Christian's Trent Sauls hauls in this over-the- shoulder reception, good for one of his pair of long touchdowns grabs to lift the Pats past visiting The Bishop's School, 56-36, Friday at Valley Stadium. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Patriots stretch the field, clinch second place By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (11-12-11) — Christian High was playing long ball with visiting Bishop’s in Friday’s (Nov.11) Coastal League finale at Granite Hills High’s Valley Stadium. Senior quarterback SHANE DILLON passed for 301 yards – averaging 33.4 yards for his nine completions (in 16 attempts) – powering the Patriots to a 56-36 victory and a second place league finish. Dillon totaled 345 yards total offense including two short yard touchdown runs. Dillon’s favorite target on this night was TRENT SAULS, who reeled in three passes for 202 yards including touchdowns of 81 and 73 yards. “This game is 80 percent effort and 20 percent ability,” said Sauls, a 6-foot, 205-pound sophomore. “They gave me the middle and were able to exploit it. Dillon’s throws were right on the money.” On both scoring junkets Sauls displayed amazing speed one might not expect for a man of his build. “He has deceptive speed,” Christian offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER said. “We were taking what they were giving us and much of the time that was Sauls over the middle.” Bishop’s defense was designed to take Christian’s season-long leading receivers — KYLE HARRIS and JASON GAINES – out of the equation. Going into this game those two ball hogs and had pulled down 89 passes for 1,251 yards and 12 TDs. The Knights limited the duo to one 60-yard reception by Gaines. “They were going man up on Harris and double covered Gaines with a safety,” Dillon said. “Forget about the numbers... those guys were still very valuable to us because they turned out being decoys.” It was another gallant performance by Patriots junior running back RAYVON OWENS, who slashed his way for 134 yards – his 5th 100-yard game – and touchdown dashes of 40, 2, 6 and 11 yards on 20 carries. He also caught two passes for 24 yards. In his last six games, Owens has scored 14 touchdowns. “He’s our MVP,” Christian head coach MATT OLIVER said. “He just wills us to win.” A linebacker on the defensive side, Owens recorded a team-best 12 tackles against Bishop’s (5-5, 1-4 CL). “He’s the real deal,” Oliver said. Owens said he “enjoys playing on both sides of the ball. “Wherever I can help the team most is where I want to be.” The Patriots (7-3, 4-1 CL), who forced five turnovers and amassed 540 total yards, scored 28 points in the final quarter to break open what had been a see-saw battle. They found the end zone on six of their eight possessions in the last two periods to erase a 22-20 halftime deficit. Bishop’s led 36-35 with 6:25 remaining when the Patriots went on a tear to finish with their highest scoring output on the season. A 73-yard bomb from Dillon to Sauls gave Christian the lead for keeps, 42-36 with 6:01 remaining. “This was one of the best games of my whole high school career,” Dillon said. “I’m not surprised by Sauls’ speed. Once I got him the ball I knew he knew where he wanted to go.” The clinching blow(s) came from another source. Let’s just say it’s a good thing Christian freshman PARIS MILLER didn’t take the day off. He covered back-to-back kickoff muffs by the Knights that led to Owens scoring bursts of 6 and 11 yards in the final five minutes. “I guess I would say I like offense more,” Owens said. “ Paris did a great job getting to those loose balls. After that, it was easy.” Gaines also had two fumble recoveries for the Patriots, who expect to earn the No. 2 seed in Division V of the San Diego CIF playoffs.

El Cajon Valley quarterback Jafar Alshimary (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Bravo to the Braves ECVHS ends 12-game skid By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (11-11-11) — Winless throughout the season, El Cajon Valley High was on the verge of just getting even in a ballgame for the first time in weeks, when disaster struck. Braves running back ANTOINE WHITE was a few yards away from a touchdown when suddenly the football was jarred from his hands by Monte Vista defender ERIC OWENS. "I fumbled the ball, then I thought, 'God, I have to pick it back up,' White recalled. "I just had to pick the ball back up and score for my team. I had to do it." "It was real scary." Not only did White scramble to beat a pair of Monarchs to the ball in the end zone, the Braves went on to register 22 straight points to skate past Monte Vista, 36-16, in the season finale for both ballclubs. With the triumph, El Cajon Valley (1-9 overall, 1-3 GVL) snapped a 12-game losing streak to finally win on the final day of the season. Meanwhile, the visiting Monarchs (1-9, 0-4) saw their skid reach 9 ballgames after claiming the season opener over Serra back on Labor Day weekend. "This is just a taste of what's going to happen next year," added White. "Everyone's returning except for five seniors, so we can keep this going." Along with his fumble recovery for a second-quarter score to knot the game at 8-8, White also recovered a loose ball on defense. Meanwhile, the Braves registered three interceptions to win the turnover battle, 4-1, as SIMON DALY, ANTHONY TY (36-yard runback) and AARON RAY collected picks. "We worked real hard in practice and it showed on the field today," said Ray, who gained his theft in the end zone for a touchback to help stop a late Monte Vista surge. "It feels real good to finally win. We had good preparation, we put a lot in the classroom, field sessions and everything." Taking the blunt of the long losing streak was ECVHS nose guard TRENTON CALDERON, who was double-teamed all season in the Braves 3-4 scheme. It was clear Calderon enjoyed the fruits of a victory some four months in the making. "It's tough out there and I have to keep my head up and go heads-up and push them, Calderon noted. "As for the scoreboard, I'm glad we won, and let's do it some more and be ready for next year." After Daly's TD, he recovered a fumble on the very next series, giving the Braves excellent field position to set-up a 19-yard TD pass from quarterback JAFAR ALSHIMARY to wide receiver ANTHONY MORALES in the far, right corner of the end zone for a 15-8 lead. Running back HUSSEIN ALNAEM then made it three Braves TDs in as many possessions on a 2-yard run. Alnaem finished with 23 carries for exactly 100 yards to lead both ballclubs. VIRNEL MOON then raced 15 yards on a fly sweep for the Braves’ fourth straight score to mount a 29-8 cushion in the third quarter. Then the ECVHS secondary took over when Monte Vista tried to throw deep in an attempt to rally. "We gave that early score, but then we stepped it up," said Daly, a senior cornerback. "And with three interceptions and a fumble recovery, it was a defensive battle for us – we brought it. "Finally winning feels great. We were in a lot of games so it was hard on us, but we came out with a victory tonight, so now we can celebrate against coach's old team. We got the 'W.'" JEREMY MEDLEY capped the Braves’ scoring with a late, 1-yard TD run, set-up on a 30-yard rush by Alnaem. The ground was also aided by 71 yards from Moon. Following a scoreless opening quarter, Monte Vista tallied first on a 14-yard TD pass by quarterback JOEY GONSALVES to receiver TIM BROWN. The Monarchs then added a 2-point conversion on a DEMONTE RIVERA run. The other Monte Vista score saw Gonsalves hit Brown for 17 yards down to the Braves-1, with Gonsalves sneaking in on the next snap. The Monarchs also received an interception by JAMES SYKES, who also recorded three receptions for 47 yards. In addition, defensive end JUSTIN BRADY collected one of his team's two sacks.

Monte Vista running back Samuel Taylor (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

Grossmont remains in hunt for CIF berth By Joe Roberts © East County Sports.com SANTEE (11-11-11) — An offensive explosion in the second quarter along with shut-down defense by Grossmont High proved to be too much for host West Hills in a 33-10 Grossmont Hills League ballgame Thursday (Nov. 10) in the teams' regular-season finale at Wolf Pack Stadium. With the victory, the playoff aspirations of the Foothillers (5-4-1, 1-4 GHL) remain alive. The CIF San Diego Section will announced pairings in all five divisions this Saturday at 11 a.m. The Wolf Pack jumped on the board first when senior kicker JOSH McINTIRE booted a career-long, 47-yard field goal. The boot increased his East County lead wiith a half-dozen three-pointers on the season. After that, it would be all Grossmont. The Hillers responded with an 8-play, 80-yard drive, capped by a 7-yard touchdown scamper by quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE. Grossmont's defense then took over, including a sack by TIGRAN GUMUSHYAN. That translated into Grossmont beginning its next drive in Wolf Pack territory, as the Hillers grabbed a 14-3 advantage in the second quarter on a 4-yard rushing touchdown by JEFF BOWERS. By the time the half ended, Grossmont would tack on a pair of additional touchdowns to grab a 28-3 lead. Included was a touchdown by MARLON LAMPARD, who scored on his first touch of the game on a 46-yard burs. He looked like something out of a video game when he was able to break a tackle and do a quick spin move to give him a straight path to the endzone. Just before the intermission, Lawrence found one of his favorite receivers in RYAN GREEN for a 21-yard toss and catch on a fourth down play. The defense got into the act by forcing a fumble that was recovered by linebacker COLTON ANDERSON. The Hillers' defense only allowed three first downs and 38 yards inthe first half. Solid defense by both sides led to three turnovers and a scoreless third quarter. Senior ZACK EDELMAN and WALTER FRANK made their presence felt for the Wolf Pack. Edelman recorded two tackles and a batted pass at the line of scrimmage. Frank was all over the field for the defense, but made his biggest splash when he jumped on a loose ball to give the Wolf Pack their second takeaway. The Grossmont defense was led by MARCUS PHILLIPS who intercepted a pair of passes. The second came when the Wolf Pack had been moving the ball and took a shot down field only to be denied by Phillips, who stepped in front of the receiver. On the first play of the fourth quarter, West Hills looked to convert on 4th-and-5 and succeeded when STEPHAN SALAZ made a shoestring catch. On the following play, quarterback RASHAAN MILLER sneaked in from 1-yard out to give the Wolf Pack their only touchdown of the contest. Grossmont served up a heavy dose of Walker, who tallied 19 carries for 197 yards. He had a 54-yard run that set up JON GREEN, who plunged into the endzone from two yards out. Walker had another lengthy run of 65 yards on their next possession, when Grossmont was able to go to victory formation and seal the game. “It was a good win for us,” said Grossmont head coach RON MURPHY, who believes his side stands a solid chance to garner a postseason berth. “We needed a big win against our rivals on our resume to help before playoff seedings begins.”

Another simply dominant
Highlanders performance
Grossmont Hills League champions
now set sights to CIF competition

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (11-11-11) — When the Helix Highlanders are involved it seems like it’s not fair to the remainder of the East County teams.

It’s not like the games are illegal, but any of the matchups involving Helix with other Grossmont Conference teams produce lopsided results.

No surprise Helix’s 49-7 rout of Steele Canyon in Thursday’s (Nov. 10) battle of Grossmont Hills League front runners produced the Highlanders’ second loop title in as many years.

“This is the first step to where we want to go,” said Helix senior KENDAL KEYS of capturing the GHL flag. “It doesn’t matter who we play… we come out hard and expect the results to be the same.”

Depsite an obvious holding penalty, nothing can stop Helix pass-rusher Amu Milo (54) from sacking Steele Canyonn quarterback Brandon Andrade in Friday's 49-7 triumph. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PUECHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

And so they have been. The Highlanders (9-1, 5-0 GHL), who have won 10 league encounters in a row, expect to earn the No. 1 seed in the San Diego CIF II Division II playoffs.

In addition to a 9-game winning streak the fact that the Highlanders have outscored their last nine foes 299-17 in the first half magnifies their strength and power.

“Winning league is a major check mark for us,” Helix coach TROY STARR said. “It is the first of the rung of a three-prong achievement for us.”

The Highlanders scored on the first play of the game when DARRION HANCOCK bolted 80 yards for a touchdown.

“It was a simple play – a basic 96 Crunch,” said Highlanders’ quarterback BRANDON LEWIS. “He is probably the best back in CIF.”

Hancock finished with 145 yards on six rushes. He also caught a shovel pass for 12 yards.

“It’s just another W for us,” said Lewis, who completed 7 of 14 passes for 147 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Starr focused on their 1-2 running tandem of Hancock and MICHAEL ADKINS.

“We talk about those two backs as Thunder and Lightning,” said Lewis. “Hancock is quick with a spin move on a dime. Adkins brings the lightning and speed. He can dance around to the outside. Hancock runs over people and that spin move makes him one of the top backs in the section.”

Adkins scored on an 8-yard run that hiked the Highlanders’ lead to 21-0 in the second quarter.

The majority of the Highlanders touchdowns came from long distance. In addition to Hancock’s long distance break from the start, Keys scored on a 57-yard pass and JIMMY PRUITT scored on a 30-yard pass, both of which were delivered by Lewis.

Helix picked off two passes, including a 31-yard touchdown scoring romp by ROMELLO CARBUCCIA, which at the time gave the Highlanders a 35-0 lead.

Steele Canyon finished with 137 total yards. BRANDON ANDRADE completed 15 passes for 84 yards.

LASHAWN WARE scored on a 19-yard run for the Cougars.

.Helix running back Michael Adkins, (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PUECHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

VALHALLA 47, GRANITE HILLS 14 – With the San Diego CIF playoffs looming on Thursday (Nov. 10), the final night of the regular season, there were two very different agendas when Granite Hills faced off against Valhalla on its own senior night. Both teams are lobbying to make a deep run in the playoffs, but the two squads have different paths ahead of them.

In Division I the Eagles are just clinging to the hope that a 3-1 stand against Division I rivals, as well as playing in one of the toughest leagues in the state, will earn them a post-season berth.

Meanwhile, Valhalla (7-3, 3-2 GHL), which finished third, is seeking a top-6 seed in SDCIF Division II, which would all but guarantee a first round home game.

“Coach (CHARLES) BUSSEY and the rest of the staff told us all week that we need to focus on ourselves and our game plan to help us get ready for the playoffs,” senior quarterback and team captain FRANK FOSTER stated.

After Eagles’ defensive back MATT MAZON intercepted Foster’s very first offensive play of the night on an overthrown ball, the rest of the night proved to be nothing but smooth sailing for the Norsemen and their offense was nothing short of spectacular.

Valhalla senior running back KYLE QUARLES broke through the line and sped 49 yards for the touchdown, the first on the night as seven different Norsemen put their names in the scoring log.

“My O-line opened up the hole for me and I saw daylight so I just took it,” Quarles said.

His opening scamper was the first of many big plays for the Norsemen as they accounted for 10 plays over 23 yards on the night.

After Foster led Valhalla to a long drive that came up empty in the likes of a missed field goal, he was on point the rest of the night.

In the second quarter Valhalla struck quickly when Foster rolled off right tackle and sprinted 74 yards for the TD, directing blockers down the field to pick off would-be tacklers. AMMON DUNN’s second PAT of the day put the Norsemen ahead 14-0 with 10:27 remaining to play until intermission.

“They were playing man coverage and their rush all flew right by me so I was just trying to make a play for our team,” Foster said.

He wouldn’t have made it the last 30 yards though if it weren’t for receiver JEVON HASTEN making a crucial block on his defender to ensure Foster the score.

“Frank played well like he always does,” Bussey said. “He’s such a dual-threat option for us both running and passing the ball.”

Foster then went on a throwing rampage as he hit 4 different receivers for touchdowns in a span that only saw 3:50 come off the clock. Hasten was the first recipient on a 10-yard strike. This time the PAT attempt was blocked by the Eagles’ TERRANCE BATTLE. WARREN PRESTON was the next to score as a fade route between he and Foster played out to perfection for 49 yards.

One Eagles turnover resulted in Foster hitting ROBERT RUIZ for a touchdown only 30 seconds later to end the half.

The third quarter started with fireworks as Granite Hills made a failed onside kick that was jumped on by an alert SCOTT PERRY for the Norsemen. On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, Foster threw a dart to running back KEVIN MILLS for a 50-yard touchdown.

TAYLOR FLEURY and DYLAN WHITTINGHAM led the Eagles’ attack by combining to rush for 108 yards on 27 carries while Fleury also hauled in a 9- yard pass for a touchdown from senior quarterback DYLAN ANDREWS..

Eagles sophomore EDDIE PASKLE, who will eventually become a blue chip lacrosse recruit, also scored his first touchdown as a varsity player on a 7-yard run late in the game. Kicker GABE KANE’s PAT attempts were good.

Valhalla added an insurance touchdown in the fourth quarter when JIHAD ELDER broke free for a 72-yard TD, followed by RAMSEY ROMANO’s successful PAT kick.

Foster was 14-18-1 passing with 4 TDs and 277 passing yards. He was able to break the 2,000-yard barrier, ending the regular season with 2,009 yards.

Helix’ BRANDON LEWIS ended the regular season with 2,111 yards, and Christian’s SHANE DILLON has thrown for 2,219 yards before the Patriots’ regular-season ending matchup with Bishop’s on Friday (Nov. 11).

Bussey is eager to get the playoffs started.

“Hey we’re in the dance and that’s all that matters,” he said.

— Andrew Smith

Squeeze Play II

Creating an Eagle sandwich are Valhalla defenders Christopher Farrell (45) and Anthony Buzzell (54) in a 47-14 decision. (Photo by Don De Mars)

MOUNT MIGUEL 42, EL CAPITAN 0 – As predicted previously by our own Fearless Forecaster, this one got ugly in a hurry on Thursday (Nov. 10) as the Matadors clinched their second straight Grossmont Valley League title outright with a lopsided victory over outmanned El Capitan .

The Vaqueros (3-7, 2-2 GVL) would limit Mount Miguel to 7 points at the conclusion of the first quarter.

“We had a game plan, just made too many mistakes, and didn’t convert early opportunities,” El Capitan coach RON BURNER stated.

That is exactly what took place on this last night of the regular season.

El Capitan had great field position early, but two punts and a 29-yard interception by Mount Miguel defensive back HENRY INGRAM (his 5th theft) squandered the Vaqueros early opportunity.

Mount Miguel (8-1, 4-0) went on to score 28 unanswered points, including a blocked 28-yard field goal attempt and return by defensive back O’ NEAL STIDUM for an 80-yard touchdown, catapulting the Matadors ahead 35-0 at the half.

Matadors senior running back DERRICK DUNN scored on runs of 61 yards and 4 yards en route to rushing for 131 yards on 12 carries.

“We just executed on what we saw on film, and we picked up the blitz,” Dunn said. “We now await the announcement of our seeding on Saturday.”

Quarterback ERNEST WILLIAMS was an economic passer, completing nine of 12 aerials for 169 yards and three scores. FRANCO LUNA hauled down a 64-yard TD pass and SHANNON NICKSON snagged an 11-yard scoring spiral.

At the start of the second half it was decided by the officials that a running clock would be implemented.

Once again running back TONY DOZIER bounced off the bench to garner 82 yards on a mere three carries for Mount Miguel . JAVON GAUTHIER was the Matadors leading receiver with four catches for 56 yards.

SHAKA ROBINSON gathered in three passes for 38 yards and one TD for the Matadors.

“This team is well coached, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they win the (SDCIF Division IV) championship,” Burner added.

— Dave Dickens

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 35, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – At Pine Valley; No details reported.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (11-9-11) — It doesn’t seem to matter where the Helix Highlanders play, it only takes a quarter or two to prove their No. 1 ranking in the San Diego CIF.

“This is what you play for,” Steele Canyon coach RON BOEHMKE said. “We’re in a position to challenge the No. 1 team in the county for our league championship. You can’t ask for more than that.”

While Steele Canyon (7-2, 4-0 GHL) views this as a golden opportunity, Helix (8-1, 4-0 GHL) continues to look into the future – i.e., the San Diego CIF Division II crown and a possible berth in the state bowl game championships.

“We hope to play our last game in the Carson Home Depot Center (site of the state bowl game),” said Helix coach TROY STARR.

Not that Starr is overlooking the regular season finale against the Cougars.

The fact that Helix is a senior-laden team is no secret to Boehmke.

“I’m not sure but I believe all their receivers are Division I guys,” he said. “They make stuff happen.

“The key is we’ve got to get pressure on their quarterback (BRANDON LEWIS). If our defense is unable to slow their offense down it could be a long night for us,” Boehmke added.

Linebacker GARY THOMPSON, who has already accepted a scholarship to Marshall University , is the cornerstone of the Helix defense along with tackle AMU MILO. This is a unit that also includes blue-chip defenders/receivers JIMMY PRUITT, CAMERON LEE, KENDAL KEYS and running backs DARRION HANCOCK and MICHAEL ADKINS.

Steele Canyon will attack the Highlanders with a ground game of rushers-by-committee. The ever-improving BRANDON ANDRADE has hoisted the Cougars’ passing game, which features blue-chip receiver CHANCELLER JAMES.

UCLA-bound MARIO YAKOO (6-4, 320) anchors a solid Steele Canyon offensive line.

“Helix has an attack defense and an offense that can score on every play,” Boehmke said. “Our job is to find a way to diffuse what they do.”

The Highlanders have won seven of nine in the all-time series and don’t figure to stumble this time... Helix 35-14.

VALHALLA (6-3, 2-2 GHL) at GRANITE HILLS (5-4, 1-3 GHL) – The Norsemen have won 9 of the last 10 meetings in this neighborhood series but the Eagles need an upset victory in Thursday’s (Nov. 10) Grossmont Hills League finale to assure themselves a position in the San Diego CIF Division I playoffs.

“This is a classic end of the (regular) season game,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT. “It’s a traditional rivalry... a big game for our alumni and our community.”

The pressure is more on Granite Hills, which has to jockey with North County schools for a playoff position.

“I think one of the best things we have going for us is we are 3-1 against Division I teams,” DeWitt added. “That, and we’re getting healthy again.”

Valhalla needs a victory to secure a home game and a Top 6 seed in the SDCIF Division II bracket. No matter how you draw it the Norsemen have way more weapons than the Eagles. Valhalla looks to senior quarterback FRANK FOSTER (1,971 yards, 29 TDs total offense).

Receivers KEVIN MILLS is averaging 18.2 yards per catch, JEVON HASTEN (17.1 ypc) and ROBERT RUIZ (15.3 ypc) for Valhalla.

Running backs KYLE QUARLES and JIHAD ELDER pump new life into the Norsemen’s running game.

“We’re looking for momentum going into the playoffs,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY. “I told my kids it’s not about them; it’s about us. We need to focus on winning this game and not worry about who says what or who does what.”

Considering both teams bring their “A” game, the nod goes to... Valhalla 42-20.

GROSSMONT (4-4-1, 0-4 GHL) at WEST HILLS (2-7, 1-3 GHL) – When playoff pairings are designed there are few guarantees for teams whose record winds up near the.500 mark.

Grossmont coach RON MURPHY is well aware of that. His youthful Foothillers started out 4-0-1, but then hit rough sledding when they began Grossmont Hills League play. Like 0-4.

Thus, the Hillers are most likely looking at a must-win situation in Thursday’s (Nov. 10) regular season finale at West Hills.

“No question we need to win this game,” Murphy said. “The three things they (the playoff selection committee) look at are record, strength of schedule and number of signature wins.”

Grossmont arguably plays in one of the San Diego CIF’s toughest leagues. And when it comes to signature wins the Foothillers are the only ones to defeat Metro South Bay League champs Mar Vista (32-21).

But first things first... Grossmont 27-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (7-1, 3-0 GVL) at EL CAPITAN (3-6, 2-1 GVL) – These two teams fought to a 14-14 tie a year ago, which officially made them co-champions of the Grossmont Valley League. The Matadors, however, were declared the league’s top seed to the playoffs by virtue of edging the Vaqueros 21-20 in double-overtime.

The Matadors are an explosive lot, losing only to top-ranked Helix. They have scored 55 points or more three times and less than 28 only once.

On the flip side, six of El Capitan ’s foes have generated 30 points or more in five games. However, the Vaqueros have tightened down the defense allowing only 19 points in back-to-back wins.

One glaring comparison is how the teams fared against 9-1 Santana. The Vaqueros submitted to a 56-6 beating at the hands of the Sultans, while Mount Miguel smacked Santana 37-23 in the championship bout two weeks ago.

So when El Capitan hosts Mount Miguel on Thursday’s (Nov. 10) regular season finale it might not be pretty... Mount Miguel 28-12.

MONTE VISTA (1-8, 0-3 GVL) at EL CAJON VALLEY (0-9, 0-3 GVL) – Good chance for the Braves to snap a 12-game losing streak when they close the season Thursday (Nov. 10) in a Grossmont Valley League encounter.

The Monarchs, who won their season opener 12-7 over Serra, would settle with a bookend season, meaning they need to beat the Braves in the finale.

Monte Vista has not scored more than 14 points in a game and has been shut out three times. The Monarchs have two of the East County ’s better players in JAMES SYKES and ERIC OWENS and that may be enough to overpower the Braves.

El Cajon Valley has lost four straight to the Monarchs and has beaten Monte Vista only once in 18 games since 1978... Monte Vista 21-14.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (4-5, 0-3 ML) at MOUNTAIN EMPIRE ( 8-1, 2-1 ML) – The struggling Knights, who have scored only 18 points in four straight losses, travel to Pine Valley to face the title conscious Red Hawks in Thursday’s (Nov. 10) Manzanita League finale.

While the Knights are hoping to avert going winless in the new league, Mountain Empire is in contention for a share of the circuit crown along with the Holtville-Calipatria winner.

Defense continues to be Foothills Christian’s stronghold, but the Knights must put up some points. In the last six games the injury-riddled Knights have scored more than 12 points only once... Mountain Empire 20-7.

Fri., Nov. 11
CHRISTIAN (6-3, 3-1 CL) vs. BISHOP’s (5-4, 1-3 CL) at Granite Hills – The Patriots need a victory to secure second place in the rugged Coastal League, but defeating state champion Bishop’s in the Friday (Nov. 11) night finale will be no small chore.

The Knights have beaten the Patriots three times in the last two years but that doesn’t make them the favorite this time around, although the Knights’ lineup includes big playmakers quarterback Joey Moreno, running back Jake Seau and wide receiver Dominique Love.

“When they have those three guys they’ve been very, very good,” said Patriots offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER. “When one or two of them are missing they struggle. Unfortunately for us they’ll have them all.”

One of the unexpected agents for Christian has been junior running back RAYVON OWENS. A blue-chip linebacker, Owens has rushed for 922 yards which is tops in East County.

“Going into the season we knew we’d be able to throw the ball,” Beezer said. “But our running game was suspect. We weren’t sure what we had. But Owens has come up big for us and now we have more than just a respectable running game.”

As expected, SHANE DILLON is East County ’s leading passer with 2,219 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for five touchdowns.

Patriots KYLE HARRIS (48-777, 7 TDs) is East County ’s leading receiver and JASON GAINES (41-474, 5 TDs) ranks third in pass receptions.

Although these campuses are separated by 20 miles, this is kind of a neighborhood rivalry as the Knights head coach, JOEL ALLEN, is a former Patriots quarterback... Christian 30-21.