long-term football coaches who have been in the Grossmont League for more than 40 years, and working on a possible third generation, continue to make an impact. GENE ANDREWS, Jr., and STEVE GEORGE, current Granite Hills High School varsity coaches come from a great earlier generation. Their sons, Eagles quarterback DYLAN ANDREWS and defensive end TYLER GEORGE, come from rich bloodlines. The Andrews-George combination started back in 1970. “It began at Grossmont High School when Dad, (GENE ANDREWS, Sr.) was under the wings (as an assistant coach) of (head) coach JIM MANN, alongside friend, DON GEORGE,” Andrews Jr. recalled. Gene Sr., while under Mann, helped lead the Grossmont Foothillers to two back-to-back championships in 1970-71. “In 1970, Grossmont lost to St. Augustine , but redeemed themselves and beat Patrick Henry the following year to become CIF champs,” Andrews Jr. said. “Dad left after ’71 along with several coaches from Mount Miguel to entertain a coaching job in Wyoming at Pinedale High.” Gene Andrews Sr. would end his coaching career years later at Pinedale High, and enter the school’s hall of fame as a coach.” Steve George and Gene Andrews Jr. grew up together in Lakeside , living only two houses away from each other. George recalls, “I can remember the days of backyard football at Gene’s and great family fishing trips with the Andrews’ clan down to Baja. Our families took many vacations together.” Steve and Gene would end up on a coaching carousel from 1991, starting at El Cajon Valley, where both of them would remain until 1994 when they would part ways. Gene would end up at Granite Hills High along side then head coach MITCH BURTON. Andrews would remain at Granite Hills through the 1998 season, and George at El Cajon Valley. In 1999, legendary coach DAVE GROSS would reunite George and Andrews yet again for a short-lived assistant coaching gig at Mount Miguel. After Gross moved to Santana a year later, Andrews and George would part yet again, focusing on teaching rather than coaching. Through all the years of dedicated teaching and coaching high school students, the George-Andrews duo were about to embark on their biggest coaching challenge yet. “In 2007 I received a call from a teacher at Granite, they were interested in a freshman football coach, hmmmm... (my son) Tyler was going to be a freshman at Granite the next year as well as Dylan (Andrews),” said George. He gladly took the job. Gene Andrews, Jr. said, “Wow! I couldn’t believe the news, this was gonna be great, both of our kids playing for us.” Gene had been coaching the Eagles varsity since 2005. Steve would end up having the pleasure of coaching both boys, their freshman year. In 2009 the quartet would finally be joined together on the same team, united as one, pure excitement. However this would be a work in progress. Both Tyler and Dylan would be promoted to varsity as sophomores. Tyler has started all three years. Dylan would move up and down due to QB controversy, which had nothing to do with him. Dylan would catch a big break, as the starting quarterback job would come available early in the last game of the season in 2009. He would play QB over three quarters of the final game, for which he would be rewarded with a varsity letter. Dylan Andrews and Tyler George are two very humble young men. They are both about a team effort, rather than individual accomplishments. When asked about his father being part of his team. Dylan responded, “It’s always challenging when your Dad is on the coaching staff, but on the other hand he gives me more insight.” “I try to leave him alone and let the offensive coaches do their job,” coach Andrews explained. Coach George added, “It is great because we can watch our sons play, but not be directly involved as their coach.” When asked what the future holds for him, Dylan Andrews said, “I would like to play college ball, but I want to take the first year to get stronger.” At the top of Dylan’s list is Chico State where he wants to obtain a business degree. As for Tyler George, “I’m not done playing after this year, I have too much love for the game. I’ll go wherever I have the best chance to play,” he said. Coach George concluded that Tyler is entertaining Division I schools, but is not ruling out local JC’s, and is currently talking with the University of Redlands. As for the future of the coaching tandem, it is on a year-to-year basis.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (11-3-11) — Realistically, the odds are off the board when it comes to Helix High. Thus Friday’s (Nov. 4) Grossmont Hills League game at Jim Arnaiz Field against Granite Hills doesn’t paint a pretty picture. The Highlanders are in a class by themself.

“They’re the No. 1 team in the county for a reason,” he noted.

Senior quarterback BRANDON LEWIS has passed for 1,791 yards and an East County high 22 touchdowns for the Highlanders, who have won seven straight.

“It’s difficult for us because we only play our starters about three quarters,” Starr said. “Football is a crazy game. If you make two turnovers it can cost you 14 points and that can change the game.”

Granite Hills lost its most valuable player, MICHAEL MILLIEN, who suffered a broken arm against Steele Canyon.

“We’re hoping we can have him back for the playoffs,” DeWitt said.

Helix has won 14 of the last 15 meetings between these two teams... Helix 48-7.

STEELE CANYON (6-2, 3-0 GHL) at GROSSMONT (4-3-1, 0-3 GHL) – Visiting Steele Canyon is looking ahead to next week’s Grossmont Hills League showdown against No. 1-ranked Helix.

Even if the Cougars are able to create a faceoff, they must make sure that they flip the Foothillers. If successful they will have a last shot at Helix that could create a co-championship in GHL.

The way Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE sees it, beating Grossmont will secure a high level playoff ticket considering Steele Canyon has won four straight.

“People like to think that our focus is on Helix, but the truth is we cannot look past Grossmont,” Boehmke said. “We are in a situation where this week’s game is the most important. We have to win this one to be considered for at least a 3 or 4 seed (in the SDCIF Division II playoffs).”

The bad news for the Cougars is running back LONNIE TUFF is done for the season and is looking at surgery. That has caused the Cougars to alter their offensive emphasis, which now focuses on quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE, running backs LaSHAWN WARE, ERNIE FLINT, MAURICE McNAMARA and ERNIE FLINT.

Thus Steele Canyon will turn to its defense to pave the way to the playoffs. And this is a strong unit indeed which includes defensive ends BEN GOSSMEYER and P.J. RUSSELL, tackle MARIO YAKOO, linebackers JAKE RUYSSCHAERT, RUDY DIRECTO and JONATHON GAUTHIER, corners McNamara, MICHAEL JORDAN and safeties CHANCELLER JAMES and BRITTEN WRIGHT.

“Our defense has been solid all year and is only getting better,” Boehmke said.

Youthful Grossmont finished its first five games undefeated but has since lost its last three straight.

“We’re struggling a bit,” said Foothillers coach RON MURPHY. “We should have gone off 4-0-1 but our last three losses have been a matter of three plays, so we could easily have been 6-2 or 6-0-1.”

Steele Canyon has won the last four meetings, including 51-0 last year. It won’t be that lopsided this time but the Cougars should cruise... Steele Canyon 38-14.

SANTANA (8-1, 2-1 GVL) at MONTE VISTA (1-7, 0-2 GVL) – A quick look at the schedule and it appears that Friday’s (Nov. 4) encounter would be an easy victory for the visiting Sultans.

Not so fast.

In spite of its sterling record, Santana is laden with injuries where no less than eight starters are hobbling. Key injuries include receiver LANDON LOZOYA (neck), running back SPENCER LOVE (neck), offensive lineman RUBEN ROSAS (neck), receiver-DB TYLER WEISS (groin), linebacker KEVIN BRADY (broken hand), and KYLER BROWNING (groin).

“We’ve been fortunate in terms of injuries this season,” Santana coach DAVE GROSS said.

“Obviously we would rather have a bye this week instead of next week,” he added. “So we need to survive this week and then regroup the next two weeks and finish 9-1. This is the most injuries we’ve had in recent years. This is certainly a game we cannot take for granted.”

Yet Monte Vista has not scored more than 14 points since a season-opening win over Serra.

“We have nothing to lose,” Monte Vista coach PAGE CULVER said.

The Monarchs lead this all-time series 21-11-3, including wins in 8 of the last 10

meetings. Santana prevailed 23-8 last year and should continue its upper hand this season... Santana 21-14.

So Friday night (Nov. 4) the Norsemen are looking to rebound against outmanned West Hills in El Cajon.

“We need to win these last two games to get a higher seed in the (San Diego CIF Division II) playoffs,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY. “More than that though riding a two-game winning streak can only help our confidence.”

It is no secret that quarterback FRANK FOSTER (1,777 yards, 25 TDs) is Valhalla ’s focus of attack. His arsenal of receivers includes ROBERT RUIZ (33-511, 4 TDs) and JEVON HASTEN (25-433, 6 TDs).

Twice West Hills has scored more than 21 points and both times the Wolf Pack came home winners.

“They’ve been playing hard lately,” Bussey said. “They are a physical team that will give us problems.”

Over the years this has been a hard-fought battle with West Hills clinging to a 9-8-1 all-time series lead... Valhalla 28-7.

Christian running back Trenton Sauls dives over a Santa Fe Christian defender for a touchdown during last Friday's Coastal League contest. (Photo by Anthony Gentile)

The Torreys have held four of their opponents to seven points or less. They have also scored 56 points three times.

“LJCD runs a lot of formations so they can give you a bunch of different looks,” said Christian offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER. “But I think we can move the ball on them. The big thing for us is not give up so many points on special teams (29 this season).”

Christian has one of the SDCIF’s most vaunted passing attacks led by senior quarterback SHANE DILLON (2,016 yards, 15 TDs). KYLE HARRIS, the East County’s No. 1 receiver a year ago, is tied for the lead again as a senior (45-733, 7 TDs). JASON GAINES has reeled in 34 passes for 413 yards and 4 scores in five games to stand fifth in East County.

This is a must win for the Vaqueros, who hope to elbow their way into the San Diego CIF Division III postseason activity. El Capitan closes its regular season next week against champion Mount Miguel where a victory is unlikely.

The Vaqueros’ hopes center around do-it-all senior JOSH MURPHY (1,010 all-purpose yards, 58 points). In the last game, Murphy was magnificent at quarterback in a 42-12 victory over Monte Vista.

“They have some good players,” El Cajon Valley coach NORM WHITEHEAD said. “But so do we. Coming off a bye last week has really helped us get healthy both physically and mentally. It is a better matchup for us. We have more speed and they have more size.

“But we are ready to go. I feel good about our chances,” Whitehead said.

The Vaqueros lead the all-time series 40-9-3, including 11 wins in the last 13 meetings. It may be a close one this time, but verdict goes to... El Capitan 27-19.

CALIPATRIA (6-2, 1-2 ML) at FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (4-4, 0-2 ML), Seau Field – The Hornets will return from the desert for the third time this year, taking on the host Knights in Friday's (Nov. 4) Manzanita League game.

Dogged by injuries, Foothills Christian has lost its last three games. The majority of those maladies have been on the offensive side which helps explain why the Knights have scored only 18 points during their recent skid.

The Hornets are a high-scoring team producing 26 points per game. Defense is Foothills strength... Calipatria 16-13.