Valhalla linebacker Giuseppe Castanos registers one of five sacks on Grossmont quarterback Anthony Lawrence, handing the Foothillers their first loss as the Norsemen score the game's final 20 straight points in a dramatic 39-28 triumph. (Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-20-12) — A spectacular inside run (photo) by Grossmont High running back JOSH ANDERSON saw the junior go between tackles for 10 yards before being seemingly stopped. But he kept driving forward resulting in a huge scrum, allowing him to be pushed over the goal line for a 15-yard touchdown to open the second half.

"It was a wake-up call for us," said Valhalla High linebacker GIUSEPPE CASTANOS, who recovered a fumble and registered a sack. "So we made some adjustments to our defense to shut Grossmont down."

Despite now trailing 28-19, the slap in the face turned the Norsemen around, posting 20 unanswered points to stun the previously unbeaten and 9th-ranked Foothillers, 39-28, in Friday's (Oct. 19) Grossmont Hills League barnburner at Lt. Thomas M. Adams Field.

Both ballclubs piled up exactly 462 yards in total offense, featuring a San Diego CIF record-tying performance by Grossmont quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE. In a postgame review of game films, a lateral was re-scored as a forward pass, giving Lawrence a total of 39 completions, equaling the San Diego Section mark set by 2005 CIFSDS offensive player of the year ABRAHAM MUHEIZE of El Cajon Valley.

Yet in the case of most showcase contests between equal combatants, turnovers decided this one.

"We were able to overcome a lot of our own mistakes," said Norsemen coach CHARLES BUSSEY. "We have a lot of things to clean up, but to be down on the road and come back like that against an unbeaten opponent is a credit to the work ethic of our team."

The Norsemen were tagged for an unsightly 21 penalties for 175 yards, However, the turnover ledger was 4-1 in Valhalla's favor, while the offensive line did not allow a sack of quarterback RAMSEY ROMANO, while Lawrence was taken down five times to end the Hillers' 7-game winning streak and the school's best start since 1991.

"Our corners played hard up on their receivers in the second half," said Norsemen defensive end De’SHAWN TONE, who registered two takedowns of Lawrence. "That gave the D-line a chance to pressure the quarterback."

Grossmont running back Marion Lampart (left), going around the corner against Valhalla's Nehemiah Brown, collected 176 yards and a pair of touchdowns. (Photo by Linda Byerline) COMPLETE SLIDESHOW HERE

Ramsey (20-for-32, 268 yards) connected with JOHN TODD on a 61-yard strike, trimming the deficit to 28-25 after the PAT smacked the left upright.

Two possessions later, the biggest turnover on the night was recorded by Norsemen defender MILES STEED with an interception in the red zone. One play later, receiver BEN HOWARD got fully extended to grab a Romano pass, getting both feet inbounds for the go-ahead score at 32-28 late in the third quarter.

"We practice tapping our feet to keep them inbounds all of the time," said Howard, who finished with four catches for 104 yards. "Because of that, it was just something that feels natural when you're out there."

Grossmont marched back, reaching the Norsemen-15 in its attempt to recapture the lead. However, a third-down pass was batted away by RYAN ERNSBARGER, then fourth down was thwarted by a PHILLIP DIAZ de LEON sack.

Valhalla then iced the triumph with a 12-play, 68-yard march, overcoming four penalties (two were major infractions) to find KEVIN MILLS rushing from three yards out with 1:35 remaining. The drive featured a Romano pass which went off Mills' fingertips, yet tipped directly into the hand of Howard for 16 yards and a first down.

For Grossmont, Lawrence (39-54-2) finished with 299 yards through the air, with a trio of receivers garnering nine or more catches.

The receptions leader for the Hillers was CHRISTIAN BROOKS with 11 for 95 yards. Collecting nine balls each were BRETT STONE (67 yards) and J.T. BARNES (60), who grabbed a 1-yard TD to open the scoring.

Valhalla answered when Mills bounced around right end and rumbled 92 yards on the very next play from scrimmage. The senior running back finished with 127 yards on nine carries.

For the Norsemen, NEHEMIAH BROWN also registered an interception, while TAYLOR GORZEGNO-MILLS and Diaz de Leon each had a sack.

Unsung MARLON LAMPART rushed for 172 and a pair of touchdowns on 24 carries, caught 5 passes for 34 yards and returned 3 kickoffs for 66 yards for the Foothillers. That adds up to 272 all-purpose yards on the night.

The Foothillers (7-1 overall, 2-1 GHL) still can gain a share of the league title, but must capture next weekend's 60th annual Musket Game with historic archrival Helix. Valhalla (5-3, 2-1), which gained a share of second place with the Hillers, closes the regular season with a pair of home games against Steele Canyon and Granite Hills.

Anthony Lawrence

CIFSDS Record Book Most Completions, Game No. Player, School Opponent (Date) 39 39 36 35 33 33 32 Abraham Muheize, ECVHS Anthony Lawrence, Grossmont  Sal Tello, Palo Verde Valley Dan Kelley, Marian Catholic Sal Tello, Palo Verde Valley David Ortega, Palo Verde Valley Tony Burner, West Hills vs. West Hills (10-21-05) vs. Valhalla (10-19-12) vs. Brawley (10-31-03) vs. Sweetwater (11-03-78) vs. Brawley (10-13-06) vs. Brawley (10-13-06) vs. Granite Hills (9-15-2000) Updated from CIF-San Diego Section record book.

Abraham Muheize

The one-two running tandem of Shawn Morales (left) and Jemeil Jackson powered Monte Vista past El Capitan. (Photos by Frank Price (left) and Nathan Price, www.youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (10-20-12/Revised 11-21-12) — In a game that could have bearing on the Grossmont Valley League championship, visiting Monte Vista High came to town Friday night (Oct. 19) to spoil El Capitan’s Homecoming with a 38-28 victory.

Monte Vista used the one-two punch of SHAWN MORALES and JEMEIL JACKSON, who combined for five touchdowns to keep the Monarchs in contention for the GVL flag.

Jackson bolted 21 times for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Morales rushed for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries.

While El Capitan's Scott Root (in black) carries the football, Jemeil Jackson (6) will make the tackle, while his Monarchs teammate Danielle Miller (12) somehow gets flopped over. (Photos by Nathan Price, www.youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

“Our goal is to get to the playoffs,” Jackson said. “We knew we had to win this game if we want to keep our chances alive. All we’re thinking about now is making the playoffs.”

Monte Vista (4-4, 1-1 GVL), which believed its running game is stable enough to give the Monarchs the GVL title, finished with 378 yards on 54 carries.

El Capitan (3-5, 1-1 GVL) turned to quarterback BRAD CAGLE to rally from a 21-0 first-quarter deficit. Cagle threw three touchdown passes to SCOTT ROOT – for 44, 20 and 72 yards to tie the game at 28-28.

Root finished with 6 catches for 163 yards, while Cagle completed 12 of 25 for 244 yards.

“When we got up 21-0 we kinda let our guard down after that,” Jackson recalled. “But we have a goal to meet and we knew we couldn’t just let this one slip away.”

The Monarchs took the lead for keeps on a 33-yard field goal by MATT GOFIGAN with 8 minutes remaining. A 12-yard run by Jackson sealed the victory for the Monarchs with 3:25 to play.

Senior running back Michael Adkins (9) tallied three touchdowns for the third-ranked Scotties in a 35-0 white-washing of host West Hills. It was the third straight GHL shutout for Helix. (Courtesy photo, La Mesa Patch)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE (Courtesy, LionsBrow Photography)

This game may have been a look-ahead game for both teams for different reasons. Helix (6-1, 3-0 GHL) used the Wolf Pack as a warm-up for their much anticipated matchup next week against Grossmont which could determine the league championship, although Highlanders coach TROY STARR wouldn’t admit it.

“This game is over, that’s a much improved team (West Hills),” he said. “We did what we had to do today.”

West Hills (5-3, 0-3 GHL) is looking to end their three game losing streak next week against Granite Hills, a more formidable opponent for the Wolf Pack.

“What can you do, we’ll watch film tomorrow and try to figure out the little things we did wrong and keep going,” said Wolf Pack coach TAY SNEDDON. “We’re 5-3, if we get 1 win in the next 2 games it will be the first time since 2007 that West Hills will be.500. Six or seven wins should get us a home game in the playoffs.”

There was little the Wolf Pack could do against a well balanced Helix offense that averaged 34 yards per scoring play, and a physical and quick Helix defense that allowed only 122 yards total offense and benefited from four ill timed Wolf Pack turnovers.

Helix opened the scoring on a 13-play, 80-yard well balanced first offensive possession that featured 6 runs and 7 passes and took 8 minutes off the clock. Quarterback JOSH HARRIS complemented running back MICHAEL ADKINS’ 6 rushes with 5 completions to 5 different receivers, hitting KENDAL KEYS on a 22-yard corner route for the touchdown to make the score 7-0.

West Hills almost lost the ball on their first play on offense as quarterback RASHAAN MILLER mishandled the first of several botched center-to-quarterback exchanges the Wolf Pack suffered on the night. The Wolf Pack recovered the first fumble but three plays later KELEEM PARISH strip sacked Miller of the football and ROCKY FUGA recovered on the Wolf Pack 44-yard line.

Helix capitalized immediately as Harris hit Keys again, this time on a 44-yard touchdown pass down the seam and the Highlanders were up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Helix scored on its third straight possession after a 49-yard catch and weaving run by Keys set up a 23-yard touchdown run by Adkins, who barreled over a Wolf Pack defender on his way to the end zone. It was the first of Adkins’ 3 rushing touchdowns on the night to go with his 168 yards on 17 carries.

With 5:24 left in the 1st half West Hills marched from its own 4 to the Highlanders’ 9 on what was by far their best offensive drive of the night, fueled by 31 yards on 5 carries by running back ERIC SEABOCH.

But 4 year Helix Letterman AMU MILO sacked Miller for a 6-yard loss. The next play, the Wolf Pack had another mishandled snap, this one over Miller’s head in the shotgun. Miller scooped up the ball, scrambled around two Highlander defenders and fired an interception into the chest of Keys who returned it 8 yards and ended the Wolf Pack’s best chance to get on the board.

Keys was a big play machine on both sides of the ball, registering the interception and catching 5 passes for 150 yards and 2 touchdown.

“Four turnovers – we just didn’t execute like we needed to” said a frustrated Sneddon.

West Hills turned the ball over two more times on back-to-back third quarter possessions, one on a dropped option pitch that Helix defender TYERE HUNTER picked up and returned 35 yards, and the second on another mishandled Wolf Pack snap. Adkins converted the latter turnover into a 21-yard touchdown run.

The West Hills defense began to fatigue as Adkins and the Helix offensive line pounded on them, and Adkins broke his final big run of the night for 60 yards and the final touchdown of the game with 5:59 left in the game.

JORDAN ARNOLD played well in defeat for the Wolf Pack, registering 5 tackles for a loss of 13 yards. But this night belonged to Helix whose defense registered 7 tackles for loss and allowed 0 points for the second consecutive week.

“Our goal is to strive for balance (offensively). We played pretty good defensively, we had a couple of mistakes, but I’m pretty pleased,” said Starr.

Harris was an efficient 16 of 21 for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns and the Highlanders offense suffered no turnovers to set up the showdown with Grossmont next week, possibly for the division title.

The formerly undefeated Wolf Pack has no visions of a division title.

“We face great teams in our league. We were never worried about a league title, we want to focus on the playoffs,” said Sneddon. “Next week is a huge week for us.”

— DAVID HURST

Junior Varsity Results

Week 8 Grossmont 35, Valhalla 13 Helix 28, West Hills 14 Christian 35, Clairemont 21 El Capitan 26, Monte Vista 19 Mount Miguel 22, Santana 19 Steele Canyon 27, Granite Hills 0

GHL: Helix 6-1 (3-0), West Hills 7-1 (2-1), Grossmont 5-2-1 (2-1), Steele Canyon 5-3 (2-1), Valhalla 2-5-1 (0-3), Granite Hills 2-6 (0-3). GVL: El Capitan 6-2 (2-0), Monte Vista 6-1 (1-1), Mount Miguel (N/A, 2-1), Santana 3-5 (1-2), ECVHS 0-5 (0-2). Others: Christian 6-1 (2-0).

GROUPON IS BACK IN SAN DIEGO Sales Support East County Sports

Freshmen Results

Week 8 Helix 67, West Hills 14 Valhalla 28, Grossmont 14 Granite Hills 16, Steele Canyon 15 Santana 21, Mount Miguel 20 El Capitan 27, Monte Vista 27, tie

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

PLEASE SUPPORT EAST COUNTY SPORTS.COM Celebrating more than 12 Years of Service to our Community! Please contribute $20 today!

Still smarting after dropping a tough game to undefeated Grossmont last week, the Steele Canyon Cougars (2-4-1, 1-1) looked to rebound in theirHomecoming game. A win would keep the Cougars in position for a run at the rugged Grossmont Hills League title. Of course a San Diego CIF playoff berth is also always on their mind.

Meanwhile, the Granite Hills Eagles (1-6, 0-2) have been outscored 96-6 in the last 2 games since winning their own Homecoming. Tonight would not be the night for the Eagles to turn things around.

After 2 nondescript Granite Hills drives to start the game, Steele Canyon was seeming to sputter on its second possession. Quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE was sacked by the Eagles senior defensive back DOMINIC BANAGA. Andrade's next offering fell incomplete. But on 3rd and 17 from his own 14 yard line, Andrade finally found some magic.

That magic came in the form of wideout LAWRENCE DICKENS. Finding Dickens on a crossing route, Andrade fit the ball into a tight window and Dickens did the rest. Dickens broke a tackle around midfield and was off to the races, and 86 yards later the Cougars were celebrating their first score. Dickens finished with 117 yards on just 2 catches and a TD.

That kind of quick strike capability has become a hallmark for Steele Canyon this year, so an 86-yard pass play isn't entirely unexpected.

What happened on the third Granite Hills drive certainly was.

The Eagles embarked on an impressive 16-play, 68 yard drive. They ate up over 8 minutes on the clock. JESSE BISBAL netted 19 yards on the ground. KYLE NORRIS added 12 more. Eagles quarterback TYLER HOPPER had 36 yards passing, culminating in a 4-yard TD pass to MICHAEL PRIETO. Surprisingly, the Eagles went for the 2-point play and converted. With 8:19 to go in the second quarter, the Granite Hills High Eagles were in front 8-7.

"They were shifting and motioning into two tight end sets. Our defense wasn't sliding along with the offensive movement", said Steele Canyon head coach SCOTT LONGERBONE. "Give them (Granite Hills) credit, we didn't react and they took advantage".

It would be the last piece of positive news for the Eagles. The Cougars proceeded to roll off the next 38 points. Down 8-7, Steele Canyon set up shop on their own 28-yard line. After two procedure penalties moved them back to the 18. Andrade completed passes of 11 and 29 yards, the latter to no. BRANDON HOWARD. Running back LONNIE TUFF rolled with runs of 14 and 12 yards. Later, on 2nd and goal from the 1 yard line, Andrade called his own number for a 1-yard sneak and a TD. With kicker DAN WILD'S PAT good, Steele Canyon led 14-8.

Granite Hills had to be feeling good down only 14-8 with only 2:47 left in the half. A minute and 27 seconds later, they had to be feeling ill as 62 yards were covered in a mere 4 plays by the Cougars. Andrade found Dickens for 31 yards down the left side. RICKY FRANCIS rushed for 11 and Tuff added 4.

On 2nd and 6 from the 16 yard line, Andrade looked up Brandon Howard again, and 16 yards later, Howard and his teammates had started the homecoming dance a little early. The Cougars led 21-8 at half. In addition, the Cougars were also set to receive the second half kickoff.

Steele would have 5 drives in the second half. They would score 3 TD's and a field goal. On the first drive of the second half, after a long kick return by Howard and a Granite penalty, the Cougars started on the Eagles' 21 yard line. They managed to go backwards. After a gang sack led by JUSTIN MITCHELL, Steele Canyon found themselves out of field goal range.

No problem. On 4th and 14 from their own 25, Andrade got TOMMY TYLER into the action. Tyler delivered. 15 yards and a first down. The Cougars next turned to Tuff to find paydirt. Tuff's second 5 yard run pushed Steele Canyon 's lead to 28-8 with 8:31 left in the third.

Granite Hills' four second half possessions can be summed up in one word.... disaster. A botched snap in punting formation gave the Cougars the ball at the Granite Hills 10 yard line. Although Steele Canyon shot themselves in the foot on this drive, Granite Hills would commit 3 turnovers on it's next 3 drives.

A bad snap on the second drive was recovered by JONATHON GAUTHIER. Gauthier had a decent night. A sack, a fumble recovery.... oh, and he also was crowned King of Homecoming at the halftime ceremonies. Nice night at the old ballyard.

That turnover led to maybe the most interesting series of events of the night. On 4th down and 25 from the Granite Hills' 34 yard line, the Cougars lined up in an off-set stack formation.

Granite Hills countered with confusion and took a time-out. The Cougars came back out in a more traditional formation. Perhaps Granite should have called timeout again. The Cougars had managed to slip QB Andrade out wide to the left, and lined up with ZACH VANCE in the backfield. Vance pitched to Andrade on the reverse and rolling to his right, Andrade was not looking to run. Brandon Howard again. Howard caught the reverse pass and was visiting the end zone again for 34 yards and his second TD of the night.

Andrade started 0-5 passing. He went 5-6 for 180 yards and 2 TD's on his next set. He finished at 8 of 18 for 229 yards and 3 TD's, and a rushing TD.

Coach Longerbone explained the sequence, "Very few times do you get an opportunity to run plays like that live. Even the timeout gave us an opportunity to run both sets. It was important for us to get reps in both formations, and get it on tape".

The third Eagles drive ended with an interception as linebacker TRENTON GOODRICH hauled in a batted Hopper pass deep in Steele Canyon territory. Tuff had seen about enough of this passing stuff. On the first play from scrimmage Tuff burst up the middle found the right sideline and rambled 79 yards for his second TD. Tuff's 79 yard run topped off a monster night. 145 yards on only 11 carries and 2 TD's. At this point the score was 42-8 with 8:04 left in the game.

With Granite Hills moving the ball behind CHRIS MEREDITH at QB, the night ended fittingly with a fourth Eagle turnover. This time TOMMY TYLER did the honors. For Granite Hills, Bisbal ran hard 18 times, but only gained 36 yards.

Hopper was a respectable 11 for 20 for 88 yards.. Leading the wide receivers was JOSH LONGBREAK with 4 catches for 37 yards.

Steele Canyon is not a team you want to draw in the CIF playoffs. The question is.. will they get there? With games against Valhalla and Helix looming on the horizon, the answer is up to Steele Canyon.

— MARK MEADOWS

MOUNT MIGUEL 41, SANTANA 3 – This game was downright ugly as host Mount Miguel burst to a 27-0 first quarter as TONY DOZIER scored all four touchdowns, propelling the Matadors (4-4, 3-0) to the early lead.

The second half was played with a running clock after title bound Mount Miguel was headed for the Grossmont Valley League title. The defending champion Matadors already clinched at least a share of this year GVL crown with one league remaining.

Dozier punched in four touchdowns on runs of 1, 30, 29 and 29 in the opening quarter and played only one series in the second half of the rout. In 12 sorties, Dozier rushed for 145 yards.

“It was a great finish for Dozier,” said Mount Miguel first coach SHAUN McDADE. “He could have had a lot more if we’d left him in the game, but that wouldn’t be fair.”

Monte Vista’s BRAD MORENO made the most of nine passes, completing six for 178 yards and touchdowns to DEVON JACKSON (30 yards) and JOVAN RICHARDSON (27 yards). JOSUE BEAS was 6-for-6 on PATs.

Linebacker SONNY SAMOATA had seven tackles for Mount Miguel.

Santana avoided a shutout on a 23-yard field goal by DYLAN ENGLISH.

Trailing 14-0 the Knights converted a 4th-and-short situation and seemed to feed on this newfound momentum. Eventually Foothills Christian quarterback SPENCER GEORGE scrambled for a 32-yard touchdown run with 8:54 left in the 1st half, cutting the deficit to 14-6.

George rushed for 75 yards on 26 carries. KYLE MOBERG was 2-for-14 for 47 yards for the Knights.

A pass interference call against Foothills Christian put Calipatria (7-1, 2-0 ML) in the red zone where the Hornets scored on a 9-yard run to make it a two possession game. It only got worse from there for the Knights (3-4, 0-3 ML).

– MICHAEL DUKES
Special from the Imperial Valley Press

ORANGE GLEN 21, EL CAJON VALLEY 15 – Trailing 21-0 after three quarters, the Braves broke loose for 15 points in the final 12 minutes of Friday’s (Oct. 19) non-league game in Escondido.

After RYAN PEET tackled an Orange Glen ball-carrier in the endzone for a safety,

VIRNEL MOON scored on a 1-yard run and MARTIN PATTI kicked the PAT.

The Braves kept coming as quarterback HAKIM HARRIS fired a 48-yard touchdown pass to Moon, but the PAT kick failed.

El Cajon Valley was within striking distance but never got another chance.

Braves quarterback HAKIM HARRIS finished with 8 of 20 pass completions for 110 yards.

Moon totaled 142 yards all-purpose running, including 5 receptions for 91 yards and both touchdowns.

ANTOINE WHITE led the Braves’ ground game with 60 yards on 17 carries. Moon totaled 51 yards on a dozen sorties.

Monte Vista running back Shawn Morales (24) follows blockers Cristian Gonzalez (4) and Thomas Walker (10) to help build an early 21-0 advantage over El Capitan. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Grossmont Foothillers football: So. California champions when Lindbergh flew By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (10-17-12) — The biggest news story from 1927 could be the historic flights by Charles Lindbergh, who captured the Orteig Prize for his solo, non-stop flight from Roosevelt Field on Long Island, N.Y., to Le Bourget Field in Paris on May 20-21. The epic journey started in San Diego, where his Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, a single-seat, single-engine Ryan monoplane was built. Jack Mashin Read more about the legacy of Virginia and Jack Mashin in this 2007 San Diego Union-Tribune STORY In local sports news, however, Grossmont High is forever known for an unbeaten football season which resulted in a Southern California small schools championship after posting an 8-0-3 record. But with a touch of controversy. Prior to the creation of the San Diego Section in 1960, high schools in the county were part of the CIF Southern Section, which divided its member schools into two divisions (over/under 1,000 students); the Foothillers were under the total, so competed in Minor Division football. Under legendary head coach JACK MASHIN – the football field at Grossmont College is named for him and JOE ROTH (Mashin-Roth Memorial Field) – the Hillers captured the San Diego County League with a record of 4-0-2 (6-0-2 overall). In the playoffs, county scoring champion Holly Parkin vaulted 13 yards to score the winning touchdown on the final play of the semifinals, downing Oxnard, 14-7, to gain a berth in the Southland championship. Grossmont then met Calexico in a contest played at El Centro's Central Union High. However, the game finished in a scoreless tie (the Hillers missed a short field goal in the final seconds). CIF rules clearly stated there would be no co-champions and ordered a replay, but where would the game be played? Following much debate, Long Beach Poly principal Harry G. Moore, the official who coordinated the CIF Minor Division playoffs, selected Grossmont, even though Calexico argued that returning to Central was a "neutral" field (although just five miles from the Bulldogs' campus). When Moore settled on a game in San Diego, such neutral sites like Navy Field or at San Diego’s City Stadium were considered, but Grossmont's home field eventually became the selected venue, where they won with another shutout, 9-0, before a record crowd. In his 25 years, Mashin – known as the “Fox of the Foothills” – coached two other undefeated Grossmont ballclubs, ending his career with a stellar 121-65-23 record. However, his 1927 ballclub is considered the greatest in school history. Editor's note: Much of the research for this article courtesy of Partlet on Sports.com, and many other sources.

FEARLESS FORECASTER – Predictions

Another air show expected
between East County's top passers

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-18-12) — Can the Foothillers remain undefeated when they face off against visiting Valhalla on Friday night (Oct. 19)?

Neither Valhalla head coach CHARLES BUSSEY nor Grossmont mentor TOM KARLO would discuss the record-breaking heat during the week as a factor. The main thing about this game is it pits the top two passers in East County in a contest arriving one weekend after the Blue Angels performed at the MCAS Miramar Air Show.

Which quarterback will better light up the sky?

“Lawrence is as good as there is,” said Bussey. “He does all the good things and he kind of makes us mirror images of our two teams.”

“And that worked to our advantage,” said Karlo. “We did a great job of clock management, which was pivotal in this game.”

Karlo heralded defenders JARON NYSTROM, TRENT GALKOSKI, MARCUS FLISHER, TIGRAN GUMUSHYAN and HAYDEN HERRINGTON for anchoring the Grossmont defense.

“I think our defense is playing really well,” Karlo said. “And that’s definitely what we need to be a quality team.”

The Norsemen (4-3, 1-1 GHL) believe they have the talent to challenge for the Division II championship... Grossmont 31-27.

No. 3 HELIX at WEST HILLS – The only hope West Hills has is if the visiting Helix Highlanders (5-1, 2-0 GHL) are looking ahead to next week’s Musket shootout against Grossmont Hills League rival Grossmont.

In the last game the Highlanders ran the wildcat offense, but that doesn’t mean they’ll keep doing it as quarterback JOSH HARRIS has passes for 1006 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The Wolf Pack looks to quarterback RASHAAN MILLER, who has passed for 814 yards with 7 touchdowns, to pave the way.

Over the last eight years, the teams have met just four times, with Helix winning each time while the Wolf Pack only mustering 10 points total in those contests.

Even though this is probably not the strongest Helix team on record, the Highlanders have way too much firepower to stumble over the Wolf Pack (5-2, 0-2 GHL)... Helix 38-14.

Dozier, who has 1111 yards rushing, should have a free fall to add to his rushing totals against the out-manned Sultans.

The Sultans (1-6, 1-1 GVL) look to the BROWNING brothers – TYLER and RYAN – to make a game of it but will be lucky if they do so. Santana quarterback GABE KRUSE has passed for 896 yards and 6 touchdowns but has suffered an East County worst 15 sacks.

Mount Miguel’s record is 3-4, 2-0, which puts them at the lead of the Grossmont Valley League.

Santana, which had a glorified season a year ago, is in upset mode... Mount Miguel 33-20.

MONTE VISTA at EL CAPITAN – It’s Homecoming at El Capitan Friday night (Oct. 19) and the Vaqueros are counting on the attendance boost to help root their way past the visiting Monarchs of Monte Vista.

The Monarchs (3-4, 0-1 GVL) may be the spoilers behind versatile JEMEIL JACKSON (53-354, 5 TDs) and may have too much speed for El Capitan ’s defense to curtail.

El Capitan (3-4, 1-0 GVL) last won the championship when they were in the old Grossmont North League in 2008 with a 4-0, 8-4 record. Monte Vista last won the Grossmont South League title in 2004 with a record of 5-0, 11-1. The last time the Monarchs beat the Vaqueros was 31-7 in 2001.

Since then El Capitan has rolled to three straight wins over the Monarchs.

No question these teams are equally matched and either one of them could pull out the league championship... El Capitan 17-14.

CHRISTIAN at CLAIREMONT, 6:30 p.m. – This is one of those games that will decide the Central League championship.

The Patriots will bank on the running game of RAYVON OWENS (141-936, 12 TDs) and PARIS MILLER (69-663, 3 TDs) to mow down host Clairemont in Friday’s (Oct. 19) league encounter.

Two of Clairemont’s losses – to Madison and Mission Bay – have come by a 49-6 score. By comparison Christian beat Mission Bay 49-19 but came up short against Madison 45-28.

If the Patriots (5-2, 1-0 CL) believe they are of championship material, they must beat the Chieftains (4-3, 2-0 CL). Clairemont has beaten Christian the last two years but the Patriots pulled out victories the previous two seasons.

So what’s the deal?... Christian 28-21.

GRANITE HILLS at STEELE CANYON – This has been a strange series. The first time they met in 2002 Granite Hills won in a mud bog, 6-4. In 2007 there was no game because of the raging wildfires in the county, when the game was canceled.

Since then it’s been all Steele Canyon as the Cougars have won seven of the eight on-field games. The Cougars (2-4-1, 1-1 GHL) will celebrate Homecoming Friday night (Oct. 19) in need of a victory in terms of their playoff chances.

The Cougars’ triggerman is BRANDON ANDRADE (96 of 184, 1774 yards, 17 TD passes). But probably the key ingredient to Steele Canyon ’s late season surge is running back LONNIE TUFF, who has shaken off an injury to dart for 348 yards and 5 touchdowns. In last week’s 42-35 loss to Grossmont, Tuff was running at full strength and that is definitely significant for the Cougars.

The Cougars have a lot of weapons, including running back LASHAWN WARE (38-307, 3 TDs).

TYLER HOPPER (393 yards, 4 TDs) and CHRIS MEREDITH (447, 1 TD) split the quarterbacking duties for Granite Hills (1-6, 0-2 GHL), which does most of its work through the air. ROBBY TENNENT is the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver with 17 catches for 235 yards and 3 TDs.

Granite Hills will be severely over-matched... Steele Canyon 39-13.

The Braves will now take a break from league play as they travel to Orange Glen (3-4) for a non-league game on Friday (Oct. 19).

Braves senior VIRNEL MOON is a triple threat with 749 all-purpose yards and 9 touchdowns. Just who will quarterback El Cajon Valley is undecided at this time, which has to confuse the Orange Glen defensive coaches.

Eight of the Patriots nine touchdowns have come via the rush.

The Braves have won both of the two previous meetings between these two teams by a composite score of 99-33. They’ll be hard-pressed to continue that dominance.

This is probably the toughest pick of the night... Orange Glen 28-26.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN at CALIPATRIA – The beat up Knights of Foothills Christian will have more than the desert heat to deal with Friday night (Oct. 19) when they tackle the Hornets (6-1, 1-0), who are contenders in the Manzanita League.

Quarterback Evan Franklin (46-85, 709 yards, 9 TDs) puts the buzz in the Calipatria passing game, while Michael Medina (5-foot-5, 140 pounds) has barreled for 674 yards and 7 TDs on 75 carries.

Foothills Christian’s scoring chances hub around quarterback SPENCER GEORGE (801 yards, 8 TDs).

Foothills Christian (3-3, 0-2) has been shut out in three of its last four games... Calipatria 28-6.

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-15-12) — Toiling as a coach seems never to leave one’s blood. Oh sure, a lot of these guys can retire and some of them have, but it’s not long before you see them pop up again at the most unexpected places.

Take DAVE WAASTAD, for example. A longtime assistant coach at Grossmont High, Waastad served as head football coach at El Capitan for 11 seasons (1990-2000). After a year off, Waastad resumed his head coaching career with four seasons at Granite Hills (2002-05). Last year he spent his time on the sidelines of Steele Canyon in a support capacity. But now Waastad is back in a fulltime coaching position as defensive coordinator at Granite Hills, lending his expertise to first-year head coach KELLAN COBBS.

Cougars QB Brandon Andrade (Photo by LionsBrow Photography)

Cougars’ caller: On another front MARK TIPTON, who was head coach for the Santana girls basketball team and offensive coordinator for the Sultans’ San Diego Section finalist football team that reached Qualcomm Stadium last year, is now calling plays at Steele Canyon as the Cougars’ offensive coordinator. You can tell Tipton’s touch to the Cougars’ offense as it is more pass-oriented. And that’s a good thing, especially for quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE, who figures to break every passing record on the Steele Canyon books.

Travelin’ man: He’ll never quit. Former Grossmont High head coach JUDD HULBURT is currently the defensive coordinator at Hilltop High under head coach BRIAN HAY, himself a product of Helix High and Grossmont College. Hulbert has coached in many capacities in the last three decades, including Granite Hills and El Capitan as well as Grossmont and Hilltop.

Big hands Cardinal: Helix graduate, 6-foot-8 senior tight end LEVINE TOILOLO, has started in all of Stanford University ’s games this season. He’s caught 13 passes for 278 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Cardinal. In Stanford’s offense tight ends are required to be big-time blockers and so far Toilolo has answered the call.

Playing with heart: Former Monte Vista standout GEOFF HARTMAN is attending NCAA Division 2 Notre Dame de Namur University of Belmont on a basketball scholarship and is studying business. The 6-foot-3 junior spent two seasons at Ohlone College in Freemont, where he received his Associates Degree.