Valhalla's Ben Howard (right) gets behind the secondary for the pass reception. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Mount Miguel claims outright GVL crown on last-second field goal by late addition By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com SPRING VALLEY (11-3-12) — A midseason catch by the Mount Miguel High football coaching staff turned out to be the finishing piece to the puzzle that would become the Matadors third straight Grossmont Valley League championship. Junior JOSUE BEAS, whose senior brother GABRIEL BEAS is a starting defensive tackle for the Matadors, was discovered in an education leadership class by one of the Mount Miguel football assistants. “When our starting kicker (EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ) went down we had to start looking around for help,” Mount Miguel head coach SHAUN McDADE said. “Josue is a soccer player so we pitched the idea of being our kicker.” That was four weeks ago. “Josue didn’t make his first varsity (football) kick until three weeks ago,” McDade noted. Beas never made a bigger placement than Friday night (Nov. 2) when he sailed a 33-yard field goal through the uprights with 1.4 seconds remaining that gave Mount Miguel a 38-35 victory over visiting El Capitan and a four-game sweep to the GVL title. The Matadors’ long snapper, ROBERT RIOS, was set to hike the ball to JACOB CASTILLO, the holder, but El Capitan (4-6, 2-2 GVL) called time out. “During that time out we all gathered around Josue,” said Mount Miguel quarterback BRAD MORENO. “We told him to relax. Actually I think when they called that time out it gave him a chance to catch his breath. I know that time outs are intended to freeze the kicker, but I’m not sure it works that way.” In this case it probably “thawed” the kicker, as Beas made the game-winning boot with plenty to spare. Moreno led the offensive charge for the Matadors as he scored on an 11-yard run and fired a 28-yard touchdown pass to JOVAN RICHARDSON, staking Mount Miguel to a 14-7 lead with 45 seconds left in the 2nd quarter. El Capitan wasted little time tying the game as DAMON DONAHOO returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. However, 24 seconds later the Matadors’ long-ball offense countered with back-to-back passes by Moreno for 76 yards and a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line. BEN LOMIBAO took the ball across for the final yard. Lomibao finished the game with 180 yards and 2 touchdowns on 29 carries. No doubt the biggest play of the game outside of the decisive field goal was a last-minute interception by DEVAUGHN MURRAY’s, his 4th interception of the season – three of which he has taken back for touchdowns (one nullified by a penalty). This game was headed for overtime until Murray came up big, picking off a pass at the Mount Miguel 26 and returning it to the El Capitan 9-yard line with 26 seconds left. The Matadors’ offense stalled at that point, but Beas came to the rescue. Moreno competed 11 of 20 passes for 178 yards and a pair of touchdowns along with rushing for 96 yards and a score on 10 carries. Moreno was playing with a jammed thumb, which he had suffered earlier in the week in practice, and it was questionable if he would even be able to play in the game. “When the stakes are this high you just play through the pain,” he said. “You know, when you play El Capitan they have a whole boatload of trick plays. It’s hard to guess what’s coming. In the films we’d seen of them they’d shown a basic 3-3 Stack defense. We tested them with the run and did pretty well early on, but they caught on and shut that down. “I mean, these guys run the whole gamut of junk offenses, including the Statue of Liberty – nobody runs that. You never know what to expect from them.” Added Moreno, “But the main thing is our goal was to become 3-peat champions, and we were able to do that. We finished strong so I think we should get a decent seed – at least in the middle, if not higher.” The El Capitan book of tricks was guided by quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who completed 15 of 36 passes for 191 yards and 3 touchdowns. The sophomore signal caller also scored on a double pass from JAKE ALVERNAZ. Donahoo had 5 kickoff returns averaging 48.4, which puts him at the top of the East County leader board. When El Capitan cut Mount Miguel ’s lead to 35-34 on a 15-yard scoring pass from Cagle to CHRIS PEARSON, the Vaqueros had a chance to go for a 2-point play with 3:13 left. “We had a 2-point play ready to go and I really thought about it a lot, but most of my coaches said there was too much time remaining,” said Vaqueros coach RON BURNER. “But they found a hole in our defense and that hurt us. I will say this though, every trick play we ran worked – even the Statue of Liberty.” Both of these teams should advance to the playoffs – Mount Miguel to Division IV and El Capitan to Division III.

Grossmont's Perry Sherrod (20) takes down a West Hills foe. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (11-3-12) — Great disappointment followed the start of the Monte Vista High football season, dropping all three ballgames against City Conference opponents.

"We struggled to move the ball on offense in the early going," admitted starting left guard DONOVAN TACADENA.

Indeed, look at the Monarchs now, entering the postseason on a 4-game winning streak following Friday's (Nov. 2) homecoming victory over El Cajon Valley, 42-20, in Grossmont Valley League action.

Under the leadership of first-year head coach RON HAMAMOTO, Monte Vista (6-4 overall, 3-1 GVL) finished in second place for the school's lone first-division result since capturing the old Grossmont South League in 2004.

"Now we're getting used to blocking in the double-wing and are really moving the ball," added Tacadena. "And because of that, we absolutely can go out there and win a playoff game next week."

JEMEIL JACKSON carried the ball 16 times for 118 yards and three touchdowns, while SAM TAYLOR rushed 10 times for 102 yards to fuel Monte Vista's ground game, which collected 307 yards against the Braves.

However, the Monarchs defense keyed the triumph, forcing three turnovers and collecting five quarterback sacks, including a pair of early takedowns by KYLE MYERS to set the tone and shutout the El Cajon Valley offense in the first half.

Jackson took the handoff on the game's third play from scrimmage, racing 46 yards to open the scoring just 95 seconds into the contest.

And when Monte Vista surprised the visitors with a squib kickoff, CRISTIAN GONZALEZ capped a 7-play drive with a 5-yard TD run, giving the Monarchs a 14-0 cushion before the Braves ever had possession.

However, El Cajon Valley made the big plays in the second quarter to temporarily get back into the ballgame. Linebacker ANTHONY TY stepped in front of a slant route, intercepting a pass and raced 20 yards for an easy touchdown to cut the deficit in half.

HECTOR MALDONADO and Ty then registered open-field, solo tackles to force a 3-and-out, getting the ball back near midfield with a chance to escape the first half in a tie. However, Monte Vista's MARTIN BELMONTE registered a third-quarter sack, then a 43-yard field goal attempt just missed to the left.

"We knew we couldn't underestimate them, because if we didn't beat them, we may not get a spot in the playoffs," noted Jackson, a junior who needs 156 yards to become the first Monarchs back to achieve 1,000 yards since DARRELL MACK in the afore-mentioned 2004 campaign. "We had to come back hard in the second half and stop their momentum."

The wake-up call saw the Monte Vista defense force three turnovers while the offense scored four touchdowns after the break.

"After talking in the ready room (at halftime), we knew we had to come out harder," added Jackson.

Sounding the alarm was TIM BROWN, who recovered a fumble on the second play of the half. Although his return for a score was called back by a penalty, Gonzalez rushed for 14 yards on the next play, then Jackson ran for an 18-yard TD on the ensuing snap.

And when Monte Vista recovered another onside kickoff, THOMAS WALKER capped a 6-play drive from midfield with a 20-yard run around the left corner, ending any Braves attempt at a comeback.

"They started out blocking really hard, but then towards the end they started leaving gaps and I was able to get into the backfield and make a play," added Tacadena, who also posted a sack while on defense. The senior is expected to return to his hometown and play for Santa Barbara City College next season.

El Cajon Valley (3-7, 0-4 GVL) received late scores on a 1-yard run by SADIQ ALMOSAWI, which was set-up on a 33-yard ANGEL RUIZ pass to ALAN MICHAEL HARRIS (4 catches, 77 yards). Ruiz (7-18-1, 147 yards) later found VIRNEL MOON on a deep pass along the right sideline for a 73-yard touchdown.

The Braves also received sacks from D’ANDRE TOLBERT and Maldonado.

 
GROSSMONT 55, WEST HILLS 17 – Grossmont had a bitter taste in its mouth, losing back-to-back games against perennial powers Valhalla and Helix.

“We had two straight weeks with four turnover games, so we wanted to come in hitting on all cylinders,” said Foothillers coach TOM KARLO.

The Hillers indeed hit on all cylinders Friday night (Nov. 2) with a of West Hills at home on Senior Night.

“This night was for the seniors and I couldn’t be happier for the win,” Karlo added. Grossmont finishes the regular season 8-2, (3-2 GVL) their best record since 2003, while West Hills dropped to 6-4, (1-4 GVL). Both teams will be anxious to see where they are seeded in the playoffs Saturday.

With the two top offenses in the league on display, the Grossmont defense made a statement, holding West Hills to 281 yards total offense. Grossmont tallied 606 yards total offense. “We’re going in (to the playoffs) with a good overall picture on things,” said Karlo.

West Hills led for 1 minute after a DANIEL McMANUS field goal on the opening drive of the game gave the Wolf Pack a 3-0 lead. Then Grossmont’s ANTHONY LAWRENCE, arguably the best quarterback in the SDCIF, took advantage of the overmatched West Hills defense, answering with a 59-second, 5-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 7- yard touchdown strike to a double covered CHRISTIAN BROOKS.

Lawrence finished the game 31-for-41 for 365 yards and 6 touchdowns. BRANDON BROWN chipped in 86 yards passing and touchdown to give the Hillers 451 yards passing on the night. Eleven different Hiller receivers had at least 1 reception. Wide receiver/kicker JT BARNES single handedly outscored West Hills with 3 receiving touchdowns and 7 extra points. The Hillers didn’t punt the entire game.

West Hills was still in the game after a 4-play 54-yard drive ended with a RASHAAN MILLER 2-yard touchdown pass to PEANUT HERRADA made the score 28-17 at the half. Then Grossmont opened the second half with a 7-play 80-yard drive that only took 2 minutes off the clock, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to Brooks. That would be the first of 4 unanswered 2nd half touchdowns as the Hillers’ fast paced offense was too much for the Wolf Pack defense to overcome.

The Hillers hope the win was impressive enough to earn the coveted bye week. “We’re ranked in the top 4 (according to Maxpreps.com) – we’re the leading scoring team in Division I. I think we’ve done enough to be in the discussion for the top 4 teams,” said Karlo.

“We have a great scheme, I think we definitely deserve (the bye week),” said Lawrence who finishes his regular season with more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.

— DAVID HURST

The Foothillers' Marlon Lampart (1) joins teammates to celebrate his touchdown. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

HELIX 46, STEELE CANYON 10 – The goal was simple: One win and Steele Canyon would garner one of the final spots for the Division II San Diego section playoffs. After playing arguably the toughest schedule in the entire county, the Cougars had only one problem...the Helix High Highlanders.

Helix (7-1, 4-0) is ranked no. 2 in the section and probably isn't even happy about that. They'll get their chance to deal with Oceanside down the line it seems. Friday's (Nov 2) encounter with Steele Canyon (3-5-1, 2-2) certainly wasn't going to stand in their way.

It was Steele Canyon 's high octane offense versus the jaw breaking Highlander defense. Something had to give. It wasn't the Scotties. Helix apparently forgot to put out the welcome mat for the Cougars. The 2012 version of the Highlanders is still potent on offense. But this defense is what might ultimately bring the Scotties another Division II crown.

In a recurring theme this year, there was a lot of staring at senior running back MICHAEL ADKINS' backside. Adkins torched the Cougars for 3 TD's on runs of 3, 17 and 29 yards. He finished the night with 131 yards on 13 carries. For good measure he added another 45 receiving yards to quarterback JOSH HARRIS' total of 247 yards.

Adkins talked about the importance of this game.

“It was important to keep our momentum going,” he said. “We wanted to find a rhythm with both the run game and the pass game heading into the playoffs, and we were able to do that tonight.”

Wideout JALEN DAVIS opened the Highlanders’ scoring by hauling in a 48-yard Harris pass on the first drive. He closed the offensive scoring with a 59 yard scamper, finishing with 148 yards on 4 catches.

Did I mention the Helix defense?

Steele Canyon quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE must have thought Helix was lining up in the backfield. They certainly spent enough time there. Multiple players combined for 7 sacks and many more hurries.

Among those involved in the action was Helix linebacker ROCKY FUGA. Fuga had a solo sack in the first half but saved his best work to finish the Helix scoring. Dropping in coverage; deep in Cougar territory, Fuga picked off an Andrade pass and headed for the end zone. Seemingly about to be stopped at the 5-yard line, Fuga lowered his head. And then his shoulders. He then lowered two defenders on his way in.

“I got a good drop and recognized early that it was a drag route,” he said. "Once I got my hands on the ball, it was going to be hard to keep me out of the end zone".

The Cougars certainly played hard with their playoff lives on the line. Running back LONNIE TUFF lived up to his last name. He scored the lone Steele Canyon touchdown and ended with 81 yards on the ground. And they weren't easy yards.

It was just a matter of way too much Helix. With the San Diego Section playoff pairings coming out today (Nov. 3), the Cougars can only hope their brutal early schedule will be looked upon favorably by the selection committee.

— MARK MEADOWS

Valhalla running back Jihad Elder (8) smashes up the middle on one of his two TDs. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

VALHALLA 41, GRANITE HILLS 0 – The Norsemen hosted Senior Night on Friday evening (Nov. 2), entertaining their crosstown rival Granite Hills in a Grossmont Hills league finale. The theme just as easily could have been “Retro Night.” For years, Valhalla ran the old Wing-T offense: run, run some more, and — when you run out of ways to run, run it again.

Then former head coach, STEVE SUTTON, came to Valhalla, threw out the Wing-T, and introduced the Norsemen offense to the forward pass. When CHARLES BUSSEY took over the reins, passing remained in vogue. Quarterbacks PETE THOMAS, FRANK FOSTER and now RAMSEY ROMANO lit up the skies every Friday night during the football season — until Retro Night, when the Norsemen reverted to their former ways, putting up 358 rushing yards compared to 81 passing yards in a romp over the Eagles.

Valhalla didn’t take long to put the offense in gear and take off. Starting its first possession on its 39-yard line following KEVIN MILLS’ 38 yard kick-off return, senior quarterback Romano found Mills open in the flats for a 13-yard gain to the Granite 49- yard line. Senior running back JASON JEFFERSON matched that on the next play with a strong run up the middle to the Eagles’ 38-yard line. Three plays later, Romano scrambled 24 yards for the game’s first touchdown. After EAN HENDRICKSON successfully converted (5-5 PATs), Valhalla led 7-0 less than two minutes into the game.

Following the ensuing kickoff, Granite Hills was unable to generate a first down and punted to SOWELL ELDER at the Valhalla 39. Elder weaved in and out of traffic all the way down the field for a 61-yard touchdown, increasing the Norsemen’s lead to 14-0 at the 8:40 mark of the first quarter.

The Eagles tried to respond. Senior quarterback TYLER HOPPER lofted a 33 yard pass to a wide open receiver at the Valhalla 44-yard line. Four plays later, Granite Hills was at the Valhalla 25. Unfortunately, Hopper’s pass into the end-zone was picked off by NEHEMIAH BROWN, giving the Norsemen the chance to increase its lead.

Starting at its 20 after the touchback, Valhalla had a second-and-two at its 45-yard line when the Eagles’ senior defensive lineman RICHARD MARTINEZ muscled his way into the Norsemen backfield and sacked Romano for a 7-yard loss. A dropped pass in Eagle territory on the next play forced Valhalla to punt, giving the visitors decent field position at their 37-yard line. Once again, however, Valhalla ’s strong pass rush thwarted the Eagles’ efforts.

After a five yard gain on first down, Valhalla defensive linemen TRE BROWN and DE’SHAWN TONE stuffed the ball carrier for a 2-yard loss, followed by a quarterback sack by linebacker GIUSEPPE CASTANOS and defensive lineman PHILLIP DIAZ DE LEON, forcing yet another punt.

In the second quarter, Valhalla ’s Nehemiah Brown showed his versatility, switching from defense to offense for one play – a 64 yard touchdown run on a simple draw play. Valhalla led 21-0, but Granite had 7 full minutes to get on the scoreboard before halftime.

The Eagles were able to get up some steam to mid-field on their next possession. Faced with a 4th and 3 from the Granite Hills 49, Hopper connected on a screen pass, which had been effective earlier. This time, however, the Norsemen defenders were ready. Defensive back SPENCER HAVIRD and linebacker RYAN ERNSBARGER pounced on the receiver for a 2-yard loss, giving Valhalla the ball at the Eagles’ 47 yard line, with 3:40 left before intermission. Some nifty running by Jefferson, Romano and senior slot back WARREN PRESTON moved the ball deep into Granite territory at the 16-yard line and a first down.

On the next play, however, a swarming Eagle defense converged on Romano for a sack, stripping away the ball. Senior defensive back DOMINIC BANAGA recovered the fumble for the visitors, and Granite had one more chance to get on the scoreboard before Valhalla ’s band treated the fans to the half-time show.

Starting at their 25, Granite moved swiftly into Valhalla territory. Senior running back KYLE NORRIS found some daylight for a 7-yard pickup on first down. Hopper then threw a dart to junior wide receiver JOSH LONGBREAK for a 27-yard gain to the Valhalla 41. After an incomplete pass, Hopper spotted an open receiver, but Diaz de Leon deflected the pass at the line of scrimmage.

With 21 seconds left to play in the half, Hopper threw a deep pass inside the Valhalla 5-yard line, where it was picked off by defensive back MILES STEED, but the referee ruled that it touched the ground. Granite still had life – and a fourth-and-ten at the Valhalla 41. Hopper found an open receiver and threw a perfect pass for the completion – that is, until Havird delivered the defensive hit of the season – and perhaps the decade, jarring the ball loose.

The second half was more of the same. In the third quarter, Valhalla senior running back JIHAD ELDER scored a pair of touchdowns on runs of 12 and 18 yards, the first coming at 7:19 on the clock, when Valhalla offensive coordinator COLLIN EARDLEY sent in the “Jumbo” offense – two additional offensive lineman – who paved the way for Elder to scamper up the middle 12 yards to paydirt.

Trailing 28-0, Granite managed to get to the Valhalla 11-yard line when once again disaster struck. Linebacker SCOTT PERRY delivered a bruising tackle, and as the ball carrier was falling, Castanos knocked the ball loose. Havird policed the pigskin for the Norsemen, thwarting the Eagles’ drive.

Valhalla scored once in the last period when Jefferson garnered his first TD of the season on a 4-yard thrust up the middle, dragging tacklers into the end-zone.

San Diego Section passing leader Romano had a quiet evening as the Norsemen showed off their running game, completing 8 of 13 passes with 1 interception for 73 yards, while Jihad Elder amassed 128 yards on 11 carries. Diaz de Leon had 5 tackles for losses and 3 quarterback sacks. Havird, one of the San Diego Section defensive leaders, had 10 tackles for Valhalla, giving him 128 for the season to date.

According to Coach Bussey, Valhalla’s BEN HOWARD, one of the top receivers in East County, is out for the season with a broken collarbone, suffered while being tackled after a 5-yard pass reception.

One of the bright spots for Granite Hills (1-9, 0-5 GHL) was the passing of junior CHRIS MEREDITH, who completed 10 of 11 for 128 yards against the Norsemen (7-3, 4-1 GHL). In his last two games Meredith has clicked on 23 of 27 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown. Junior receiver JOSH LONGBREAK reeled in 5 passes for the third straight game for Granite Hills. He has 180 yards to go with those 15 passes.

“We have to do a better job of getting bigger and faster,” said first-year Eagles coach KELLAN COBBS. “I think every team we played was superior to us in those areas. We have a lot of juniors coming back so we have time to get things in order and try to turn things around next year.”

Junior Varsity Results

Week 10 El Capitam 41, Mount Miguel 35 Monte Vista 32, ECVHS 14 West Hills 42, Grossmont 7 Valhalla 35, Granite Hills 28 Helix 12, Steele Canyon 7 Christian df. Crawford

GHL: HELIX 8-1 (5-0), West Hills 9-1 (4-1), Steele Canyon 6-4 (3-2), Grossmont 5-4-1 (2-3), Valhalla 3-6-1 (1-4), Granite Hills 2-8 (0-5). GVL: EL CAPITAN 8-2 (4-0), Monte Vista 8-1 (3-1), Mount Miguel (unknown, 2-2), Santana 3-6 (1-3), ECVHS 0-7 (0-4). Others: Christian 8-1 (4-0).

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Freshmen Results

Week 10 Grosmsont 56, West Hills 20 Vahalla 21, Granite Hills 10 Monte Vista 15, ECVHS 12 Helix 50, Steele Canyon 8 El Capitan-Mount Miguel

GHL: HELIX 8-1 (4-0), Valhalla 6-3 (4-1), Granite Hills 5-4-1 (2-3), Steele Canyon 2-8 (2-3), Grossmont 4-6 (2-3), West Hills 3-7 (0-5). GVL: SANTANA 6-3 (4-0), Monte Vista 4-3-1 (2-1-1), ECVHS 0-4 (0-3), El Capitan and Mount Miguel are incomplete.

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CHRISTIAN 63, CRAWFORD 0 – Perhaps angry at missing the Central League championship last week at University City, Christian’s Patriots crunched Crawford Friday night (Nov. 2) with a vengeance.

“We think we should be one of the top three seeds in Division V,” said Patriots defensive coordinator MIKE MITCHELL.

PARIS MILLER galloped 116 yards for 2 touchdowns as the Patriots (7-3) burst to a 35-0 first quarter lead. He also caught a pass for a 54 yard score.

Christian's offense only ran 22 plays to score seven touchdowns. The mismatch was placed with a running clock in the second quarter.

“The first three times Paris Miller touched the ball he scored touchdowns,” said Mitchell. “The first play of the game he went 54 yards on a screen pass.”

Christian quarterback MICHAEL CARRILLO completed 8 of 9 passes for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns.

DAVID SEXTON returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown for the Patriots.

KAI ARVAN scored two times – one of a 37-yard touchdown pass and another on a 31-yard interception return.

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 66, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 44 – In the teams' Manzanita League finale, many expected the host Knights to fall in a landslide without scoring many points. On Friday night (Nov. 2) at Junior Seau Field, neither happened, as the Foothills Christian offense made a strong attempt in keeping up with the potent Red Hawks.

Although Foothills Christian (3-6) lost to go 0-4 in league play, they did set a pair of schools records. Their 44 points is the most-ever in a loss, while the combined 110 points equaled a school mark.

Everyone realized points would be cheap after Mountain Empire returned the game's opening kickoff for a touchdown, taking an 8-0 lead with a 2-point PAT, then scoring again on its first official offensive possession for a 16-0 lead just 3:15 into the contest.

However, Foothills replied with an 11-play, 68-yard scoring march, then the teams basically kept exchanging scored for the balance of the ballgame.

For the Knights, SPENCER GEORGE carried 33 times for a season-high 222 yards. The quarterback also completed 15 of 26 passes for 186 yards and two TDs – both to MARK SWITZER – giving the senior more than 400 all-purpose yards.

Meanwhile, KYLE MOBERG carried 11 times for 88 yards, plus caught six George aerials for 77 yards. Swutzer also recorded 77 receiving yards on four receptions.

In all, Foothills Christian finished with 496 yards in total offense against a Mountain Empire (7-3, 3-1 ML) which still finished in a three-way tie with Holtville and Calipatria for the league crown.

No information on the Red Hawks was reported. Many emails and phone calls to the MEHS coaching staff went unanswered this season, although they did respond to requests from UT San Diego early in the year.

NOTEBOOK: You (don't need to) Make The Call Oliver returns to Christian sidelines By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (11-1-12) — The coaching staff at Christian High School was fully prepared to contact the CIF San Diego Section office to appeal an automatic 1-game suspension placed upon Patriots head football coach MATT OLIVER, who was tagged with a "technical ejection" during last Friday's (Oct. 27) Central League contest at University City. The CIF offices opened Monday, promptly at 9 a.m., but before the coaches could dial the phone, it was Oliver's office phone which was ringing. "It was (CIF commissioner) JERRY SCHNIEPP," said Christian athletic director DAVID BEEZER. "He basically said the suspension was lifted. No discussion was even needed." In other words, as far as Christian High was concerned, "the system" worked. The San Diego County Football Officials Association followed through on its promise to contact the CIF, then the section office came through to promptly take action to wipe Oliver's slate clean. Oliver was cited as the person in charge for alleged actions by others for interference with an official. "After viewing the game films, there was nothing there – the call was completely unwarranted," added Beezer. Word is, the crew which worked the Patriots' game with the Centurions will revert to underclassmen ballgames until (much) further notice. However, no word on why an inexperienced crew worked a game between schools playing for a league championship rather than a game between teams at the bottom of the standings. Meanwhile, Christian, which fell in overtime to University City, still can forge a 3-way tie for the league title if they down Crawford, while UC falls to a tough Clairemont side. On The Radio Steele Canyon at Helix can be heard on XX 1090 Radio with John Kentera & Co.   November 2012 Issue Now Posted Featuring Cougars QB Brandon Andrade Flashy freshman RANCHO SAN DIEGO (11-1-12) — Rarely do freshmen get any kind of limelight attention. But there is a freshman at Steele Canyon High who came into the season with sterling credentials. “We have a big-time player on our freshman football team,” said Steele Canyon’s varsity assistant and freshmen head football coach MIKE AITKEN. “MALCOLM ANDERS won the gold in the 400 meter Junior Olympics and should have won the 200 but strained his hip. He has run under 50 (seconds) in the 400 meters, and he is just 13. He’s a running back and it will be fun to watch him develop.” — Staff writer Bill Dickens contributed to this report.

CIF State Bowl Series News Cal-Hi Sports announces new state rankings

FEARLESS FORECASTER – Predictions

Rising El Capitan challenges Mount Miguel for GVL title

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (11-1-12) — The final week of the regular season offers little realistic chances for championships except in the Grossmont Valley League. All games are played Friday (Nov. 2) at 7 p.m.

In the Grossmont Hills League the Helix Highlanders own a one game lead over Valhalla. Now here’s the deal... the Norsemen are a sure thing to knock off Granite Hills, but Helix will have to battle to beat visiting Steele Canyon. If the Cougars were to upset the Highlanders, and Valhalla doesn’t stub its toe, there would be a co-championship in the GHL.

In the Central League, Christian hopes a homecoming crowd will help the Patriots clip Crawford at Granite Hills. Nonetheless, the Patriots will need to have help from Clairemont, which could also grab a share of the championship if the Chieftains can upset University City. That could create a 3-way tie for the league championship.

The playoff pairings will be drawn up on Saturday (Nov. 3) with the first games being played on Friday (Nov. 9). Other playoff dates are scheduled for Friday (Nov. 16), Friday (Nov. 23) and Friday (Nov. 30).

EL CAPITAN at MOUNT MIGUEL – It’s been a season of frustration for Vaqueros coach RON BURNER. Injuries, eligibility – everything has gone wrong.

But now Burner is positioning his team into earning a share of a fourth league title if the Vaqueros (4-5, 2-1 GVL) can knock off Mount Miguel (5-4, 3-0) in Friday’s (Nov. 2) season finale.

No question Mount Miguel ’s power running back BEN LOMIBAO, who scored 4 touchdowns in his rookie performance against Bonita Vista, and the passing of BRAD MORENO (872 yards, 9 TDs) makes the Matadors an offensive powerhouse.

El Capitan looks to sophomore quarterback BRAD CAGLE (1833 yards total offense, 16 TDs) and wide receiver SCOTT ROOT (44-826, 5 TDs).

This is a game that’s hard to figure... El Capitan 28-26.

WEST HILLS at No. 16 GROSSMONT – The Foothillers (7-2, 2-2) have lost back-to-back games to perennial powers Helix and Valhalla, so succumbing to visiting West Hills on Friday (Nov. 2) would push the Hillers way down in the San Diego CIF pairings, which will be announced on Saturday (Nov. 3).

However, the Foothillers, led by quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE (2655, 25 TDs all purpose) – arguably the best quarterback in the SDCIF – need a victory over the Wolf Pack to earn a respectable seeding in the tough Division I.

West Hills (6-3, 1-3 GHL), on the other hand, is playing for a seeding position in Division III. The Pack looks to running back ERIC SEABOCH (718, 11 TDs) in hopes of pulling an upset, but Grossmont has beaten West Hills in three straight games... West Hills 27-21.

STEELE CANYON at No. 2 HELIX – Barring a letdown, the Highlanders are shooting for their fourth straight league title Friday night (Nov. 2), but it won’t be any pleasure cruise as Steele Canyon (3-5-1, 2-2 GHL) is no easy mark.

Defense is the name of the game for Helix (7-1, 4-0 GHL) with AMU MILO, MARQUISE POWELL and KENDAL KEYS providing the format. Helix counts on quarterback JOSH HARRIS (1475, 12 TDs) and running back MICHAEL ADKINS (965, 14 TDs) to lead the offense.

The Cougars will look to QB BRANDON ANDRADE (2365, 21 TDs) to go along with running back LONNIE TUFF (494, 7 TDs).

Steele Canyon has never beaten Helix in 13 tries and that won’t change this year... Helix 28-21.

GRANITE HILLS at No. 11 VALHALLA – This is one of those neighborhood rivalries, but Friday’s (Nov. 2) renewal doesn’t appear to be a battle to the finish. The Norsemen (6-3, 3-1 GHL) are arguably the second-best team in East County.

That doesn’t bode well for Granite Hills (1-8, 0-4 GHL).

The Norsemen are led by the section’s leading quarterback, RAMSEY ROMANO who has produced 2932 yards and 31 touchdowns. It doesn’t stop there because this Valhalla crew includes receivers such as KEVIN MILLS (41, 571, 2 TDs), BRYAN MACIAS (41, 510, 8 TDs) and BEN HOWARD (36, 802, 9 TDs).

Granite Hills has been burdened by injuries, which has short-sheeted their team in the statistical columns. Quarterbacks CHRIS MEREDITH has thrown for 608 yards and 3 touchdowns, while TYLER HOPPER has thrown for 490 and 3 touchdowns.

This is a definite mismatch. The Norsemen have won 10 of the last 11 meetings, including 47-14 last year. The trend will continue... Valhalla 42-14.

EL CAJON VALLEY at MONTE VISTA – The Monarchs (5-4, 2-1 GVL) are playoff bound for the first time since 2008 as they host El Cajon Valley (3-6, 0-3 GVL) in Friday night’s (Nov. 2) Homecoming game. Monte Vista has established itself as a powerful running game led by JEMEIL JACKSON (902, 5 TDs), SHAWN MORALES (506, 7 TDs) and ERIC COLLINS (323, 2 TDs.

Defense has been a shortcoming for El Cajon Valley, which is giving up more than three touchdowns a game. The Braves definitely have skilled performers led by VIRNEL MOON (1071, 78 points) and ANTOINE WHITE (813, 5 TDs), but asking the Braves linemen to go both ways is starting to take its toll.

The Braves won last year’s meeting 36-16, which snapped a 5-game losing streak for the Monarchs, who had beaten El Cajon Valley 16 times in a row... Monte Vista 28-13.

CRAWFORD vs. CHRISTIAN at Granite Hills – Christian is one of the most unpredictable teams in the San Diego Section. The Patriots (6-3, 2-1) can control the Central League game Friday (Nov. 2) with a two-back running game with RAYVON OWENS (1093, 13 TDs) and PARIS MILLER (902, 5 TDs) or they can turn to their quarterback MICHAEL CARRILLO, who has completed better than 53 of his 176 passes for 1265 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Crawford (1-8, 0-3 CL) snapped a 28 game losing streak with a victory over Vincent Memorial during this season... Christian 35-6.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN vs. MOUNTAIN EMPIRE at Junior Seau Field – Mountain Empire (6-3, 2-1 ML) is scrambling for a higher Division V seeding with an outside chance of earning a share of the Manzanita League title.

The Red Hawks hope to hike their playoff pairing with a season-ending victory over Foothills Christian (3-5, 0-4 ML) Friday (Nov. 2) at Junior Seau Field... Mountain Empire 32-7.

SANTANA, Bye – Santana finished its season 1-8 overall and 1-3 in the Grossmont Valley League and is highly unlikely to qualify for the playoffs.