WEEK TWO

Senior left tackle Josh Brooks (left) leads the way for Trevor Karsh. (Photo by iCrew of Chula Vista)

Vaqueros, Patriots, both 2-0 without yielding a point © East County Sports.com You will find both El Capitan and Christian high schools high on the list of standings after both progtams opened the season with their second consecutive shutout victory. The Vaqueros blanked Mater Dei Catholic, 44-0, while the Patriots traveled to Santee to take out Santana, 42-0. EL CAPITAN 44, MATER DEI CATHOLIC 0 – Perhaps it is still too early to tell how good this El Capitan football team will be in 2013. But for now … WOW! In only two games thus far, the Vaqueros have posted 114 points and pitched two shutouts. Both “contests” were played with a running clock for the entire second half, and most of the starters have only played four quarters or less so far. And Friday night’s 44-0 romp over Mater Dei Catholic came against a team that has won back-to-back Mesa-Pacific League titles without a loss and started this season with an impressive win over Kearny. “Celebrate tonight,” El Capitan coach RON BURNER told his troops after the rout. “Enjoy what you did tonight. But tomorrow we get ready for Serra … (it’s a) revenge game for us.” The Vaqueros lost a heartbreaker to Serra last year, 55-49 in double overtime. The Conquistadors, no doubt, will be impressed with El Cap’s first two wins this year. Last week, the Vaqueros handed Peace River of Alberta, Canada, a 77-0 spanking. Friday night (Sept. 6), they slapped Mater Dei with all 44 points coming in the first half before calling all subs in the second half. Quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who threw only twice last week, completed 12-of-14 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns – all in the first half. After an incompletion on his first attempt, Cagle connected with CHRIS PEARSON on a perfectly executed seam route that resulted in a 75-yard touchdown. On the next play, Mater Dei quarterback Marco Morales was being sacked by JOEY LACHAPPA in the end zone when Morales flipped the ball forward and was whistled for intentional grounding, resulting in a safety for the Vaqueros. On the ensuing series, Cagle ran for a 16-yard gain, connected with Pearson for a 9-yard pickup, tossed to SCOTT ROOT for a 12-yard gain, ran for 10 yards and then scooted untouched into the end zone on a QB draw from 4 yards out. That made it 16-0, and Cagle would soon connect with ISAIAH CAPOOCIA on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 0:58 left in the first quarter for a 23-0 lead. Early in the second quarter, on fourth-and-8, Cagle found Root beyond the coverage for a 33-yard TD pass that gave El Capitan a total of 100 points merely 65 minutes into its season. “I think we just caught them off guard,” Burner said. “We struck so early, I think that really threw them off. They had some kids banged up, too. That hurt them.” After a 3-and-out and a punt by Mater Dei, El Capitan junior D.J. SMITH took a handoff from Cagle, broke several tackles and raced 43 yards into the end zone for a 37-0 advantage. The Vaqueros’ next series lasted only two plays. Cagle hit Pearson for a 25-yard gain, and Root scored on a 27-yard rush with 2:01 to play before intermission. That ended the scoring as Mater Dei agreed to play the second half with a running clock, Burner substituted freely, and the teams combined for only 28 plays in the final 24 minutes. “I was feeling good,” said Cagle, who completed 10 straight passes after his initial misfire. “All the receivers were running great routes. My line was great; gotta mention them. It was a great team effort. “That team last week wasn’t that tough, but we knew we would have to play hard against Mater Dei. They’re a good team.” Pearson finished with three catches for 92 yards and a TD. Root caught four balls for 71 yards and a score, plus his rushing TD. “Watching their game last week, watching them on film, we thought it would be a much tougher game,” Root said. “We had a lot of critics coming into the season, but I think we showed we can put up some points.” Smith, a bruising-style runner who also plays linebacker, finished with 85 yards on just eight carries. “Mater Dei was supposed to be a tough opponent,” he said. “We were very motivated to prove what we could do.” As much as the offense has been clicking for El Cap, the defense deserves equal praise for the way it has completely manhandled its two opponents this summer. The Vaqueros stuffed Mater Dei for minus-15 yards rushing and allowed only 62 yards passing. ROBBY CALLAWAY and DANIEL GOULET combined on a sack, and Goulet and JAMES OWENS both added solo sacks in the second quarter. ROBERT DELOZIER had a fumble recovery on a Mater Dei punt attempt gone wrong that led to El Cap’s fifth score. “Defense today was outstanding,” Cagle said. “They put us in good field position all night.” Seemingly nothing went right for Mater Dei, which collected only four first downs and made numerous mistakes on snaps and defense. “I don’t think we’ve tackled that poorly in a long time,” Crusaders coach John Joyner said. “But I don’t want to take anything away from El Cap. They played an incredible game. They’re big. They’re physical. They played a great game. “I saw them scrimmage against some pretty good teams, and they did well. They’re a good football team.” A Look at the Scoreboard Team W L PF PA El Capitan Christian 2 2 0 0 114 84 0 0 CHRISTIAN 42, SANTANA 0 – For the second week in as many starts the Patriots of Christian High have defeated an opponent by a score of 42-0. During Friday’s (Sept. 6) non-league encounter, the two teams battled through a scoreless first quarter, but Christian scored a touchdown in the second when quarterback MICHAEL CARRILLO threw a perfect screen dump-off to TRENTON SAULS, who decoyed with his early block before sliding into the open flat for an unchallenged 20-yard touchdown. In the third quarter, Carrillo hit NICK SEXTON with a medium-depth pass, which resulted in a 50-yard TD to make it 21-0. Carrillo rolled right, and got a key block from running back ZANE COFFMAN to provide all the protection he would need to get the aerial off. Sexton caught the ball at the Sultan 37 and slipped through a pair of diving efforts to get into the end zone. Later in the third, Carrillo found KAI ARVAN for a 40-yard score on a sideline sprint. The senior QB quickly released the pass down the right side, while Arvan successfully got his man to bite on the stop-and-go. He caught the ball in stride at the 15 and beat the last-ditch effort of the defender to make it 35-0. TREVOR HOWELL's late TD made the final margin. Howell, a junior, caught a short flare in the left flat after Sauls made the screen possible with his block. Howell started for the pylon before cutting inside of a chasing defender. Christian's offensive front of LAITHE ISENMANN, PAUL LIEMGRUBER, DAVID SUDA, OWEN ADAIR, along with tight end SEBASTIAN SWIFT, had a strong night controlling the line of scrimmage. Carrillo finished with 333 yards of passing, while the Pats also grinded out 178 yards with the running game, led by Coffman's 104 yards. Sauls added a 2-yard TD run in the second quarter, while CHAD HUMPHRIES added an 8-yard scoring run in the third quarter. Arvan led the receiving corps with 121 yards.

Top: El Capitan QB Brad Cagle (4). Bottom: Joey LaChappa gets some air as the Vaqeuris defense posts a shutout. (Photos by iCrew of Chula Vista)

The lead block by Helix' Christian Chavez (55). (Photo by Ramon Scott)

There's no catching Helix' Davis

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (9-7-13) — Returning all-San Diego Section standout JALEN DAVIS is a Helix High threat that most teams will try to avoid this season – that is, when it comes time to punt or kick off.

Davis had punt returns of 54 and 42 yards, the latter of which was good for a score, as the Highlanders routed the visiting Northridge Knights from Layton, Utah, 32-0, in Friday’s (Sept. 6) non-league game at Jim Arnaiz Field.

On Davis' game-breaker in the first half, he fielded the ball at his own 40 and started to move right, but after heavy pursuit, he wheeled around to the other side of the field for the yardage, picking up blocks from MASON VINEYARD, DERRICK CLARK and JIHAD WOODS along the way, before being knocked down at the 6.

From there, quarterback DASHAWN KEIRSEY rolled right and threw his left-handed strike to AARON HARDIN near the front corner of the end zone to put Helix up 19-0 at halftime.

In the fourth, with the Highlanders easily in command after a three-and-out deep in Northridge territory, Davis picked up a purposefully angled sideline punt on a couple of hops at the opponents' 42, then miraculously dashed between five would-be tacklers to move into the clear down the right side. He outraced the final two defenders for the score to put the Scotties ahead 25-0.

Helix was nearly good from the get-go, as Mr. Defense and special-team extraordinaire FORREST HANLON recovered a botched punt snap by the Knights in the end zone on the first drive of the game.

The Helix defense was strong throughout, but not without some threat from the Knights. On Northridge's best scoring opportunity of the evening in the first half, WYATT TRAVIS made a fourth down stop from the 5-yard line. Travis combined with ISAIAH YOUNG on a sack later in the first half. RUEBEN LEASAU and Hardin recorded interceptions on deflected balls in the second half.

Also making contributions on the shutout were JABRION BURNSIDE, JOSEPH TAUANU'U, JALEN WYATT, MICHAEL BENJAMIN and R.J. VALDEZ.

Protection up front was led by CHRISTIAN CHAVEZ, MIKE FAJARDO, JAYLON KUYKENDALL and JOSEPH TOILOLO.

Sophomore running back ADRIAN PETTY rushed for 143 yards and a TD on 19 carries. It sparked the Helix offense that struggled only a week ago.

Grossmont defensive back Christian Meno (Photo by Linda Byerline)

GROSSMONT 56, ESCONDIDO 23 – It might take an abacus to keep up with the scoring of the Grossmont Foothillers this season, as they average 54 markers despite playing with a running clock for three quarters over two games.

The Hillers had to be stunned when they found themselves trailing 17-14 late in the first half of Friday’s (Sept. 6) non-league encounter.

After the Foothillers shut down Escondido's first possession, Grossmont (2-0) capped a 74-yard drive when quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE clicked on a hit a 13-yard pass completion to JOSH ANDERSON for a touchdown. Lawrence faked a handoff to his back, then found Anderson wide open streaking to his left in front of the goal line. MICHAEL BYERLINE provided the necessary protection.

The Cougars responded to take a 10-7 lead after one quarter on Josh Navarro's 21-yard touchdown run, but the Foothillers answered with a swift drive, capped by Lawrence's 15-yard pass completion to CHRISTIAN BROOKS for a score. Lawrence rolled right this time, and found his left-slot receiver moving past the hash, seemingly wide-open again, giving the Hillers a 14-10 advantage.

Navarro and the Cougars would counter again, as another 21-yard scoring rush midway through the second put the hosts back up by 3.

Grossmont wasted no time in regaining the lead, as Lawrence, under heavy pressure from a blitzing linebacker from the left side, slid away from the pressure and lofted a high, deep pass just before getting tackled. Brooks raced under the bomb against good coverage for a 40-yard completion down to the Escondido 5. Moments later, Lawrence faked a dive to ALIJAH AVANT and easily bootlegged in on the left side to make it 20-17 with under four minutes left in the first half.

The Hillers scored again early in the third on a Lawrence 10-yard pass to J.T. BARNES, then Avant added a 24-yard scoring run to put Grossmont up, 35-17, late in the third, but there was enough time for both teams to put up another TD.

After the Cougars closed to within 35-23, Anderson had a 46-yard run for a score, as the Foothillers seemingly had an answer every time.

“It’s all about preparation,” Anderson said. “Physical is a great part of the game, no doubt, but so is being mental.”

Avant had a 12-yard touchdown run early in the fourth, then Lawrence, who accounted for 6 touchdowns – 3 rushing and 3 passing – capped the scoring with a 1-yard run midway through the quarter. MARCUS MORGAN and TARIQ BUTROS helped lead the horses up front for the FOOTHILLERS' offensive attack.

PERRY SHERROD got his second interception in as many games to set up a Grossmont score.

“This was one of the best games Josh Anderson has ever had,” said Foothillers coach TOM KARLO.

Grossmont’s defense recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass. KALVIN WATERS has made a smooth transition from tight end to defensive end. Another stud on the forward wall is JUSTIN PEACE.

Karlo said, “We gave up 23 points but Escondido only scored on one of 12 series. That’s something to be proud about.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 25, OTAY RANCH 15 – Probably the most forgotten team in the San Diego Section are the Mount Miguel Matadors.

The Matadors were not ranked in any poll, but the fact remains they are 2-0 following Friday’s (Sept. 6) victory at Otay Ranch.

No question, this is an explosive team with plenty of potential.

Junior TRE BRYERS is no doubt one of the best running backs in East County as he bolted for 106 yards on 9 carries in the Matadors 25-5 win at the Mustangs’ expense.

Quarterback BRAD MORENO is a versatile performer. Not only has he completed 13 of 18 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown, he has rushed for 68 yards on 5 carries over two games.

“All I’ve heard during my four years at this school is how we’re not that good in football,” Moreno said. “But this is a scrappy crew and ready to take on any fight. Yeah, we’re the underdogs but we’re up to it and ready to take on the challenge.”

Not only is Moreno a speedy runner, he can throw the ball on the run and hit the mark almost every time.

But this is no solo act. His success as a passer will depend greatly on Bryers, who is a breakaway runner every time he touches the ball.

Senior DEVAUGHN MURRAY is a double-threat as a receiver and a defensive back that ranks with the best in the section. Against Otay Ranch he snagged two interceptions and made 10 tackles.

“My friends say all we’re gonna do is just lose like we always do,” Murray said. “Well I know one thing – we’re not looking back. I believe in what we’re doing, and we’re looking forward to what it is.”

Other nugget receivers are seniors JOVON RICHARDSON and RASHAD HARPER.

The running game is a little bit thin – lacks depth – but Bryers is a big-time guy.

On the defensive side Mount Miguel is pretty solid with linebacker MIRACLE TAUSAGA (7 tackles) and RASHAD TATE (9 tackles), safety Murray and defensive lineman KURESSA LAULU (4 tackles) serving as the four cornerstones of the Matadors defense.

It could come down to whether the Matadors’ defense can hold up behind these four guys.

Madison running back Kevin Moore (3) places the straightarm on a Valhalla defender. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

MADISON 35, VALHALLA 5 – The Valhalla Norsemen traveled to Clairemont Friday evening (Sept. 6) to take on the defending Division 3 State Champs – the Madison Warhawks. Last season, Valhalla was the only team to beat Madison, but a repeat performance was not to be this time around.

The Warhawks amassed 444 yards of total offense in rolling to a 35-5 victory over Valhalla.

Valhalla’s defense started strongly, forcing Madison to punt after a three-and-out first offensive series, with senior defensive lineman BLAKE ADAMSON stuffing the runner on third and short. Starting at its 36-yard line following the Warhawks’ punt, junior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS alertly snagged a deflected pass for a 14-yard gain to midfield, but a holding penalty and a dropped pass stalled the drive, forcing EAN HENDRICKSON to punt – a 51-yarder that resulted in a touchback.

Three plays later, Madison ’s Kevin Moore scampered 76 yards to paydirt for the game’s first score. Madison grabbed the early lead only five minutes into the contest and never looked back.

After Madison extended its lead to 14-0 on a 17-yard rushing TD with 4:09 remaining in the first quarter, Valhalla ’s offense started moving the ball, pumped up by JOHN TODD’s 40-yard kickoff return to the Norsemen 44-yard line. Senior quarterback DANIEL RODRIGUEZ connected with Todd for a 15-yard gain to the Madison 35-yard line.

A couple of nifty runs by DOMINIC CASTELLI advanced the ball to the Warhawks’ 10-yard line, but on first-and-goal from there, an errant pass was intercepted in the endzone, snuffing out a promising drive.

On the next play, however, the Madison quarterback bobbled the snap in the end zone and was sacked for a safety by Norsemen defensive back NOOR SEBI, making it 14-2 at the end of the initial period.

Only a minute into the second quarter, Madison ’s high-powered running attack was up to speed, moving quickly from its own 8-yard line into Valhalla territory, but defensive back FABIAN YAKOU jarred the ball loose from the runner and defensive back CHRIS RAMSEY pounced on it, giving the El Cajon team another opportunity to cut into the lead.

A 10-yard pass from Rodriguez to Thomas, coupled with a personal foul penalty against the Warhawks – and a pass interference penalty on the next play got the Norsemen into the red zone. When the drive sputtered, Hendrickson drilled a 35 yard field goal, making it a 14-5 game with 9:04 left to play before intermission.

Madison scored two more TDs in the second half and the Warhawks’ defense limited the Norsemen to 180 yards of total offense. Rodriguez’ night ended early when he was injured in the fourth quarter; he was 10-26-2 for 107 yards. Junior quarterback VINCENT MANUPELLA relieved him and completed his first pass of the season to fellow junior JAKE BASSETTE for an 18-yard game late in the fourth quarter.

Despite the lopsided score and stats, there were some bright spots on defense for the Norsemen. Senior linebacker GIUSEPPE CASTANOS sacked the Madison quarterback after chasing him more than 40 yards across the field, making a spectacular play. And, sophomore linebacker LOGAN BAKER continues to impress, sacking the quarterback twice.

Foothills Christian quarterback Caleb Hoffman eludes an Eagles defender. (Photo by CBProPhotos.com)

Foothills Christian's Ian Kirkpatrick (44) receives the straight-arm yet will make the solo tackle. (Photo by CBProPhotos.com)

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 14, MARANATHA CHRISTIAN 7 – Senior CALEB HOFFMAN, playing his first year as quarterback, accounted for 316 total yards, rushed for a touchdown and passed for another, as the host Knights took a 14-0 lead in the second half and improved to 1-1 Friday night (Sept. 6).

The teams battled to a scoreless first half at Seau Field, but Hoffman had a 65-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to break the 0-0 deadlock.

At the start of the fourth quarter Hoffman hit sophomore WYATT BASSON with a 33-yard touchdown pass. The Knights went for the 2-point conversion, which was caught by TAYLOR BANKHEAD.

“Hoffman showed up in August, right before the start of the season, and we’re sure glad he did,” said Knights coach THOM LUBIC.

Caleb’s younger brother DANIEL HOFFMAN was the recipient of one of his brother’s lobs as he caught a 33-yard TD pass and later intercepted a pass.

CONNOR GEORGE snagged an interception for Foothills Christian.

ZAKARA DAVIS led the Knights’ defense with 9 tackles – 3 of them sacks.

Sophomore defensive lineman CAMDON STEELE had a pair of third-quarter sacks despite suffering from a pulled muscle, while senior linebacker MICHAEL CLOYD helped anchor the Foothills Christian defense. He registered 5 solo tackles, had one assist and blocked a field goal that kept Maranatha out of double digits.

Cloyd, a team captain, told his teammates in the locker room, "How we play the second half will mark how we play the rest of the season."

The Knights almost pitched a shutout, but Maranatha found the end zone in the fourth quarter.

Junior running back IAN KIRKPATRICK paced the Knights on the ground.

West Hills' Noah Ylagan (8) breaks into the clear as Cristian Gonzalez of Monte Vista chases. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

WEST HILLS 31, MONTE VISTA 6 – The Wolf Pack got a staunch defensive effort led by RYDEN KERR's two sacks and nine tackles and E.J. GARCIA's acrobatic interception return for a touchdown as West Hills clobbered visiting Monte Vista Friday night (Sept. 6) in Santee.

With the score 10-0 in the second quarter, West Hills defender NOAH YLAGAN ran under a deep pass from Monte Vista as if he were the receiver. He caught the ball at the Monarchs' 45 and his momentum carried him to midfield. The senior righted his travels and turned to go the desired direction. He ended up with a 34-yard run back down to the Monte Vista 11. Moments later, PEANUT HERRADA scored a touchdown to make it 17-0.

Later in the second, Garcia ruined Monte Vista's seemingly well-executed screen. The over-pursuing line left a receiver and two blockers perfectly aligned on the right side, but Garcia jumped way in the air to take the sure gainer right out of its intended path. He received an easy escort from PATRICK SULLIVAN, CONNOR FINNESTAD and NOAH ORTIZ, who only had to knock down one man in order for Garcia to take it into the end zone for a 42-yard interception return.

D.J. LEWIS scored a touchdown for the Wolf Pack on a scoring strike from quarterback STEPHEN SCHINDLER.

Schindler finished with 9 of 17 passes for 153 yards, including TD passes to Herrada and Lewis.

DANIEL McMANUS kicked a 45-yard field goal for West Hills.

“There’s no doubt about it, this guy is a Division I college kicker,” said Pack coach TAY SNEDDON.

Other Wolf Pack defenders contributing to the near-shutout were GARRETT MEAD, WILLIE BENNETT, MATT LIPSCOMB and AUSTIN ARNOLD.

Monte Vista's JEMEIL JACKSON made a nifty 62-yard touchdown run. He plowed up the middle behind blockers ALEJANDRO CHAVEZ, JORGE PULIDO and GUILLERMO BUSTOS before putting up a stiff-arm to a defender, which forced a pair of Pack defenders to collide, leaving him space to run.

Jackson juked three defenders inside the West Hills 40 and picked up another couple of key blocks from JOHNNY JONES AND THOMAS WALKER before finishing at the right pylon to get the Monarchs on the scoreboard.

ST. AUGUSTINE 20, STEELE CANYON 12 – The high scoring affair originally forecast definitely was just the opposite as the defenses dominated what turned out to be a yellow hanky affair. The host Saints of St. Augustine had what appeared to be a sell-out crowd and high expectations to take care of the lowly cats.

Much to their surprise, the visiting Cougars “came to play,” as Steele Canyon coach SCOTT LONGERBONE stated, “and to show that we are a Top 10 club.”

The first march of the Saints was stalled as defensive lineman ANTHONY HERNANDEZ intercepted a Saints pass and picked up 17 yards to boot. This would also set up an early 6 engineered by Cougars quarterback JORDAN JOHNSON to slot receiver MACKEY BOWERS for 24 yards.

The first half of this battle was hard-hitting football. The Saints would answer the call and score on a 1-yard quarterback keeper by Joe Joe Hudson. The PAT snap was muffed, leaving the score at intermission 6-6.

The Cougars, returning to the turf to start the second half, went 3 and out on the first series, which gave the emotional edge to St. Augustine.

The very next drive the Saints would score on a 69-yard air strike to wide receiver Ryan Harris and a quick two-point conversion to go up 14-6. The Saints would also score again leaving the score 20-6 midway through the 4th quarter.

The Cougars would continue to claw their way back, but time expired and a well fought battle came up short 20-12.

Sophomore QB Johnson, a three-sport letterman, had an impressive night in the air and on the ground, finishing with 98 yards rushing on 12 carries, and 13-32-0 for 150 yards and a pair of touchdown strikes.

“These kids played their butts off and I'm proud of them,” stated Longerbone.

“This was a great character-building game, and we can learn a lot from this one.

“We played a great football team, and it doesn't get any easier as we travel to a hostile environment against Vista next week, but we are up for the challenge.”

– Dave Dickens

MONTGOMERY 27, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 – The visiting El Cajon Valley Braves couldn’t get off the floor in Friday’s (Sept. 6) non-league game at Montgomery.

The Braves battled to a 7-7 tie by intermission but then collapsed in the second half as Montgomery did all the scoring in the final two periods.

MATHEW SHEARIN scored the only touchdown for the Braves on a rushing burst. He finished with 193 yards on 27 carries.

Junior quarterback MICHAEL HARRIS added 95 rushes on 17 carries and completed 4 of 14 passes for 52 yards.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-5-13) — Are the Grossmont Foothillers really as good as they showed in the first two quarters of the season last week, when they produced 52 points, scoring 7 touchdowns and a field goal in their eight possessions?

Despite a running clock in the second half the Foothillers posted a 52-27 victory over Patrick Henry, and could easily have scored more had the entire game been played regulation.

“I understand why we didn’t play the whole game [regulation], but it would have been interesting to see what would have happened,” said Grossmont coach TOM KARLO. “As it was, we ran 47 plays in the first half.”

Those who have scouted the No. 6 ranked Foothillers identify Karlo’s offensive attack as a no huddle approach.

“That’s not exactly how we see it,” Karlo commented. “We like to call our offense ‘up tempo’ rather than no huddle.”

When the Foothillers visit Escondido in a non-league contest Friday night (Sept. 6) at 7 p.m. they will see a completely different look than was displayed by Patrick Henry.

“Actually, that’s what we’re looking for,” Karlo said. “ Escondido runs the ball. I think they threw the ball only 10 times (in a 21-7 victory over Rancho Bernardo).”

By comparison, Henry threw the ball 47 times.

“We’re looking to be tested in every way possible, and this is just another way,” Karlo added. “That’s what the preseason is for. Another difference is Escondido has a big, physical front. I’d like to see how we do against that.”

Grossmont defeated the Cougars last year for only the second time in seven meetings, 30-6. The Foothillers, who lost their first four encounters to Escondido in the 1950s and ‘60s should not have difficulty rolling to a second straight victory... Grossmont 31-14.

NORTHRIDGE (Utah) at HELIX, 7 – After being burned by Punahou, Hawaii, 10-6 in the season opener the No. 6 ranked Helix Highlanders figure to steam-roller the Northridge Knights of Layton, Utah in Friday’s (Sept. 6) home opener.

Helix’s problem in game one was its kicking game failed. The Highlanders were unable to convert a single conversion, which cost them the game.

The Knights finished 9-3 last year in their class 5A region, falling in the state semifinals. From 2001 to 2003 they won three state football championships.

The Helix offense sputtered all night against the Hawaiian team and must pick it up to handle the Utah unit... Helix 20-14.

VALHALLA at MADISON, 6:30 – State power Madison should man-handle visiting Valhalla in Friday’s (Sept. 6) non-league action.

The key for the Norsemen, who lost 17-13 in the opener against Mira Mesa, is to find a way to put the brakes to Warhawks running back Kevin Moore, who scored three touchdowns in a 35-6 rout of Lincoln.

Valhalla will pin its hopes on running back/wide receiver DOMINIC CASTELLI, who is a double threat. Quarterback DANIEL RODRIGUEZ passed for 188 yards in the opening game.

Will that all be enough? Not likely.

In the past two seasons the Norsemen have averaged more than 30 points a game, and they’ll need at least that many to mash Madison, a team they beat 42-28 a year ago... Madison 35-17.

MOUNT MIGUEL at OTAY RANCH, 7 – It’s difficult for coaches to convince their players to play for revenge in a non-league game. Such is the case for Mount Miguel, which visits Otay Ranch on Friday (Sept. 6).

The Matadors mauled Morse 35-7 last week, and this will be Otay Ranch’s first game of the season.

No question Mount Miguel is one of the most underrated teams even though the Matadors are not ranked in the Top 10. Make no mistake about it. This is an explosive team with a big defense.

Senior quarterback BRAD MORENO (10-19-192, 1 TD) directs the Matadors’ offense that includes running back BEN LOMIBAO (29-134, 1 TD). Not to be overlooked is receiver RASHAD HARPER (5 catches, 171 yards and a TD), who leads a strong pass-catching corps.

This game belongs to... Mount Miguel 28-13.

EL CAPITAN at MATER DEI CATHOLIC, 7 – This is an interesting game, considering El Capitan slaughtered an out-manned Canadian squad on opening night 70-0, while Mater Dei knocked off Kearny 21-18.

FRANCIS LIMA led the Vaqueros running game with 3 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown, while D.J. SMITH added 5 carries for 64 yards and 2 TDs.

In games like this the stats are scattered all over the place as El Capitan led 35-0 after one quarter. The Vaqueros passing game is hard to measure. Since that team was so weak, coach RON BURNER kept the ball under his wing.

“I hate to play games like that,” Burner said. “Not because I don’t like the people – it’s such a mismatch. They called us up and wanted to play us, so we did. We didn’t get much out of it.”

In a bout against Mater Dei this could be a long encounter because the Crusaders prefer to pass rather than run. Mater Dei counts on Marco Morales to put the ball up, and Division I receiver Iman Chatman-Dixon to challenge the Vaqueros secondary.

This is the first meeting between these two teams, and the nod goes to... El Capitan 28-27.

STEELE CANYON vs. ST. AUGUSTINE at Mesa College, 7 – This might be the best game in the San Diego Section, as these teams match up so well.

One thing for sure about Friday’s (Sept. 6) encounter, it should be a high-scoring affair. The Cougars are coming off a 41-14 romp over Chula Vista, while St. Augustine tumbled to No. 1 ranked Oceanside 47-28.

These teams have split two decisions, with the Saints winning 27-21 last year.

Steele Canyon is filled with plenty of fresh faces, including quarterback JORDAN JOHNSON who has completed 11 of 19 passes for 185 and 4 TDs. No question his top target is slotback LAWRENCE DICKENS.

The Saints will look to quarterback Joe Hudson, who threw for 1534 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman, and versatile Tyler Herburger who caught passes for 504 yards last year. Another Saints standout is Francoise Sims, who scored 10 touchdowns as a freshman.

Give this free-scoring affair to... St. Augustine 35-33.

EL CAJON VALLEY at MONTGOMERY, 7 – The Braves breezed past Montgomery 30-7 a year ago but it might not be so easy this time around.

However, both teams got rocked in last week’s season opener, with El Cajon Valley falling to Ramona 49-14 and Montgomery tumbling to Bonita Vista 48-12.

The Braves will look to quarterback MICHAEL HARRIS (12-75, 2 TDs) to lead the way but will need defensive support to allow the Braves to even their record.

This game will be as close as the season series that Montgomery leads 5-4... El Cajon Valley 27-26.

MONTE VISTA at WEST HILLS, 7 – This should be an interesting encounter considering West Hills has beaten the Monarchs in 13 of 16 meetings.

Monte Vista has added a respectable offense to their arsenal, which may be too much for West Hills to handle.

Quarterback THOMAS WALKER leads the Monarchs averaging 15.3 yards per carry.

The Wolf Pack, which knocked off Santana 17-7 in the opener while rolling up 257 yards and limiting the Sultans to 78 yards, will definitely feature a stiffer challenge from Monte Vista, which suffered a frustrating 42-22 loss to Serra.

Even though this is a Grossmont Conference game, it is not a league game. It does, however, have some neighborhood bite to it... Monte Vista 21-16.

CHRISTIAN at SANTANA, 7 – The last time these two teams collided, the Patriots pounded out a 40-26 victory over the Sultans as MICHAEL CARRILLO passed for 283 yards and 4 touchdowns. Carrillo should have little trouble smothering the Sultans again.

No doubt the big horse for Christian will be running back TRENT SAULS, who was unstoppable when the Patriots vanquished Mission Prep-SLO in the season opener. Sauls, who doubles at linebacker, rushed for 102 yards on 6 carries and scored 2 touchdowns... Christian 37-14.

MARANATHA CHRISTIAN vs. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN at Seau Field, 7 – This is a tough one to figure. Visiting Maranatha Christian got crushed by Capistrano in last week’s opener 50-3, while Foothills Christian suffered a 53-26 loss to Calvin Christian.

The Knights should come out throwing as quarterback CALEB HOFFMAN directs the attack. He completed 8 of 19 passes for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. He rolled up 296 yards total offense.

A shootout isn’t likely but the nod goes to... Foothills Christian 28-7.

Sat., Aug. 31
Non-League
Honolulu-Punahou 10, Helix 6

Thurs., Sept. 5
Non-League
CV-Calvary Christian 21, SD Jewish 20

Fri., Sept. 6
Non-League
Grossmont 56, Escondido 23
El Capitan 44, Mater Dei Catholic 0
Christian 42, Santana 0
Helix 32, Northridge (Utah) 0
Mount Miguel 25, Otay Ranch 15
Foothills Christian 14, Maranatha 7
Madison 35, Valhalla 5
St. Augustine 20, Steele Canyon 12
Montgomery 20, El Cajon Valley 7
West Hills 31, Monte Vista 6
Coronado 35, SD-Soithwest 14
Clairemoint 49, EC-Southwest 15
Hoover 30, University City 7
Crawford 49, Julian 0
La Jolla Country Fay 34, Vincent Memorial 12
Calipatria 53, BorregoSprings 0
Calvin Christian 46, Lutheran 24

Sat., Sept. 7
Non-League
Viewpoint 61, Mountain Empire 0
Classical Acdemy 46, Ocean View Chr. 6

Fri., Sept. 13
Non-League
Helix 21, Cathedral Catholic 16
El Capitan 49, Serra 14
West Hills 27, El Centro-Central 13
Valhalla 24, Monte Vista 14
Christian 66, El Cajon Valley 3
San Ysidro 48, Foothills Christian 13
Granite Hills 49, Patrick Henry 21
Ramona 52, Grossmont 22
Castle Park 28, Santana 7
Vista 8, Steele Canyon 6
Madison 20, Mount Miguel 7 (final score will stand; game ended early, fight)
Coronado 48, Cochrane (Albt.) 28
Montgomery 34, Clairemont 21
Morse 22, University City 13
Crawdord 39, Horizon 23
CV-Calvary Christian 22, Maranatha 0
Mountain Empire 40, Anza-Hamilton 35
Calipatria 36, The Rock 7
Holtville 41, Desert Mirage 0
Vincent Memorial 44, Lutheran 0
Julian 29, Ocean View Christian 0
Tri-Coty Christian df. at Borrego Springs, forfeit

Fri., Sept. 20
Citrus League
Lutheran 33, Foothills Christian 6
Non-League
Christian 35, Ontario Christian 13
El Capitan 49, Valhalla 25
Granite Hills 51, El Centro-Central 29
Helix 42, Mount Miguel 19
Monte Vista 34, Sweetwater 3
Steele Canyon 27, Rancho Buena Vista 23
West Hills 23, Serra 0
Francis Parker 52, Santana 13
El Cajon Valley 51, San Ysidro 34
Mountain Empire 38, SD-Southwest 16
Clairemont 35, Castle Park 0
The Bishop's 20, Coronado 17
Julian 46, Riverside-Sherman Indian 6
Temecula-Rancho Christian 34, CV-Calvary 0
Vincent Memorial 36, Classical Academy 6
Newport Beach-Sage Hills 21, Esacondido Charter 16
El Centro-Southwest 54, Holtville 14
Crawford 43, Maranatha 0
Yuma (Ariz.) 13, Calipatria 8
Bye - Grossmont
Fri., Sept. 27
Non-League
No.11 El Capitan 45, West Hills 26
No.12 Christian 56, The Bishop’s 28
No.13 Grossmont 42, Otay Ranch 7
No.9 Ramona 10, No.3 Helix 6
Monte Vista 29, Kearny 12
Mount Miguel 45, Valhalla 14
Granite Hills 55, El Cajon Valley 10
Mountain Empire 54, Army-Navy 39
Crawford 68, Foothills Christian 0
No.2 Mission Hills 30, No.1 Oceanside 6
University City 35, San Diego HS 21
Mission Bay 41, Clairemont 0
Hilltop 10, Coronado 0
San Ysidro 31, Calipatria 18
Holtville 49, San Luis (Ariz.) 0
Escondido Charter 42, Tri-City Christian 14
Classical 28, Newport Beach-Sage Hill 21
CV-Calvary Christian 28, Calvin Christian 27

Sat., Sept. 28
Non-League
Point Loma 35, Santana 3

Thurs., Oct. 3
Non-League
San Diego Jewish 27, Julian 0

Fri., Oct. 4
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 38, Orange Glen 13
Mount Miguel 38, Poway 3
Monte Vista 28, Patrick Henry 21 (OT)
Grossmont 61, San Diego 6
El Capitan 55, Granite Hills 14
Mission Bay 24, Christian 21
Mar Vista14, Santana 6
Canyon Country-Canyon 28, Steele Canyon 0
La Jolla 27, Coronado 22
Hoover 48, Clairemont 7
Serra 28, University City 14
Classical 25, Calvin Christian 8
Horizon 53, Escondido Charter 22
Holtville 28, Palo Verde Valley 7
Vincent Memorial 43, Borrego Springs 0
Maranatha Christian 18, Lutheran 16

Fri., Oct. 11
Grossmont Hills League
Grossmont 63, Granite Hills 49
Helix 47, Valhalla 10
West Hills 20, Steele Canyon 17
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 46, El Cajon Valley 0
Mount Miguel 42, El Capitan 21
Santana - bye
Central League
Christian 49, Coronado 3
Manzanita League
Mountain Empire 40, Escondido Charter 0
Vincent Memorial 41, Calipatria 0
Crawford 21, Holtville 14
Citrus League
CV-Calvary Christian 22, Boirrego Springs 6
Classical 20, Julian 7
Non-League
La Jolla 63, University City 6

Fri., Oct. 18
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 45, Granite Hills 13
Grossmont 21, Steele Canyon 19
West Hills 32, Valhalla 25
Grossmont Valley League
Santana 35, El Cajon Valley 0
Mount Miguel 35, Monte Vista 12
El Capitan – bye
Citrus League
Borrego Springs 44, Foothills Christian 0
Julian 40, Lutheran 14
Manzanita League
Holtville 33, Mountain Empire 12
Calipatria at Crawford, ccd.

Sat., Oct. 19
Manzanita League
Escondido Charter 29, Vincent Memorial 22
Citrus League
CV-Calvary Chr. 34, Classical Academy 27

Fri., Oct. 25
Grossmont Hills League
Granite Hills 17, Steele Canyon 14
Helix 44, West Hills 7
Grossmont 69, Valhalla 14
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 42, Santana 0
Mount Miguel 62, El Cajon Valley 0
Central League
University City 28, Coronado 18
Citrus League
Classical Academy 54, Foothills Christian 0
Borrego Springs 64, Lutheran 19
CV-Calvary Chr. 16, Julian 10
Manzanita League
Holtville 40, Escondido Charter 18
Crawford 45, Vincent Memorial 0

Sat., Oct. 26
Central League
Christian 49, Clairemont 0
Manzanita League
Mountain Empire df. Calipatria, forfeit

Fri., Nov. 1
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 58, Grossmont 36
Steele Canyon 28, Valhalla 7
West Hills 36, Granite Hills 13
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 21, Monte Vista 0
Mount Miguel 53, Santana 0
Central League
Christian 52, University City 3
Citrus League
Foothills Christian 9, Julian 6
CV-Calvary Christian 62, Lutheran 27
Classical Academy 69, Borrego Springs 6
Manzanita League
Crawford 29, Mountain Empire 14
Holtville 54, Vincent Memorial 0
Escondido Charter 27, Calipatria 14

Thurs., Nov. 7
Citrus League
CV-Calvary Christian 56, Foothills Christian 19

Fri., Nov. 8
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 14, Steele Canyon 13
Grossmont 48, West Hills 6
Granite Hills 45, Valhalla 25
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 44, Santana 3
El Capitan 48, El Cajon Valley 7
Non-League
Christian 62, La Jolla Country Day 9
Mission Bay 49, Coronado 13
Central League
University City 10, Clairemont 9
Manzanita League
]Mountain Empire 52, Vincent Memorial 30
Holtville 40, Calipatria 7
Crawford 20, Escondido Charter 0
Citrus League
Classical Academy 66, Lutheran 8
Julian 47, Borrego Springs 24
END REGULAR SEASON