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SCHOLARSHIP SEASON

Four more getting their education paid for

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-8-15) — Grossmont High’s linebacker MALIK HAYES has accepted a scholarship to San Jose State, while offensive lineman LOGAN CANDELARIO has accepted a ride to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The Grossmont scholarship list continues with defensive back B.J. GONZALES, who will attend Black Hills State University, NCAA-2 in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Meanwhile defensive lineman CHAZ CADWALADER will be a walk-on at Arizona State University.

Four Cougars playing on the next level

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (6-5-15) — Four Steele Canyon High graduates have latched onto football college scholarships from their 2014 season play.

WILLIE FAIR, a linebacker, will attend NCAA Division II Azusa Pacific University.

ROBERT TEO and JORDAN JOHNSON will check in at NAIA Hastings College in Hastings, Nev.

ROOSEVELT JOHNSON will play for the NAIA Baker University Wildcats in Baldwin City, Kansas.

First set of 2016 scholarships are coming in

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-18-15) — Granite Hills senior-to-be JACOB BURTON, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound lineman, has been offered a scholarship to the University of Arizona.

Burton, if he accepts the Wildcats’ offer, will join former Santana lineman T.D. GROSS at the Tucson campus. Burton’s father, BRAD, who played at San Diego State, and uncle MITCH, who also played football for the Aztecs, offer the youthful Jacob plenty of experience going into his final season of high school football.

Other Scholarship Recruits
A handful of West Hills seniors earned scholarships to the University of Minnesota Crookston. Lineman GARRET MEAD, a first team Grossmont Valley League player who played virtually every snap for the Wolf Pack in 2014 has already accepted a scholarship.

Also earning a scholarship to UMC is linebacker CONNER FINNESTEAD, who played his first three years at West Hills and then transferred to Mater Dei Catholic where he earned All CIF honors.

Versatile PEANUT HERRADA, who red-shirted last year at UMC, joins former West Hills wide receiver ERIC FIEGE on the Crookston campus.

Week 12

Eagles spread wings for playoff win over Henry

By Jim Lindgren
©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (11-15-14) — As talented, fast and multi-dimensional as MICHAEL LEDESMA is for Granite Hills, it’s sometimes hard for him to pick out his favorite highlight from a Friday night football game.

Was it the sparkling 66-yard touchdown run around right end in which he eluded several would-be tacklers, broke free of a couple grasps and raced to the end zone to give the Eagles a 21-point cushion midway through the third quarter?

Or was it the amazing 30-yard touchdown grab in which he dived, stretched and somehow hauled in the improbable completion while skidding toward the end zone sideline that gave the Eagles their first 21-point spread early in the second quarter?

In the fourth quarter, there also was an 8-yard TD scamper and a relatively ho-hum 2-yard scoring sprint, but those were not in the running for “Best of Show” on this Friday night (Nov. 14) when Granite Hills routed Patrick Henry, 55-28, in the first round of the Division III playoffs at Valley Stadium.

His favorite?

“It’s really close between the 70-yarder (66 actually) or the diving catch,” Ledesma said. “If I had to choose … (long pause) … (longer pause) … I don’t know.”

Told by an observer he would eventually choose the 30-yard diving catch, Ledesma conceded, “OK. I’ll go with that one.”

Ledesma’s four-TD night along with another stellar performance by quarterback SETH COLLINS propelled the No. 5-seeded Eagles (8-3) past No. 12 Patrick Henry (5-6) and into a quarterfinal matchup with No. 4 Fallbrook (7-3) next Friday night (Nov. 21) at Fallbrook.

After a drought of 27 years without a postseason win on the field, Granite Hills won two playoff games last year before losing to San Marcos, 28-17, last year in the Division III semifinals.

“We had a lot of confidence all year,” Ledesma said. “I felt in all my heart that we should have won that semifinal game last year. Confidence rolls and flips over.”

Granite Hills wide receiver Michael Ledesma celebrates with quarterback Seth Collins (1) following another touchdown hook-up during Friday night's playoff win by one of the East County's leading - and most spectacular - passing combos. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Granite Hills has now won three in a row after losing three in a row after starting the season 5-0.

Listed as a wide receiver, Ledesma finished with 134 rushing yards and three TDs on only six carries, two catches for 38 yards and a TD and a 35-yard kick return that – on the next play – led to a 48-yard touchdown pass from Collins to a wide-open ROB AGERBEEK that made it 28-6 with 2:47 before halftime.

Collins’ two touchdown passes came on only four attempts, and none of his passes hit the turf. Collins was 3-of-4 passing for 86 yards with one non-consequence interception. More dangerous afoot, he rushed for 133 yards on 14 carries, including a magnificent 51-yard touchdown scramble to open the second half and a 35-13 GH advantage.

“They (Ledesma and Collins) did a good job tonight,” Eagles coach KELLAN COBBS said. “Our offensive line did a great job, getting to the edge on those sweeps.”

Despite giving up 28 points, 352 total yards and 21 first downs, the Eagles defense provided a major boost with two interceptions and significant return yards in the first half.

“Those interceptions and the return game did a good job getting us good field position,” Cobbs said.

RILEY REYES posted his first rushing touchdown on the Eagles’ first possession to make it 7-0, a 4-yard end-around executed to perfection.

After CHASE GANDY intercepted a Henry pass and returned it 29 yards, THOMAS YOUMOG scored five plays later on a 6-yarder to make it 24-0. Early in the second quarter, Reyes’ fourth interception of the season that he returned 40 yards led to Ledesma’s highlight TD catch and a 21-0 lead.

Granite Hills wide receiver Michael Ledesma leaves a trail of ground rubber trying to cut against Patrick Henry defenders Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Ledesma had five TDs against Central, and his four against Henry gives him 23 for the season. Collins now has 17 rushing scores and 12 TD passes.

“They’ve got speed,” Henry coach Mike Martinez said. “That really hurt us tonight.”

The Patriots finally got untracked late in the second quarter, scoring twice in the final 2:56 to make it an intriguing 28-13 game at halftime.

Five plays into the second half, this game was over.

On the third play of the third quarter, Collins scored on a zig-zagging 51-yard run that probably covered 95 yards of real estate to make it 35-13.

After Henry reeled off a nice scoring drive, Ledesma took the Eagles’ second snap for his 66-yarder to go up 41-20.

With a barely missed extra-point attempt, Granite Hills’ scoring line wound up 14-14-13-14 for 55 points. The Eagles’ top mark this year was 56 against El CajonValley, and they also posted 54 against Santana. Granite Hills had beaten Patrick Henry 48-24 in Week 3.

Ledesma’s first score of the fourth quarter made it 48-20. A 15-yard face-mask penalty on the Patriots was tacked onto the ensuing kickoff, and Granite Hills’ SID RODRIGUEZ recovered an onside-kick attempt at the 39-yard line that led to Ledesma’s fourth score with 6:57 left. The 55-20 lead led to a running clock for the remainder of the game, and Granite never ran another play.

The Eagles finished with 445 total yards, including 72 rushing yards from Youmog on 11 carries.

“Honestly, with the way their offense was going, it felt like a closer game,” Cobbs said.

CAMERON ROJAS (three pass defenses), KELLEN GAEIR (batted pass in the backfield), Ledesma and Riley paced the defense.

“It was a good win,” Cobbs said, “Hopefully we can keep it going. Fallbrook is a good team. They run the wing-T (offense) really well.”

Since 1986, Granite Hills had lost 14 straight playoff games on the field – it was rewarded a 2-0 forfeit win against Mt. Carmel in 1997 – before going 2-1 last year and barely missing a chance for their first-ever San Diego Section championship.

The Eagles are 14-21 all-time in the playoffs since Granite Hills opened in 1960.

As for the turnaround in Granite Hills’ postseason fortune, Cobbs stated, “It’s always exciting to win playoff games. Hopefully it will be a more regular thing around here than it’s been in the past.”

WEST HILLS (9-2) 41, IMPERIAL (6-5) 27 – No. 5 seed West Hills upended Imperial in Friday’s (Nov. 14) first round of the San Diego Section Division II playoffs.

West Hills won for the eighth-straight game by shutting down the balanced Tigers' offense 41-24.

TAJ BROOMFIELD scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with about eight minutes left in the first quarter, as West Hills led 7-0 after one.

JACOB SHAW had a 1-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter, which extended the Wolf Pack's lead to 20-7.

DEVON HATHAWAY had a 56-yard scoop-and-score in the first minute of the second half to make it 27-7. Senior JOEY WILSON pressured a receiver who was getting a behind-the-line screen pass that was dropped. Hathaway was the man-on-the-scene to pick up the ball and race down the left side for the touchdown.

Broomfield added a 52-yard scoring reception from quarterback SPENCER MOYER, who hauled in a high pass down the right side with about eight minutes left in the third quarter to make it 34-7.

With seven minutes left in the game, Hathaway scored from 3 yards out to make it 41-20.

West Hills will travel to the desert to face 9-1 Brawley in the quarterfinals Friday (Nov. 21).

El Cajon Valley senior slot Fadi Putrus carries during the Braves' home playoff win over Horizon Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

EL CAJON VALLEY (3-8) 49, HORIZON (5-6) 34 – The Braves were virtually unstoppable on offense, and the El Cajon Valley Sack Exchange came up big during the game's final stanza, as the hosts won in the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

El Cajon Valley jumped out to a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter, but the Panthers came back to tie in the second quarter on a 13-yard quarterback keeper.

The Braves scored a touchdown with under two minutes to go in the first half.

El Cajon Valley forced a fumble in the first quarter and converted the turnover into a touchdown four plays later on a 19-yard score.

The Braves scored on a six-play opening drive, capped by a 9-yard run.

Horizon closed to within 21-20 on a touchdown early in the third quarter, then made a big red-zone stop on fourth down following big-play runs from MATTHEW SHEARIN and MERITON HASANI. Shearin had a 12-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 28-28.

“Shearin had a great game,” said El Cajon Valley coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD. “He played both ways. And Hasani played great as well, finishing with 2 TDs and 141 yards rushing.”

El Cajon Valley's FAAMAMA LAUIFI had an interception off a deflected pass late in the third quarter, while teammate PIETRO ANDERSON had a tackle-for-loss, also near the end of the third quarter. Anderson finished with 13 tackles, 3 sacks and caused a fumble.

Shearin rushed for a short touchdown with 9:03 left in the game.

NICK JONES had a third-down sack in the fourth quarter, setting up a 43-yard TD run by Shearin immediately following the change of possession. Jones had 7 tackles with 3 sacks and a knock-down pass that led to an interception.

The Braves' defense came up big midway through the fourth when Shearin knocked a possible touchdown pass out of the receiver's grasp, then Lauifi and Jones stopped the Panthers' for a tackle-for-loss on fourth down to force a turnover on downs.

“Our O-line was great,” said Whitehead. “Hats off to our OL – CUAUHTEMOC GUTIERREZ, BREYDEN CHESTNUT, STEVE SARKISSIAN, ADEL MORALES, Pietro Anderson and MUHAMAD TAHIR.”

FADI PUTRUS, a senior, had a remarkable 38-yard touchdown run that saw him bounce, spin and get out of the grasp of defenders en route to the end zone.

“Putrus played great – rushed for 58 yards and a score,” Whitehead said. “We rushed for 546 yards. MARTIN PATTI had 7 touchbacks and did a great job punting.”

Late in the game, Jones and Anderson combined for a sack, then Jones got a solo sack on the next play. Anderson would later add another sack on the game's final drive.

Horizon got a touchdown with 2:25 left, but Shearin turned a 3rd-and-6 play into a 61-yard touchdown run with 1:38 left.

El Cajon Valley junior linebacker TAYLER PANNEL finished off the Panthers with a final-drive sack.

 

Grossmont's Tyler Milliken (blue) sacks the Westview quarterback Friday night during the Foothillers' home playoff win Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

GROSSMONT (6-5) 57, WESTVIEW (3-8) 34 – RICKY VALDEZ rushed for three touchdowns for Grossmont, which tallied 582 total yards in the wild home San Diego Section Division I playoff win Friday night (Nov. 14).

CALVIN FARRIS had an 80-yard catch-and-run touchdown pass to A.J. SHAW to get Grossmont on the board after Westview opened up with a 14-0 edge.

Valdez banged off a tackler en route to a 12-yard score, as Grossmont led 37-34.

Grossmont worked a short on-side kick on the left side to perfection when kick KYLE PINEDA beautifully angled a short-bouncer over the front line, allowing junior MARCUS MELERO to easily roundup the free ball.

Grossmont led 44-34 when B.J. GONZALEZ made a diving interception to seemingly seal the win.

Blocking the way for the 5-10, 205-pound senior Valdez were seniors LOGAN CANDELARIO, TRISTON COX, SCOTT FOHRING, MICHAEL BYERLINE and TARIQ BOUTROS

Grossmont will face No. 1-seed La Costa Canyon (5-5) next Friday night.

EL CAMINO (6-5) 31, VALHALLA (4-7) 17 – It was a long bus ride to Oceanside for the Valhalla football team. After being stuck in traffic for more than 2 hours, the Rancho San Diego team finally arrived at El Camino for a first round San Diego Section playoff game Friday evening (Nov. 14), just a short time before the scheduled 7:00 p.m. kickoff.

It was a longer ride home, even though it took much less time, after being on the wrong end of a 31-17 decision. Even though the Norsemen lost the game, they showed coach CHARLES BUSSEY they have talent, desire, and a lot of grit—all good ingredients for next season.

The Norsemen wanted to get off to a fast start with their hurry-up offense. Junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH started with a quick hitter to junior wide receiver KEVIN FRANCIS for an 11-yard gain to the Valhalla 31-yard line. Then junior running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE ripped a 9-yard gain up the middle, followed by a nifty 13-yard dash on an option play around left end into El Camino territory, to the 46-yard line. The drive fizzled after a sack and two incomplete passes, forcing a punt by sophomore JACOB PAAPE.

Valhalla’s defense got off to a good start as well. The Wildcats opened from their 19-yard line following Paape’s punt. On first down, quarterback Sergio Lopez threw a quick pass in the right flats that was dropped by the receiver as he heard junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER’s thundering footsteps closing in; the pass was backwards, officially making it a lateral and not a pass. Baker alertly pursued the ball, as did the would-be-receiver who pounced on the ball as Baker pounced on him for a 12-yard loss. So much for fast starts.

On the next play, Garcia completed a 23-yard pass, just enough for a first down at the El Camino 30-yard line. The home team systematically moved the ball downfield to the Valhalla 25-yard line. On 2nd and 7, Garcia sprinted up the middle, squirted free and cruised into the end zone. The kick was good and the Wildcats led 7-0, with 5:30 left to play in the first quarter.

Late in the first quarter El Camino was on their 35-yard line and called a middle screen pass. Unfortunately, Valhalla’s rather large junior nose guard CHRIS YOHE swatted the ball right to his cohort on the defensive line, ANTHONY HANNA, who picked it off and returned the interception 16 yards to the Wildcats’ 14 yard line, giving the visitors the opportunity to knot the score before the end of the first period. Three successive running plays only netted 2 yards, however, so the Norsemen settled for a Paape 27 yard field goal to open the second quarter, tightening the score to 7-3.

A 40 yard return on the ensuing kickoff gave the home team great field position at their 45 yard line. Six plays later, running back Nick Donaldson scored from 3 yards out, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 14-3, at the 8:44 mark of the second stanza.

Valhalla had good field position to start its next offensive series, at its 42 yard line. Naseh and crew went to work. First, he connected with senior wide receiver SPENCER HENDERSON for a 9 yard gain to the El Camino 49 yard line. Then, after sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON ripped off an 8 yard gain to the EC 41, Naseh found Henderson open again across the middle to the Oceanside team’s 28 yard line.

Two plays later, senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN took off down the left sideline for the end zone; Naseh spotted him and lofted a pass to Coleman’s left side as the receiver entered the end zone. Coleman made a spectacular one-hand catch, and, after Paape (3-3 PAT) split the uprights, Valhalla was back in business, trailing only 14-10 with 6:29 remaining in the first half.

Not to be outdone, El Camino’s offense quickly moved downfield in an attempt to regain a comfortable lead before intermission. Six plays later, the Wildcats had a 1st and goal from the Norsemen 3 yard line. The Wildcats’ coaching staff called for the ever-popular center screen pass on the next play, but junior linebacker TREY SCHIMKE sniffed it out, waited until the last second, and then stuck his big paws up and snatched the ball out of the air before it could find a receiver. Schimke returned the interception 10 yards to the Valhalla 13 yard line, giving the Norsemen a chance to take the lead before the first half ended.

Naseh methodically directed traffic as the Valhalla offense scooted downfield into El Camino territory, following a 20 yard pass from Naseh to Henderson (6 receptions, 94 yards) to the EC 36 yard line. Two plays later, an El Camino defender tipped a pass, which re-routed it to another EC defender, Eric Wilson, who returned the interception 62 yards for another TD, giving the home team a 21-10 halftime lead./

El Camino got the ball to open the second half, but could only manage a 42 yard field goal, adding to its lead, 24-10, with 8:16 remaining in the third quarter.

Valhalla wasn’t intimidated and came roaring back. Facing a 3rd and 15 from his 20, Naseh worked some magic with Henderson, who ran a perfect flag route from right to left; Naseh hit him in full stride across the middle, and, after shaking off one tackler, Henderson motored for 35 yards to the EC 45 yard line.

On the next play, sophomore Johnson showed why he is going to be a force the next two years: he ran right through several would-be tacklers for a 22 yard gain to the EC 23 yard line. Naseh then threw a dart to a diving JAKE BASSETT who gathered it in on his way to the ground for a nice pickup to the Wildcats’ 11 yard line. The drive stalled, however, when the Norsemen were unable to punch it in from the 4 yard line, turning the ball over on downs.

Early in the 4th quarter, disaster struck. Naseh threw a quick hitter to Coleman for a completion at the Norsemen 30 yard line. Coleman managed to break at least one tackle before being dragged to the ground. When he hit the ground, the ball popped out. In a very controversial call, it was ruled a fumble, and, after a 20 yard return to the Valhalla 11 yard line, the home team was back in business – until junior cornerback JORDAN ELLIS picked off an errant pass at the 1 yard line and returned it to the 9 yard line, pumping up the Norsemen sideline.

Once again, the gritty Valhalla offense came to play. Sharpe ripped off a 20 yard run to the Valhalla 32. Then Bassett made another diving, sliding catch on the right sideline for a 34 yard gain to the EC 40 yard line. Some nice runs by Sharpe and Johnson moved the ball to the Wildcats’ 29 yard line. Bassett then capped his high school football career on a high note, as he caught a pass in traffic over the middle and fought his way to the 4 yard line. Two plays later, Johnson bruised his way into the end zone, making it a one-score game, 24-17, with 6:15 left to play.

On the next series, controversy struck again. The Wildcats’ quarterback lofted a pass to the end zone sideline; the receiver came down with the ball, but appeared not to have possession until he stepped out of bounds. Unfortunately for the Norsemen, neither sideline reporters nor the Valhalla fans get to make the calls; it was ruled a touchdown, sealing Valhalla’s fate 34-17, with only 2:55 left in the game.

For Valhalla, Nasseh finished 16-30-1 for 225 yards and one TD. Logan Baker had his customary double-digit tackles. And, keep this in mind. The Norsemen have a lot of returning letterman next year, along with many players from a very good JV squad. They should go deeper into the playoffs next season.

FRANCIS PARKER (6-5) 41, MONTE VISTA (6-5) 21 – Perennial power Francis Parker rolled over Monte Vista in Friday night’s (Nov. 14) Division III of the San Diego Section opening round playoffs.

Both teams came out firing but the Lancers got on the scoreboard first. Monte Vista followed shortly thereafter when TRE OWENS charged for a 6-yard run into the endzone.

The Monarchs would not score again until the third quarter when LEE WADE, JR. raced 5-yards for the TD, then did it again for 10 yards with 3:58 left in the fourth.

Lancers quarterback Khaleel Jenkins threw for four touchdowns and rushed for one. Two of those aerials went to Jordan Genmark-Heath, one to Christian Sourapas and one to Sterling Hayes as Francis Parker advanced to the second round of the playoffs next Friday (Nov. 21).

JOHNNY JONES led the Monarchs’ defense with 8 tackles, while ANDREW CANTY and JOSH CASTANEDA each logged a sack. ANGEL URENA scooped up a loose ball in a fumble recovery.

The game was only tied once at 7-7 before the Lancers took a 20-7 halftime lead. The outcome was never seriously in doubt after that.

POINT LOMA 47, MOUNT MIGUEL (3-8) 35 – Mount Miguel senior star JACOB CASTILLO threw for five touchdowns, but the visiting Matadors couldn't overcome the Pointers at Balboa Stadium.

Matador senior GARY HASKINS was on the receiving end of three of the strikes in the game, as the Matadors tried a furious finish, which saw them tally three touchdowns in the fourth quarter - including two to Haskins. The first touchdown of the fourth quarter between the pair was a 91-yard connection.

Castillo also had a short pass to ANTHONY GILMORE that the speedy junior turned into a 32-yard touchdown, on a designed play that had Gilmore slipping out of the backfield after the linemen let the pass rush through. The game was tied at that point, 14-14, as Haskins caught his first TD pass from 14 yards out earlier in the period to tie the game, 7-7.

However, the Pointers would dominate the third quarter and take a 33-14 lead into halftime.

SDCIF Playoffs – First Round

East County teams poised for first-round success

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (11-13-14) — Three teams in East County have earned first round byes into the 2014 San Diego CIF Playoffs – SteeleCanyon (Div. I), El Capitan (Div. II) and Christian (Div. III) – and will begin quarterfinal playoff games on Friday (Nov. 21). Helix, in the Open Division, will also begin play in the quarterfinals on Nov. 21.

Following are EastCounty teams who will begin first round play on Friday (Nov. 14).

(12) IMPERIAL (6-4) at (5) WEST HILLS (8-2) – West Hills has never won or even played for a section football championship. But the Wolf Pack has a pretty good shot at advancing in the Division II SDCIF playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) in Santee. West Hills wrapped up its first Grossmont Valley League football championship with a 4-0 record and are riding high . . . West Hills 35-14.

(10) VALHALLA (4-6) at (7) EL CAMINO (5-5) – This ought to be a good one as this Division I SDCIF game is up for grabs. The Norsemen have a better than even chance of tripping up El Camino as they count on linebackers LOGAN BAKER and CADE BAKER on the defense and running JEROME JOHNSON and quarterback PHILLIP NASEH for offense . . . Valhalla 26-22.

(9) WESTVIEW (3-7) at (8) GROSSMONT (5-5) – Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS will lead the Grossmont Foothillers in Division I play in the San Diego CIF first round playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) against visiting Westview. The Foothills have had more than their share of injuries and that could prove costly against the Wolverines . . . Westview 21-20.

(12) MOUNT MIGUEL (3-7) at (5) POINT LOMA (8-2) – Struggling Mount Miguel will have its hands full at Point Loma in Friday’s (Nov. 14) Division I SDCIF first round of the playoffs. The Matadors will count on the running game of ANTHONY GILMORE and quarterback JACOB CARRILLO. Point Loma has plenty of counterpunch . . . Point Loma 28-10.

(9) FRANCIS PARKER (5-5) at (8) MONTE VISTA (6-4) – Only one pass was thrown in the Division IV CIF showdown last year but it was good enough for a touchdwn and to give the Monarchs the victory. In this year’s rematch the Monarchs will need more firepower to get past Parker this time around . . . Monte Vista 28-13.

(12) PATRICK HENRY (5-5) at (5) GRANITE HILLS (7-3) – Granite Hills has a solid 1-2 punch in SETH COLLINS and MICHAEL LEDESMA that should be the difference in this one in Friday’s (Nov. 14) SDCIF Division III playoffs. The Eagles beat the Patriots 48-24 in the third game of the season. Now it’s a matter of playing defense for the Eagles . . . Granite Hills 31-28.

(9) HORIZON (5-5) at (8) EL CAJON VALLEY (2-8) – Some might not believe that El Cajon Valley, which only had 2 wins in 10 games, might qualify for the SDCIF Division IV playoffs. But the Braves managed to battle their way into the postseason against Horizon, and get a home game to boot . . . El Cajon Valley 7-6.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 115-20 (.852)

Fearless Forecaster

Helix, El Capitan, West Hills, Monte Vista on brink of Grossmont league titles

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com

LAKESIDE (11-6-14) — This is a classic duel where these two Top 10 teams from the Grossmont Conference will collide for the Grossmont Hills League championship for the first time ever.

El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) has had a perfect season so far. But that probably won’t mean a whole lot to the Helix Highlanders (8-1, 4-0) when they take on the Vaqueros Friday (Nov. 7) in Lakeside.

This game is one of the biggest encounters that should draw a huge crowd. That’s been the case in the past, when the Highlanders won eight in a row.

Running off the field without a loss is undoubtedly a feat to be proud of. But the Highlanders don’t intend to let the Vaqueros get away with that kind of escape.

No. 3 Helix has surrendered an average of 6.2 ppg all season, while No. 4 El Capitan is allowing 12 ppg.

The key to the Highlanders’ victories has been East County’s leading rusher, NATHAN STINSON, who has run for 1253 yards on 121 carries for 17 touchdowns. Helix quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN has passed for 1122 yards 75 of 124 completions with 11 TDs.

El Capitan, on the other hand, has been led by quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who has passed for 1747 yards on 110-183 completions and 16 touchdowns. Receiver ISAIAH CAPOOCIA has caught 47 passes for 743 yards and 12 TDS. D.J. SMITH has rushed for 894 yards on 124 carries and 14 TDs.

This is a tough one but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 22-21.

MONTE VISTA (6-3, 3-0) at WEST HILLS (7-2, 3-0), 7 – In a game of survival for the Grossmont Valley League championship, Monte Vista will travel to East Santee Friday night (Nov. 7) to tackle West Hills in the regular season finale.

Monte Vista is led by running backs JORDAN JOHNSON (1163 yards on 122 carries, 9 TDs) and LEE WADE, Jr. (1025 yards, 114 carries, 14 TDs). AUSTIN CAOLE (543 yards, 28-92 completions, 6 TDs) handles the quarterbacking duties for the Monarchs.

The Wolf Pack will count on running back JACOB SHAW (959 yards, 158 carries, 11 TDs), quarterback SPENCER MOYER (1549, 87-152, 16 TDs) and receivers RAPHY CARR (49 catches, 917 yards, 6 TDs) and TAJ BROOMFIELD (27 catches, 362 and 3 TDs).

With the championship on the line, this game basically turns into a flip side, and the nod goes to . . . West Hills 21-20.

SANTA FE CHRISTIAN (5-4, 3-1) vs. CHRISTIAN (9-0, 3-0) at Granite Hills, 4 – The Patriots are about one TD away from completing a perfect 10-0 season. It’s no fluke that Christian has rolled over its opponents, both in the Central League and non-league.

The Patriots are “proud that we’ve allowed only one turnover (an interception) and one lost punt,” said offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

Christian is averaging 199 yards rushing and 112 passing. The Patriots are led by hard charging ADRIAN PETTY (87-1252, 19 TDs, 156.5 ypg), and quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH (136-190, 2092, 23 TDs, 23.7 ypg).

The receiving corps are led by NICK SEXTON (38-646, 6 TDs), Utah Valley bound shortstop TREVOR HOWELL (35-469, 4 TDs), and CHAD HUMPHRIES (20-468, 8 TDs). The Christian defense is headed by JOEY MORONES (44 tackles and a sack).

The Patriots own the offense and certainly won’t stumble against Santa Fe Christian . . . Christian 37-14.

VALHALLA (4-5, 2-2) at GROSSMONT (4-5, 1-3), 7 – The playoffs are well within reach of both teams as they face off Friday night (Nov. 7) in a Grossmont Hills League finale.

East County leading quarterback CALVIN FARRIS directs the Foothillers 1640 yards on 101-218 completions and 17 TDs. Receivers ALIJAH AVANT (370 yards on 21 carries, 3 TDs) and HUNTER REINER (697, 59 carries, 8 TDs) are favorite targets. Grossmont’s defense is headed by JACOB DENSON (60 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries), MALIK HAYES (50 tackles and a sack) and CHAZ CADWALADER (48 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery) among others.

The Norsemen’s offense is directed by quarterback PHILLIP NASEH (1571 yards on 125-229 passes, 9 touchdowns). He’ll be looking for receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (44 catches for 570 yards and 4 TDs). Running back JEROME JOHNSON has amassed 782 yards on 154 carries and 10 touchdowns.

The Foothillers always seem to come up with the offense, but they’re going to need plenty to beat the Norsemen . . . Grossmont 27-17.

SANTANA (4-5, 1-2) at GRANITE HILLS (6-3, 1-2), 7 – This Grossmont Valley League game has playoff connotations. The injury-plagued Sultans of Santana have a shot at finishing at 5-5, but that’ll be hard to grind out because Granite Hills doesn’t appear ready to roll over in the GVL.

Granite Hills counts on double threat quarterback SETH COLLINS, who has rushed for 629 yards on 72 carries and 11 touchdowns, while also completing 44 of 93 passes for 691 yards and 9 TDs. MICHAEL LEDESMA has rushed for 398 yards on 66 carries for 9 TDs for the Eagles.

Don’t look for the Eagles to fall . . . Granite Hills 37-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (3-6, 0-4) at STEELE CANYON (6-3, 1-3), 7 – It’s been a rugged season for Mount Miguel, which has lost six of nine contests this season and all four of its Grossmont Hills League games. The struggling Matadors will have their hands full against Steele Canyon. Running back ANTHONY GILMORE has rushed 889 yards on 83 carries with 5 touchdowns to lead Mount Miguel.

The Cougars need a victory to earn a prominent spot in the playoffs. Quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (78-147, 1163, 10 TDs) will lead the Cougars’ attack against the Matadors. His top target is receiver JORDAN JOHNSON (14-220, 2 TDs). On defense for the Cougars WILLIE FAIR has 88 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions.

Look for the Cougars to continue Mount Miguel’s losing skid . . . Steele Canyon 19-13.

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-7, 0-4) at UNIVERSITY CITY (5-4, 2-1), 6:30 – The Braves have eyes on their third win of the season as they visit University City in a 6:30 p.m. non-league game Friday evening.

This is a chance to play spoiler for the Braves, who could take a giant step toward the post-season if they can sidestep the Centurions.

El Cajon Valley’s chances hinge on MATTHEW SHEARIN, who is headed for the Ivy League, and who has rushed for an East County high 135 carries for 1366 yards and 17 touchdowns (151.8 ypg) . . . El Cajon Valley 37-27.

Thurs., Nov. 6
FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-9, 0-3) vs. Escondido Charter (1-8, 1-2) at Orange Glen, 7 –
Foothills Christian gets one more chance when the Knights close the regular season against Escondido Charter in a Pacific League finale. . . Escondido Charter 27-7.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 108-19 (.850)

Week 10
Helix senior wide receiver Dashawn Keirsey, Jr., makes a catch in the end zone, wresting the ball away from Valhalla junior defensive back Dashawn Kinneston for a 24-yard touchdown in the Highlanders' win over the visiting Norsemen in La Mesa on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

Vaqueros set stage for East County showdown after dispatching Matadors

©EastCountySports.com
SPRING VALLEY (11-1-14) — About the best Mount Miguel (3-5, 0-4) could have hoped to do in their contest with El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) was to play spoiler, since the Vaqueros are tied for first place with Helix (8-1, 4-0) with one regular Grossmont Hills League game remaining. However, that didn’t happen.

The Vaqueros were on top of their game as they defeated Mount Miguel 34-14 in Friday night’s (Oct. 31) Halloween showdown to spoil the Matadors Homecoming festivities.

El Capitan’s D.J. SMITH got the Vaqueros on the scoreboard with 140 yards rushing on 17 carries for 3 touchdowns. But he wasn’t finished there, as he caught 4 passes from quarterback BRAD CAGLE for 53 yards and a touchdown.

ISAIAH CAPOOCIA recorded a 90-yard kickoff return for a score for El Cap, while kicker TAKOTA CURA was 4-for-5 on PAT kicks.

In the 1st quarter Mount Miguel’s CHRISTIAN GARCIA returned an interception for 45 yards and a score to tie the game at 7-all.

The score at halftime was 27-7 in the Vaqueros’ favor.

Mount Miguel would score in the 3rd quarter as quarterback JACOB CASTILLO hit KIKO BORJA for a 52-yard gain and a touchdown.

ENRIQUE KELLER was 2-for-2 on PAT kicks for the Matadors.

The Foothillers' Domonique Gueverra passed up this defender and several others for more yardage during Grossmont's loss at Helix Friday night.(photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

HELIX 56, GROSSMONT 10 – The Highlanders stand out as one of the county's top prep football teams, and when they have come across the freeway in the annual haggle for The Musket, Helix has won 34 times to Grossmont’s 12 – the teams have tied twice.

The likelihood of a tie was highly unlikely when the two teams collided Friday night (Oct. 31) in La Mesa in a Grossmont Hills League encounter when they resumed the series.

The Highlanders have not allowed more than 10 points per game since the second game of the season and have allowed only 26 points excluding that first game. They’ve shutout four opponents.

Helix scored a season high against the Foothillers

The biggest showdown in the EastCounty season was spearheaded by Helix’s NATHAN STINSON, who rushed for 217 yards on 16 carries for 3 touchdowns. He also caught 2 passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Receivers DaSHAWN KEIRSEY caught 4 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, while MASON VINYARD caught 2 passes for a TD.

MUGEN BLUE ran for 75 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown, and MICHAEL AUSTIN ran for 70 yards on 4 carries and a TD.

Quarterback Austin finished 11 for 20 passing for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns.

MATTHAIS LAYTON was 8-for-8 on PAT kicks.

The last time Grossmont defeated Helix was in 1991 by a score of 28-14.

For the Foothillers, junior KYLE PINEDA kicked a 29-yard field goal in the 1st quarter. Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run; Pineda’s PAT was good.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh attempts a pass against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

VALHALLA 25, STEELE CANYON 24 – The old Norse gods Odin and Thor were smiling down on their boys at Valhalla Friday evening (Oct. 31), when they dialed up some mischief to help the Rancho San Diego school reclaim the Jamacha Helmet from Steele Canyon.

The first half was all SteeleCanyon. The Cougars had a comfortable 24-7 halftime lead, but, as the third quarter commenced, so did the rain, just enough to rain on Steele’s parade.

Following the second half kickoff, the Cougars had good field position at their 37-yard line, and in two plays moved to their 46. On 3rd and 1, however, big CHRIS YOHE and TREY SCHIMKE smothered the ball carrier for a 1-yard loss, forcing a punt. Valhalla’s offense quickly put it in gear when, on first down from their own 35-yard line, junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH connected over the middle with a streaking SKLYLAR COLEMAN for a 28-yard gain to the Cougars’ 38-yard line. A pass interference penalty advanced the pigskin to the Steele 25 and a first down.

The Cougars blitzed but Naseh slipped a screen pass to sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON for a 19-yard gain to the 6-yard line. Naseh threw a dart to senior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS for an apparent touchdown, but the eagle-eyed refs spotted the ball at the 1. Johnson bulled his way into the end zone on the next play; the PAT attempt was barely wide right, so the home team trailed 24-13, with 8:46 remaining in the third quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, DEREK TYLER had a nice 42-yard return to the Valhalla 46-yard line, giving the Cougars a spark to regain their momentum. A 9-yard run on first down was promising. On the next play, however, Valhalla junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER sacked the quarterback for a 4-yard loss.

Steele Canyon junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON tossed a couple of short passes that advanced the ball to the Valhalla 28-yard line. On 4th and 3, Wood-Anderson found a wide open receiver, but that pesky rain caused the ball to slip through the receiver’s fingers, killing the drive.

The 4th period opened with Steele poised to strike at the Valhalla 14-yard line. Wood-Anderson threw a shot to the end zone for what looked like a sure touchdown, but at the last second, Valhalla linebacker LUCAS WALZ stuck his hand in and batted the ball to his teammate, J.J. MEIER, who intercepted the pass and returned it 32 yards to the Valhalla 30-yard line.

This time, Odin and Thor must have been snoozing, because on 3rd and 1 from the Valhalla 39-yard line, Cougars defensive lineman EDWARD DELGADO, anticipating a center-screen pass, read it perfectly, picked the errant throw and lumbered 12 yards to the Norsemen 23-yard line, giving his offense a golden opportunity to extend The Cougars’ lead. Unfortunately, on first down the ball squirted out of the running back’s hands and into those owned by Valhalla defensive tackle Yohe.

The tide was turning in favor of the Valhalla. On first down, Johnson rumbled 23 yards to midfield. Then, a quick pass to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (5 receptions for 89 yards) and a screen pass to Johnson advanced the ball to the Steele 39-yard line. On the next play, Steele defensive back NY JOHNSON picked off an errant pass at the Valhalla 10-yard line, thwarting the Norsemen’s attempt to narrow the gap.

Although the rain had stopped, the ball was still wet, as the Steele Canyon ball carrier discovered on the very next play when the ball flew out of his hands and directly into the rushing defense. Norsemen linebacker DANIEL BENDER scooped up the ball and carried it unmolested into the end zone for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, but Valhalla had cut the deficit to 24-19, with 10:06 left in the game.

Valhalla junior end Daniel Bender (32) harasses a pass attempt against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

To the men of Steele, the rain drops must have felt like they were made of Kryptonite, for, on the ensuing kickoff, the ball plopped from the receiver’s hands and was recovered by Valhalla special teamer JARED SULLIVAN at the Cougars’ 46-yard line. The home team took advantage of their good fortune, aided by a pass interference call against Steele.

On 1st and 10 from the Cougars’ 28-yard line, Naseh burst through the middle of the line for a 6-yard gain to the Steele 22. On the next play, left tackle MICHAEL RIVERA and center LIAM CLINGAN made a huge hole for Johnson who scampered 20 yards to the 2-yard line. It took four tries, but Johnson pushed across the goal line on 4th down for a 1 yard go-ahead TD, 25-24 (the 2 point PAT failed), with 6:25 remaining in the game.

The visitors were not ready to pack it in. Starting at their 41-yard line, an offside penalty against Valhalla on 3rd and 10 gave the Cougars a burst. With it now 3rd and 5 from their 46, Wood-Anderson dropped back to pass and was flushed from the pocket by junior linebacker CADE BAKER. The quarterback made some nifty moves and managed to pick up 5 yards on a busted play for a much needed first down at the Valhalla 49-yard line.

After Valhalla defensive back DASHAWN KINISTON stuffed the runner for a 3-yard loss, Wood-Anderson threw a deep spiral down the right sideline to JAVANTE WOFFORD for a whopping 43-yard gain to the Valhalla 9-yard line.

The drive stalled at the 6 yard line with just over 2 minutes left in the game. The confident Cougars trotted out their field goal team for a chip-shot kick that would allow them to re-take the lead. Kicker ALEXANDER RAYA had already kicked a 44-yard field goal in the first half. But, stuff happens. Whether mischief from above or otherwise, Valhalla’s Schimke broke through the line and blocked the field goal, enabling the Norsemen to hang on to their hard-fought 25-24 victory.

Back in the first quarter, things weren’t going Valhalla’s way, even after Meier picked off his first of two interceptions early in the first quarter. Three plays later, Valhalla running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE motored 16 yards to the Steele 43-yard line when an alert defender stripped the ball. It was picked up by SEAN McCRANE, who returned it 57 yards for the first score of the game. Following Raya’s kick, the Cougars led 7-0, only 2:06 into the contest.

Late in the first period, Raya kicked the aforementioned 44-yard field goal, making it 10-0 after one quarter. Valhalla’s Johnson scored a TD from 2 yards out just 20 seconds into the second stanza; placekicker JACOB PAAPE’s kick was good; Valhalla appeared to crawl back into the game 10-7 with 11:40 to play before intermission.

That’s when the game appeared to get out of hand. Wood-Anderson threw two tight spiral TD passes in the second quarter, the first a 31-yarder to junior wide receiver AVERY TUCK and the next a 24-yard TD pass to senior wide receiver JORDAN JOHNSON.

For Valhalla, Naseh completed 18 of 31 passes with 2 interceptions and 203 yards in the air. Johnson rushed 23 times for 130 yards and snagged 3 passes for 32 yards. Frazier had 5 receptions for 89 yards.

WEST HILLS 53, SANTANA 11 – Injury-plagued Santana battled gamely Friday night (Oct. 31) in a Grossmont Valley League game, but was no match for West Hills, who at the moment is in a tie for the league lead with Monte Vista. The best Santana could hope for was to play spoiler, but even that was out of reach.
West Hills scored three times before Santana could get on the board. JACOB SHAW scored on a 7-yard gain, TAJ BROOMFIELD scored on a 9-yard pass from Wolf Pack quarterback SPENCER MOYER, and DEVON HATHAWAY took a pass from Moyer for a 50-yard gain and a score.

On Shaw's TD run, the back dashed between defenders, getting the block from GARRETT MEAD for the open path.

Just before intermission JACOB HAMPSON blasted a 27-yard field goal to give the Sultans 3 points.

The 3rd quarter was all West Hills as Moyer hit RAPHY CARR for a 65-yard gain and a score just 34 seconds into the second half, Shaw ran for a 3-yard touchdown and WILL PETTY scored on a 24-yard run.

A Santana back carries during the Sultans' loss to visiting West Hills Friday night in the battle for The Mayor's Trophy in Santee. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Santana rallied in the 4th quarter as quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ ran for a 17-yard gain and a TD. The Sultans finished off with a 2-point conversion pass from Gutierrez to ADAM CHILDRESS.

Santana got an early turnover in the game, but West Hills controlled the first half.

Leading 26-3, the Wolf Pack held the hosts after a modest Sultans drive into West Hills territory was halted by a sack and fourth-down defended pass. West Hills took over at their own 36.

The Wolf Pack's Broomfield hauled in 34-yard pass at Santana 3, then Shaw banged his way into the end zone for a score at 6:05 of third to make it 33-3 Wolf Pack.

The Wolf Pack forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kick off. From the 24, Petty sweept his way to a score at 5:47 for a 40-3 lead.

Carr deflected a pass to himself in the secondary for a interception at the Santana 22. He knocked the pass slightly in the air and caught it on a forward dive. DEVON HATHAWAY added a 3-yard run for a score at 3:20 of third to make it 47-3.

West Hills got a TD pass on third down from QB KIAN AHMADIAN to JOSEPH WILSON for a 75-yard score. ALFONSO GREGG also had 5-yd TD run for the Wolf Pack in third. The Pack linemen were led by junior DOMINIC TUFI, senior JOSE ESTRADA and junior RICHARD IMBIMBO.

Junior Moyer threw a pair of TDs in second quarter, including the 50-yarder to a wide-open Hathaway, who caught the easy pass and sprinted the final 30 yards for the score.

Granite Hills junior running back Lyden Franklin surveys the situation during a first-quarter carry Friday night against El Cajon Valley. (EastCountySports.com photo)

GRANITE HILLS 56, EL CAJON VALLEY 14 – Eagles' quarterback SETH COLLINS was too tough to stop for the Braves.

CHASE GANDY recorded an interception for Granite Hills on the first play from scrimmage, then Collins turned in a couple of mad-scramble type runs, then a play-fake keeper around the right end for an easy jaunt into the end zone for a touchdown just 42 seconds into the game.

The Braves got an early boost of confidence when they got a sack of the talented Granite Hills dual-threat QB near midfield, but then Granite Hills turned to LYDEN FRANKLIN for a couple of first-down runs, then a short scoring pass from a scrambling Collins to RYAN ROJ, giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead at 6:37 of the first quarter.

After the Eagles forced a three-and-out, they capitalized on a short field with a gadget play, as a double-reverse ended with Raj throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass to JAKE MORGAN.

The Braves were punting again when the attempt resulted in a safety, as a team of Eagles got in quickly for a block through the back of the end zone, increasing the lead to 23-0 with 2:54 left in the first.

Granite Hills senior defender Nick Lucatuorto corrals Braves' superback Matthew Shearin Friday night in the battle of Madison Ave. rivals. (EastCountySports.com photo)

El Cajon Valley appeared to have another bother of Collins after he threw a deep incompletion following a scramble, but a roughness penalty on the Braves' erased the effort.

Collins then followed up the break by scrambling again for another touchdown, this time from 13 yards out, still with 1:08 left in the first quarter.

Granite Hills led 43-0 at halftime.

El Cajon Valley’s MATTHEW SHEARIN scored on a 25-yard run in the 3rd quarter and scored on a 64 yard run in the 4th. MARTIN PATTI’s PAT kicks were good both times.
Franklin raced for a 19 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter for Granite Hills, and JARROD WEISHAN closed out the Eagles’ scoring with a 10 yard run in the final period.

CHRISTIAN 42, UNIVERSITY CITY 6 – ADRIAN PETTY went 66 yards for the game's opening touchdown, as Christian led 7-0 with 9:42 left in the first quarter. Petty would score three more times before halftime and the undefeated Patriots won the Central League championship.

Petty added touchdown runs of 10, 80 and 8 yards before intermission, and the Patriots returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns in the second quarter, as sophomore ETHAN CONTRERAS returned one for 26 yards and senior WILLIAM HAIL returned his 20 yards. Petty had 138 yards rushing in the first half, as Christian led 42-0 at halftime and a running clock was used in the second half.

As good as Petty was getting to - and around - the corner, he got plenty of help up front from junior NATE CAZARES, sophomore JON STEIN and senior MATTHEW CARILLO.

CODY KIRWAN also paced the Patriots’ defense with a sack.

CLASSICAL ACADEMY 27, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7 - Foothills Christian turned in one of its best defensive quarters of the season on Thursday (Oct. 30), shutting out Classical Academy in the first quarter, as the game remained tied.

Classical Academy would score three touchdowns in the second quarter, however, and took a 27-0 lead in the third before the Knights answered with their score, which came in the third quarter.

The Caimans clinched the Pacific League championship with the victory.

Fearless Forecaster

Knights host league-leading Classical Academy Thursday night

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (10-30-14) — This week’s contest will begin a day earlier, on Thursday (Oct. 30) when Foothills Christian (0-8, 0-2) host Classical Academy (7-1, 3-0) at Seau Field at 7 p.m.

CLASSICAL ACADEMY (7-1, 3-0) vs. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-8, 0-2) at Seau Field, 7 – Classical Academy is one win away from locking up the Pacific League championship in one of their final two games. All that’s left is for the Knights is to play spoiler . . . Classical Academy 40-12.

GROSSMONT (4-4, 1-2) at HELIX (7-1, 3-0), 7 – No. 1 ranked Helix is 2 points short of being undefeated, losing only to Cathedral 9-7. In the battle with visiting Grossmont on Friday (Oct. 31) the Highlanders figure to lock up the Grossmont Hills League championship along with the fabled Musket trophy. Helix has held the Musket 33 years, with Grossmont winning it 12 times, and the teams tying twice.

MICHAEL AUSTIN will handle the Helix quarterbacking duties. He has completed 64 of 104 passes for 964 yards and 8 TDs. NATHAN STINSON has rushed for 1036 yards on 105 carries for 14 TDs. Receiver DaSHAWN KIERSEY has caught 15 passes for 324 yards and 2 TDs.

For Grossmont, quarterback CALVIN FARRIS in six games has completed 86 of 183 passes for 1506 yards and 17 TDs. ALIJAH AVANT, one of his favorite targets, is 21-for-370 and 3 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 255 yards on 20 carries for 3 TDs.

The nod here goes to . . . Helix 38-0.

EL CAPITAN (8-0, 3-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL* (3-4, 0-3), 7 – Mount Miguel is pinning its plans for a victory on the momentum of a Homecoming crowd as they entertain undefeated El Capitan in Grossmont Hills League action in Spring Valley. This will be the first meeting of these two teams, coming about as a result of the league realignment.

Helix's Mugan Blue is brought down by Valhalla defenders, including Daniel Bender (32). (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

El Capitan will count on quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who has completed 91 of 149 passes for 1463 yards and 11 touchdowns. Receivers ISAIAH CAPOOCIA (41 catches for 619 yards, 10 TDs) and JOEY LaCHAPPA (19 catches for 326 yards, 2 TDs) are prime targets. Running back D.J. SMITH has rushed for 600 yards on 84 carries and 10 TDs.

Quarterback JACOB CASTILLO (78-147, 1075 yds, 12 TDs) will lead Mount Miguel, while receivers CHRISTIAN GARCIA (3 carries, 111 yards, 2 TDs) and JAYVON JONES (29 catches for 403 yards) will be two of his targets. Running back ANTHONY GILMORE has rushed for 489 yards on 83 carries for 5 touchdowns.

Mount Miguel would dearly love to unseat the Vaqueros, but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 32-23.

STEELE CANYON (6-2, 1-2) at VALHALLA (3-5, 1-2), 7 – Steele Canyon will visit Valhalla in the battle for the Jamacha Helmet Friday night (Oct. 31) in Grossmont Hills League action.

Steele Canyon quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (56-119, 1016 yds, 8 TDs) will guide the Cougars. Receiver DEREK TYLER (17-429, 3 TDs) is one of his favorite targets, along with ROOSEVELT JOHNSON (21-369, 2 TDs). Rusher PIERRE ALEXANDER has carried 36 times for 333 yards and 3 TDs.

Valhalla is led by quarterback PHILLIP NASEH (94-170, 1242 yds, 8 TDs) along with rusher JEROME JOHNSON (130-648, 7 TDs) and receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (34-433, 3 TDs). The defense is headed by East County leader LOGAN BAKER (87 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception) and CADE BAKER (83 tackles).

Steele Canyon has an excellent shot at an upset, but don’t bet on it . . . Steele Canyon 31-27.

CHRISTIAN (8-0, 2-0) at UNIVERSITY CITY (5-3, 2-0), 6:30 – Nobody puts up points faster than the Christian High Patriots. If offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER is on top of his game, University City will be in for a long night Friday (Oct. 31).

Even though the two are tied for first in the Central League, the Patriots are pumping out 54.1 points per game.

Patriots leading rusher ADRIAN PETTY has amassed 1075 yards on 80 carries for 15 TDs for an average of 134.4 ypg. Quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH has passed for 1995 yards for 23 TDs and averages 249.4 ypg. Receiver NICK SEXTON has caught 36 passes for 600 yards and 6 TDs, while TREVOR HOWELL has grabbed 34 aerials for 466 yards and 8 TDs, and CHAD HUMPHRIES is 19 for 437 and 8 TDs. Patriots’ defender JOEY MORONES has 30 tackles and a sack, while JON STINES has 3 sacks.

On paper this one should be a battle for the title. In reality, though, it should be a runaway. Give the nod to . . . Christian 37-7.

GRANITE HILLS (5-3, 0-2) at EL CAJON VALLEY (2-6, 0-3), 7 – In another one of the longtime rivalries, Granite Hills will travel to El Cajon Valley Friday night (Oct. 31) in Grossmont Valley League action for the Battle of Madison Avenue (formerly known as the Golden Feather).

Eagles double-threat quarterback SETH COLLINS (33-71, 541 yds, 6 TDs) has also carried the ball 66 times for 361 yards and 10 TD. MICHAEL LEDESMA has rushed for 56 times for 326 yards and 7 TDs. As a receiver he also has made 14 catches for 325 yards and 5 TDs. RILEY REYES leads the Eagles defense with 73 tackles, 3 sacks, a fumble recovery and 2 interceptions.

El Cajon Valley’s MATTHEW SHEARIN leads EastCounty in rushing with 123 carries for 1199 yards and 15 touchdowns. MERITON HASANI has rushed for 373 yards on 90 carries for the Braves.

This one could be a high-scoring affair when all is said and done. Some of the best players in the GVL will be on the field . . . Granite Hills 38-23.

WEST HILLS (6-2, 2-0) at SANTANA (4-4, 1-1), 7 – A West Hills victory over archrival Santana Friday (Oct. 31) will put the Wolf Pack in position to vie for a Grossmont Valley League championship. This contest is known as a battle for the Jack Dale Cup (formerly the Mayor’s Cup).

West Hills running back JACOB SHAW has carried the ball 144 times for 792 yards and 9 TDs. Quarterback SPENCER MOYER is 78-140 passing for 1341 yards for 13 touchdowns to lead the Pack. Receiver RAPHY CARR has caught 46 passes for 826 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Santana quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ has completed 79-of-136 passes for 991 yards and 7 TDs. HINA ALIU has logged 35 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and one interception. TANNER KVEDERIS has made 5 sacks. ZACH LEWIS, who has amassed 361 yards on 75 carries for 8 TDs is reportedly sidelined with a broken collar bone.

This will no doubt have an impact on the outcome of the game . . . West Hills 28-20.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 4-2 (.667)
Season record: 101-18 (.849)

Lee Wade Jr. carries against West Hills during the Monarchs' league-deciding showdown Friday night in Santee. (EastCountySports.com)

Fearless Forecaster – Week 12
SDCIF Playoffs – First Round


East County teams likely poised for first-round success

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON (11-13-14) — Three teams in East County have earned first round byes into the 2014 San Diego CIF Playoffs – SteeleCanyon (Div. I), El Capitan (Div. II) and Christian (Div. III) – and will begin quarterfinal playoff games on Friday (Nov. 21). Helix, in the Open Division, will also begin play in the quarterfinals on Nov. 21.

Following are East County teams who will begin first round play on Friday (Nov. 14).

(12) IMPERIAL (6-4) at (5) WEST HILLS (8-2) – West Hills has never won or even played for a section football championship. But the Wolf Pack has a pretty good shot at advancing in the Division II SDCIF playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) in Santee. West Hills wrapped up its first Grossmont Valley League football championship with a 4-0 record and are riding high . . . West Hills 35-14.

(10) VALHALLA (4-6) at (7) EL CAMINO (5-5) – This ought to be a good one as this Division I SDCIF game is up for grabs. The Norsemen have a better than even chance of tripping up El Camino as they count on linebackers LOGAN BAKER and CADE BAKER on the defense and running JEROME JOHNSON and quarterback PHILLIP NASEH for offense . . . Valhalla 26-22.

(9) WESTVIEW (3-7) at (8) GROSSMONT (5-5) – Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS will lead the Grossmont Foothillers in Division I play in the San Diego CIF first round playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) against visiting Westview. The Foothills have had more than their share of injuries and that could prove costly against the Wolverines . . . Westview 21-20.

(12) MOUNT MIGUEL (3-7) at (5) POINT LOMA (8-2) – Struggling Mount Miguel will have its hands full at Point Loma in Friday’s (Nov. 14) Division I SDCIF first round of the playoffs. The Matadors will count on the running game of ANTHONY GILMORE and quarterback JACOB CARRILLO. Point Loma has plenty of counterpunch . . . Point Loma 28-10.

(9) FRANCIS PARKER (5-5) at (8) MONTE VISTA (6-4) – Only one pass was thrown in the Division IV CIF showdown last year but it was good enough for a touchdown and to give the Monarchs the victory. In this year’s rematch the Monarchs will need more firepower to get past Parker this time around . . . Monte Vista 28-13.

(12) PATRICK HENRY (5-5) at (5) GRANITE HILLS (7-3) – Granite Hills has a solid 1-2 punch in SETH COLLINS and MICHAEL LEDESMA that should be the difference in this one in Friday’s (Nov. 14) SDCIF Division III playoffs. The Eagles beat the Patriots 48-24 in the third game of the season. Now it’s a matter of playing defense for the Eagles . . . Granite Hills 31-28.

(9) HORIZON (5-5) at (8) EL CAJON VALLEY (2-8) – Some might not believe that El Cajon Valley, which only had 2 wins in 10 games, might qualify for the SDCIF
Division IV playoffs. But the Braves managed to battle their way into the postseason against Horizon, and get a home game to boot . . . El Cajon Valley 7-6.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 115-20 (.852)

 

Week 11

Vaqueros roundup title
El Capitan controls second half to cap perfect regular season; West Hills wins Valley League championship

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (11-8-14) — Some might call it a shock, but others realize that the Helix Highlanders finally met their match in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) encounter with the El Capitan Vaqueros, who upended the Highlanders 24-17 in front of a capacity crowd in the final Grossmont Hills League regular season game.

Helix drew first blood when JIHAD WOODS pushed his way through a pack of defenders to score the first touchdown of the game.

NATHAN STINSON followed with a 7-yard TD of his own in the final seconds of the first quarter to boost the Helix score to 14-0.

The second quarter was a different story.

The Vaqueros pulled out every option, starting with the pint-size bearded Vaqueros mascot – complete with black cowboy hat and boots to match.

With 5:36 left in the second quarter, senior wide receiver SAM MELERO raced to the endzone on a 20-yard pass from Vaqueros quarterback BRAD CAGLE.

With just over a minute remaining in the first half ZACH CAGLE grabbed a 10-yard pass from his brother BRAD CAGLE and chalked up a TD to tie the game at 14-all.

The clock was showing 0:10.1 as Helix kicker MATTHIAS LAYTON booted a 25-yard field goal to move the Highlanders ahead 17-14.

In the third quarter Vaqueros’ TAKOTA CURO converted a 33-yard field goal to re-tie the game at 17-apiece. That’s all the scoring either team would show in that stanza.

The fourth quarter saw the El Capitan running back D.J. SMITH plow one in from 3 yards out to log the final winning score for the Vaqueros with 9:28 remaining.

Curo was 3-for-3 on PATs, plus his field goal, to lend his foot to the victory.

“It can’t get a whole lot closer than it was in this game,” said an exultant Vaqueros coach, RON BURNER, whose Vaqueros won their 10th straight victory.

Monte Vista's Xavier Wade jumps to try and deflect the eventual completion to West Hills' Jacob Shaw (34) from quarterback Spencer Moyer. (EastCountySports.com photo)

WEST HILLS 21, MONTE VISTA 13 – The last time RON HAMAMOTO coached in a meaningful game at West Hills, his club partied like it was 1999.

Then guiding Rancho Bernardo, it was 1999 when Hamamoto and the Broncos whipped the Wolf Pack 71-48 in a playoff game behind a San Diego Section-record 698 rushing yards.

Friday night … was a different tune.

Now at the helm of Monte Vista, Hamamoto and the Monarchs recorded a “Princely” 393 rushing yards, but West Hills came up with more big plays to secure a 21-13 victory that gave the Wolf Pack their first league championship since 2007.

West Hills senior running back JACOB SHAW rushed for 143 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the Wolf Pack (8-2, 4-0) to their seventh straight victory and the Grossmont Valley League title by beating Monte Vista (6-4, 3-1) in a winner-take-all showdown on the blue “Smurf” turf at West Hills.

“It feels amazing,” said Shaw of the Wolf Pack’s improbable run at the league crown. “You can’t have too big of a head at the beginning of the season, but we felt all the hard work we put in would pay off.”

Pay off it did.

Shaw scored West Hills’ first two touchdowns on runs of 4 and 12 yards, then TAJ BROMMFIELD turned a short pass from SPENCER MOYER into a 46-yard touchdown reception to turn a 1-point game into a 21-13 lead with 6:14 left to play.

Monte Vista drove 49 yards in 13 plays on its ensuing last possession, but the potential game-tying try ended with an interception by WILL PETTY at the 10-yard line with 1:10 left.

Shaw then rushed for 10 yards and DEVON HATHAWAY (three carries, 82 yards) reeled off 23 yards before the Wolf Pack took a couple of kneel-downs to wrap up a league title that had eluded CASEY ASH in his 3-year stint as West Hills’ head coach from 2008-2010.

“We won nine in a row when I played here,” said Ash, a 1996 graduate of West Hills. “But I don’t know if I’ve ever been around seven in a row as a coach.”

Moving the chains consistently with 21 first downs, West Hills rolled up 422 total yards. Moyer completed 14 of 24 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown and – remarkably – his first interception of the season in 176 attempts.

His first pick came in the end zone as Monte Vista’s CHARLES WEST corralled the errant toss to salvage a 7-7 tie just before halftime.

After a Senior Night halftime presentation, West Hills took charge with a 10-play, 91-yard scoring drive that Shaw capped with runs of 16, 28 and 12 yards to go up 14-7.

Monte Vista, however, answered with a 13-play, 80-yard scoring drive when LEE WADE Jr. tallied his second touchdown with a 10-yard bolt around right end with 1:58 to play in the third quarter. The PAT kick attempt went wide left, leaving the ‘Pack ahead 14-13.

To start the fourth quarter, West Hills’ SKYLER PEYTON sacked Moyer for a 6-yard loss, and the Wolf Pack began their final scoring drive, an 8-play, 71-yard jaunt that culminated in Moyer’s TD pass to Broomfield.

Monte Vista’s last drive started well with 13- and 19-yard rushed by Wade, but it ended with Petty’s INT at the 10-yard line.

That play essentially set a couple of school records for West Hills, which allowed zero pass completions and obviously zero passing yards to go with interceptions by Petty and Hathaway.

“They run the ball so well, we needed to make sure they didn’t get anything through the air,” Ash said. “We told our defense before the game they have to allow no completions.”

Seriously … no completions. That they did!

“If we could have just completed a couple passes, we’d have won this league,” said Hamamoto, who is in his third year as head coach at Monte Vista after super-successful campaigns at USDHS, Rancho Bernardo and Lincoln.

“I tip my hat to them. They did everything they needed to do to win.”

The Monarchs’ 393 rushing yards were largely a sum of Wade’s career-best 239 yards on 21 carries, while JORDAN JOHNSON added 133 yards on 22 attempts.

Wade now has 1,264 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and Johnson has 1,296 yards.

“I think eventually the run game wore them down a little bit,” said Shaw, who topped the millennium mark and now sits at 1,102 yards with 13 TDs.
With a 4-yard TD run by Shaw, West Hills took a 7-0 lead with 5:13 left in the second quarter to cap a 44-yard drive after Esteban Flores recovered a fumble.

Monte Vista knotted the score at 7-7 a minute later Wade followed a few great blocks and blasted 40 yards for a touchdown.

This was the first league contest between these schools since the Grossmont Conference split into two leagues after the 1991 season. Monte Vista leads the overall series 13-5.

But with the win, West Hills improved its chances of a bye in the first round of the Division II playoffs, while Monte Vista will likely be on the road in the first round of the Division III postseason.

“With the way we run the ball, I don’t think anybody’s going to be real happy to see us,” Hamamoto said.

West Hills has never won or even played for a section championship. Monte Vista lost to Sweetwater 7-0 in last year’s Division IV title game in search of its third section crown.

— Jim Lindgren

Christian High star Adrian Petty carries for a first down on a third-and-8 run from inside the 5. Petty had over 300 yards rushing midway through the third quarter Friday night, as the Patriots led 42-7 at halftime. The Patriots went on for the victory in the regular season finale. (EastCountySports.com photo)

CHRISTIAN 49, SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 7 – Christian’s ADRIAN PETTY got to play a little more than usual this week. It showed in his statistics.

SCORES

Fri., Nov. 7
Grossmont Hills League
El Capitan 24, Helix 17
Grossmont 56, Valhalla 21
Steele Canyon 34, Mount Miguel 20
Grossmont Valley League
West Hills 21, Monte Vista 13
Granite Hills 54, Santana 7
Central League
Christian 49, Santa Fe Christian 7
Non-League
University City 35, El Cajon Valley 7
Thurs., Nov. 6
Pacific League

Escondido Charter 46, Foothills Christian 3

Petty, a junior running back, rushed for over 360 yards on just 17 carries - and had a 92-yard touchdown run called back on a holding penalty with a four-touchdown lead against one of the least penalized teams in the county in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) regular season nonleague finale.

Petty had an 80-yard touchdown run on the last play of the first quarter, as the Eagles were able to counter the Patriots for one period, which actually extended the playing time into the third quarter for most of the starters.

Petty had a touchdown run of 65 yards midway through the second quarter, and added a 44-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.

While Petty was the offensive star, it was J.D. PARKER that shined brightest for the Christian defense.

Parker had a highlight-reel diving interception of an option pass by a reversing end. Then, he had a short-field pick-six to close out the first half.

After Petty had his long TD run called back, he immediately answered with a 35-yard run on third-and-long backed up inside the 10. Christian would convert the drive into a score when DAVID TODD JEREMIAH threw a completion to junior BRANDON HESTER to the 19. That set up another completion to Hester for a first-and-goal, then Christian cashed in on a touchdown run by CHAD HUMPHRIES off left end with 15.5 seconds left in the first half, making the Patriots' lead 35-7.

Humphries also had a 30-yard touchdown jaunt when he caught a delayed crossing pattern from Jeremiah, then bashed, slashed and wrestled away from a leg tackle inside the 5 to get into the end zone.

Christian's fullback JOEY MARONES opened the scoring with a touchdown reception early in the first quarter, as he caught a dump-off pass following a blitz, and raced the 13 yards into the end zone, getting a final block from lineman WILLIAM HAIL. Patriot linemen LAITHE ISENMANN and NATE CAZARES were there to lead the way for Petty's big night. CODY KIRWAN has a first-half sack for the Patriots.

U-T SAN DIEGO
SPORTSWRITERS/SPORTSCASTERS
PREP FOOTBALL POLL
(through 11-10-14)

TEAM;RECORD;POINTS;LW
(First-place votes in parenthesis)
Points awarded on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis

1 / Oceanside (18) / 10-0 / 189 / 1

2 / Cathedral (1) / 9-1 / 167 / 2

3 / El Capitan / 10-0 / 152 / 4

4 / Mission Hills / 8-2 / 127 / 5

5 / Helix / 8-2 / 121 / 3

6 / Eastlake / 7-3 / 66 / 7

7 / Rancho Bernardo / 8-2 / 48 / 10

8 / Christian / 10-0 / 47 / 8

9 / Sweetwater / 10-0 / 39 / 9

10 / San Marcos / 9-1 / 31 / 6

Others receiving votes: Madison 18, Ramona 15, Bishop’s 10, Hoover 5, Torrey Pines 4, Steele Canyon 3, West Hills 2, Bonita Vista 1.

SAN DIEGO CIF
Power Rankings and Standings
Visit SDSCIF for the latest official section power rankings in all current season varsity sports

cifsds power rankings

Visit SDSCIF for league standings in all current season varsity sports

League Standings

STEELE CANYON 34, MOUNT MIGUEL 20 – Steele Canyon’s PIERRE ALEXANDER, a junior running back, rushed for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) last game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season and had a 65-yard score in the fourth quarter, to help the Cougars pull away to the home win in an exciting second half.

Steele Canyon quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON rushed for a 1-yard touchdown to open the scoring following DEREK TYLER's 79-yard kickoff return. That tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. Later, the veteran QB threw a 59-yard touchdown to ROOSEVELT JOHNSON in the third quarter. Johnson caught a short pass over the middle, then raced through what was left of the defense to put the Cougars ahead, 19-13.

Junior back MALCOM ANDERS added a 2-yard touchdown score behind his lineman CALEB OGORMAN, a sophomore, in the third quarter, which gave the Cougars a 27-20 lead with 48.5 seconds left in the third quarter.

Alexander's first long TD put SteeleCanyon ahead 13-7 in the first quarter.

Mount Miguel got a great hookup in the third quarter on a long pass from JACOB CASTILLO on a 27-yard touchdown pass to CHRISTIAN GARCIA which tied the game, 13-13, in the third quarter. The duo would hook up for another beautiful medium-long pass to the right side against coverage, that Garcia hauled in then danced around his cover man for a score which would give the Matadors a 20-19 lead.

GROSSMONT 56, VALHALLA 21 – Fresh from their stirring victory over Steele Canyon last week, and eager to earn a home-field game in next week’s

playoffs, the Norsemen arrived at Grossmont Friday evening (Nov. 7), fresh and ready to go in the final game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season.

Alas, the Senior Night adulations for the Foothillers’ outgoing cheerleaders and football players carried on for nearly a half-hour past the normal 7 p.m. kickoff.

That delay seemed to take the wind out of Valhalla’s sails. Of course, Grossmont’s relentless offensive attack might have had something to do with smashing the Norsemen defense into submission as well in a 56-21 rout. After the dust settled, Grossmont will be hosting its playoff game next week while the Norsemen put on their travelin’ boots.

Valhalla’s defense did look good – for one play. Following the opening kickoff, Grossmont started on its 26-yard line. On first down, Valhalla linebacker DANIEL BENDER leveled the runner for a 1-yard loss. On second down, the receiver dropped an accurate pass from junior quarterback CALVIN FARRIS, setting up a third and long. No problem. Farris threw a dart to senior wide receiver HUNTER REINER for a 16-yard first down at the Hillers’ 40 yard-line.

A few plays later Farris connected with junior wide receiver KYLE PINEDA for a 15-yard gain to the Valhalla 47. On second down, Farris found senior wide receiver AJ SHAW wide open down the middle for a 45-yard pass-catch. Pineda, who also serves as the kicker, booted the PAT through the uprights and Grossmont led 7-0, only 2 minutes into the game.

A few minutes later, the potent Grossmont offense got the ball back after Valhalla’s JACOB PAAPE punted to the Hillers’ 10 yard-line, where it was fielded by the Hillers' return man, who had a nifty, shake and bake 29-yard return to the Foothillers’ 39-yard line. Seven plays later, junior running back MATTHEW LILLIARD pounded into the end zone from the 1-yard-line. Once again, Pineda (8-8 PAT) cleared the goal posts, giving the Foothillers a 14-0 lead with 4:41 left in the first quarter.

Early in the second period, the Hillers were looking to extend their lead, marching swiftly down the field. On second and goal from the Norsemen 5-yard-line, Farris eyeballed an open receiver in the end zone and zinged the ball to him. Unfortunately, Valhalla linebacker TREY SCHIMKE leapt into the air in front of the receiver, intercepted the ball and returned it 25 yards to the Valhalla 24-yard line.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh is tackled by Jake Lopez (5) of Grossmont during their encounter Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

Energized, the Norsemen put it in gear and started their own march, assisted by a Grossmont pass-interference call on 3rd and 12 from the Valhalla 22-yard-line. A 15-yard completion from Valhalla junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH to senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN put the ball at the Hillers’ 44-yard line. On third down, senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER ran a precise post route and Naseh hit him in full-stride for a 44-yard TD. Paape’s kick was true and Valhalla was back in the game, trailing 14-7, with 7:28 remaining in the first half.

It took only 1:02 to wipe out Valhalla’s resurgence, when Lilliard broke at least 4 tackles on his way to a 44-yard touchdown run, padding Grossmont’s lead, 21-7, with 6:25 left until intermission.

The teams traded interceptions on the next two series; Grossmont’s BJ GONZALES picked off Naseh at the Grossmont 42-yard-line. Three plays later, Valhalla’s DASHAWN KINISTON swiped a Farris pass at the Grossmont 45 and returned it to the 17-yard line, giving the Norsemen great field position, but the Norsemen were unable to capitalize when Naseh, under extreme pressure, threw an incomplete pass on 4th down.

Six plays later, Lilliard capped a 91-yard drive by rumbling into the end zone from 5 yards out, upping the score to 28-7 just 50 seconds before halftime.
In the 3rd quarter, Valhalla narrowed the gap to 28-14 when Naseh lasered the ball to senior wide receiver SPENCER HENDERSON (6 receptions, 77 yards) for a 35-yard touchdown pass with 8:18 remaining in the third period.

Grossmont answered shortly thereafter when senior defensive back DAVID MAKAJ intercepted Naseh and returned it 18 yards for another Grossmont TD, making it 35-14, at the 5:49 mark in the third quarter. Lilliard increased the shellacking to 42-14 with a 3-yard run near the end of the penultimate period.

Early in the 4th quarter, Valhalla’s sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON scored from 9 yards out, but a minute later quarterback Ferris loped into the end zone on a 9-yard TD run, ringing the bell 42-21 with 10:07 remaining in the game. Less than a minute later, Lilliard raced 7 yards into the end zone for his 5th TD of the game, finalizing the score at 56-21.

Grossmont amassed 521 yards of total offense and limited Valhalla to 279 yards. Farris was 16-26-2 in the passing department, with 243 yards and 1 TD. For Valhalla, Naseh was 18-30-2, 202 yards and 2 TDs.

GRANITE HILLS 54, SANTANA 7 – SETH COLLINS rushed for two touchdowns in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) Grossmont Valley League last regular game of the season and threw for another in the second quarter, as the Eagles built a 42-7 lead by halftime.

Collins had TD runs of 66 and 12 yards, then junior THOMAS YOUMOG had a 7-yard run to put the Eagles ahead, 21-0, in the first. Collins’ long run was one of his typical keepers that has kept defenders chasing him all season.

The Sultans only score would make it a contest in the first when quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ and ADAM CHILDRESS had their familiar hookup – this time for a long 85-yard score, to make it 21-7. Gutierrez had plenty of time to wait for Childress to run by his defender around the 40-yard line down the left side, where he hauled in the heave and won the footrace for the bomb.

Junior LYDEN FRANKLIN turned in a 67-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to put the Eagles back up by three scores at the end of the first quarter. KALVIN SANDERS and VICTOR GARCIA did the work up front, as the Eagles pulled right to set the play.

Granite Hills' MICHAEL LEDESMA caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Collins, then had a 58-yard punt return, which set up his own 1-yard score before halftime. Ledesma got behind his defender on the 31-yard reception, as Collins rolled right away from pressure from Santana's MATT HOMAN

Santana's NOAH JACKSON had an interception in the end zone in the second quarter.

RYAN ROJ, a junior, got playing time at quarterback in the second half, and he did his best Collins impersonation with a 12-yard touchdown run.

UNIVERSITY CITY 35, EL CAJONVALLEY 7 – MATTHEW SHEARIN carried the ball 29 times for the visiting Braves’ only touchdown in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) season-ending non-league contest.

El Cajon Valley registered 2 interceptions, one by THOMAS NARAVETTE and one by TYSON SMITH.

Braves quarterback MERITON HASANI completed 3 of 8 passes.

ESCONDIDO CHARTER 46, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 3 – Escondido Charter picked up a season-ending Pacific League victory over Foothills Christian on Thursday (Nov. 6). No other information was provided about the game.

Fearless Forecaster

Helix, El Capitan, West Hills, Monte Vista on brink of Grossmont league titles

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com

LAKESIDE (11-6-14) — This is a classic duel where these two Top 10 teams from the Grossmont Conference will collide for the Grossmont Hills League championship for the first time ever.

El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) has had a perfect season so far. But that probably won’t mean a whole lot to the Helix Highlanders (8-1, 4-0) when they take on the Vaqueros Friday (Nov. 7) in Lakeside.

This game is one of the biggest encounters that should draw a huge crowd. That’s been the case in the past, when the Highlanders won eight in a row.

Running off the field without a loss is undoubtedly a feat to be proud of. But the Highlanders don’t intend to let the Vaqueros get away with that kind of escape.

No. 3 Helix has surrendered an average of 6.2 ppg all season, while No. 4 El Capitan is allowing 12 ppg.

The key to the Highlanders’ victories has been East County’s leading rusher, NATHAN STINSON, who has run for 1253 yards on 121 carries for 17 touchdowns. Helix quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN has passed for 1122 yards 75 of 124 completions with 11 TDs.

El Capitan, on the other hand, has been led by quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who has passed for 1747 yards on 110-183 completions and 16 touchdowns. Receiver ISAIAH CAPOOCIA has caught 47 passes for 743 yards and 12 TDS. D.J. SMITH has rushed for 894 yards on 124 carries and 14 TDs.

This is a tough one but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 22-21.

MONTE VISTA (6-3, 3-0) at WEST HILLS (7-2, 3-0), 7 – In a game of survival for the Grossmont Valley League championship, Monte Vista will travel to East Santee Friday night (Nov. 7) to tackle West Hills in the regular season finale.

Monte Vista is led by running backs JORDAN JOHNSON (1163 yards on 122 carries, 9 TDs) and LEE WADE, Jr. (1025 yards, 114 carries, 14 TDs). AUSTIN CAOLE (543 yards, 28-92 completions, 6 TDs) handles the quarterbacking duties for the Monarchs.

The Wolf Pack will count on running back JACOB SHAW (959 yards, 158 carries, 11 TDs), quarterback SPENCER MOYER (1549, 87-152, 16 TDs) and receivers RAPHY CARR (49 catches, 917 yards, 6 TDs) and TAJ BROOMFIELD (27 catches, 362 and 3 TDs).

With the championship on the line, this game basically turns into a flip side, and the nod goes to . . . West Hills 21-20.

SANTA FE CHRISTIAN (5-4, 3-1) vs. CHRISTIAN (9-0, 3-0) at Granite Hills, 4 – The Patriots are about one TD away from completing a perfect 10-0 season. It’s no fluke that Christian has rolled over its opponents, both in the Central League and non-league.

The Patriots are “proud that we’ve allowed only one turnover (an interception) and one lost punt,” said offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

Christian is averaging 199 yards rushing and 112 passing. The Patriots are led by hard charging ADRIAN PETTY (87-1252, 19 TDs, 156.5 ypg), and quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH (136-190, 2092, 23 TDs, 23.7 ypg).

The receiving corps are led by NICK SEXTON (38-646, 6 TDs), Utah Valley bound shortstop TREVOR HOWELL (35-469, 4 TDs), and CHAD HUMPHRIES (20-468, 8 TDs). The Christian defense is headed by JOEY MORONES (44 tackles and a sack).

The Patriots own the offense and certainly won’t stumble against Santa Fe Christian . . . Christian 37-14.

VALHALLA (4-5, 2-2) at GROSSMONT (4-5, 1-3), 7 – The playoffs are well within reach of both teams as they face off Friday night (Nov. 7) in a Grossmont Hills League finale.

East County leading quarterback CALVIN FARRIS directs the Foothillers 1640 yards on 101-218 completions and 17 TDs. Receivers ALIJAH AVANT (370 yards on 21 carries, 3 TDs) and HUNTER REINER (697, 59 carries, 8 TDs) are favorite targets. Grossmont’s defense is headed by JACOB DENSON (60 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries), MALIK HAYES (50 tackles and a sack) and CHAZ CADWALADER (48 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery) among others.

The Norsemen’s offense is directed by quarterback PHILLIP NASEH (1571 yards on 125-229 passes, 9 touchdowns). He’ll be looking for receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (44 catches for 570 yards and 4 TDs). Running back JEROME JOHNSON has amassed 782 yards on 154 carries and 10 touchdowns.

The Foothillers always seem to come up with the offense, but they’re going to need plenty to beat the Norsemen . . . Grossmont 27-17.

SANTANA (4-5, 1-2) at GRANITE HILLS (6-3, 1-2), 7 – This Grossmont Valley League game has playoff connotations. The injury-plagued Sultans of Santana have a shot at finishing at 5-5, but that’ll be hard to grind out because Granite Hills doesn’t appear ready to roll over in the GVL.

Granite Hills counts on double threat quarterback SETH COLLINS, who has rushed for 629 yards on 72 carries and 11 touchdowns, while also completing 44 of 93 passes for 691 yards and 9 TDs. MICHAEL LEDESMA has rushed for 398 yards on 66 carries for 9 TDs for the Eagles.

Don’t look for the Eagles to fall . . . Granite Hills 37-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (3-6, 0-4) at STEELE CANYON (6-3, 1-3), 7 – It’s been a rugged season for Mount Miguel, which has lost six of nine contests this season and all four of its Grossmont Hills League games. The struggling Matadors will have their hands full against Steele Canyon. Running back ANTHONY GILMORE has rushed 889 yards on 83 carries with 5 touchdowns to lead Mount Miguel.

The Cougars need a victory to earn a prominent spot in the playoffs. Quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (78-147, 1163, 10 TDs) will lead the Cougars’ attack against the Matadors. His top target is receiver JORDAN JOHNSON (14-220, 2 TDs). On defense for the Cougars WILLIE FAIR has 88 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions.

Look for the Cougars to continue Mount Miguel’s losing skid . . . Steele Canyon 19-13.

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-7, 0-4) at UNIVERSITY CITY (5-4, 2-1), 6:30 – The Braves have eyes on their third win of the season as they visit University City in a 6:30 p.m. non-league game Friday evening.

This is a chance to play spoiler for the Braves, who could take a giant step toward the post-season if they can sidestep the Centurions.

El Cajon Valley’s chances hinge on MATTHEW SHEARIN, who is headed for the Ivy League, and who has rushed for an East County high 135 carries for 1366 yards and 17 touchdowns (151.8 ypg) . . . El Cajon Valley 37-27.

Thurs., Nov. 6
FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-9, 0-3) vs. Escondido Charter (1-8, 1-2) at Orange Glen, 7 –
Foothills Christian gets one more chance when the Knights close the regular season against Escondido Charter in a Pacific League finale. . . Escondido Charter 27-7.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 108-19 (.850)

 

Valhalla sophomore running back Jerome Johnson dives for the go-ahead touchdown on a fourth down-and-goal play during the fourth quarter of the Norsemen's come-from-behind home win over Steele Canyon Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

Week 10

Vaqueros set stage for East County showdown after dispatching Matadors

©EastCountySports.com
SPRING VALLEY (1-1-14) — About the best Mount Miguel (3-5, 0-4) could have hoped to do in their contest with El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) was to play spoiler, since the Vaqueros are tied for first place with Helix (8-1, 4-0) with one regular Grossmont Hills League game remaining. However, that didn’t happen.

The Vaqueros were on top of their game as they defeated Mount Miguel 34-14 in Friday night’s (Oct. 31) Halloween showdown to spoil the Matadors Homecoming festivities.

El Capitan’s D.J. SMITH got the Vaqueros on the scoreboard with 140 yards rushing on 17 carries for 3 touchdowns. But he wasn’t finished there, as he caught 4 passes from quarterback BRAD CAGLE for 53 yards and a touchdown.

ISAIAH CAPOOCIA recorded a 90-yard kickoff return for a score for El Cap, while kicker TAKOTA CURA was 4-for-5 on PAT kicks.

In the 1st quarter Mount Miguel’s CHRISTIAN GARCIA returned an interception for 45 yards and a score to tie the game at 7-all.

The score at halftime was 27-7 in the Vaqueros’ favor.

Mount Miguel would score in the 3rd quarter as quarterback JACOB CASTILLO hit KIKO BORJA for a 52-yard gain and a touchdown.

ENRIQUE KELLER was 2-for-2 on PAT kicks for the Matadors.

The Foothillers' Domonique Gueverra passed up this defender and several others for more yardage during Grossmont's loss at Helix Friday night.(photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

HELIX 56, GROSSMONT 10 – The Highlanders stand out as one of the county's top prep football teams, and when they have come across the freeway in the annual haggle for The Musket, Helix has won 34 times to Grossmont’s 12 – the teams have tied twice.

The likelihood of a tie was highly unlikely when the two teams collided Friday night (Oct. 31) in La Mesa in a Grossmont Hills League encounter when they resumed the series.

The Highlanders have not allowed more than 10 points per game since the second game of the season and have allowed only 26 points excluding that first game. They’ve shutout four opponents.

Helix scored a season high against the Foothillers

The biggest showdown in the EastCounty season was spearheaded by Helix’s NATHAN STINSON, who rushed for 217 yards on 16 carries for 3 touchdowns. He also caught 2 passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Receivers DaSHAWN KEIRSEY caught 4 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, while MASON VINYARD caught 2 passes for a TD.

MUGEN BLUE ran for 75 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown, and MICHAEL AUSTIN ran for 70 yards on 4 carries and a TD.

Quarterback Austin finished 11 for 20 passing for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns.

MATTHAIS LAYTON was 8-for-8 on PAT kicks.

The last time Grossmont defeated Helix was in 1991 by a score of 28-14.

For the Foothillers, junior KYLE PINEDA kicked a 29-yard field goal in the 1st quarter. Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run; Pineda’s PAT was good.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh attempts a pass against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

VALHALLA 25, STEELE CANYON 24 – The old Norse gods Odin and Thor were smiling down on their boys at Valhalla Friday evening (Oct. 31), when they dialed up some mischief to help the Rancho San Diego school reclaim the Jamacha Helmet from Steele Canyon.

The first half was all SteeleCanyon. The Cougars had a comfortable 24-7 halftime lead, but, as the third quarter commenced, so did the rain, just enough to rain on Steele’s parade.

Following the second half kickoff, the Cougars had good field position at their 37-yard line, and in two plays moved to their 46. On 3rd and 1, however, big CHRIS YOHE and TREY SCHIMKE smothered the ball carrier for a 1-yard loss, forcing a punt. Valhalla’s offense quickly put it in gear when, on first down from their own 35-yard line, junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH connected over the middle with a streaking SKLYLAR COLEMAN for a 28-yard gain to the Cougars’ 38-yard line. A pass interference penalty advanced the pigskin to the Steele 25 and a first down.

The Cougars blitzed but Naseh slipped a screen pass to sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON for a 19-yard gain to the 6-yard line. Naseh threw a dart to senior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS for an apparent touchdown, but the eagle-eyed refs spotted the ball at the 1. Johnson bulled his way into the end zone on the next play; the PAT attempt was barely wide right, so the home team trailed 24-13, with 8:46 remaining in the third quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, DEREK TYLER had a nice 42-yard return to the Valhalla 46-yard line, giving the Cougars a spark to regain their momentum. A 9-yard run on first down was promising. On the next play, however, Valhalla junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER sacked the quarterback for a 4-yard loss.

Steele Canyon junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON tossed a couple of short passes that advanced the ball to the Valhalla 28-yard line. On 4th and 3, Wood-Anderson found a wide open receiver, but that pesky rain caused the ball to slip through the receiver’s fingers, killing the drive.

The 4th period opened with Steele poised to strike at the Valhalla 14-yard line. Wood-Anderson threw a shot to the end zone for what looked like a sure touchdown, but at the last second, Valhalla linebacker LUCAS WALZ stuck his hand in and batted the ball to his teammate, J.J. MEIER, who intercepted the pass and returned it 32 yards to the Valhalla 30-yard line.

This time, Odin and Thor must have been snoozing, because on 3rd and 1 from the Valhalla 39-yard line, Cougars defensive lineman EDWARD DELGADO, anticipating a center-screen pass, read it perfectly, picked the errant throw and lumbered 12 yards to the Norsemen 23-yard line, giving his offense a golden opportunity to extend The Cougars’ lead. Unfortunately, on first down the ball squirted out of the running back’s hands and into those owned by Valhalla defensive tackle Yohe.

The tide was turning in favor of the Valhalla. On first down, Johnson rumbled 23 yards to midfield. Then, a quick pass to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (5 receptions for 89 yards) and a screen pass to Johnson advanced the ball to the Steele 39-yard line. On the next play, Steele defensive back NY JOHNSON picked off an errant pass at the Valhalla 10-yard line, thwarting the Norsemen’s attempt to narrow the gap.

Although the rain had stopped, the ball was still wet, as the Steele Canyon ball carrier discovered on the very next play when the ball flew out of his hands and directly into the rushing defense. Norsemen linebacker DANIEL BENDER scooped up the ball and carried it unmolested into the end zone for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, but Valhalla had cut the deficit to 24-19, with 10:06 left in the game.

Valhalla junior end Daniel Bender (32) harasses a pass attempt against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

To the men of Steele, the rain drops must have felt like they were made of Kryptonite, for, on the ensuing kickoff, the ball plopped from the receiver’s hands and was recovered by Valhalla special teamer JARED SULLIVAN at the Cougars’ 46-yard line. The home team took advantage of their good fortune, aided by a pass interference call against Steele.

On 1st and 10 from the Cougars’ 28-yard line, Naseh burst through the middle of the line for a 6-yard gain to the Steele 22. On the next play, left tackle MICHAEL RIVERA and center LIAM CLINGAN made a huge hole for Johnson who scampered 20 yards to the 2-yard line. It took four tries, but Johnson pushed across the goal line on 4th down for a 1 yard go-ahead TD, 25-24 (the 2 point PAT failed), with 6:25 remaining in the game.

The visitors were not ready to pack it in. Starting at their 41-yard line, an offside penalty against Valhalla on 3rd and 10 gave the Cougars a burst. With it now 3rd and 5 from their 46, Wood-Anderson dropped back to pass and was flushed from the pocket by junior linebacker CADE BAKER. The quarterback made some nifty moves and managed to pick up 5 yards on a busted play for a much needed first down at the Valhalla 49-yard line.

After Valhalla defensive back DASHAWN KINISTON stuffed the runner for a 3-yard loss, Wood-Anderson threw a deep spiral down the right sideline to JAVANTE WOFFORD for a whopping 43-yard gain to the Valhalla 9-yard line.

The drive stalled at the 6 yard line with just over 2 minutes left in the game. The confident Cougars trotted out their field goal team for a chip-shot kick that would allow them to re-take the lead. Kicker ALEXANDER RAYA had already kicked a 44-yard field goal in the first half. But, stuff happens. Whether mischief from above or otherwise, Valhalla’s Schimke broke through the line and blocked the field goal, enabling the Norsemen to hang on to their hard-fought 25-24 victory.

Back in the first quarter, things weren’t going Valhalla’s way, even after Meier picked off his first of two interceptions early in the first quarter. Three plays later, Valhalla running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE motored 16 yards to the Steele 43-yard line when an alert defender stripped the ball. It was picked up by SEAN McCRANE, who returned it 57 yards for the first score of the game. Following Raya’s kick, the Cougars led 7-0, only 2:06 into the contest.

Late in the first period, Raya kicked the aforementioned 44-yard field goal, making it 10-0 after one quarter. Valhalla’s Johnson scored a TD from 2 yards out just 20 seconds into the second stanza; placekicker JACOB PAAPE’s kick was good; Valhalla appeared to crawl back into the game 10-7 with 11:40 to play before intermission.

That’s when the game appeared to get out of hand. Wood-Anderson threw two tight spiral TD passes in the second quarter, the first a 31-yarder to junior wide receiver AVERY TUCK and the next a 24-yard TD pass to senior wide receiver JORDAN JOHNSON.

For Valhalla, Naseh completed 18 of 31 passes with 2 interceptions and 203 yards in the air. Johnson rushed 23 times for 130 yards and snagged 3 passes for 32 yards. Frazier had 5 receptions for 89 yards.

WEST HILLS 53, SANTANA 11 – Injury-plagued Santana battled gamely Friday night (Oct. 31) in a Grossmont Valley League game, but was no match for West Hills, who at the moment is in a tie for the league lead with Monte Vista. The best Santana could hope for was to play spoiler, but even that was out of reach.
West Hills scored three times before Santana could get on the board. JACOB SHAW scored on a 7-yard gain, TAJ BROOMFIELD scored on a 9-yard pass from Wolf Pack quarterback SPENCER MOYER, and DEVON HATHAWAY took a pass from Moyer for a 50-yard gain and a score.

On Shaw's TD run, the back dashed between defenders, getting the block from GARRETT MEAD for the open path.

Just before intermission JACOB HAMPSON blasted a 27-yard field goal to give the Sultans 3 points.

The 3rd quarter was all West Hills as Moyer hit RAPHY CARR for a 65-yard gain and a score just 34 seconds into the second half, Shaw ran for a 3-yard touchdown and WILL PETTY scored on a 24-yard run.

A Santana back carries during the Sultans' loss to visiting West Hills Friday night in the battle for The Mayor's Trophy in Santee. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Santana rallied in the 4th quarter as quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ ran for a 17-yard gain and a TD. The Sultans finished off with a 2-point conversion pass from Gutierrez to ADAM CHILDRESS.

Santana got an early turnover in the game, but West Hills controlled the first half.

Leading 26-3, the Wolf Pack held the hosts after a modest Sultans drive into West Hills territory was halted by a sack and fourth-down defended pass. West Hills took over at their own 36.

The Wolf Pack's Broomfield hauled in 34-yard pass at Santana 3, then Shaw banged his way into the end zone for a score at 6:05 of third to make it 33-3 Wolf Pack.

The Wolf Pack forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kick off. From the 24, Petty sweept his way to a score at 5:47 for a 40-3 lead.

Carr deflected a pass to himself in the secondary for a interception at the Santana 22. He knocked the pass slightly in the air and caught it on a forward dive. DEVON HATHAWAY added a 3-yard run for a score at 3:20 of third to make it 47-3.

West Hills got a TD pass on third down from QB KIAN AHMADIAN to JOSEPH WILSON for a 75-yard score. ALFONSO GREGG also had 5-yd TD run for the Wolf Pack in third. The Pack linemen were led by junior DOMINIC TUFI, senior JOSE ESTRADA and junior RICHARD IMBIMBO.

Junior Moyer threw a pair of TDs in second quarter, including the 50-yarder to a wide-open Hathaway, who caught the easy pass and sprinted the final 30 yards for the score.

 
Granite Hills junior running back Lyden Franklin surveys the situation during a first-quarter carry Friday night against El Cajon Valley. (EastCountySports.com photo)

GRANITE HILLS 56, EL CAJON VALLEY 14 – Eagles' quarterback SETH COLLINS was too tough to stop for the Braves.

CHASE GANDY recorded an interception for Granite Hills on the first play from scrimmage, then Collins turned in a couple of mad-scramble type runs, then a play-fake keeper around the right end for an easy jaunt into the end zone for a touchdown just 42 seconds into the game.

The Braves got an early boost of confidence when they got a sack of the talented Granite Hills dual-threat QB near midfield, but then Granite Hills turned to LYDEN FRANKLIN for a couple of first-down runs, then a short scoring pass from a scrambling Collins to RYAN ROJ, giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead at 6:37 of the first quarter.

After the Eagles forced a three-and-out, they capitalized on a short field with a gadget play, as a double-reverse ended with Raj throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass to JAKE MORGAN.

The Braves were punting again when the attempt resulted in a safety, as a team of Eagles got in quickly for a block through the back of the end zone, increasing the lead to 23-0 with 2:54 left in the first.

El Cajon Valley appeared to have another bother of Collins after he threw a deep incompletion following a scramble, but a roughness penalty on the Braves' erased the effort.

Collins then followed up the break by scrambling again for another touchdown, this time from 13 yards out, still with 1:08 left in the first quarter.

Granite Hills led 43-0 at halftime.

El Cajon Valley’s MATTHEW SHEARIN scored on a 25-yard run in the 3rd quarter and scored on a 64 yard run in the 4th. MARTIN PATTI’s PAT kicks were good both times.
Franklin raced for a 19 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter for Granite Hills, and JARROD WEISHAN closed out the Eagles’ scoring with a 10 yard run in the final period.

CHRISTIAN 42, UNIVERSITY CITY 6 – ADRIAN PETTY went 66 yards for the game's opening touchdown, as Christian led 7-0 with 9:42 left in the first quarter. Petty would score three more times before halftime and the undefeated Patriots won the Central League championship.

Petty added touchdown runs of 10, 80 and 8 yards before intermission, and the Patriots returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns in the second quarter, as sophomore ETHAN CONTRERAS returned one for 26 yards and senior WILLIAM HAIL returned his 20 yards. Petty had 138 yards rushing in the first half, as Christian led 42-0 at halftime and a running clock was used in the second half.

As good as Petty was getting to - and around - the corner, he got plenty of help up front from junior NATE CAZARES, sophomore JON STEIN and senior MATTHEW CARILLO.

CODY KIRWAN also paced the Patriots’ defense with a sack.

CLASSICAL ACADEMY 27, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7 - Foothills Christian turned in one of its best defensive quarters of the season on Thursday (Oct. 30), shutting out Classical Academy in the first quarter, as the game remained tied.

Classical Academy would score three touchdowns in the second quarter, however, and took a 27-0 lead in the third before the Knights answered with their score, which came in the third quarter.

The Caimans clinched the Pacific League championship with the victory. Foothills closes out the season on Thursday, Nov. 6 versus Esconsido Charter at Orange Glen at 7 p.m.


 

Helix senior wide receiver Dashawn Keirsey, Jr., makes a catch in the end zone, wresting the ball away from Valhalla junior defensive back Dashawn Kinneston for a 24-yard touchdown in the Highlanders' win over the visiting Norsemen in La Mesa on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

WEEK 9

Vaqueros work paying off in the form of season-long win streak

By Jim Lindgren
©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (10-25-14) — Shortly after being named the Walter J. Zable player of the game for the National Football Foundation game of the week, ISAIAH CAPOOCHIA was asked which of his 17 touchdowns this season was his favorite.

The three he scored in helping El Capitan defeat Steele Canyon, 49-24, in Friday’s (Oct. 24) Homecoming game were inspiring indeed.

He had a 69-yard scoring pass from BRAD CAGLE in the second quarter, hauling in a long post route pass about 40 yards downfield and then racing away from the opposition.

He had a 6-yard TD run in the fourth quarter that extended El Cap’s lead to 35-24 in the fourth quarter. Then three minutes later, he accepted another toss from Cagle for a 13-yard tally that made it 42-24 and essentially sealed the win in the first-ever Grossmont Hills League game played between El Capitan and Steele Canyon.

But Capoochia was more ecstatic about a touchdown catch in a 63-28 win over Grossmont two weeks ago. A moment later, though, he changed his mind as quickly as he changes gears and makes defenders miss, opting instead for a touch he made in a 28-14 win over Granite Hills a week earlier.

Given time, he’ll have a lot more to ponder once this seemingly magical season runs its course in the next few weeks.

No. 4-ranked El Capitan remained unbeaten at 8-0 overall and 3-0 in the Grossmont Hills League, largely because of Capoochia’s work on offense, defense and special teams.

He had four catches for 100 yards, 84 rushing yards on nine carries, a 39-yard punt return and five impressive pass defenses from his cornerback slot.

“It feels great,” Capoochia said. “Hard work pays off.”

Capoochia was hardly the only star for a Vaquero team that was trailing 24-21 in the third quarter and then finished with 28 unanswered points to beat No. 9-ranked Steele Canyon (6-2, 1-2).

D.J. SMITH rushed 22 times for 137 yards and a 13-yard touchdown to give the Vaqueros a 7-0 lead after their first possession.

Cagle was 10-of-18 passing for 191 yards and four touchdowns, though he threw only five passes in the second half when El Capitan was pulling away. In addition to Capoochia’s two receiving TDs, Cagle tossed a pair of scoring strikes to his twin, ZACH CAGLE, who had three catches for 29 yards.

The twins’ first scoring connection of the season was a thing of beauty. From the 6-yard line, Brad rolled left, contorted his body into throwing position and fired a strike to Zach in the front corner of the end zone. Zach just did manage to get one foot down in play before rolling several times and at least 10 yards onto the synthetic running track surrounding the field. The sideline official waited several seconds before hoisting his arms up to signal the score.

Better than that one was Zach’s leaping and smashing to the turf grab on a 10-yard TD pass that gave El Cap a 28-24 lead with 8:40 left in the third quarter.

The Vaqueros, who trailed for the first time this season in a game last week and trailed twice on Friday, went on to score three more times to punctuate a great win. The final score came on a 52-yard interception return by JARRED TURNER with 4:20 to play.

“They had a great game plan,” El Capitan coach RON BURNER said. “They’re a great team. They’re in the Top 10 (rankings) for a reason.

“It was playoff atmosphere out there tonight. We knew it was going to be a battle.”

It was for much of the contest as SteeleCanyon got a season-best game out of quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON, who threw for 303 yards on 17-of-40 passing and two touchdowns. He also ran for an 11-yard TD that gave the Cougars a 14-7 lead with 5:17 to play in the second quarter.

Two minutes later, Brad Cagle tossed long to Capoochia to knot the affair at 14-14. Zach Cagle’s first score made it 21-14 with 1:01 before intermission. But SteeleCanyon raced right back to make it 21-17 on a 46-yard field goal by ALEXANDER RAYA as time expired before halftime homecoming festivities, which included an impressive fireworks display.

Note: El Capitan was supposed to have held its homecoming game against Serra on Oct. 19, but a tear was noticed on its turf field earlier that week, and the game was switched to Serra – a 42-0 rout in which Burner called off the regulars at halftime. The rescheduled homecoming Friday included the traditional festive carnival beyond the northeast side of the stadium.

Brad Cagle is already among the top 10 in San Diego Section history for career passing yards, completions and touchdown passes. As the season has progressed, he has passed RYAN LINDLEY in nearly every quarterback stat category in school history. Cagle now has 6,335 passing yards, 383 completions and 66 touchdown passes – the latter being most impressive since the section record is 82.

That being stated, El Cap went with a conservative run game for most of the second half. But it paid off nicely.

“We saw some things in the second half that we felt we could run, and we did,” Burner said. “And our defense came up huge in the second half. I think it’s our fifth or sixth pick-six of the season.”

Said Capoochia, “We felt we could move the ball on the ground. Keep moving the chains. If it’s working don’t mess with it.”

After missing the first two games of the season following an appendectomy, Wood-Anderson was on his game against El Cap. He connected with eight different receivers for 303 yards with JAVONTE WOLFORD nabbing five passes for 58 yards and AVERY TUCK catching two for 72 yards, including a 65-yard TD pass. ROOSEVELT JOHNSON had three grabs for 84 yards, including a 67-yard TD.

In addition to Capoochia’s stellar play on defense, JOHN LaCHAPPA had a pair of sacks, ROBBY CALLAWAY posted another sack, and CHANCE COLSON blocked a punt that was recovered by Zach Cagle.

For Steele Canyon, WILLIE FAIR had a sack, numerous tackles and disruptions and was named the defensive player of the game. MARVIN CALDWELL added a fumble recovery and a sack and JOSEPH ALSHEIKH had a fumble recovery.

El Capitan plays at Mount Miguel next week and then wraps up its regular season at home against No. 2-ranked Helix on Nov. 7, which could pit the highest-ranking duo matchup in the East County in quite some time. The Vaqueros, of course, are hoping to match the 10-0 regular-season record posted by the 2006 team led by Lindley.=

Steele Canyon, still very much in the hunt for an Open Division playoff spot, visits Valhalla next week before hosting Mount Miguel.

MONTE VISTA 31, GRANITE HILLS 28 – The Monarchs scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to overtake the visiting Eagles in Friday night’s (Oct. 24) Grossmont Valley League encounter.

LEE WADE JR. had touchdown runs of 38 and 2 yards in the final quarter to rally Monte Vista to its first league win of the season.

Wade took off behind pulling linemen JOSH CASTANEDA and ALEJANDRO BUSTOS to the right side, then dashed through the hole, bouncing off a hit by an Eagles' defender, then raced up the right side for his 38-yard score to make it 28-24.

Wade's goal-line score came on the same trap, as he crashed in for the short score, which ended up deciding the game.

SETH COLLINS had a 63-yard run for the Eagles to make it 21-17 in the third quarter, as he faked a handoff then took off behind blockers to the right, before stutter-stepping through several waves of defenders, then switched the ball to his left hand and out-raced the last defender for 20 yards to the end zone.

Collins threw a 12-yard TD pass to senior tight end ROB AGERBEEK, cutting across the middle of the end zone near the end of third quarter, extending the Eagles' advantage to 28-17.

Monte Vista quarterback AUSTIN CAOLE had three hook-ups with XAVIER WADE during the evening – all of which resulted in significant gains. TRE OWENS had a key 32-yard run for Monte Vista.

MATT GOFIGAN had a 25-yard field goal for the Monarchs.

HELIX 49, VALHALLA 7 – The Helix High School football game announcer always does a fine job keeping the fans accurately informed — until Friday evening (Oct. 24) when the Norsemen from Valhalla stopped by to lend a hand in the Highlanders’ Homecoming festivities. Always on top of things, the announcer let the fans know early—and often—that the fireworks would start immediately after the end of the game.

He lied.

The real fireworks started on the second play of the game when Helix’ junior fleet-footed running back, NATHAN STINSON, broke through the line, put it in 5th gear, jetted to the left sideline, turned up-field, shifted smoothly into 6th gear, and that’s when the afterburners kicked in; 59 yards later, he soared into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.

Two minutes later, MEKHI STEVENSON hauled in a 37-yard TD pass from junior quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN (11-15-0, 240 yards, 4 TDs—in the first half). After Layton split the uprights (7-7 PAT), Helix had a 14-0 lead, with 8:51 remaining in the first quarter.

On cue, another two minutes later Stinson scored his second touchdown of the evening on a 3-yard run; half-way through the initial period, Helix had a commanding 21-0 lead.

All that running up and down the field must have plain tuckered out the Highlanders because it took them another three minutes before they padded the score. Senior wide receiver DASHAWN KEIRSEY, JR. made a spectacular, leaping catch in the end zone, wresting the ball away from Valhalla junior defensive back and namesake DASHAWN KINNISTON who had really tight coverage on the play, for a 24-yard score, putting the game on ice 28-0 with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Austin tossed another two touchdown passes, a 16-yarder to Stevenson, and a 24-yard throw to junior wide receiver 6-foot-5 MASON VINYARD, giving Helix a whopping 42-0 lead at intermission
.
To their credit, the Norsemen didn’t quit. Determined to be the first team in several weeks to score any points against the Highlanders, Valhalla’s offense was inspired early in the third quarter, when EastCounty leading tackler LOGAN BAKER smoked the Helix punter for a 12-yard loss, giving the Norsemen good field position at the Scotties’ 36-yard line.

On first down, Valhalla junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH threw an accurate pass for what appeared was a 15-yard gain when junior defensive back DERRICK ATKINS stepped in front of the receiver and batted the ball to the ground. Undeterred, Naseh threw a strike to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER for an 18-yard gain to the Highlanders’ 18-yard line.

Three plays later, just when the drive seemed to stall on 3rd and 10, Naseh rolled out, spun away from a would-be tackler, and lasered the pigskin to Frazier at the 8-yard line, who spun and juked his way into the end zone for Valhalla’s only touchdown. Junior placekicker JACOB PAAPE kicked the extra point; with 2:13 remaining in the penultimate period, Helix led 42-7.

Helix got another shot to extend its lead midway through the 4th quarter when it recovered a Valhalla fumble at the Norsemen 34-yard line. Junior running back CURTIS HOLMES ripped off 17 yards on first down to the Valhalla 17. Holmes picked up another 8 yards on the next play, to the Norsemen’s 9-yard line. Two plays later, senior quarterback JOSH CASTRO cruised into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown run, ending the scoring at 49-7 with 4:01 left in the game.

Helix’ vaunted defense held Valhalla to 121 yards passing and minus 3 yards rushing, while the Highlanders’ offense gained 432 yards — in the first half.

The entire second half was played with a running clock. Valhalla ran 14 plays in the second half; Helix ran 13. Normal is 30-35 for each team.

Grossmont's Ricky Valdez (26) drags a Mount Miguel defender along the sideline during a carry Friday night in La Mesa. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

GROSSMONT 63, MOUNTMIGUEL 29 – Foothillers (4-4, 1-2 GHL) head coach TOM KARLO vehemently swore up-and-down that it was just another game for his team going against the squad he coached just four years ago. That may be true, but his team couldn't pick a better time to start putting things all together.

They jumped out to an early 28-3 lead before the two teams started to swap scores and just like he taught the Matadors (3-5, 0-3 GHL) a few years back, they never took their foot off the gas pedal.

“It was great just to get back to playing winning football,” Karlo said after posting 580 yards of total offense. “Overall, it was a great performance by everyone on all sides of the ball.”

Grossmont quarterback CALVIN FARRIS threw for 5 touchdowns and had another pair rushing. HUNTER REINER and KHALEED DAVIS each caught two scores and KYLE CREWS had his first touchdown reception of the year. RICKY VALDEZ also had his best game of the season, rushing 14 times for 110 yards.

“They beat us pretty good,” said Mount Miguel coach SHAUN McDADE. “Their QB (Farris) was just picking us apart all night and their running back (Valdez) was impressive too. We got on a roll and were able to trade scores with them, but we just couldn't stop anything they were doing.”

Defensively for the Hillers, DAVID MAKAJ had his first interception of the year and B. J. GONZALES picked off a pair of errant throws. Senior linebacker JACOB DENSON was also called out by the Grossmont coaching staff for having an outstanding game.

SANTANA 28, EL CAJON VALLEY 21 – Santana sophomore BOBBY WALLACE rushed for two touchdowns in the first quarter of Friday’s (Oct. 24) Grossmont Valley League contest, then threw for a touchdown in the second quarter to stake the Sultans to a 21-7 halftime lead.

Wallace's first touchdown run came from 13 yards out, as he took a handoff straight-up-the-middle through a huge hole opened by seniors TRAVIS GROOVER, CASEY PASCO and TANNER KVEDERIS.

Shearin turned in one of his patented ad-lib runs to get the Braves to within 14-7, as he bounced outside after a backfield standoff against the Sultans' line, then found an open left sideline, getting help out of the backfield by the block of FADI PUTRUS, which interfered with three potential defenders.

However, the Braves came back to tie the game at 21-21 in the third quarter thanks to superstar back MATTHEW SHEARIN. Shearin, who ran for a 55-yard score in the second quarter, had TD runs of 75 and 80 yards.

Santana QB FRANKIE GUTIERREZ threw a 5-yard touchdown to junior receiver ADAM CHILDRESS in the fourth quarter to determine the winning margin. Childress also caught a 38-yard pass from Gutierrez to set up the Sultans' third score of the first half.

Wallace took a halfback option pitch and before he could even take three steps to his left, he tossed the ball with his left hand into the end zone's left side, where Childress was standing all alone for the easy 2-yard touchdown reception.

Gutierrez was 11-for-23 for 119 yards, while Wallace finished with 130 yards on 23 carries. Childress had five receptions for 63 yards.

Junior JONNY WARE led Santana's defense with 10 tackles, including two for loss. Santana senior MATTHIAS EMORY had an interception, while teammate HINA ALIU recovered a fumble.

JV/Frosh scores  
Junior Varsity

Friday, Oct. 17
Mount Miguel 31, Grossmont 28
Valhalla 28, Helix 12
El Capitan 28, Steele Canyon 18
Santana 33, El Cajon Valley 0
Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Oct. 23
Granite Hills 27, Monte Vista 6
Steele Canyon 13, El Capitan 12
Grossmont 73, Mount Miguel 46
Helix 33, Valhalla 12
Santana 44, El Cajon Valley 8
Only scores reported

CHRISTIAN 42, CLAIREMONT 3 – Christian High’s ADRIAN PETTY had three touchdowns, while TREVOR HOWELL threw a 55-yard halfback option pass for a touchdown, in the Patriots' Central League road win Friday (Oct. 24), improving the Christian score to 8-0.

The Patriots’ NICK SEXTON caught the halfback pass for the touchdown to make it 28-3.

JOEY MORONES bowled over defenders and fought his way to the left pylon for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Petty rushed nine times for 105 yards, while Howell also had an interception on defense. HUNTER ARVAN also had an interception for Christian.

Petty went up the middle, then took off to the right for a 43-yard score to give the Pats a 35-3 lead.

Patriots quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH finished 13-of-19 for 150 yards and one interception. Sexton finished with six receptions for 120 yards.

Christian's TD-shutout was led by CODY KIRWAN, who had six tackles, including two for loss, and JON STEIN, who finished with 6 1/2 tackles.

West Hills Taj Broomfield comes down with a 34-yard pass during the third quarter of the Wolf Pack's win over the host Sultans Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

 

Fearless Forecaster

County division top-ranked Vaqueros host challenge from hungry Cougars

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (10-23-14) — This encounter should be one of the best match-ups in the Grossmont Hills League when the Steele Canyon Cougars (6-1, 1-1) travel to El Capitan (7-0, 2-0) on Friday night (Oct. 24) to face the Vaqueros in a battle between Top 10 teams. These teams have only met four times before, with the outcome standing at 2 apiece.

D.J. SMITH leads the running game for El Capitan with 84 carries for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has registered 50 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Quarterback BRAD CAGLE has completed 91 of 149 passes for 1463 yards through the air and 11 touchdowns.

Receiver ISAIAH CAPOOCIA has caught 41 passes for 619 yards and 10 touchdowns. JAMES OWEN has contributed 6.5 sacks for the Vaqueros.

Steele Canyon will rely on the strong arm of quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON, who in just 5 games has completed 41 of 82 passes for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The running backs for the Cougars – MALCOLM ANDERS 62-287, 2 TDs) and RILEY JONES (52-287, 5 TDs) will bolster the offense for Steele Canyon.

Receiver DEREK TYLER (14-376, 3 TDs) and ROOSEVELT JOHNSON (19-292, 1 TD) will help round out the corps.

The Cougars will put up a fight, but the nod goes to . . . EL CAPITAN 37-7.

VALHALLA (3-4, 1-1) at HELIX* (6-1, 2-0), 7 – Homecoming has annually been a big deal at Helix High School and it certainly will be a crowd pleaser again on Friday night (Oct. 24) in the Grossmont Hills League match-up with Valhalla.

The Norsemen beat the Highlanders 18-13 in 1975 in their very first contest. Since then the Highlanders have led the all-time series 36-5-2.

Speedy NATHAN STINSON ranks second in East County rushing with 98 carries for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns. Versatile MICHAEL AUSTIN, who handles the quarterbacking duties, has rushed 42 times for 313 yards and 5 touchdowns. As a passer he is 53 of 89 for 724 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Valhalla will look to junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH who has completed 94 of 170 passes for 1242 yards and 8 touchdowns. Running back JEROME JOHNSON has carried for 130 times for 648 yards and 7 touchdowns, and RASHAUN SHARPE has run for 59 times for 297 yards and 2 scores.

Receiver JULIUS FRAZIER has caught 34 passes for 433 yards and 3 touchdowns. East County leading tackler LOGAN BAKER has logged 87 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception. Teammate CADE LOGAN, is close behind him with 83 tackles.

The chances of an upset are unlikely for the Norsemen this time around because Helix is ranked in the Top 3, but you never know . . . Helix 16-14.

GRANITE HILLS (5-2, 0-1) at MONTE VISTA (5-3, 0-1), 7 – Not many players are more versatile than Granite Hills senior SETH COLLINS, who – despite injuries – picked up 10 touchdowns on 538 yards on mere 88 carries.

MICHAEL LEDESMA has also been a big gun for the Eagles with 326 yards on 56 carries for 7 touchdowns. RILEY REYES has 73 tackles and 3 sacks to his credit.

Monte Vista counts on the leadership of running backs JORDAN JOHNSON (97-861, 7 TDs) and LEE WADE, Jr. (81-664, 6 TDs) in the Friday night (Oct. 24) Grossmont Valley League joust with Granite Hills.

Granite Hills leads the all-time series 29-20, but an upset is not out of reach . . . Granite Hills 28-26.

MOUNT MIGUEL (3-4, 0-2) at GROSSMONT (3-4, 0-2), 7 – Two teams that are attempting to escape the Grossmont Hills League cellar will square off Friday night (Oct. 24) when the Foothillers host the Matadors.

Mount Miguel is led by fleet-footed ANTHONY GILMORE, who has rushed for 386 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The Matadors’ quarterback, JACOB CASTILLO has completed 837 yards and 9 touchdowns. Wide receivers JAYVON JONES (22-319 yds, 5 TDs), GARY HASKINS (7-86) and KIKO BORJA (3-5, 98 yds, 1 TD) will be looking for the pigskin.

CALVIN FARRIS (62-148, 1146 yds, 11 TDs) has returned to take over the quarterbacking duties for the Foothillers.

HUNTER REINER (40-525 yds, 6 TDs) leads the receiving corps along with A.J. SHAW (16-624 yds, 3 TDs).

This one’s a toss-up, but give the edge to . . . Mount Miguel 23-21.

CHRISTIAN (7-0, 1-0) at CLAIREMONT (3-5, 1-1), 7 – Christian High, which is averaging 55.9 points per game, has wrapped up the Central League championship. The Patriots are led by East County rushing leader ADRIAN PETTY (71-970, 12 TDs) and JOEY MORONES (66-292, 14 TDs).

Quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH is also EastCounty’s leading passer with 115-161 for 1842 yards and 23 touchdowns. His favorite targets are NICK SEXTON (30 receptions,480 yds, 5 TDs) and CHAD HUMPHRIES (18-413 yds, 8 TDs).

Christian should roll with this one . . . Christian 57-7.

SANTANA (3-4, 0-1) at EL CAJON VALLEY* (2-5, 0-2), 7 – The Santana Sultans remain in the running for a post-season playoff berth in the Grossmont Valley League. However, El CajonValley has eyes for an upset against the Sultans in Friday’s (Oct. 24) Homecoming game.

Santana has a one-two punch in running back ZACH LEWIS (73-337, 8 TDs) and quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ (68-113, 875 yds, 6 TDs) who will lead the charge for the Sultans. Lewis also has 36 tackles and 3 sacks to his credit.

El Cajon Valley will counter with fleet-footed MICHAEL SHEARIN, who has rushed for 912 yards on 101 carries and 12 touchdowns.
The nod in this one should go to . . . Santana 28-26.

WEEK 8

Stingy Defense Claims Claymore Sword

By Andrew Smith
©EastCountySports.com
SPRING VALLEY (10-17-14) —
Three years ago, after losing to Eastlake 21-14 in their season opener the Helix Highlanders went on to outscore their opponents by an average score of 45-8 en route to a Division II State Championship. Four games after suffering their lone loss this season, the turnaround is beginning to look eerily similar.

Their battle for the Claymore Sword with Mount Miguel got off to an exciting start after the Matadors scrambled to recover an onside kick on the game's first play. On third down, they went for the home run ball, but it barely slipped through the receiver's hands. Thereafter, the game quickly slipped away as well, as the Highlanders went on to claim the sword 42-0.

Four weeks after their 9-7 defeat at the hands of Cathedral Catholic, the Highlanders have outscored their opponents 167-0 and haven't allowed a point for 19 straight quarters.

"There's no doubt about it our defense is playing reall well," said head coach TROY STARR before adding a scary thought, "We can still play better."

Dual-threat quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN took a play fake 40 yards down the right side for a score and NATHAN STINSON put his speed on display a few plays later with a 45-yards score putting Helix (6-1, 2-0 GHL) up 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

The Mt. Miguel (3-3, 1-1) defense looked as if it had finally figured things out when TRAVIS CHALKE-DALY got first down sack and then combined with TITO ORTIZ on another, two plays later. Then a stop on fourth down gave them the ball at midfield, but a penalty and botched snap on a punt gave Helix the ball and a short field.

However, the defense turned them over on downs and ANTHONY GILMORE ripped off a 25-yard run to get the crowd back into it. The drive enventually led to another punt and Stinson took in his second rushing score of the game from 1 yard out to build a 3-score lead.

Holding a 28-0 lead just before the half, sophomore EVAN PERKINS intercepted a pass for the Highlanders and nearly turned it into a pick-six, but came up just short. Austin then added a pair of touchdowns passes to MEKHI STEVENSON (24 yds) and NICK SOLIZ (19 yds) in the third quarter to put the game out of reach, ensuring the Claymore Sword will be back in the library of their La Mesa campus for at least one more year.

CHRISTIAN 63, HILLTOP 7 – One of the unsung offensive coordinators in the San Diego Section is Christian High’s DAVID BEEZER. The Patriots’ (7-0) offensive designer has his team averaging 55.9 points per game.

Thus it was no surprise that the Patriots hammered Hilltop in Friday’s (Oct. 7) non-league encounter.

Christian had plenty of stars in this one. ADRIAN PETTY pounded the ground forces with 125 yards and a touchdown in 9 carries.

Not to be overlooked was the running of MICHAEL TOBIASON, who averaged 10 yards on 3 carries, and JOEY MORONES, who carried the ball only 7 times for 24 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH led the charge for the unbeaten Patriots by completing 12 of 14 passes for 180 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Two Patriots pulled down scoring passes, including CHAD HUMPHRIES and TREVOR HOWELL – two apiece.

Also not to be overlooked was Christian place kicker KYLE THOMPSON, who was 9-for-9 on PATs.

Among the standouts for Christian were ETHAN CONTRERAS, who intercepted two passes.

Humphries, who caught 3 passes for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns, also had an interception.

“Our kids look at every week as a challenge,” said Beezer.

STEELE CANYON 20, GROSSMONT 14 – After being dealt consecutive defeats by Grossmont in Grossmont Hills League action, the Steele Canyon Cougars rebounded with a victory over the Foothillers on Friday (Oct. 17) in Cougar Canyon.

The key to the Cougars’ success was the passing and rushing of quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON.

The Cougars came out alive as ROOSEVELT JOHNSON raced 85 yards on a Wood-Anderson pass for the touchdown early in the first quarter.

MALCOLM ANDERS scored for the Cougars on the first play of the second quarter on a 4-yard run, and PIERRE ALEXANDER did the same thing on the first play of the 3rd quarter, on a 60-yard run.

Grossmont regrouped in the second half with a momentum change as quarterback CALVIN FARRIS completed a 2-yard run into the endzone with 1:39 left in the 3rd quarter.

The Foothillers would score once more, in the 4th quarter when KHALEED DAVIS scored on a 15-yard pass from Farris.

EL CAPITAN 34, VALHALLA 14 – The old cliché “football is a game of inches” really hit home to the boys of the visiting Valhalla football team Friday evening (Oct. 17), as they were trying to upset unbeaten El Capitan on the Vaqueros’ home turf.

Down 21-0 after halftime, the Norsemen came storming back to start the second half. After junior kicker CODY MATTISON boomed his usual kickoff deep into the endzone for a touchback, Valhalla’s junior quarterback, PHILLIP NASEH, went to work — quickly and efficiently. First he threw a dart to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER for an 18-yard gain to the Valhalla 38-yard line. Then senior slotback SKYLER COLEMAN swept left and cut right for a 9-yard pickup.

A Vaquero personal foul penalty moved the visitors into El Capitan territory, where Naseh hooked up with junior wide receiver CONNOR CHAMBERLAIN for another 9-yard gain to the 27-yard line. The Norsemen continued to march to the El Cap 6-yard line when Frazier leapt above the defender to snag a pass from Naseh in the left corner of the end zone for the Norsemen’s first score of the game. After sophomore kicker JACOB PAAPE split the uprights, it was 21-7, with 7:27 left in the third quarter.

Trying to claw its way back into the game, Valhalla’s defense also put the Vaqueros on notice that the game wasn’t over. On El Cap’s first play of the second half, Valhalla’s ANTHONY HANNA swatted a pass before it got to the line of scrimmage. On the next play, senior quarterback BRAD CAGLE (21-30-0, 369 yards, 2 TDs), was flushed from the pocket, but turned on the jets and started racing up the sideline only to be hammered out of bounds by junior linebacker CADE BAKER, which caused a minor uproar on the Vaqueros’ side of the field, costing the home team a 15-yard penalty. Unable to convert, El Capitan had to punt.

Starting at their 14-yard line, the Norsemen responded in a hurry. On second down, Naseh zinged the ball to receiver SPENCER HENDERSON on a slant pass over the middle; Henderson broke a tackle and headed for the end zone about 70 yards away. However, El Capitan safety JARED TURNER managed to catch Henderson at the Vaqueros’ 21-yard line, saving the sure touchdown.
Faced with a 4th and 2 at the Vaqueros’ 13-yard line, and trailing by 14, Valhalla head coach CHARLES BUSSEY called a time-out to hatch a play. Sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON tested the left side and appeared to be tackled at the 10 -yard line, but a questionable spot resulted in the ball being placed a couple of inches short, thwarting Valhalla’s touchdown chance and turning the ball over to the Vaqueros at the 11-yard line.

Once again, Valhalla’s rejuvenated defense forced another 3-and-out; but this time, junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER blocked the Vaqueros’ punt and, for the second week in a row, linebacker TREY SCHIMKE recovered the ball in the end zone for a Valhalla touchdown. Paape’s kick was true and El Cap’s lead was reduced to 21-14, with 3:15 left to play in the penultimate period.

After the ensuing kickoff, El Capitan opened for business at its 36-yard line. Cagle threw a quick-hitter to his brother, ZACH CAGLE, who galloped for a 22-yard gain to the Valhalla 34-yard line. On second down and still at the 34-yard line, Brad Cagle was flushed from the pocket and was being chased fervently towards the sideline where he appeared to step a few inches out of bounds (remember, it’s a game of inches) and then threw a desperation pass that appeared to land on the ground a few inches before the receiver scooped it in. Regardless, it resulted in a 27-yard gain to the Valhalla 17-yard line.

Undeterred, the Norsemen defense hung tough. First, junior nose tackle CHRIS YOHE stuffed the runner for a 4-yard loss. Then junior linebacker DANIEL BENDER batted a pass which fell to the ground. On third down, a misdirection pass play was sniffed out by senior free safety TYLER BUZZEL, who tackled the receiver for a 2-yard loss at the Norsemen 23-yard line.

El Capitan coach RON BURNER, who was honored before the game after being selected by the San Diego Chargers as high school Coach of the Week, called a timeout to see if he could devise a play to slow down the charged-up Valhalla defense. On 4th and 16, Cagle threw a screen pass to D.J. SMITH, who scrambled for an 11-yard gain, but it was well short of the first down, turning the ball back to the Norsemen with just 6 seconds left in the third quarter,

It looked like Valhalla would be able to maintain its second-half surge when, on the last play of the third period Johnson literally dragged several would-be tacklers for more than 10 yards for a 16-yard gain on first down to the Valhalla 28-yard line, but the Vaqueros, perhaps remembering having to come from behind to defeat Granite Hills a few weeks earlier, put the clamps on the Norsemen offense, forcing a Paape punt to the El Cap 28-yard line.

Cagle then showed his stuff, directing a 13-play, time-consuming drive highlighted by a diving 30-yard catch by senior wide receiver FRANKIE LIMA at the Valhalla 16-yard-line; the drive culminated in a one yard TD run by Smith. This time the PAT fizzled, and the Lakeside team led, 27-14, with only 5:30 remaining in the game.

Valhalla’s offense started moving the ball, but after getting a first down at its own 37, a ferocious pass rush by the El Cap front seven throttled the visitors — on third down, Naseh was sacked by senior linebacker JOHN LaCHAPPA, forcing another punt.

Starting at his 36-yard line, Cagle didn’t waste any time putting the proverbial dagger into Valhalla’s chance of victory when he found a wide-open ISAIAH CAPOOCIA for a 64-yard TD pass-catch. This time, TAKOTA CURO’s kick was good, making the final score 34-14.

In the first half, El Cap led 7-0 after Smith cruised into the end zone at the end of an 8-yard Iun. Brad Cagle added another touchdown in the second quarter when he was flushed out of the pocket but managed to scramble down the left sideline for an 11-yard TD. SAM MELERO caught a 47-yard touchdown pass from Cagle with 3:39 remaining in the first half, which gave the Vaqueros’ their 21-0 halftime lead.

For Valhalla, Naseh was 17-36-1 for 215 yards and 1 TD. Altogether, El Capitan amassed 483 yards of total offense.

El Cap senior defensive lineman ROBBY CALLAWAY and senior linebacker JOEY LaCHAPPA had several key tackles for the Vaqueros.

WEST HILLS 24, GRANITE HILLS 21 – After allowing dual-threat quarterback SETH COLLINS to run for a pair of first-quarter touchdowns, the Wolf Pack defense stopped the multi-faceted Eagles' offense until late in the fourth quarter, providing the support for SPENCER MOYER and Co. to direct an impressive road victory in front of a Granite Hills Homecoming crowd to win a Grossmont Valley League showdown in El Cajon on Friday night (Oct. 17).

The anticipated matchup of two headline-making quarterbacks figured to be all of that, after Collins' early scores of 19 and 3 yards, and a run during one of the scoring drives where he jumped over a would-be tackler before a defender took him down to set up a first-and-goal inside the 5. His first scoring run from 19 yards away came on a play-fake option keeper that allowed him to take off up the right hash and dive into the end zone.

But then, following the staunch effort of the West Hills defense following the early deficit, Moyer was able to soak up the spotlight in front of the big crowd by throwing two touchdowns to senior star RAPHY CARR and running for another, as the Wolf Pack took the lead in the third quarter following a 14-14 tie at halftime.

Moyer took a page out of Collins' playbook when he took off running for a 38-yard run, as Pack linemen DOMINIC TUFI, RICHARD IMBIMBO, ALFONSO GREGG and GARRETT MEAD cleared the way to get West Hills back in the game.

Moyer connected with Carr in the second quarter from 36 yards out to tie the game, then in the third quarter, a West Hills drive was helped by a pass interference call to put the Wolf Pack in scoring position, and Moyer would find Carr again, as the senior would make space behind the defender following a fake move to the inside, and he hauled in a 19-yard perfectly thrown ball from Moyer.

The Eagles were able to march a third-quarter drive down to the West Hills 33, but Carr broke up a fourth-down pass attempt by Collins.

In the fourth, Granite Hills thought they had made an interception in West Hills territory following one officials' signal, but the 50/50-ball was ruled a completion. The Wolf Pack extended the drive with a completion to Carr, then senior CADE CALVERT booted a 27-yard field goal for a two-score lead with 3:30 left in the game.

Collins moved the Eagles swiftly, then got a Play-of-the-Week-type catch from MICHAEL LEDESMA, who made a one-handed diving grab at the 4. Collins scored on a short keeper to the left, to make it 24-21.

Granite Hills' on-side attempt was short of ten yards, but the Eagles were able to hold with the aid of a penalty, and get the ball back at their own 14 with 59.4 seconds remaining. The Eagles were able to pick up a first down, but couldn't move into scoring position nor have a short enough field for a last-second bomb, as the game ended on a deflection near the Wolf Pack 30.

Ledesma broke up a fourth-down pass attempt at the goal line in the first quarter to squelch a Wolf Pack scoring attempt.

“JACOB SHAW ran the ball over 100 yards – broke the century mark,” said West Hills coach CASEY ASH.

TYLER HOWARD had a fumble recovery on the kickoff in the second quarter that led to the Pack’s 2nd touchdown.

Calvert contributed 3 PATs.

“The kicker made some kicks and that was the difference in the game,” Ash said. “With one minute remaining and Granite Hills down by 3, we stopped them on defense,” the coach added. “Defensively the standouts in the game for us were Mead and Gregg.”

JV/Frosh scores  
Junior Varsity

Friday, Oct. 17
Helix 14, Mount Miguel 10
Steele Canyon 29, Grossmont 27
Valhalla 35, El Capitan 7
Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Oct. 16
Granite Hills 14, West Hills 7
El Capitan 7, Valhalla 0

Grossmont 37, Steele Canyon 14
Helix 34, Mount Miguel 6
Grossmont 37, Steele Canyon 14
Only scores reported

MONTE VISTA 57, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 – The Monte Vista Monarchs scored 29 points in the first quarter and built a 43-7 halftime lead in Friday’s (Oct. 17) Grossmont Valley League Homecoming game.

The Monarchs hammered out 456 yards and 7 touchdowns as they improved their season record to 5-3, 2-0 GVL. The victory allowed Monte Vista to earn a share of the GVL lead.

TRE OWENS and FREDDIE SIMS set the scoring pace for Monte Vista as they each scored 2 touchdowns.

Ten Monarchs contributed to the scoring, including kicker MATT GOFIGAN, who was 6-for-6 on PATs.
El Cajon Valley (2-5, 0-2) avoided the shutout with an 80-yard touchdown run by MATTHEW SHEARIN in the opening quarter.

ARMY-NAVY 47, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 14 – Army Navy opened up a 27-0 lead on the visiting Knights in Pacific League action Friday night (Oct. 17). Foothills Christian closed the game to 27-7, but trailed 34-7 at halftime.

After Army Navy opened the lead again, The Knights got a score to make it 41-14.

Grossmont wraps of quarterback Brad Cagle, of El Capitan, during the Vaqueros' Grossmont Valley League win over the Foothillers on Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

Fearless Forecaster

Seething Cougars face-off against injury-riddled Foothillers in Hills League showdown

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (10-16-14) — Steele Canyon got stung last week with their loss to Helix and will be fired up to boost their record (5-1, 0-1).

Grossmont, on the other hand, is charged up and figures they can run with best of them in order to raise their record (3-3, 0-1) in the Grossmont Hills League in Friday’s (Oct. 17) meeting in Cougar Canyon.

With offensive stars JAKE HARR (107.8 ypg, 6 TDs) and ALIJAH AVANT (21-for-370, 3 TDs) out for the season with injuries, the workhorse for the Foothillers in the passing game is expected to be receiver HUNTER REINER (39-for-485, 6 TDs). Grossmont has had some tough luck with their quarterbacks getting injured, as well, so the QB call is up in the air. Harr suffered a broken collarbone last week, while Avant is sidelined with a knee injury.

Defensively for Grossmont MALIK HAYES has logged 43 tackles, JACOB DENSON (42 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries), JAKE LOPEZ (37 tackles), CHAZ CADWALADER (30 tackles) and JOSH McFAUL (29 tackles).

Steele Canyon counts on the powerful arm of junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (31-for-56, 5 TDs). Two of his favorite targets are DEREK TYLER (12-for-331 catches, 3 TDs) and ROOSEVELT JOHNSON (17-for-264 and a touchdown). RILEY JONES will handle the ground game, averaging 47.7 ypg and recording 5 TDs.

On the defensive side WILLIE FAIR (42 tackles, 3 sacks, a fumble recovery and 2 interceptions) leads the Cougars.

This one will be close, but the pick goes to . . . Steele Canyon 19-17.

HELIX (5-1, 1-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL (3-3, 0-1), 7 – This will be the annual battle for The Claymore Sword, which currently resides in the Helix High library. Mount Miguel, new to the Grossmont Hills League, would like to change that. Helix claimed the Sword 42-19 a year ago. The last time Mount Miguel beat Helix was in 2009 when the Matadors claimed the Sword with a score of 44-21.

Helix will be looking to quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN (35-for-64, 503 yds and a TD) and speedy running back NATHAN STINSON (averaging 133.6 per game with 8 TDs).

Mount Miguel will count on the passing of quarterback JACOB CASTILLO (139.5 ypg, 9 TDs) and the rushing of ANTHONY GILMORE (61-for-384, 5 TDs).

We’ll have to wait and see who wants the Sword the most . . . Helix 20-16.

WEST HILLS (5-2, 1-0) at GRANITE HILLS* (5-1, 0-0), 7 – Granite Hills seeks the momentum of a Homecoming crowd Friday night (Oct. 17) as they host the Wolf Pack in a Grossmont Valley League contest. Quarterback-running back SETH COLLINS is averaging 84.8 ypg on the ground with 7 touchdowns for the Eagles and 242.5 yards passing with 6 TDs. Running back MICHAEL LEDESMA is averaging 62.8 ypg with 7 TDs for Granite Hills, and also has caught 11 passes for 276 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The once-beaten Eagles bank on their defensive players, including RILEY REYES (50 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and 2 interceptions), BRANDON LAHMAN (36 tackles), STEVEN EDWARDS (34 tackles and an interception) and KELLEN GAIER (30 tackles and an interception.)

West Hills counts on running back JACOB SHAW (98-4 ypg, 9 TDs), quarterback SPENCER MOYER (167.1 ypg, 11 TDs), and receiver TAJ BROOMFIELD (18-for-265, 2 TDs). The Wolf Pack will be missing RAPHY CARR (960 all-purpose yards, 5 TDs) as he was injured in last week’s game.

This could be a difference-maker . . . Granite Hills 28-20.

VALHALLA (3-3, 1-0) at EL CAPITAN (6-0, 1-0), 7
– The host Vaqueros haven’t looked back all season and don’t plan to do it in Friday’s (Oct. 17) Grossmont Hills League contest in Lakeside. The Vaqueros are as strong on offense as they are on defense, which has earned them a Top 10 ranking. JAMES OWEN (3.5 sacks) and JOHN LaCHAPPA (3 sacks, 34 tackles and a fumble recovery) are strong for El Capitan.

Not to be overlooked by any means is East County leading defender LOGAN BAKER (77 tackles, 2 sacks, one fumble recovery and an interception) and his brother CADE BAKER (66 tackles), who will lead the Norsemen on defense.

BRAD CAGLE (averaging 273.3 ypg, 9 TDs) carries the offensive load for the Vaqueros. Running back DJ SMITH averages 88.7 ypg to go along with 8 TDs, while versatile ISAIAH CAPOOCIA has compiled 944 all-purpose yards.

Running back JEROME JOHNSON is averaging 101.2 ypg with 7 TDs for Valhalla, which is looking for an upset . . . El Capitan 28-26.

CHRISTIAN (6-0) at HILLTOP (2-4), 7 – No. 10 ranked Christian High, the highest scoring team in the county with a 54.7 ppg average, continues to set the pace for the Patriots, who are favored in a non-league game against Hilltop on Friday (Oct. 17) in South Bay.

Junior quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH has completed 103 of 147 passes for 1,665 yards and 19 touchdowns. Receiver NICK SEXTON (28-451, 5 TDs) provides a sure-handed target, as does CHAD HUMPHRIES (15-343, 6 TDs). Running back ADRIAN PETTY leads the Patriots with 140.8 ypg and 11 touchdowns.

Undefeated Christian should continue to roll . . . Christian 37-6.

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-4, 0-1) at MONTE VISTA* (4-3, 1-0), 7
– Monte Vista will celebrate Homecoming Friday (Oct. 17) when they host the Braves in a Grossmont Valley League encounter in Spring Valley.

JORDAN JOHNSON has carried the ball for 97 times for 861 and 7 touchdowns for the Monarchs, while LEE WADE, Jr. has rushed 81 times for 664 yards and 6 touchdowns.

For El Cajon Valley MATTHEW SHEARIN has rushed for 642 yards on 69 carries and 10 touchdowns.

The Monarchs have posted some upsets along the route and will probably pull off a few more . . . Monte Vista 23-21.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-6, 0-1) at ARMY-NAVY (0-6, 0-0), 7
– This is a battle of winless Pacific League teams, so somebody has to go home happy when they meet on Friday (Oct. 17).

Foothills Christian displayed one of its finest offensive efforts last week in a loss to Tri-City Christian.

Quarterback WYATT BASSON completed 10 of 22 passes for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns a week ago. He also rushed for 157 yards on 12 carries and scored 2 touchdowns in the loss . . . Foothills Christian 28-21.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 6-1 (.857)
Season record: 91-15 (.858)


 

WEEK 7

Highlanders defense a steel curtain following third-straight shutout

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LA MESA (10-11-14) — When it comes to perfect games the Helix Highlanders are right at the top of the list. In fact, Helix has posted three consecutive shutouts.

The Highlanders’ (5-1, 1-0) latest victim was Grossmont Hills League opponent Steele Canyon (5-1, 0-1), which Helix dealt their first defeat of the season with a shocking 41-0 shutout.

One thing about the Highlanders that tends to get overlooked is their defense, which has allowed slightly more than 100 yards a game. Are the Highlanders a runaway defense? There is plenty of argument to suggest that assessment. CHRISTIAN CHAVEZ logged 2 sacks, and MICHAEL BENJAMIN and FORREST HANLON each had a sack.

This is not to say that the Highlanders can’t register points on the scoreboard, because they certainly can. DaSHAWN KEIRSEY exploded for a 22-yard pass from quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN for the Highlanders’ first score.

NATHAN STINSON bolted for two touchdowns – one for 39 yards, the other for 92 – outracing a pack of defenders with ease.

ZEKE NOA would stun the Cougars when he intercepted a ball and raced 77 yards for the touchdown.

Not to be overlooked in the running game was Austin, who dashed on a quarterback keeper for 66 yards. Sophomore receiver MUGEN BLUE picked up the final score for Helix with a 10-yard run.

Kicker MATTHIAS LAYTON was 5-for-6 on PAT kicks.

Steele Canyon struggled mightily but the game belonged to the Highlanders from start to finish.

Valhalla back Jerome Johnson races around the right side with help from teammate Michael Rivera Friday night in La Mesa. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

VALHALLA 38, MOUNT MIGUEL 26 – Valhalla picked a perfect night for its Homecoming Friday evening (Oct. 10). For the first time this season, there was a nip in the air as the temperature dropped just enough to be called “football weather.” It was a lot hotter on the field, as the two foes amassed nearly 1,000 yards of offense to the delight of the crowd.

Valhalla, junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH was on fire. He lit up the scoreboard, throwing 4 touchdown passes and gaining 372 yards, while completing 18 of his 29 tosses, as the Norsemen vanquished Mount Miguel, 38-26. He also rushed for 66 yards on 18 of 29 carries.

The Norsemen got the ball first, starting at their 20-yard line. Sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON smashed through the defensive line on his first carry, picking up 9 yards. Naseh then threw a dart to wide receiver JAKE BASSETT for a 15-yard gain to the Valhalla 39-yard line. The drive quickly stalled, however, after linebacker CHRIS CALZADILLAS dragged down the runner for a 1-yard loss on 2nd-and-5 at the Norsemen 44-yard line.

Valhalla was unable to convert on third down and had to punt, giving the Matadors an opportunity to show their stuff. The Norsemen defense set the tone early, forcing the Matadors to punt without getting a first down.

With great field position at the Mount Miguel 49-yard line after the punt, Valhalla quickly advanced to the 31-yard line where a hard hit dislodged the ball from the runner; senior linebacker MICHAEL NODALO recovered the fumble for the Matadors at their own 33 yard line. This time, the Matadors didn’t disappoint its fans. Senior quarterback JACOB CASTILLO connected with senior wide receiver CHRISTIAN GARCIA for a 73-yard TD bomb. After sophomore kicker JOEL BEAS split the uprights, Mount Miguel jumped to an early 7-0 lead, with 6:07 left in the first quarter.

Mount Miguel's Jay-von Jones tries to elude a Valhalla defender Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

Starting once again at their 20-yard line, the Norsemen put it in gear. Naseh rifled a pass to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER for a 22-yard gain on first down. On the next play, he hit wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN for 17 more to the Matadors’ 36-yard line. After a couple of nifty runs by Johnson and RAHSHAUN SHARPE, Valhalla was knocking on the door inside the 10-yard line.

“We had excellent balance,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY. “We did a great job of spreading the ball around. When you can do that you’re gonna win games.”

Naseh picked up his first TD of the evening for Valhalla when he found Bassett open in the left flat for a 5-yard touchdown, receiving great pass protection from sophomore offensive lineman JACOB SMITH . Sophomore kicker JACOB PAAPE (5-5 PATs), knotted the game at 7-7, with 3:33 left to play in the initial period.

Mid-way through the second quarter, Valhalla took the lead when DASHAWN KINISTON blocked a punt deep in Mount Miguel territory that was recovered by junior linebacker TREY SCHIMKE in the end zone, giving the Norsemen a 14-7 lead with 7:01 left in the second stanza.

Later in the same quarter, Valhalla extended its lead to 21-7 when Sharpe hauled in a perfect center screen pass from Naseh and quickly turned on the afterburners for a 69-yard touchdown, with 2:36 left to play before intermission.

The Matadors got fired up on the ensuing kickoff when junior running back ANTOINNE HAMILTON broke several tackles returning the kick 33 yards to the Mount Miguel 42-yard line. On second down, running back CURTIS HIBLER slashed his way to the Valhalla 8-yard line for a 39-yard gain. He followed that up with an 8-yard TD burst on the next play, narrowing the gap to 21-14 at halftime.

A Valhalla player carries the ball in the end zone Friday night against Mount Miguel. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

It was a good omen at halftime when Valhalla senior defensive back JOHNNY TOMA was crowned Homecoming King, but as the second half opened, it appeared that the Matadors were going to tie the game on their first possession. Hamilton ripped off back-to-back runs of 27 and 28 yards, all the way to the Valhalla 3-yard line, but at the end of the last scamper, Norsemen defensive back JAMES WOODS ripped the ball loose and linebacker CADE BAKER, who was a force on defense all evening, recovered the fumble for the Norsemen.

Well rested after the halftime festivities, Valhalla’s offense put together a 17-play drive that culminated in a 19-yard Paape field goal, and, with 5:59 remaining in the third quarter, Valhalla upped its lead to 24-14.

The Norsemen defense responded in kind. Mount Miguel started its next drive at its 34-yard line, but after quickly getting to its 46-yard line, Valhalla defenders DANIEL BENDER and JACOB WALZ smothered the ball carrier for a 5-yard loss. Castillo then threw a quick-hitter to Hibler for a 9-yard gain, but on 4th and 1 at the Norsemen 46-yard line, East County’s leading tackler, junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER, caught the ball carrier from behind in the backfield and dragged him to the ground for a 1-yard loss, giving Naseh and the Valhalla offense another opportunity to take advantage of the cool evening breeze.

It took one play to do so. Coleman got behind his defender and Naseh lofted a strike to his receiver’s outstretched arms. Coleman had to extend to catch it on the dead run, and – just as he was losing his balance – he dove across the goal line for a spectacular 53-yard pass-catch-run, increasing the Valhalla lead to 31-14, at the 3:06 mark in the third quarter.
Not to be outdone, on the opening drive of the fourth quarter, Frazier grabbed a pass from Naseh at the Mount Miguel 35-yard line, abruptly stopped to make the defender miss him, immediately changed direction, juked a would-be tackler, and sprinted to the end zone to put the game out of reach, 38-14, with 8:55 remaining.

The Matadors scored two TDs late in the 4th quarter, with Castillo galloping into the end zone for a 7-yard score, and senior wide receiver JAYVON JONES hauling in an 8-yard pass from Castillo.

“The fact that we won this game gives us an excellent chance of making the playoffs,” Bussey said. “We figure if we win one more, we’re in.”

Grossmont's Benjamin Gonzalez hauls down against El Capitan's Zach Cagle following a gain Friday night in La Mesa. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

 

EL CAPITAN 63, GROSSMONT 28 – Two years ago, El Capitan head coach RON BURNER stated, "I don't know how good we will be this year, but in two years, we will be awfully tough."

The time has come.

The 5th ranked Vaqueros (6-0, 1-0 Grossmont Hills League) invaded El Cajon to tackle the resurgent Grossmont High Foothillers (3-3, 0-1 GHL) on Friday night (Oct. 10). And El Cap was bringing a load. A scary combination of offense and a punch of defense the likes the school has never seen. The result was an overwhelming 63-28 win in the opening of league play.

"We saw a few things on tape and put them into our game plan", said Burner. "We thought if we could get settled early, we had a great opportunity for success."

Getting 'settled early' is code for BRAD CAGLE. The senior QB is in his 3rd full season at the helm of the El Capitan offense and he looked every bit the leader from the opening kickoff. Cagle did it through the air (302 yards and 4 TD's) and he did it with his legs (82 yards rushing, 2 TD's).

"We knew Grossmont wanted to prove something tonight," said Cagle. "When they tried to take away the run, it gave us an opportunity to open some things up."

That might be the understatement of the year.

Cagle needed just 51 seconds on the first drive. After a short pass to ISAIAH CAPOOCIA and a short Capoocia run, Cagle surveyed the field on 3rd down and 4 on his own 48-yard line. As Capoocia broke free over the middle, Cagle's pass found him in midstride and 52 yards later, El Capitan led 7-0.

High flying offense is certainly a Foothillers trademark though. And the Hillers responded with a drive of their own. It would take them a little over 3 minutes to answer. JAKE HARR had runs of 7 and 12 yards and hauled in a 20-yard reception. On a first and 10 from the Vaquero's 37-yard line QB CALVIN FARRIS scanned the near sideline and found wideout AJ SHAW for the 37-yard grab. With 8:45 left in the first quarter, the game was knotted at 7-7.

If ever there was sign of things to come, it was on the next El Capitan drive. After a 5 play drive stalled at the Grossmont 11-yard line, they lined up for a short 28 yard field goal attempt. Grossmont burst up the middle and blocked the attempt and it appeared that the drive was thwarted. But the block had moved past the line of scrimmage and was touched by a Grossmont player and recovered by the Vaqueros.

It took Cagle only 3 plays to torture the Foothillers with his 2nd TD pass of 10 yards.

Grossmont's Khaleed Davis hauls in a touchdown reception against El Capitan Friday night in La Mesa. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

Farris wasn't nearly done though. Starting on his own 20, Farris found HUNTER REINER for a quick-hitting catch and run for 50 yards to the El Cap 30-yard line. Farris then gained 6 yards on a keeper. Then on a rollout to his right he located KAHLEED DAVIS for a 26-yard score. The two teams had played only 7 minutes and 20 seconds in the first quarter and were tied 14-14.

Those anticipating a shootout were not being disappointed. The teams were on a pace for 60-plus points apiece. Unfortunately for Grossmont, El Capitan would be the only team to get there. The Vaqueros reeled off the next 42 straight points.

The downpour started when the Foothillers had Cagle stopped at the Grossmont 21-yard line. The Vaqueros decided to forgo another field goal and go for it.
Having bottled up Cagle in the backfield, Cagle spun quickly to his left to avoid the rush and as he neared the far side line, he found a seam up the sideline and went untouched 21 yards for his first rushing TD.

Grossmont wasn't doing themselves any favors either. At one point they had 5 of their 6 drives end in interceptions. The first ended with a Capoocia (7 catches, 142 yards, 3 TD) touchdown from Cagle to make it 28-14. The next found another Cagle scramble that made it 35-14 on the 25-yard TD run.

"Both running TD's were on broken plays," said Cagle. "I was just trying to keep the play alive and managed to shake free."

Cagle would next find Capoocia on a 19-yard hook-up to extend the lead to 42-14.

"Coach put in some new formations for me this week to try and single me up," stated Capoocia. "We thought we'd be in a dogfight tonight but we were prepared."
This wasn't only the Cagle and Capoocia show though. Senior running back DJ SMITH (19 rushes, 82 yards, 2 TD) got into the action on the next series with a 3 yard bashing up the gut. The defense had 5 picks and a fumble recovery, and senior safety SAM MELERO decided to get in on the fun. Having already intercepted Farris once, Melero snagged a tipped pass at the 35-yard line and raced into the end zone for a 56-14 bulge.

Grossmont would add 2 late TD's on passes to KHALEED DAVIS (7 receptions, 124 yards 2 TD) and Reiner (8 for 111, 1 TD). While Farris would end up throwing for 368 yards and 4 TD's, those stats were offset by the 5 interceptions.

"Give them credit, they came into our place and handed it to us," Foothill head coach TOM KARLO stated. "We didn't help our cause much with the turnovers."

"We stressed all week that we wanted to get off to a good start in league," said coach Burner. "We've done that, but now it's all about Valhalla, and we will start those preparations tomorrow."

Haar left the game in the first half with a possible broken collar bone.

— Mark Meadows

A Monte Vista defensive player wraps up a Santana ball carrier during the second half Friday night in Santee. (EastCountySports.com photo)

MONTE VISTA 45, SANTANA 10 – Santana presented its homecoming crowd with a rousing start, jumping out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter of the Grossmont Valley League opener. However, the Monarchs carried the game from there behind a pair of touchdowns for both LEE WADE JR. and JORDAN JOHNSON.

The duo have now accounted for 13 touchdowns this season for Monte Vista.

Running back ZACH LEWIS scored on a 14-yard touchdown run around the right side in the second quarter for Santana, his sixth touchdown of the season, which put the Sultans ahead 7-0 after a scoreless first. Reliable senior kicker JACOB HAMPSON continued to show why he is one of the East County's best place-kickers, as he booted a 46-yarder to give the Sultans their lead.
A turnover led to the start of Monte Vista's comeback.

Wade and Johnson both had a touchdown in the second quarter, while MATT GOFIGAN would provide a 25-yard field goal to send the Monarchs into halftime with a 17-10 lead.

Monte Vista linebacker CHRISTIAN TOVES intercepted a pass and returned it 36 yards down the right side on the Sultans first drive of the second half.

Santana's Aaron Miranda looks to throw a pass during the second half of the Sultans' home loss to Monte Vista Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

The Monarchs' defense then held Santana to a three-and-out, then put together a 55-yard drive, capped by a 3-yard TD run by Johnson for a 31-10 lead.

After another three-down stop by the Monarchs, Wade turned in a 54-yard burst up the field for a touchdown, asserting the Monte Vista advantage.

Putting the work in up front for the Monarchs were senior JOSH CASTANEDA, ALEJANDRO BUSTOS and ERIC LASGASSE.

Senior DOMINIC KOSTAMO had three receptions for 33 yards for the Sultans, while sophomore SPENCER GULIHUR paced the defense with 10 tackles. DAKOTA HARP recovered a fumble for Santana.

West Hills junior Taj Broomfield is on the move during the first quarter of the Wolf Pack's win over visiting El Cajon Valley Friday night, Oct. 10, 2014. (EastCountySports.com photo)

 

WEST HILLS 36, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 – The Wolf Pack won its inaugural Grossmont Valley League opener over the Braves in front of the Homecoming crowd Friday (Oct. 10).

After the Braves opened the game with a modest drive, the Wolf Pack went 87 yards on their first drive of the game behind the running of JACOB SHAW, to set up a play-action pass from quarterback SPENCER MOYER to senior receiver DEVON HATHAWAY for a 23-yard touchdown connection at 3:53 of the first quarter.

After the Wolf Pack defense held El Cajon Valley to a three-and-out, they ran Shaw to near midfield, then Moyer scrambled left in a short play design, then RAPHY CARR took the route upfield, and the quarterback floated an open pass for a catch-and-run hook-up of 40 yards, giving West Hills a 13-0 lead.

“JACOB SHAW … He’s an old school football player,” Wolf Pack coach CASEY ASH said. “He’s one tough kid who won’t back down.”

 

El Cajon Valley's ensuing drive gave promise to the visitors' chances, as quarterback MERITON HASANI took off running for a pair of first-down gains, which moved the ball to the Wolf Pack 30. Braves' star back MATTHEW SHEARIN needed just two carries from there, including a 3-yard score to close the gap to 13-7.

After the teams traded special teams highlights – as both teams pinned the other inside the 2 on back-to-back possessions – West Hills got a big defensive play to send the momentum to the home side for halftime.

El Cajon Valley failed to execute the short snap, as they were backed up near the goal line, and Wolf Pack senior ALFONSO GREGG fell on the scramble for the football for a defensive score in the final minute of the first half.

Moyer threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Carr with 11 minutes remaining in the game.

CHRISTIAN 56, CORONADO 0 – Many believed that last year's Patriots (6-0, 1-0 Central League) team that won a San Diego C.I.F. Division III championship was the best to ever step foot on the field. If that was true, this year's squad is putting forth a good argument that they are just as good, if not better.

Every year it's a homecoming ritual for alumni to pack the stands at Granite's Hills Valley Stadium and this year they got a real treat as the Patriots pitched a perfect game and threw in a few wrinkles to keep them entertained.

Perhaps the lone mistake was on the opening kickoff when ADRIAN PETTY bobbled the ball a bit. Even that though is nitpicking because he calmly picked it up and took it 92 yards for a touchdown and the rout was officially on.

Then the fun began...

All his life six-foot-four, 300 pound left tackle LAITHE ISENMANN has been anchoring the offensive line blocking for teammates. On this night however, he got his chance to his mitts on the ball as he took an inside hand off on a reverse and darted 13 yards for a touchdown.

JV/Frosh scores  
Junior Varsity

Friday, Oct. 10
Mount Miguel 35, Valhalla 28
Helix 27, Steele Canyon 7
Santana 28, Monte Vista 14
El Capitan 31, Grossmont 7
Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Oct. 9
Santana 21, Monte Vista 20
Grossmont 19, El Capitan 15
Valhalla 21, Mount Miguel 6
Helix 39, Steele Canyon 6
West Hills 42, El Cajon Valley 0
Only scores reported

Junior quarterback DAVID JEREMIAH was 25-for-31 passing on the night for 307 yards and 5 touchdowns, but his favorite pass of the night came straight out of Christian's bag of tricks.

He took a snap and threw a lateral pass to BRANDON HESTER who quickly returned the favor by tossing it right back. Jeremiah caught it and calmly chucked a perfect strike down field to TREVOR HOWELL for a 40-yard touchdown.

Howell finished the game with 9 receptions, 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. CHAD HUMPRIES scored touchdowns on each of his two catches and MICHAEL TOBIASON had 3 catches for 21 yards and a score.

TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN 50, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 33 - In a wild affair Saturday afternoon in Vista, the Knights took a 14-12 lead in the first half, but Tri-City struck back, and quickly, to go into halftime ahead 42-20.

But Foothills offense would continue to show its steady improvement, putting up two more touchdowns on the hosts to close to within 43-33.

 


Steele Canyon senior Riley Jones makes a hit on a Vista ball carrier during a non-league game against the visiting Panthers. (EastCountySports.com photo)

WEEK 7

Highlanders, Cougars put stellar records on the line in Hills opener
First in series of huge league-deciding matchups features county Top 10s

Fearless Forecaster

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LA MESA (10-9-14) —
The Helix Highlanders (4-1) are untouchable but they will get challenged on Friday night (Oct. 10) when they host unbeaten Steele Canyon (5-0) at 7 p.m. on Jim Arnaiz Field in a Grossmont Hills League contest.

Five-foot-6 running back NATHAN STINSON is darn near uncatchable and quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN is one of the top passers in East County. Not to be overlooked is 6-foot-1, 295-pound lineman Jalen Kuykendel.

DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (6-4, 210) is back in form from an early season injury and will call the signals for Steele Canyon. DEREK TYLER and ROOSEVELT JOHNSON will be top targets for Wood-Anderson.

This game may not be as close as last year’s 14-13 Helix win over the Cougars, but it will probably to go down to the wire . . . Helix 17-16.

EL CAPITAN (5-0) at GROSSMONT (3-2), 7 – The series between El Capitan and Grossmont has been a battle of cliffhangers, with Grossmont edging El Capitan 23-21, including 4 ties (one of which was won by El Capitan in the CIF playoffs in 1976).

There will be no rebound of significance in this Grossmont Hill League opener, even though El Capitan, who is averaging 38.2 points per game, moved into the GHL from the GVL, while the Foothillers are averaging 42 ppg . . . El Capitan 41-24.

MOUNT MIGUEL (3-2) at VALHALLA* (2-3), 7 – Valhalla will host Mount Miguel on Friday (Oct. 10) in the Grossmont Hills League opener, counting on a Homecoming crowd to boost the Norsemen’s momentum.

Mount Miguel has moved from the Grossmont Valley League into the Hills league so it should be an interesting match-up.

Running back ANTHONY GILMORE rushed 58 times for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns, while TRAVIS CHALKE-DALY logged 44 tackles and 3 sacks for the Matadors.

Valhalla’s JEROME JOHNSON has carried the ball 100 times for 543 yards and 7 touchdowns, while linebacker LOGAN BAKER has an East County leading 84 tackles, 2 sacks and one interception.

This one will be setting up a series, and the pick here is Valhalla 23-20.

MONTE VISTA (3-3) at SANTANA* (3-2), 7 – Santana will celebrate Homecoming as it hosts Monte Vista in the Grossmont Valley League opening for both teams. The Sultans will be looking for more success after falling 44-3 to the Monarchs a year ago.

Running back ZACH LEWIS (111-585, 5 touchdowns) will carry the mail for Santana.

JORDAN JOHNSON (82-746, 5 TDs) and LEE WADE (66-531, 4 TDs) will represent Monte Vista with the rush, while RYAN SHIELDS will spearhead the Monarchs defense.

This one’s up for grabs . . . Santana 34-32.

CORONADO (3-3) vs. CHRISTIAN* (5-0), 7 at Granite Hills – Undefeated Christian will celebrate Homecoming at Granite Hills against Coronado Friday night (Oct. 10) to open the Central League season.

The Patriots lead the county with a 54.6 points average per game. Christian is loaded with offensive weapons, including East County leading ADRIAN PETTY, who has carried 59 times for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Also on top of the East County leading passers is quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH with 78 of 116 attempts for 1358 yards and 14 touchdowns. Kicker NATE CAZARES is 37-for-37 on PATs.

Based on records, the pick here is . . . Christian 55-6.

The Braves' Matthew Shearin carries against Ramona. (photo courtesy youatplay.com). For more coverage, click here http://www.youatplay.com/Prep-Sports-20142015/Prep-Football-20142015/Ramona-vs-El-Cajon-Valley-8292/


EL CAJON VALLEY (2-3) at WEST HILLS* (4-2) – West Hills counts on a Homecoming advantage in Friday night’s (Oct. 10) Grossmont Valley League opener for both teams. This will be the first time the Wolf Pack has competed in the GVL since the recent realignment.

The key for West Hills is the running game led by JACOB SHAW, who has carried the ball 111 times for 585 yards and 8 touchdowns. El Cajon Valleywill look to MATTHEW SHEARIN, who has amassed 642 yards on 69 carries for 10 touchdowns.

The Braves hope to spoil the Wolf Pack homecoming . . . West Hills 28-26.

Sat., Oct. 11

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-6) at TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN (1-4), 1:30 – Winless Foothills Christian travels to North County to face the Eagles in the Pacific League opener for both teams.

The Eagles carry the upper hand in this match, which gives them a slight advantage over the Knights. . . Tri-City Christian 23-21.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 46-14 (.767)

Santana junior Zach Lewis extends the ball over the goal line for one of his five touchdowns during the Sultans' 35-21 win over visiting Mar Vista. (photo courtesy youatplay.com) For more coverage click here http://www.youatplay.com/Prep-Sports-20142015/Prep-Football-20142015/Mar-Vista-VS-Santana-1032014/

 

WEEK 6

Vaqueros survive scare from Eagles to improve to 5-0

©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (10-04-14) — The Granite Hills Eagles opened the second half with a pair of touchdowns to put the scare in front of the large crowd of El Capitan home supporters, but the Vaqueros scored the final 22 points of the game to remain undefeated, handing the Eagles a 28-14 final blow to knock the visitors from the ranks of the unbeaten.

SCOREBOARD

Friday's games
El Capitan 28, Granite Hills 14
West Hills 23, Valhalla 20 (OT)
Grossmont 40, Poway 7
Santana 35, Mar Vista 21
Helix 42, Bonita Vista 0

Orange Glen 41, El Cajon Valley 20
Patrick Henry 35, Monte Vista 22
Lutheran 38, Foothills Christian 22

 

A defensive battle in the first half saw the Vaqueros take a 6-0 lead into halftime. In the first quarter, ISAIAH CAPOOCIA threw a 71-yard designed option pass off to receiver JOHN LaCHAPPA to take the ball down to the Eagles' 2. From there, D.J. SMITH rushed through a lead block for the only score of the first half.

And the Eagles continued their strong defensive effort right away in the third quarter, as MICHAEL LEDESMA intercepted a pass on the second play of the Vaqueros opening drive. Ledesma then scored on a 21-yard pass on a leaping finger-tip grab at the goal line from quarterback SETH COLLINS just moments later to give Granite Hills a 7-6 lead.

 

El Capitan quarterback Brad Cagle is surrounded by Eagles during the second half between the Vaqueros and Granite Hills Friday night in Lakeside. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Capoocia returned the ensuing kickoff from the 1 to just past midfield, but following a 29-yard hookup from El Capitan quarterback BRAD CAGLE to brother ZACH CAGLE, the Eagles forced a sack and fumble on the next play to swing the play back in Granite's favor.

JALEN CARTER then took a handoff and slipped through his line, led by FRANCISCO MEZA, and raced straight up the left hash for a 60-yard touchdown run, stunning the Lakeside Gold Crowd, and thrilling the Eagles' sideline with a 14-6 lead.

On the ensuing El Cap drive, Capoocia continued his strong night, hauling in a 28-yard reception from Cagle, taking the ball to the Eagles' 41. Soon after, Smith took a middle dump-off screen and ran after the catch for a first down, then Zach Cagle took a handoff and spun out of tacklers before being brought down at the 9. Capoocia carried down to the 2, setting up Brad Cagle for a 1-yard TD rush, spinning off the commotion from the left side of his blockers. CHASE GANDY broke up the conversion, leaving the Eagles ahead, 14-12.

After El Capitan forced a punt, Brad Cagle took off running on a third-down attempt to get a drive to their own 45. Then, following a 32-yard completion from Cagle, TAKOTA CURO gave the Vaqueros a 15-14 lead with a 26-yard field goal with 7:40 left in the game.

El Capitan was able to stop Granite Hills on its next two drives, then Smith made a big run down to the Granite Hills 1. Following an El Cap holding penalty moving the ball back to the 11, Cagle lofted a play-action screen pass to the left side for Capoocia for an 8-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 22-14 with 3:32 left.

With 2:25 left, the Vaqueros seemingly sealed the deal when Collins fumbled under pressure from JERYMIAH MUNSON, the ball popped into the grasp of ROBBY CALLAWAY, who turned it in to a 30-yard score.

Collins scrambled late for a first, but Zach Cagle intercepted a pass on third down, ending any last-ditch threat.

“We turned the ball over in the fourth quarter,” said Granite Hills coach KELLAN COBBS. “That pretty much put the game out of reach.”

The Vaqueros' D.J. Smith (13) and Granite Hills' Jake English (44) engage during a run Friday night at Cutting Field. (EastCountySports.com photo)

SANTANA 35, MAR VISTA 21 – In Friday’s (Oct. 3) nonleague encounter against the Mariners of Mar Vista, Santana led 14-7 at halftime and took the lead for keeps on a 21-14 advantage on the opening second half kickoff.

The Sultans’ ZACH LEWIS led the offensive trail by scoring 5 touchdowns, including a 95-yard scoring kickoff return. Lewis broke several records on this night – the all-time scoring record in a game with his 30 points, breaking the old record of 29 set by JONATHAN TIPPIN (twice in 2006).

Lewis also broke the touchdowns-in-a-game record, which was 4 prior to this game.

Lewis finished with 262 all-purpose yards.

Defensively AUSTIN PACHECO had a fumble recovery as did FRANCISCO ESPINOZA. MATT HOMAN registered a sack of Mar Vista quarterback Benjamin Munoz. HINA ALIU led the team in tackles with nine.

A Valhalla back races to the hole Friday night at West Hills. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

WEST HILLS 23, VALHALLA 20 (OT) – The hills have eyes in Santee, as the jittery Valhalla offense discovered Friday evening (Oct. 3) when it turned the ball over four times to West Hills. Despite those woes, Valhalla managed to tie the game 17-17 with only 34 seconds remaining when running back JEROME JOHNSON literally plowed into the end zone from a yard out. In overtime (for CIF playoff seeding purposes), West Hills pulled out the seeding victory, scoring a TD to Valhalla’s field goal.

Johnson had an amazing night – not so much for total yardage or touchdowns scored – but rather for treating the fans on both sides of the field to a show of determination, drive, talent, balance and strength. It’s a good thing for this season’s opposing defenses that Johnson is only a sophomore – because when he grows up, it might take a brick wall to stop him.

Following the opening kickoff, West Hills started at its 30-yard line and quickly arrived at the 45-yard line after senior wide receiver RAPHY CARR hauled in a 13-yard pass on third down from junior quarterback SPENCER MOYER. The drive stalled at midfield when Valhalla linebacker DANIEL BENDER used all of his 6-foot-4 frame to bat down a third down pass, forcing the Wolf Pack to punt to the Valhalla 16-yard line.

On first down, Norsemen junior quarterback PHILLIP NASSEH threw a dart to junior running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE for a 10-yard gain and followed that up with a strike to junior wide receiver RAHNYAE STEPHENS to the 33-yard line. On 3rd and 4, Sharpe found some daylight and picked up 6 yards on a draw play, but the ball was stripped by an alert defender and was recovered by the home team, giving them excellent field position at the Valhalla 39.

The Wolf Pack was able to advance to the Valhalla 29-yard line, but a penalty and three straight incompletions resulted in another punt by Moyer, who was able to pooch it to the Valhalla 3-yard line, pinning the visitors deep in their own territory.

Valhalla was able to dig out of the shadows of their goal post, but eventually had to punt from their 34-yard line, enabling the Wolf Pack to win the battle of field position in the first quarter, starting this time at their own 40-yard line. An 11-yard completion on third down enabled West Hills to get into Valhalla territory at the 44-yard line.

A Valhalla player goes up for a ball against West Hills Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

On the next play, junior wide receiver TAJ BROOMFIELD maneuvered past the defender, on the left sideline, snagged a pass from Moyer, and ran another 30 yards for a 40-yard gain to the Valhalla 4-yard line. Valhalla’s defense put on the clamps, however, when, on 3rd and goal from the 2-yard line, Norsemen linebackers CADE BAKER and LUCAS WALZ stuffed the runner for a 4-yard loss. West Hills settled for a 22-yard field goal by CADE CALVERT, giving the Pack a 3-0 lead with just 38 seconds left in the first quarter.

Before the quarter ended, however, West Hills got something even better – momentum – because two plays later, on the last play of the initial period, an awkward exchange between the quarterback and the ball carrier resulted in a fumble that was recovered by an alert Wolf Pack defender at the Valhalla 43-yard line.

West Hills capitalized on this good fortune, driving down the field in 7 plays to score the first touchdown of the game with 9:21 to play until halftime. Moyer tossed a fade pass to tight end AUSTIN ESTRADA for a 3-yard TD. After Calvert’s PAT sailed between the uprights West Hills led 10-0.

Behind the 8-ball, the Norsemen responded, with vigor. Sharpe squirted through the line for an 18-yard gain on a draw play. Nasseh lumbered 8 yards to the Pack’s 38-yard line. Johnson broke off a 12-yard run to the 26 after a nice block by MICHAEL RIVERA. After a penalty, Johnson showed some of the aforementioned “grit” by shaking off at least 3 would-be tacklers before breaking free only to be tackled from behind at the 4-yard line with a TD-saving takedown by senior defensive back HOWARD TYLER. The reprieve was short-lived; three plays later, senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN, playing QB in a Wildcat formation, took the snap and sprinted into the end zone for a 2-yard score. JACOB PAAPE’s kick was true, and, with 5:45 left in the second stanza, Valhalla tightened the score to 10-7, where it stood until intermission.

West Hills struck first in the second half. Midway through the third quarter, Valhalla tight end SPENCER HENDERSON grabbed a pass thrown into coverage, tucked it in and started moving up-field only to have it stripped away three steps later into the arms of a West Hills defender. The Pack was in business – at the Norsemen 40-yard line.

As is often the case following a turnover, West Hills coach CASEY ASH struck while the iron was hot. Moyer threw a bomb to the end zone on first down, lofting the ball into Carr’s waiting arms for a 40-yard TD, upping the lead to 17-7 with 5:47 remaining in the third period.

Late in the third quarter the Norsemen put together an 11-play drive that ended with a 40-yard Paape field goal on the opening play of the fourth quarter; despite three turnovers, Valhalla had clawed its way back into contention for a victory.

On the next West Hills offensive series, Valhalla forced the Wolf Pack to punt, giving the visitors good field position at their own 45-yard line. On first down, Johnson swept left and picked up 18 yards to the West Hills 37. After another 3- yard gain to the 34, Nasseh saw Stephens open and streaked to the end zone and let loose a bomb that would tie the game. Unfortunately for Valhalla, West Hills receiver Carr was playing defense, and, as the ball was heading for Stephens and a tie score, Carr stepped in front of the receiver and intercepted the pass, making Valhalla -4 in the evening’s turnover department.

After its defense held, Valhalla got the ball back with about 5 minutes left in the game. The Norsemen used virtually all of that time with a 15-play drive that started at its 10-yard line. The drive nearly ran out of gas at the Norsemen 42, with a 4th and 1. Nasseh handed off to Johnson, who had been consistently attacking the middle of the Wolf Pack defense.

This time Johnson sprinted around the right side, was nearly tackled at the line of scrimmage, broke free and carried two defenders 8 yards to midfield and a first down. After Henderson made a nifty catch at the West Hills 39 for another Valhalla first down, Johnson ran the ball five straight plays, culminating in 1-yard touchdown that earned Valhalla a 17-17 tie.

In the post-season “seeding” overtime, Valhalla scored first on a Paape 20-yard field goal, his third of the game. West Hills punched in a touchdown on its possession, with some nice runs by running back JACOB SHAW, who slammed it in from the 1-yard line, giving the Pack the “seeding” victory.

“We thought we had the guy stalled but then he fell into the endzone from 1 yard out,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY.

For Valhalla, Nasseh was 16-27-1 for 183 yards; Johnson carried the ball 30 times for 188 yards and a TD. On defense, LOGAN BAKER led the Norsemen in tackles with 12.

HELIX 42, BONITA VISTA 0 – The Highlanders rallied 42 points for the second-consecutive week. But more importantly for TROY STARR'S crew, was holding the opposition to zero once again.

Helix took care of the business of beating Bonita Vista in the first half, as junior quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another, while NATHAN STINSON had two scores before intermission.

DASHAWN KIERSEY caught touchdown passes of 44 and 21 yards from Austin in the first and second quarters, respectively, while Austin added his 53-yard touchdown in the first quarter, which sparked the Scotties to an early 14-0 lead. Austin took a designed draw, and raced up the middle untouched for the long score.

Stinson's 1-yard score opened the scoring, then he capped the first-half onslaught with a 56-yard score, giving Helix the final margin.

MEHKI STEVENSON had an 8-yard touchdown run to open the scoring in Helix's 21-point second quarter.

It was a big night at the office for the Scotties' offensive front led by DEREK WILLIAMS, DERON SMITH and KEVIN MOORE.

SCOTTIE YOUNG added an interception for the Highlanders, who were paced in the shutout by SEFA TAUANUU, PHILLIP BECKHAM, EVAN PERKINS, JIHAD WOODS and MICHAEL BENJAMIN.

GROSSMONT 40, POWAY 7 – It took Foothillers quarterback CALVIN FARRIS nearly a month to get back onto the football field after suffering a concussion in the second week of the season and the start of the game was delayed 10 minutes. However, once the ball was kicked off, no one was gonna bring him down or break his stride in his return.

After having the time off, Friday turned out to be “Farris' Night On” instead of day off, as he finished with 407 yards, 4 TD's through the air and a pair of rushing scores (8, 29) in his much welcomed return to action.

“I was very happy with our overall performance on both sides of the ball,” head coach TOM KARLO said after. “We had no turnovers and ran 87 plays on offense so our tempo was real good tonight.

The Hillers outgained Poway 467-68 in the first half and scored on six of its eight possessions. On defense, they held Poway to 12 straight plays to open the game without allowing a first down.

JAKE HARR was the first reap the rewards as he snuck his way around the Titans defense on a slip screen and raced 69 yards for a 13-0 Grossmont lead. Then Farris tested out the speed of his ferrari like receiver when he hooked up with A.J. SHAW for a 62-yard score.

Grossmont's Brandon Wagner and Ricky Valdez combine on a tackle against Poway Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

From there the parade route was well on it's way...

Farris skipped past Poway on a 28-yard touchdown run to make it a 26-0 and then found KYLE PINEDA from 29 yards out. Finally an 11-yard strike to HUNTER REINER made it 40-7 with about a minute left in the half.

Junior linebacker JOSH McFAUL intercepted a pass on the last play before half and ran it back 70 yards for a score, but the play was negated to penalty.

By the end of the night, the Titans wondered if anyone could stop Farris - as he sent them reeling to their fifth straight loss - while Reiner, Shaw and Harr each finished with over 100 yards receiving.

Kyle Pineda (blue) was able to successfully catch the ball and complete the score for Grossmont Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

Anyone? Anyone? Anyone?

Neither team scored in the second half as the Hillers second team defense shut the Titans out in the fourth quarter and that even included a goal line stand when they had 1st-and-10 from the seven yard line.

Grossmont finished the game with 690 total yards (370 pass, 320 rush) and Harr finished the night with 137 yards on the ground on 15 carries. Defensively, TYSON NEVELS was called out by his coaches as a standout, notching 2 tackles for a loss and having his hand in a pair of pass deflections.

It was a great night for the Foothillers’ offensive front, as they served perfectly for Farris' return. TARIQ BOUTROS, MARCUS MORGAN, MICHAEL BYERLINE and SCOTT FOHRING helped make sure their quarterback wasn't going to get banged around by the Titans.

“It's good to get a great win like this heading into league play,” added Karlo. “I know it sounds funny to say, but they are a really good 1-5 team that's ran into some bad luck and has had a tough schedule.”

- Andrew Smith

 

Monte Vista defensive end Isaiah Farr has his eyes on the Patrick Henry quarterback Friday night. The Patriots broke open a 14-14 halftime game to win 35-22. (EastCountySports.com photo)

PATRICK HENRY 35, MONTE VISTA 22 – A closely-contested battle in the first half was won by the Patriots in the second half of Friday’s (Oct. 3) nonleague contest.

XAVIER WADE had a touchdown reception at 5:39 of the first quarter from quarterback AUSTIN CAOLE to give Monte Vista a 7-0 lead. Caole took a deep-step drop, then lofted a pass over the middle where Wade was wide open at the 10, where he scampered home easily.

The score was set up when Monte Vista made a third-down stop, and the punt was blocked and recovered by CHRISTIAN TOVES at the Henry 40.

The Patriots were strong all night offensively on third down, but the Monarchs came up with an early defensive stop when they defended a pass on a fourth-down try with a diving knockdown to take over at their own 29.

The Monarchs’ JORDAN JOHNSON broke through for big run on 3rd-and-22 for first down well into Henry territory. On the next play, he took the ball down to the 8.

JACOB JARDIN rushed in for a short 4-yard TD run for Monte Vista with 2:51 left in first half.

Christopher Samaniego of the Patriots ran a keeper in from 5 yards for a third-quarter touchdown, making it 21-14.

Dezmon Patmon caught a score from Samaniego from 8 yards for another Patriots touchdown for a 28-14 lead.

Noah Beck later turned in a big defensive play with a 95-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown to put Henry up 35-14. Beck's scoop and score came with 6 minutes left in game.

TRE OWENS scored on a short TD run to bring the Monarchs to within 38-22.

ORANGE GLEN 41, EL CAJON VALLEY 20 – El Cajon Valley trailed just 17-14 at halftime, but the Patriots continued their push to prove their strong season in the second half.

MATTHEW SHEARIN, who returned from a visit to West Point last week, continued his outstanding season for El CajonValley, scoring three touchdowns, including a look-to-daylight, REGGIE BUSH-type run, which gave the Braves a first-quarter lead on the road. Shearin used his shifty moves to elude a series of Orange Glen defenders.

The Pats turned a fourth-down dive play into a 78-yard score, however, in the second quarter to help regain the lead.

El Cajon Valley would turn to the clever Shearin later in the second to tie the game, as he slipped outside to the left from the power blocking up front from CUAUHTEMOC GUTIERREZ and ALAN PELAYO to race to the pylon for a 31-yard score.

The Patriots put up three touchdowns in the second half before Shearin added his third score, which came in the fourth quarter on a 60-yard run.

Shearin finished with 219 yards on 16 carries and 3 TDs.

“He makes a big difference in our team,” noted Braves’ coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD.

JV/Frosh scores  
Junior Varsity

Friday, Oct. 3
Valhalla 33, West Hills 0
Granite Hills 20, El Capitan 0
Helix 34, Bonita Vista 6
Poway 27, Grossmont 19

Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Oct. 2
El Capitan 12, Grantie Hills 6
Valhalla 34, West Hills 6
Santana 14, Mar Vista 0
Poway 37, Grossmont 22
Orange Glen 21, El Cajon Valley 6

Only score reported

LUTHERAN 38, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 22 – The battle of winless teams allowed for a competitive game, as both teams were able to put up their best efforts of the season.

Lutheran jumped out to the lead 8-0, but Foothills answered when senior receiver TAYLOR BANKHEAD hauled in a crossing route from quarterback WYATT BASSON for a 53-yard catch-and-run touchdown to make it 8-7.

Foothills then had Lutheran pinned in the shadow of its own goal when a high snap resulted in a safety, as NATHAN HAMILTON and Bankhead converged on the quarterback in the end zone, giving Foothills Christian a 9-8 lead.

Lutheran scored in the second quarter, but Foothills stopped the conversion run attempt. Then added two more scores for a 26-9 lead

Basson added a 12-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown in the third quarter, as he ran behind the blocking of ISSIAH BARTOLOME, closing the Lutheran lead to 26-16 heading into the fourth quarter.

Lutheran added another touchdown, but Foothills Christian would respond to keep the game within a 32-22 earshot before the hosts added a final six in a homecoming win.

Seniors CAMDON STEELE and MATTHEW LYYJOKI led the way up front for Foothills Christian, while sophomore ELI HALE looks to be one to watch after a positive night on kick returns.

 

FEARLESS FORECASTER

Lakeside abuzz with undefeated Vaqueros, Eagles set to square off

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (10-2-14) — El Capitan (4-0), still rated No. 1 in Cal-Hi Sports in Division III South, will count on a big crowd to push the Vaqueros past unbeaten Granite Hills (5-0) in Friday night’s (Oct. 3) non-league game

SETH COLLINS (18-36, 391 yds, 5 TDs) will return as quarterback for the Eagles. Collins has also compiled 361 yards rushing on 33 carries and 8 touchdowns. MICHAEL LEDESMA, who fills in at quarterback occasionally, has rushed for 314 yards on 52 carries and 7 touchdowns.

JV/Frosh scores  
Junior Varsity

Friday, Sept 26
Steele Canyon 13, Otay Ranch 7
Helix 29, Ramona 10
Valhalla 50, Francis Parker 0

Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Oct. 2
El Capitan 12, Grantie Hills 6
Valhalla 34, West Hills 6
Santana 14, Mar Vista 0
Poway 37, Grossmont 22
Orange Glen 21, El Cajon Valley 6

Only score reported

For El Capitan, quarterback BRAD CAGLE accumulated 45-73, 634 yards and 8 touchdowns, and rushed for 19-17 and 2 TDs. D.J. SMITH rushed for 357 yards on 19 carries and 5 touchdowns, while ISAIAH CAPOOCIA came in with 87 yards rushing on 9 carries for 4 touchdowns.

The competition is fierce in this one, but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 31-21.

BONITA VISTA (1-3) at HELIX (3-1) – Helix is beginning to pick up momentum, as the Highlanders proved last week in an overpowering 42-0 romp over Ramona to improve their record to 3-1. NATHAN STINSON scored 5 touchdowns for Helix, including 4 rushing. He also has compiled 11 yards receiving and kickoff returns of 34 yards. The schedule doesn’t get any softer for the Barons as they face off against the Highlanders before the Grossmont Conference leagues open next week . . . Helix 35-22.

VALHALLA (2-2) at WEST HILLS (3-2) – Valhalla and West Hills have changed leagues, which means it will favor one of the two. Which team takes the high road remains to be seen. PHILLIP NASEH (30-57, 330 yds, 2 TDs) directs the passing offense for the Norsemen, while SPENCER MOYER (32-57, 603 yds, 6 TDs) quarterbacks for West Hills. JACOB SHAW has rushed for 88-519 yards, 7 TDs for the Pack. JEROME JOHNSON leads the Norsemen in rushing with 80-164 and 3 TDs and LOGAN BAKER spearheads the Valhalla defense with 35 tackles, a sack and an interception . . . West Hills 22-21.

PATRICK HENRY (2-2) at MONTE VISTA (3-2) – This should be a nifty faceoff, as these teams are pretty well matched. Speedy LEE WADE (45-412, 3 TDs), leads the charge for the Monarchs ground game, while Christopher Sanamiego directs the Patriots’ offensive assault (45-81, 542 yds, 9 TDs). This is a coin-flipper . . . Monte Vista 21-17.

POWAY (1-4) at GROSSMONT (2-2) – The Grossmont Foothillers are coming off a school record 75 points in a lop-sided victory over Hilltop a couple of weeks ago. The Hillers total was the second highest in Grossmont Conference history. So the tale of the tape is yet to be measured since the Foothillers have been riddled with injuries. Poway’s lone victory is a 30-28 nod over Rancho Buena Vista. Give the edge to . . . Grossmont 37-28.

MAR VISTA (3-1) at SANTANA (2-2) – The surprising Santana Sultans are finding it easier to score points than they had expected, going into the season. ZACH LEWIS, who has 18 tackles and 3 sacks to his credit, is the spearhead of the Sultans’ defense. He’s also caught 10 passes for 136 yards. Quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ is 60-for-100 for 773 yards and 5 touchdowns. Unfortunately he won’t play, due to injury last week. Instead reserve QB, 5-foot-8, 150-pound AARON MIRANDA will be under center . . . Santana 28-27.

Complete updated East County season statistical leaders - through week 5 - click here

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-2) at ORANGE GLEN (5-0) – A potential upset is in the making when El Cajon Valley travels to North County to face undefeated Orange Glen Friday (Oct. 3). The Braves have pulled some surprises out of their sleeve during the see-saw season. Quarterback MERITON HASANI will direct the Braves, while Roger Rickman, who has recorded 90-755 and 10 touchdowns, will lead the Patriots’ running game . . . Orange Glen 30-12.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-5) at LUTHERAN (0-4) – Something’s gotta give when these two teams square off on Friday (Oct. 3) in South Bay. Both have had trouble putting up points. The Foothills Christian Knights haven’t scored more than 14 points in a game and have been shutout twice . . . Lutheran 16-14.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 9-3 (.750)
Season record: 39-13 (.750)


Christian running back Adrian Petty gets a huge block from Jeffrey Jackson Saturday night against Mission Bay. (photo by Ruth Mims)

WEEK 5

Patriots club Mission Bay to set stage for special season

©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (9-28-14) — Christian offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER labeled Saturday’s (Sept. 27) non-league encounter as a pivotal point in the season.

“We figured if we could win this one we’d have a chance to run the table,” he said.

Considering the Patriots are playing in the substandard Central League, a clean sweep is definitely in the cards. Christian, which hammered Mission Bay 49-10 this weekend doesn’t plan to stumble.

The Patriots played the majority of the second half with a running clock as they built a 42-3 halftime lead. Each team scored a touchdown after intermission.

“Our goal this week was to manage the pressure,” Beezer said.

And the Christian offensive line of TY NICHOLS, MATTHEW CARRILLO, NATE CAZARES, JON STINE and LAITHE ISENMANN didn’t allow a sack against the Bucs.

“Of course, that’s not unusual since we haven’t given up a sack in our last several games,” Beezer added.

ADRIAN PETTY led the ground assault for Christian, slashing his way for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns on 10 carries. He also scored off a fake punt in the second quarter.

But the Patriots, who are averaging more than 50 points a game, also got a lift from quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH, who completed 10 of 15 for 291 and 3 touchdowns.

“Our line has done such a great job for us because we haven’t allowed a sack or an interception over the last 5 games,” Beezer noted.

Nine Christian receivers caught passes against the Buccaneers, including CHAD HUMPHRIES, who hauled in 2 scoring passes and BRANDON HESTER, who grabbed a 3rd scoring strike.

Mission Bay did not complete a pass against the Christian defense.

Ledesma leads Eagles past Hoover for fifth-straight win

©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (9-27-14) — For the first time in more than a decade the Granite Hills Eagles are undefeated with a 5-0 mark at the midway point of the regular season.

The Eagles knocked off the visiting Hoover Cardinals 24-21 in Friday’s (Sept. 26) non-league action.

The Cardinals got a couple of big touchdown plays in the first half and were able to slug with the Eagles for nearly four quarters, but senior MICHAEL LEDESMA had the game-deciding score on a 42-yard touchdown run with 7:06 left in game.

Ledesma, starting at quarterback this week, threw a nice fade to receiver RYAN ROJ in the left side of the end zone against a closely-guarding defender for a 24-yard touchdown to pull the Eagles to within 7-7 early.

“It was a great win for us,” said Eagles coach KELLAN COBBS. “Our defense really stepped up and made some big plays. Our back-up quarterback, Ledesma came in and we didn’t miss a beat.”

After the Cards' second long TD of the first half, the Eagles capitalized on a Hoover turnover when JAKE ENGLISH and NICK LUCATUORTO combined for a hard hit and forced a fumble, which RILEY REYES scooped up and returned for 39-yards for a touchdown to tie the game 14-14.

“Our defense scored a touchdown – Reyes had a scoop and score on a fumble recovery and ran 39 yards for the TD,” said Cobbs. “We talked about it all week that we were going to need some big plays, and we got them tonight. I’m proud of the guys. Riley was pretty much all over the field for us and so were the linebackers.”

Ledesma finished with 183 yards total offense, completing 11 of 19 passes for one score, and rushed for 42 yards on 17 carries for a second score.
On the Cards' final play, the Hoover quarterback got loose and was making a big run down the field when the Eagles finally slowed and converged on the serious threat to score at about the 20.

The Eagles' defense also held on a previous possession late in the fourth quarter to force the Cards to punt on 4th and 8 from their own 22. Eagles DB STEVEN EDWARDS thwarted one of the last possessions with an interception and runback to the Hoover 23, as the ball was thrown right in his vicinity with 2:10 left.

The Cardinals' final drive started at their own 28 with 54.7 seconds remaining. A series of tuck-and-run keepers was Hoover's successful play, which ended up taking them into possible scoring territory.

Moments earlier, the Cards forced the Eagles to punt with 3:48 left, where Hoover took over at its own 21. Granite Hills got it back with 5:20 left, but a Hoover sack wouldn't allow the Eagles to take much time off the clock.

STEELE CANYON 38, OTAY RANCH 16 – After four pleasing weeks enjoying the various vistas of San Diego County football, Steele Canyon shifted its focus to corralling a ranch in its Friday night homecoming game.

That would be Otay Ranch, a much-improved team that the Cougars soundly defeated 38-16 to improve to 5-0 for the first time in school history.

Steele Canyon’s previous four wins came against Chula Vista, Monte Vista, Vista and Rancho Buena Vista by a 141-39 aggregate scoring advantage.

“I was trying to get Chula Vista and Mar Vista to play us, but they wouldn’t do it,” joked Steele Canyon coach SCOTT LONGERBONE. “I would have loved to have had a Tour de Vista.”

As it was, Longerbone added, “My coaches were calling them Otay Vista all week in practice.”

Regardless, the Cougars once again played terrific football in all facets of the game and will take their 5-0 into a bye week before taking on No. 4-ranked Helix (3-1) in two weeks to start Grossmont Hills League play.

“We’re 5-0, this is what we’ve worked so hard to achieve,” Cougars quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON said. “You could tell from our first workout this offseason that something good was going to happen. You could feel it. We’ve all worked so hard from that very first day to be where we are now.”

Wood-Anderson was instrumental in beating Otay Ranch (3-2). After missing the first two games following an appendectomy this summer, Wood-Anderson tossed a pair of touchdown passes, ran for another and finished 7-of-12 passing for 165 yards with one interception. He also rushed seven times for 43 yards.

Overall, the Cougars totaled 335 yards. Strangely, though, they had only nine first downs but scored seven times.

Less than a minute after kickoff, Wood-Anderson found a wide-open DEREK TYLER on a middle seam route for a 57-yard touchdown pass.

Almost exactly 12 minutes later, Wood-Anderson found JAVANTE WOFFORD on a near-identical middle seam route for a 47-yard TD to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter.

“They were giving them to us,” Longerbone said of the seam routes. “Dom did a great job of recognizing what was there and took advantage of it.”

Said Otay Ranch coach Lance Christensen, “They saw something there and took advantage of it. We didn’t play those well at all.”

A pair of long punt returns set the Cougars up for two more scores before halftime, but both were chip-shot field goals by ALEXANDER RAYA after the offense couldn’t take advantage of the great field position.

First, CARRINGTON TRISBY returned a punt 35 yards to the 29-yard line, but after six plays Steele Canyon had to settle for a 28-yard field goal by Raya.

Minutes later, ROBERT TEO returned a punt 58 yards to the 7-yard line, but three plays later the Cougars again had to settle for a 23-yard field goal by Raya with 0:16 to play before the homecoming festivities began at halftime.

After shutting out Rancho Buena Vista 41-0 last week, Steele Canyon had its sights set on another blank Friday (Sept. 26), but the Mustangs came out firing to open the second half. After a 47-yard kick return by Dorsey Furlow, Otay Ranch got a 26-yard field goal from Alec Cortez to make it 19-3 three minutes into the third quarter.

Steele answered quickly and definitively in the next three minutes.

Wood-Anderson capped an 8-play, 65-yard drive with a 12-yard TD keeper to make it 25-3.

On the next snap, NY JOHNSON intercepted a tipped pass and raced 38 yards for a touchdown to make it 31-3 at 5:40 in the third quarter.

Tradition has it that Longerbone treats the entire defense to a meal at HomeTown Buffet whenever the defense scores a touchdown. This is the third such occasion.

“I’m going to go broke this season,” Longerbone said. “I’m going to lose my entire coaching stipend if this keeps up.”

Otay Ranch scored its first touchdown on its next series when Arturo Saenz lofted a perfect pass to Adrian Rodriguez, who hauled it in over a defender for a 31-yard TD to pull to 31-10.

Otay was driving again minutes later, but the Cougars caught a break when the officials whistled Saenz for intentional grounding on a first-down play – the break being that the crew called it third down after the penalty instead of second. Two plays later, the Mustangs gave up the ball on downs at their 29-yard line.

On the next play, PIERRE ALEXANDER bolted up the middle for a 71-yard TD romp and a 38-10 Steele Canyon lead.

“They’re a very good football team,” Christensen said of the Cougars. “They’re very well coached. They had a good game plan and executed it very well.”

In addition to Wood-Anderson’s yardage, Steele got 78 yards rushing from Alexander and 61 yards receiving from ROOSEVELT JOHNSON (on five catches).

The offensive line was superb with CALEB O’GORMAN, JEREMIAH ZAMPETTI, JOE METZ, MARVIN CALDWELL and KYREE WOOD opening rushing lanes and allowing zero sacks.

Not to be overlooked was Steele Canyon’ defense, which limited Otay to 29 total yards in the first half and 231 for the game.

EDWARD DELGADO had two sacks, while DYLAN HAMLET and RILEY JONES added one each. DYLAN FONSECA caused a fumble and recovered it. Johnson and KYLE MAIGUE both had interceptions.

Defensive star WILLIE FAIR did not play while nursing an ankle injury, but he was on the homecoming court.

Coming off a 3-8 campaign in 2013, Otay Ranch began this year with wins over Valhalla, Grossmont and Mount Miguel before falling to St. Augustine last week.

Likewise, Steele Canyon was 3-8 last year but automatically made the playoffs because of its Open Division distinction based on past years’ performances. This year, the Cougars may again wind up in the Open Division playoffs, but this time because they earned it in the current season.

“This is a fun group to coach,” Longerbone said. “This group is very focused, week to week. We don’t talk about records or games down the road. This group focuses only on the next opponent.”

And that next opponent, once again, is Helix.

— Jim Lindgren

MONTE VISTA 49, KEARNY 7 – Monte Vista knocked Kearny out early, as the Monarchs defense took full advantage of the Komets’ slow deep snap, causing havoc in the backfield from the get-go.

LEE WADE's short touchdown run with 0:56 left in the first quarter gave the Monarchs a 14-0 lead.

ISAIAH FARR had a sack for the Monarchs, which led to a fumble recovery shortly thereafter, and an earlier interception by BRANDON PHATSENHANN kept giving Monte Vista a relatively short field.

JOSHUA MIKHA hauled in a TD pass from 29 yards out on a fade down the left side.The conversion failed to make it 20-0 Monarchs at the end of 1.

The Monarchs intercepted another pass and nearly returned it for a pick-six down to the 3-yard line. TRE OWENS ran it in on next play, making it 27-0 Monte Vista after MATT GOFIGAN's PAT with 9:54 left in the first half.

After a near-safety by the Monarchs pinned the Komets at their own 2, they cleared out to midfield with great catch-and-run and down the right sideline, as a high lofted pass was hauled in against good coverage. However, the Komets tried a 4th-and-10 from inside midfield, but the Monarchs' defense forced an incompletion for a turnover on downs.

Monte Vista's JOHNNY JONES made likely a TD-saving tackle on Kearny's best drive, making a diving shoestring effort against a loose ball carrier, however, the Komets were able to get in a few plays later with 3:04 before halftime.

Late in the first half, Kearny recovered a Monte Vista fumble, but two plays later, the Monarchs intercepted a pass and returned it 60 yards for a score.

FREDDIE SIMS, a sophomore, intercepted a misguided option pass and weaved through traffic from both teams for a 63-yard score, giving the Monarchs a 34-7 lead in the second half.

Monte Vista's JORDAN JOHNSON added a touchdown in the second half on a 45-yard run seemingly untouched up the middle, as the Monarchs' front line controlled their side, as well, as senior JONATHAN TARIPE led his linemates.

Other defensive standouts included linebackers ANTHONY BROUSSARD and KYLE AGAPE, and defensive lineman CURTIS STEVENS.

Helix back Nathan Stinson eludes at Ramona defender Friday night (Sept. 26). (Photo courtesy youatplay.com)



HELIX 42, RAMONA 0 – Before the kickoff of Friday night’s (Sept. 26) game, Helix coach TROY STARR was presented an award by the San Diego Chargers as a Coach of the Month.

Knowing Starr, he took the award graciously but was more concerned with the matter at hand – the challenge of facing off against the here-to-fore unbeaten Ramona Bulldogs.

Five-foot-6 junior running back NATHAN STINSON scored 4 touchdowns (and had a 5th one nullified by penalty) for the Highlanders, who shut out previously undefeated Ramona in slashing style.

The best effort the Bulldogs had were two 51-yard field goals – one of which was blocked by SCOTTIE YOUNG and the other missed the mark.

Considering both teams are ranked in the Top 10, it had to surprise Ramona (4-1) by the results.

Stinson caught the Bulldogs off guard when he raced 47 yards for the end zone one minute into the game.

While the offense was obvious, it was the Helix defense that could not be overlooked. Young intercepted a pass, as did EVAN PERKINS, while JIHAD WOODS and ZEKE NOA each grounded the Bulldogs’ QB with a sack.

Helix junior Mason Vineyard matches up with a Ramona defender Friday night in La Mesa. (photo courtesy youatplay.com)

 

A Valhalla ball carries dives into the end zone Friday night in the Norsemen's road win at Francis Parker Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

VALHALLA 42, FRANCIS PARKER 13 – When the bus that delivered the Valhalla football team stopped as it reached its destination at Francis Parker Friday evening (Sept. 26), the Norsemen put their offense in the driver’s seat, put it in gear and drove up and down the field all night, cruising to a 42-13 victory over Francis Parker.

The visitors did happen to hit a few speed bumps early in the contest. Following the opening Valhalla kickoff, Norsemen defensive back J.J. MEIER nearly picked off an errant pass on first down.

Two plays later, Francis Parker quarterback Khaleel Jenkins burst through the middle of the line on a delayed draw, and raced 65 yards to the end zone for the game’s first score. Valhalla defensive lineman CHRIS YOHE blocked the extra point attempt, holding the Lancers to a six point lead less than one minute into the contest.

Bus driver (and quarterback) PHILLIP NASSEH quickly got the visitors’ offense rolling by hitting senior wide receiver JAKE BASSETT for an 8-yard gain to the Valhalla 49-yard line. Two plays later, junior center LIAM CLINGAN and guards TYLER EASTLICK and RYAN MOORE cleared a roadblock out of the way so sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON could rumble 25 yards up the middle to the Parker 20-yard line.

Three plays later, on third and 15, Nasseh hooked up with senior wide receiver/tight end SPENCER HENDERSON for a 14-yard reception to the Lancers’ 11-yard line. On 4th and 1, Johnson got the call – and delivered – himself and two would-be tacklers – all the way to the end zone. After sophomore kicker JACOB PAAPE split the uprights (6-6), the Norsemen led 7-6 with 9:02 left in the first quarter.

A Valhalla ball carrier breaks away from Francis Parker near the end of the third quarter Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

Jordan Genmark-Heath returned the Valhalla kickoff 35 yards to midfield. The Lancers had their own bus moving quickly down the field, but coughed up the football at the Valhalla 23, where junior linebacker DANIEL BENDER pounced on the pigskin, thwarting the Parker drive.

A bad snap buried the Norsemen at their 11-yard line, forcing a short punt to the visitors’ 34-yard line, giving the home team excellent field position to score the go-ahead touchdown three plays later on a 24-yard scamper by Genmark-Heath. This time the PAT was good and Parker led 13-7, with 4:05 remaining in the initial stanza.

COLE HOPKINS gave the Norsemen’s offense good starting position by returning the kickoff to the Valhalla 40-yard line. Aided by a 23-yard Johnson run and a fantastic one-handed reception by junior running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE of a deflected screen pass, Valhalla was knocking at the door nine plays later at the home team’s 5-yard line.

Nasseh threw a dart to senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN who made a sure-handed 5-yard TD reception, once again giving Valhalla a slim lead of 14-13 at the end of the first quarter.

As the second stanza opened, Parker had moved into Valhalla territory and after the Lancers’ elusive quarterback had rushed for a 15-yard gain, the ball was on the Valhalla 23-yard line.

Valhalla's Julius Frazier runs against Francis Park Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

On the next play, Yohe and Bender stuffed the runner for a short loss. Then, junior linebacker CADE BAKER and senior defensive lineman ANTHONY HANNA chased down the ball carrier for a 9-yard loss, forcing a 46-yard field goal attempt. Still pumped, Hanna blasted through the Lancer’s offensive line and blocked the kick, which was scooped up by Bender and returned 15 yards to the Norsemen 23-yard line.

Midway through the second quarter, Parker was once again threatening, and in Valhalla territory. The drive stalled at the Norsemen 38 after linebackers TYLER BUZZELL and LOGAN BAKER smothered the runner on third down. The Lancers’ coaching staff decided to go for it on 4th down and called for a quick pass over the first down marker. Junior free safety DASHAWN KINISTON deflected the ball away from the receiver,giving possession back to Valhalla.

On third and three from the Valhalla 45, Nasseh threw a quick hitter to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER in the right flat; Frazier turned the short reception into a highlight reel as he turned upfield, broke three tackles and dragged the 4th defender 10 more yards before going down on the Lancers’ 5-yard line for a 50-yard gain. After a false start penalty and an incompletion, Johnson barreled into the end zone for a 10-yard TD, upping the Valhalla lead to 21-13 at intermission.

Valhalla pulled away in the 3rd quarter. Starting from their 30 after the second half kickoff, the Norsemen offense put it high gear. Senior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS snared a Nasseh pass for a 15-yard gain. Frazier gathered in a center screen pass for another 16 yards to the Parker 30, where Nasseh bolted down the left sideline for a 28-yard pickup to the 2-yard line. Johnson smashed over the goal line on the next play, scoring his third TD of the game. Valhalla went up 28-13 less than two minutes into the second half.

After stopping Parker, Valhalla quickly got another opportunity to put the game away. Henderson picked up 29 yards with some nifty running on an end-around. Parker’s Robbie Giannella saved the touchdown when he tackled Henderson at the Parker 18-yard line. The driver sputtered at the 10 and Valhalla lined up for a 27-yard field goal attempt – or so it seemed. Receiving the snap, the holder pitched the ball to the up-back, Baker, who motored to the end zone for a 10-yard TD, extending the Valhalla lead to 35-13, with 6:23 remaining in the third quarter.

As the penultimate period was drawing to a close, Sharpe sealed the deal when he broke through the middle of the line and sprinted 85 yards to paydirt, closing out the scoring at 42-13 at the 0:20 mark. The final quarter was played with a running clock, bringing this one to a merciful conclusion.

Valhalla generated 411 yards of total offense, with Sharpe picking up 105 of those on the ground and Johnson contributing another 91 yards rushing, with all but 2 of those earned in the first half. Nasseh was 13-21-0 for 142 yards and a TD. Frazier gathered in 6 receptions for 76 yards. Valhalla evened out its record at 2-2.

EL CAJON VALLEY 21, SD-SOUTHWEST 6 – El Cajon Valley’s MERITON HASANI had 3 touchdown runs in a game played at the Braves' field Friday night (Sept. 26) against visiting San Diego-Southwest.

Hasani, the quarterback, had keepers of 5 and 6 yards as El Cajon Valley led 21-0.

The Braves’ (2-2) offensive front pushed the Raiders around, as linemates ALAN PELAYO, CUAUHTEMOC GUTIERREZ, MUHAMAD TAHIR and ADEL MORALES enjoyed one of their best night's of the season.

Hasani also had a 33-yard deep fade completion down the left side to ALEX DELGADILLO.

Senior NICK JONES and junior TYLER PANNEL helped pace the Braves' defense to the near-shutout.

El Cajon Valley’s MATTHEW SHEARIN was a missing cog in the Braves’ lineup as he was on a recruiting visit to West Point.

Hasani finished with 19 carries for 84 yards and 3 touchdowns, while NATHAN McCULLOUGH added 110 yards on 15 carries. FADI PUTRUS had 2 kickoff returns for a total of 84 yards.

On the defensive side the Braves picked off 3 passes – one apiece by DAMAJE HODGES, CHARLES SMITH and Putrus. Putrus finished with 98 all-purpose yards.

WEST HILLS 34, VALLEY CENTER 20 – West Hills led 13-0 at the end of the first quarter Friday night (Sept. 26) when the Wolf Pack traveled to North County for a non-league game.

The Wolf Pack’s JACOB SHAW had an 11-yard touchdown just a minute into the game, and ALFONSO GREGG added an 8-yard touchdown with three minutes to go in the quarter.

Shaw also had a 1-yard score midway through the second to make it 20-7 after Valley Center brought it back to within a touchdown.

Shaw's third score came with about four minutes left in the third, when he got a touchdown on a 6-yard rush to make it 26-13.

“Shaw’s a tough kid,” said Wolf Pack coach CASEY ASH. “A physical player who’s not afraid to take on people head-on.”

Paving the way for Shaw on this night were linemen JOSE ESTRADA, DOMINIC TUFI, RICHARD IMBIMBO and GARRETT MEAD.

TAJ BROOMFIELD caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback SPENCER MOYER in the fourth quarter to give West Hills a 34 -13 lead.

Broomfield also added an interception and 46-yard return before being knocked out of bounds on a race for a score.

Moyer and Broomfield were both double threats for the Wolf Pack (3-2). Broomfield picked off his East County-leading 4th pass of the season.

West Hills all-purpose back DEVON HATHAWAY caught 5 passes for 134 yards and had five carries for 58 yards in the Wolf Pack’s road victory over Valley Center.

MOUNT MIGUEL 14, SERRA 7 – Mount Miguel welcomed the Serra Conquistadors on Friday (Sept. 26) as the Matadors escaped with a 14-7 victory.

A week after getting blasted 42-0 by El Capitan, the Conquistadors (0-5) took the early lead 7-0 on a 44-yard punt return. That was with 4:02 remaining in the first quarter. Serra didn’t score the rest of the way due to a very stout Mount Miguel (3-2) defense.

Mount Miguel’s CHRISTIAN GARCIA caught a 32-yard pass from quarterback JACOB CASTILLO with less than a minute left in the opening quarter. The extra point failed, to allow Serra to stay in the lead. Both teams’ defenses held their own extremely well.

CURTIS HIBLER capped off a six-play, 59-yard drive with an 18-yard rush, dodging Conquistadors on the way to give Mount Miguel their first lead of the night. CASTILLO ran the read-option very well and faked the Q defense and scampered in for the two-point conversion.

ANTHONY GILMORE, who entered the game averaging 86.5 yards per game, was held to less than half of his average for 36 yards on 11 carries. HIBLER lead the Matadors with 46 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries.

Castillo completed 10 of 17 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. GARY HASKINS caught 4 passes for 70 yards. JAYVON JONES was held well below his average as well as he seized 3 passes for 29 yards.

Mount Miguel will enjoy a bye week next week before heading to Valhalla for a game on Oct. 11th.

— Chris Davis

POINT LOMA 47, SANTANA 33
– The Santana Sultans came within an eyelash or two of upsetting visiting Point Loma Friday night (Sept. 26).

A perennial playoff team, the Point Loma Pointers (4-1) came out guns a-blazin’ but saw themselves nearly overmatched by upset-minded Santana (2-2).

Running back ZACH LEWIS rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. He also caught a 35-yard TD pass from quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ.

JACOB HAMPSON kicked two fields goals – one for 39 yards and another for 43 – for the Sultans.

DOMINIC KOSTAMO accounted for two touchdown receptions, one a 29-yard pass from AARON MIRANDA and another 29-yard scoring pass from TANNER WEISS, while STEVEN WIDMAIER intercepted a pass for Santana.

CRAWFORD 41, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7 – The Colts led 30-0 over Foothills Christian en route to the road win at Seau Field Friday night (Sept. 26).

The Knights travel to Chula Vista next Friday night for a meeting with Lutheran.

Junior Varsity
Friday, Sept 26
Steele Canyon 13, Otay Ranch 7
Helix 29, Ramona 10
Valhalla 50, Francis Parker 0
Only scores reported

Freshmen
Thursday, Sept. 25
Helix 36, Ramona 22
Valhalla 49, Cathedral Catholic 8
Mount Migyel 53, Serra 12
Granite Hills 34, Mar Vista 16
Point Loma 21, Santana 0
Only scores reported

FEARLESS FORECASTER

Highlanders face another ranked task in unbeaten Bulldogs

© EastCountySports.com
LA MESA (9-25-14) — Helix was knocked from the top perch by Cathedral Catholic last week, and the Highlanders (2-1) aren’t very happy about it. Getting even will be no small chore. Standing in their way is unbeaten Ramona (4-0).

The Bulldogs have bowled over their opponents with relative ease, but the biggest challenge to date looms in their sights Friday (Sept. 26). Fleet-footed NATHAN STINSON is the wheels of the Helix offense (78-318, 2 TDs), while quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN (18-34, 226) directs traffic. JALEN KUYKENDEL anchors the Helix front line.

Ramona has been in the Top 10 all year and will be difficult to knock out. Will they stay there? . . .Helix 27-17.

HOOVER (2-1) at GRANITE HILLS (4-0), 6:30 – Granite Hills is one of the top scoring teams in the San Diego Section and should provide a straight-arm test to visiting Hoover on Friday (Sept. 26). The Eagles are scoring 44.5 points per game and have broken the 40-point mark all four games. Hoover’s defense will be hard-pressed to put the brakes on the Eagles . . . Granite Hills 28-14.

OTAY RANCH (3-1) at STEELE CANYON* (4-0), 7 – SteeleCanyon will celebrate Homecoming at the top of the hill as the Cougars host the Mustangs. Maybe the Cougars shouldn’t invite Otay Ranch to the canyon, considering they are 3-0 against EastCounty teams. The Cougars are picking up momentum behind junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON . . . Steele Canyon 31-21.

POINT LOMA (3-1) at SANTANA (2-2), 7 – After a fast start Santana is beginning to hit the skids. It’s time to rebound if they want to contend in the Grossmont Valley League race. ZACH LEWIS and quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ are the Sultans’ offensive threats. So look for . . . Point Loma 30-26.

MONTE VISTA (2-2) at KEARNY (0-3), 6:30 – Monte Vista is building momentum in a surge for the Grossmont Valley League championship. One thing the Monarchs have going for them is excellent team speed, led by senior LEE WADE. RYAN SHIELDS and XAVIER WADE anchor the defense. This should be no contest . . . Monte Vista 28-0.

WEST HILLS (2-2) at VALLEY CENTER (2-2), 7 – This non-league game should be a nifty match-up as the Wolf Pack travels to North County Friday night (Sept. 26). Color this game interesting – it could be the game of the week. West Hills has a solid defense, while the Mavericks are a perennial power. History predicts . . . Valley Center 17-7.

VALHALLA (1-2) at FRANCIS PARKER (3-1), 7 – Perennial small power Francis Parker is hard to deal with and the Norsemen should find that out in Friday’s (Sept. 26) non-league meeting. The Lancers don’t care how big or how small their rivals might be . . . Francis Parker 28-27.

SERRA (0-4) at MOUNT MIGUEL (2-2), 7 (click here for delayed broadcast Sunday at 3 p.m.) MountMiguel should run a track meet over the Conquistadors in Friday night’s (Sept. 26) non-league game. Serra has suffered four losses, two by shutout . . . Mount Miguel 28-8.

EL CAJON VALLEY (1-2) at SD-SOUTHWEST (1-3), 7 – El Cajon Valley has been running on a slip-n-slide all season. This one shakes up as a blowout as the Braves figure to crush the Raiders of SD-Southwest . . . El Cajon Valley 27-23.

CRAWFORD (0-3) at FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-4), 7 – Crawford and Foothills Christian are victory-starved teams looking for their initial victory on Friday’s (Sept. 26) in a non-league game. The bottom line is this game could go either way. No matter how the cards fall this one could not be called an upset, but the nod goes to . . . Crawford 17-16.

Saturday, Sept. 27
MISSION BAY (1-2) vs. CHRISTIAN (4-0) at Granite Hills, 7 –
Unbeaten Christian, the No. 1 ranked team in the state in their division, should make easy work of Mission Bay on Saturday night (Sept. 27) when the Patriots face off against the Buccaneers. The Patriots are averaging 56 points per game . . . Christian 33-24.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-3 (.700)
Season record: 30-10 (.750)

 

Week 11

Vaqueros roundup title
El Capitan controls second half to cap perfect regular season; West Hills wins Valley League championship

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (11-8-14) — Some might call it a shock, but others realize that the Helix Highlanders finally met their match in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) encounter with the El Capitan Vaqueros, who upended the Highlanders 24-17 in front of a capacity crowd in the final Grossmont Hills League regular season game.

Helix drew first blood when JIHAD WOODS pushed his way through a pack of defenders to score the first touchdown of the game.

NATHAN STINSON followed with a 7-yard TD of his own in the final seconds of the first quarter to boost the Helix score to 14-0.

The second quarter was a different story.

El Capitan running back D.J. Smith carried during the first half of the Vaqueros' win over visiting Helix Friday night at Wendell Cutting Field. (EastCountySports.com photo)

The Vaqueros pulled out every option, starting with the pint-size bearded Vaqueros mascot – complete with black cowboy hat and boots to match.

With 5:36 left in the second quarter, senior wide receiver SAM MELERO raced to the endzone on a 20-yard pass from Vaqueros quarterback BRAD CAGLE.

With just over a minute remaining in the first half ZACH CAGLE grabbed a 10-yard pass from his brother BRAD CAGLE and chalked up a TD to tie the game at 14-all.

The clock was showing 0:10.1 as Helix kicker MATTHIAS LAYTON booted a 25-yard field goal to move the Highlanders ahead 17-14.

In the third quarter Vaqueros’ TAKOTA CURO converted a 33-yard field goal to re-tie the game at 17-apiece. That’s all the scoring either team would show in that stanza.

The fourth quarter saw the El Capitan running back D.J. SMITH plow one in from 3 yards out to log the final winning score for the Vaqueros with 9:28 remaining.

Curo was 3-for-3 on PATs, plus his field goal, to lend his foot to the victory.

“It can’t get a whole lot closer than it was in this game,” said an exultant Vaqueros coach, RON BURNER, whose Vaqueros won their 10th straight victory.

Monte Vista's Xavier Wade jumps to try and deflect the eventual completion to West Hills' Jacob Shaw (34) from quarterback Spencer Moyer. (EastCountySports.com photo)

WEST HILLS 21, MONTE VISTA 13 – The last time RON HAMAMOTO coached in a meaningful game at West Hills, his club partied like it was 1999.

Then guiding Rancho Bernardo, it was 1999 when Hamamoto and the Broncos whipped the Wolf Pack 71-48 in a playoff game behind a San Diego Section-record 698 rushing yards.

Friday night … was a different tune.

Now at the helm of Monte Vista, Hamamoto and the Monarchs recorded a “Princely” 393 rushing yards, but West Hills came up with more big plays to secure a 21-13 victory that gave the Wolf Pack their first league championship since 2007.

West Hills senior running back JACOB SHAW rushed for 143 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the Wolf Pack (8-2, 4-0) to their seventh straight victory and the Grossmont Valley League title by beating Monte Vista (6-4, 3-1) in a winner-take-all showdown on the blue “Smurf” turf at West Hills.

“It feels amazing,” said Shaw of the Wolf Pack’s improbable run at the league crown. “You can’t have too big of a head at the beginning of the season, but we felt all the hard work we put in would pay off.”

Pay off it did.

Shaw scored West Hills’ first two touchdowns on runs of 4 and 12 yards, then TAJ BROMMFIELD turned a short pass from SPENCER MOYER into a 46-yard touchdown reception to turn a 1-point game into a 21-13 lead with 6:14 left to play.

Monte Vista drove 49 yards in 13 plays on its ensuing last possession, but the potential game-tying try ended with an interception by WILL PETTY at the 10-yard line with 1:10 left.

Shaw then rushed for 10 yards and DEVON HATHAWAY (three carries, 82 yards) reeled off 23 yards before the Wolf Pack took a couple of kneel-downs to wrap up a league title that had eluded CASEY ASH in his 3-year stint as West Hills’ head coach from 2008-2010.

“We won nine in a row when I played here,” said Ash, a 1996 graduate of West Hills. “But I don’t know if I’ve ever been around seven in a row as a coach.”

Moving the chains consistently with 21 first downs, West Hills rolled up 422 total yards. Moyer completed 14 of 24 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown and – remarkably – his first interception of the season in 176 attempts.

His first pick came in the end zone as Monte Vista’s CHARLES WEST corralled the errant toss to salvage a 7-7 tie just before halftime.

After a Senior Night halftime presentation, West Hills took charge with a 10-play, 91-yard scoring drive that Shaw capped with runs of 16, 28 and 12 yards to go up 14-7.

Monte Vista, however, answered with a 13-play, 80-yard scoring drive when LEE WADE Jr. tallied his second touchdown with a 10-yard bolt around right end with 1:58 to play in the third quarter. The PAT kick attempt went wide left, leaving the ‘Pack ahead 14-13.

To start the fourth quarter, West Hills’ SKYLER PEYTON sacked Moyer for a 6-yard loss, and the Wolf Pack began their final scoring drive, an 8-play, 71-yard jaunt that culminated in Moyer’s TD pass to Broomfield.

Monte Vista’s last drive started well with 13- and 19-yard rushed by Wade, but it ended with Petty’s INT at the 10-yard line.

That play essentially set a couple of school records for West Hills, which allowed zero pass completions and obviously zero passing yards to go with interceptions by Petty and Hathaway.

“They run the ball so well, we needed to make sure they didn’t get anything through the air,” Ash said. “We told our defense before the game they have to allow no completions.”

Seriously … no completions. That they did!

“If we could have just completed a couple passes, we’d have won this league,” said Hamamoto, who is in his third year as head coach at Monte Vista after super-successful campaigns at USDHS, Rancho Bernardo and Lincoln.

“I tip my hat to them. They did everything they needed to do to win.”

The Monarchs’ 393 rushing yards were largely a sum of Wade’s career-best 239 yards on 21 carries, while JORDAN JOHNSON added 133 yards on 22 attempts.

Wade now has 1,264 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and Johnson has 1,296 yards.

“I think eventually the run game wore them down a little bit,” said Shaw, who topped the millennium mark and now sits at 1,102 yards with 13 TDs.
With a 4-yard TD run by Shaw, West Hills took a 7-0 lead with 5:13 left in the second quarter to cap a 44-yard drive after Esteban Flores recovered a fumble.

Monte Vista knotted the score at 7-7 a minute later Wade followed a few great blocks and blasted 40 yards for a touchdown.

This was the first league contest between these schools since the Grossmont Conference split into two leagues after the 1991 season. Monte Vista leads the overall series 13-5.

But with the win, West Hills improved its chances of a bye in the first round of the Division II playoffs, while Monte Vista will likely be on the road in the first round of the Division III postseason.

“With the way we run the ball, I don’t think anybody’s going to be real happy to see us,” Hamamoto said.

West Hills has never won or even played for a section championship. Monte Vista lost to Sweetwater 7-0 in last year’s Division IV title game in search of its third section crown.

— Jim Lindgren

Christian High star Adrian Petty carries for a first down on a third-and-8 run from inside the 5. Petty had over 300 yards rushing midway through the third quarter Friday night, as the Patriots led 42-7 at halftime. The Patriots went on for the victory in the regular season finale. (EastCountySports.com photo)

CHRISTIAN 49, SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 7 – Christian’s ADRIAN PETTY got to play a little more than usual this week. It showed in his statistics.

Petty, a junior running back, rushed for over 360 yards on just 17 carries - and had a 92-yard touchdown run called back on a holding penalty with a four-touchdown lead against one of the least penalized teams in the county in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) regular season nonleague finale.

Petty had an 80-yard touchdown run on the last play of the first quarter, as the Eagles were able to counter the Patriots for one period, which actually extended the playing time into the third quarter for most of the starters.

Petty had a touchdown run of 65 yards midway through the second quarter, and added a 44-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.

While Petty was the offensive star, it was J.D. PARKER that shined brightest for the Christian defense.

Parker had a highlight-reel diving interception of an option pass by a reversing end. Then, he had a short-field pick-six to close out the first half.

After Petty had his long TD run called back, he immediately answered with a 35-yard run on third-and-long backed up inside the 10. Christian would convert the drive into a score when DAVID TODD JEREMIAH threw a completion to junior BRANDON HESTER to the 19. That set up another completion to Hester for a first-and-goal, then Christian cashed in on a touchdown run by CHAD HUMPHRIES off left end with 15.5 seconds left in the first half, making the Patriots' lead 35-7.

Humphries also had a 30-yard touchdown jaunt when he caught a delayed crossing pattern from Jeremiah, then bashed, slashed and wrestled away from a leg tackle inside the 5 to get into the end zone.

Christian's fullback JOEY MARONES opened the scoring with a touchdown reception early in the first quarter, as he caught a dump-off pass following a blitz, and raced the 13 yards into the end zone, getting a final block from lineman WILLIAM HAIL.

JV/Frosh scores  
Junior Varsity

Friday, Nov. 7
Helix 23, El Capitan 0
Grossmont 24, Valhalla 21
Mount Miguel 37, Steele Canyon 31
Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Nov 6
Grossmont 40, Valhalla 21 (Foothillers win Hills League)
Helix 33, El Capitan 7
Monte Vista 48, West Hills 21
Mount Miguel 22, Steele Canyon 15
University City def. El Cajon Valley, no score reported
Only scores reported

Patriot linemen LAITHE ISENMANN and NATE CAZARES were there to lead the way for Petty's big night. CODY KIRWAN has a first-half sack for the Patriots.

STEELE CANYON 34, MOUNT MIGUEL 20 – Steele Canyon’s PIERRE ALEXANDER, a junior running back, rushed for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) last game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season and had a 65-yard score in the fourth quarter, to help the Cougars pull away to the home win in an exciting second half.

Steele Canyon quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON rushed for a 1-yard touchdown to open the scoring following DEREK TYLER's 79-yard kickoff return. That tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. Later, the veteran QB threw a 59-yard touchdown to ROOSEVELT JOHNSON in the third quarter. Johnson caught a short pass over the middle, then raced through what was left of the defense to put the Cougars ahead, 19-13.

Junior back MALCOM ANDERS added a 2-yard touchdown score behind his lineman CALEB OGORMAN, a sophomore, in the third quarter, which gave the Cougars a 27-20 lead with 48.5 seconds left in the third quarter.

Alexander's first long TD put SteeleCanyon ahead 13-7 in the first quarter.

Mount Miguel got a great hookup in the third quarter on a long pass from JACOB CASTILLO on a 27-yard touchdown pass to CHRISTIAN GARCIA which tied the game, 13-13, in the third quarter. The duo would hook up for another beautiful medium-long pass to the right side against coverage, that Garcia hauled in then danced around his cover man for a score which would give the Matadors a 20-19 lead.

GROSSMONT 56, VALHALLA 21 – Fresh from their stirring victory over Steele Canyon last week, and eager to earn a home-field game in next week’s

playoffs, the Norsemen arrived at Grossmont Friday evening (Nov. 7), fresh and ready to go in the final game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season.

Alas, the Senior Night adulations for the Foothillers’ outgoing cheerleaders and football players carried on for nearly a half-hour past the normal 7 p.m. kickoff.

That delay seemed to take the wind out of Valhalla’s sails. Of course, Grossmont’s relentless offensive attack might have had something to do with smashing the Norsemen defense into submission as well in a 56-21 rout. After the dust settled, Grossmont will be hosting its playoff game next week while the Norsemen put on their travelin’ boots.

Valhalla’s defense did look good – for one play. Following the opening kickoff, Grossmont started on its 26-yard line. On first down, Valhalla linebacker DANIEL BENDER leveled the runner for a 1-yard loss. On second down, the receiver dropped an accurate pass from junior quarterback CALVIN FARRIS, setting up a third and long. No problem. Farris threw a dart to senior wide receiver HUNTER REINER for a 16-yard first down at the Hillers’ 40 yard-line.

A few plays later Farris connected with junior wide receiver KYLE PINEDA for a 15-yard gain to the Valhalla 47. On second down, Farris found senior wide receiver AJ SHAW wide open down the middle for a 45-yard pass-catch. Pineda, who also serves as the kicker, booted the PAT through the uprights and Grossmont led 7-0, only 2 minutes into the game.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh is tackled by Jake Lopez (5) of Grossmont during their encounter Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

A few minutes later, the potent Grossmont offense got the ball back after Valhalla’s JACOB PAAPE punted to the Hillers’ 10 yard-line, where it was fielded by the Hillers' return man, who had a nifty, shake and bake 29-yard return to the Foothillers’ 39-yard line. Seven plays later, junior running back MATTHEW LILLIARD pounded into the end zone from the 1-yard-line. Once again, Pineda (8-8 PAT) cleared the goal posts, giving the Foothillers a 14-0 lead with 4:41 left in the first quarter.

Early in the second period, the Hillers were looking to extend their lead, marching swiftly down the field. On second and goal from the Norsemen 5-yard-line, Farris eyeballed an open receiver in the end zone and zinged the ball to him. Unfortunately, Valhalla linebacker TREY SCHIMKE leapt into the air in front of the receiver, intercepted the ball and returned it 25 yards to the Valhalla 24-yard line.

Energized, the Norsemen put it in gear and started their own march, assisted by a Grossmont pass-interference call on 3rd and 12 from the Valhalla 22-yard-line. A 15-yard completion from Valhalla junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH to senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN put the ball at the Hillers’ 44-yard line. On third down, senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER ran a precise post route and Naseh hit him in full-stride for a 44-yard TD. Paape’s kick was true and Valhalla was back in the game, trailing 14-7, with 7:28 remaining in the first half.

It took only 1:02 to wipe out Valhalla’s resurgence, when Lilliard broke at least 4 tackles on his way to a 44-yard touchdown run, padding Grossmont’s lead, 21-7, with 6:25 left until intermission.

The teams traded interceptions on the next two series; Grossmont’s BJ GONZALES picked off Naseh at the Grossmont 42-yard-line. Three plays later, Valhalla’s DASHAWN KINISTON swiped a Farris pass at the Grossmont 45 and returned it to the 17-yard line, giving the Norsemen great field position, but the Norsemen were unable to capitalize when Naseh, under extreme pressure, threw an incomplete pass on 4th down.

Six plays later, Lilliard capped a 91-yard drive by rumbling into the end zone from 5 yards out, upping the score to 28-7 just 50 seconds before halftime.
In the 3rd quarter, Valhalla narrowed the gap to 28-14 when Naseh lasered the ball to senior wide receiver SPENCER HENDERSON (6 receptions, 77 yards) for a 35-yard touchdown pass with 8:18 remaining in the third period.

Grossmont answered shortly thereafter when senior defensive back DAVID MAKAJ intercepted Naseh and returned it 18 yards for another Grossmont TD, making it 35-14, at the 5:49 mark in the third quarter. Lilliard increased the shellacking to 42-14 with a 3-yard run near the end of the penultimate period.

Early in the 4th quarter, Valhalla’s sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON scored from 9 yards out, but a minute later quarterback Ferris loped into the end zone on a 9-yard TD run, ringing the bell 42-21 with 10:07 remaining in the game. Less than a minute later, Lilliard raced 7 yards into the end zone for his 5th TD of the game, finalizing the score at 56-21.

Grossmont amassed 521 yards of total offense and limited Valhalla to 279 yards. Farris was 16-26-2 in the passing department, with 243 yards and 1 TD. For Valhalla, Naseh was 18-30-2, 202 yards and 2 TDs.

GRANITE HILLS 54, SANTANA 7 – SETH COLLINS rushed for two touchdowns in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) Grossmont Valley League last regular game of the season and threw for another in the second quarter, as the Eagles built a 42-7 lead by halftime.

Collins had TD runs of 66 and 12 yards, then junior THOMAS YOUMOG had a 7-yard run to put the Eagles ahead, 21-0, in the first. Collins’ long run was one of his typical keepers that has kept defenders chasing him all season.

The Sultans only score would make it a contest in the first when quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ and ADAM CHILDRESS had their familiar hookup – this time for a long 85-yard score, to make it 21-7. Gutierrez had plenty of time to wait for Childress to run by his defender around the 40-yard line down the left side, where he hauled in the heave and won the footrace for the bomb.

Junior LYDEN FRANKLIN turned in a 67-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to put the Eagles back up by three scores at the end of the first quarter. KALVIN SANDERS and VICTOR GARCIA did the work up front, as the Eagles pulled right to set the play.

Granite Hills' MICHAEL LEDESMA caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Collins, then had a 58-yard punt return, which set up his own 1-yard score before halftime. Ledesma got behind his defender on the 31-yard reception, as Collins rolled right away from pressure from Santana's MATT HOMAN

Santana's NOAH JACKSON had an interception in the end zone in the second quarter.

RYAN ROJ, a junior, got playing time at quarterback in the second half, and he did his best Collins impersonation with a 12-yard touchdown run.

UNIVERSITY CITY 35, EL CAJONVALLEY 7 – MATTHEW SHEARIN carried the ball 29 times for the visiting Braves’ only touchdown in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) season-ending non-league contest.

El Cajon Valley registered 2 interceptions, one by THOMAS NARAVETTE and one by TYSON SMITH.

Braves quarterback MERITON HASANI completed 3 of 8 passes.

ESCONDIDO CHARTER 46, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 3 – Escondido Charter picked up a season-ending Pacific League victory over Foothills Christian on Thursday (Nov. 6). No other information was provided about the game.

Senior Zach Cagle (22) and the El Capitan Vaqueros host the Helix Highlanders in a winner-take-all Grossmont Hills League showdown in Lakeside Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Fearless Forecaster

Helix, El Capitan, West Hills, Monte Vista on brink of Grossmont league titles

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com

LAKESIDE (11-6-14) — This is a classic duel where these two Top 10 teams from the Grossmont Conference will collide for the Grossmont Hills League championship for the first time ever.

El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) has had a perfect season so far. But that probably won’t mean a whole lot to the Helix Highlanders (8-1, 4-0) when they take on the Vaqueros Friday (Nov. 7) in Lakeside.

This game is one of the biggest encounters that should draw a huge crowd. That’s been the case in the past, when the Highlanders won eight in a row.

Running off the field without a loss is undoubtedly a feat to be proud of. But the Highlanders don’t intend to let the Vaqueros get away with that kind of escape.

No. 3 Helix has surrendered an average of 6.2 ppg all season, while No. 4 El Capitan is allowing 12 ppg.

The key to the Highlanders’ victories has been East County’s leading rusher, NATHAN STINSON, who has run for 1253 yards on 121 carries for 17 touchdowns. Helix quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN has passed for 1122 yards 75 of 124 completions with 11 TDs.

El Capitan, on the other hand, has been led by quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who has passed for 1747 yards on 110-183 completions and 16 touchdowns. Receiver ISAIAH CAPOOCIA has caught 47 passes for 743 yards and 12 TDS. D.J. SMITH has rushed for 894 yards on 124 carries and 14 TDs.

This is a tough one but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 22-21.

MONTE VISTA (6-3, 3-0) at WEST HILLS (7-2, 3-0), 7 – In a game of survival for the Grossmont Valley League championship, Monte Vista will travel to East Santee Friday night (Nov. 7) to tackle West Hills in the regular season finale.

Monte Vista is led by running backs JORDAN JOHNSON (1163 yards on 122 carries, 9 TDs) and LEE WADE, Jr. (1025 yards, 114 carries, 14 TDs). AUSTIN CAOLE (543 yards, 28-92 completions, 6 TDs) handles the quarterbacking duties for the Monarchs.

The Wolf Pack will count on running back JACOB SHAW (959 yards, 158 carries, 11 TDs), quarterback SPENCER MOYER (1549, 87-152, 16 TDs) and receivers RAPHY CARR (49 catches, 917 yards, 6 TDs) and TAJ BROOMFIELD (27 catches, 362 and 3 TDs).

With the championship on the line, this game basically turns into a flip side, and the nod goes to . . . West Hills 21-20.

SANTA FE CHRISTIAN (5-4, 3-1) vs. CHRISTIAN (9-0, 3-0) at Granite Hills, 4 – The Patriots are about one TD away from completing a perfect 10-0 season. It’s no fluke that Christian has rolled over its opponents, both in the Central League and non-league.

The Patriots are “proud that we’ve allowed only one turnover (an interception) and one lost punt,” said offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

Christian is averaging 199 yards rushing and 112 passing. The Patriots are led by hard charging ADRIAN PETTY (87-1252, 19 TDs, 156.5 ypg), and quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH (136-190, 2092, 23 TDs, 23.7 ypg).

The receiving corps are led by NICK SEXTON (38-646, 6 TDs), Utah Valley bound shortstop TREVOR HOWELL (35-469, 4 TDs), and CHAD HUMPHRIES (20-468, 8 TDs). The Christian defense is headed by JOEY MORONES (44 tackles and a sack).

The Patriots own the offense and certainly won’t stumble against Santa Fe Christian . . . Christian 37-14.

VALHALLA (4-5, 2-2) at GROSSMONT (4-5, 1-3), 7 – The playoffs are well within reach of both teams as they face off Friday night (Nov. 7) in a Grossmont Hills League finale.

East County leading quarterback CALVIN FARRIS directs the Foothillers 1640 yards on 101-218 completions and 17 TDs. Receivers ALIJAH AVANT (370 yards on 21 carries, 3 TDs) and HUNTER REINER (697, 59 carries, 8 TDs) are favorite targets. Grossmont’s defense is headed by JACOB DENSON (60 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries), MALIK HAYES (50 tackles and a sack) and CHAZ CADWALADER (48 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery) among others.

The Norsemen’s offense is directed by quarterback PHILLIP NASEH (1571 yards on 125-229 passes, 9 touchdowns). He’ll be looking for receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (44 catches for 570 yards and 4 TDs). Running back JEROME JOHNSON has amassed 782 yards on 154 carries and 10 touchdowns.

The Foothillers always seem to come up with the offense, but they’re going to need plenty to beat the Norsemen . . . Grossmont 27-17.

SANTANA (4-5, 1-2) at GRANITE HILLS (6-3, 1-2), 7 – This Grossmont Valley League game has playoff connotations. The injury-plagued Sultans of Santana have a shot at finishing at 5-5, but that’ll be hard to grind out because Granite Hills doesn’t appear ready to roll over in the GVL.

Granite Hills counts on double threat quarterback SETH COLLINS, who has rushed for 629 yards on 72 carries and 11 touchdowns, while also completing 44 of 93 passes for 691 yards and 9 TDs. MICHAEL LEDESMA has rushed for 398 yards on 66 carries for 9 TDs for the Eagles.

Don’t look for the Eagles to fall . . . Granite Hills 37-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (3-6, 0-4) at STEELE CANYON (6-3, 1-3), 7 – It’s been a rugged season for Mount Miguel, which has lost six of nine contests this season and all four of its Grossmont Hills League games. The struggling Matadors will have their hands full against Steele Canyon. Running back ANTHONY GILMORE has rushed 889 yards on 83 carries with 5 touchdowns to lead Mount Miguel.

The Cougars need a victory to earn a prominent spot in the playoffs. Quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (78-147, 1163, 10 TDs) will lead the Cougars’ attack against the Matadors. His top target is receiver JORDAN JOHNSON (14-220, 2 TDs). On defense for the Cougars WILLIE FAIR has 88 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions.

Look for the Cougars to continue Mount Miguel’s losing skid . . . Steele Canyon 19-13.

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-7, 0-4) at UNIVERSITY CITY (5-4, 2-1), 6:30 – The Braves have eyes on their third win of the season as they visit University City in a 6:30 p.m. non-league game Friday evening.

This is a chance to play spoiler for the Braves, who could take a giant step toward the post-season if they can sidestep the Centurions.

El Cajon Valley’s chances hinge on MATTHEW SHEARIN, who is headed for the Ivy League, and who has rushed for an East County high 135 carries for 1366 yards and 17 touchdowns (151.8 ypg) . . . El Cajon Valley 37-27.

Thurs., Nov. 6
FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-9, 0-3) vs. Escondido Charter (1-8, 1-2) at Orange Glen, 7 –
Foothills Christian gets one more chance when the Knights close the regular season against Escondido Charter in a Pacific League finale. . . Escondido Charter 27-7.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 108-19 (.850)

JV/Frosh scores
Junior Varsity

Friday, Nov. 7
Helix 23, El Capitan 0
Grossmont 24, Valhalla 21
Mount Miguel 37, Steele Canyon 31
Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Nov 6
Grossmont 40, Valhalla 21 (Foothillers win Hills League)
Helix 33, El Capitan 7
Monte Vista 48, West Hills 21
Mount Miguel 22, Steele Canyon 15
University City def. El Cajon Valley, no score reported
Only scores reported

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JV/Frosh scores  
Junior Varsity

Friday, Oct. 31
Helix 28, Grossmont 14
Steele Canyon 26, Valhalla 24
El Capitan 21, Mount Miguel 21
Only scores reported

Freshmen

Thursday, Oct. 30
Santana 28, West Hills 21
Grossmont 21, Helix 3
Valhalla 28, Steele Canyon 14
El Capitan 27, Mount Miguel 14

Only scores reported

 



 

 



2014 STANDINGS
(through CIF-SDS Finals)
Grossmont Valley League
School
W
L
W
L
PF
PA
Monte Vista
3
0
6
3
292
184
West Hills
2
0
6
2
205
199
Santana
1
1
4
4
188
175
Granite Hills
0
2
5
3
265
157
El Cajon Valley
0
3
2
6
126
316

Grossmont Hills League
School
W
L
W
L
PF
PA
El Capitan
5
0
13
0
491
145
Helix
4
1
10
3
452
140
Steele Canyon
2
3
7
4
312
237
Valhalla
2
3
4
7
237
339
Grossmont
2
3
6
6
465
408
Mount Miguel
0
5
3
8
223
342

Central League
School
W
L
W
L
PF
PA
Christian
3
0
13
0
623
164
University City
2
1
7
5
322
221
Clairemont
1
2
5
7
202
273
Coronado
0
3
4
8
206
340

Pacific League
School
W
L
W
L
PF
PA
Classical Academy
4
0
9
2
228
131
Tri-City Christian
3
1
4
6
257
328
Escondido Charter
2
2
2
8
154
298
Army-Navy
1
3
1
9
172
371
Foothills Christian
0
4
0
10
106
386

CIF State Playoffs

Fri., Dec. 12
St. Margaret’s at Christian, 7:30
Game will be played at Granite Hills
Paso Robles at El Capitan, 7:30

2014 Regular Season
Fri., Aug. 29
Non-League

El Capitan 35, Madison 7
Christian 56, SLO-Mission Prep 21
Monte Vista 29, Serra 7
Granite Hills 41, San Diego HS 0
Grossmont 37, Patrick Henry 22
Ramona 55, El Cajon Valley 13
Mount Miguel 26, Morse, 6
Santana 35, SD-Southwest 0
West Hills 26, Mission Bay 13
Steele Canyon 48, Chula Vista, 18
Otay Ranch 24, Valhalla 11
The Rock 13, Foothills Christian 0

Sat., Aug. 30
Non-League

Helix 24, Ventura-St. Bonaventure 20

Fri., Sept. 5
Non-League

Helix 34, Loomis-Del Oro 10
Otay Ranch 42, Grossmont 31
El Cajon Valley 30, Montgomery 23
Mount Miguel 25, Poway 24
El Capitan 35, Mater Dei 0
Granite Hills 48, Valhalla 7
Steele Canyon 27, Monte Vista 14
Santana 30, Kearny 0
Christian 43, West Hills 29
Calvin Christian 44, Foothills Christian 14

Fri., Sept 12
Non-League

Ramona 45, Grossmont 27
Christian 70, El Cajon Valley 7
Otay Ranch 16, Mount Miguel 6
Granite Hills 48, Patrick Henry 24
Valhalla 35, Monte Vista 14
Castle Park 13, Santana 3
El Capitan 51, West Hills 7
Steele Canyon 25, Vista 7
Maranatha Christian 34, Foothills Christian 0

Fri., Sept 19
Non-League

El Capitan 42, Serra 0
Grossmont 75, Hilltop 22
Cathedral 9, Helix 7
Granite Hills 44, El Centro-Central 22
Monte Vista 31, Mount Miguel 28
Francis Parker 28, Santana 14
West Hills 26, La Jolla 24
Steele Canyon 41, Rancho Buena Vista 0
Christian 55, Ontario Christian 7
CV-Calvary Christian 46, Foothills Christian 6

Fri., Sept. 26
Non-League
Granite Hills 24, Hoover 22
Monte Vista 49, Kearny 7
Helix 42, Ramona 0
El Cajon Valley 21, SD-Southwest 6
Point Loma at 47, Santana 33
Valhalla 42, Francis Parker 13
West Hills 34, Valley Center 20
Steele Canyon 38, Otay Ranch 16
Mount Miguel 14, Serra 7
Crawford 41, Foothills Christian 7
Sat., Sept. 27
Non-League

Christian 49, Mission Bay 10

Fri., Oct. 3
Non-League

Grossmont 40, Poway 7
Orange Glen 41, El Cajon Valley 20
El Capitan 28, Granite Hills 14
Patrick Henry 35, Monte Vista 22
Santana 35, Mar Vista 21
West Hills 23, Valhalla 20 (OT)
Helix 42, Bonita Vista 0
Lutheran 38, Foothills Christian 22

Fri., Oct. 10
Grossmont Hills League

Valhalla 38, Mount Miguel 26
Helix 41, Steele Canyon 0
El Capitan 63, Grossmont 28
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 45, Santana 10
West Hills 36, El Cajon Valley 7
Central League
Christian 56, Coronado 0
Sat., Oct. 11
Pacific League

Tri-City Christian 50, Foothills Christian 33

Fri., Oct. 17
Grossmont Hills League

Helix 42, Mount Miguel 0
Steele Canyon 20, Grossmont 14
El Capitan 34, Valhalla 14
Grossmont Valley League
West Hills 24, Granite Hills (H) 21
Monte Vista (H) 57, El Cajon Valley 7
Pacific League
Army-Navy 47, Foothills Christian 14
Non-League
Christian 63, Hilltop 7

Fri., Oct. 24
Grossmont Hills League

El Capitan 49, Steele Canyon 24
Grossmont 63, Mount Miguel 29
Helix (H) 42, Valhalla 7
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 31, Granite Hills 28
Santana 28, El Cajon Valley (H) 21
Central League
Christian 42, Clairemont 3

Thurs., Oct. 30
Pacific League

Classical Academy 27, Foothills Christian 7
Fri., Oct. 31
Grossmont Hills League

Helix 56, Grossmont 10
El Capitan 34, Mount Miguel (H) 14
Valhalla 25, Steele Canyon 24
Grossmont Valley League
West Hills 53, Santana 11
Granite Hills 56, El Cajon Valley 14
Central League
Christian 42, University City 6

Fri., Nov. 6
Grossmont Hills League

El Capitan 24, Helix 17
Grossmont 56, Valhalla 21
Steele Canyon 34, Mount Miguel 20
Grossmont Valley League
West Hills 21, Monte Vista 13
Granite Hills 54, Santana 7
Central League
Christian 49, Santa Fe Christian 7
Non-League
University City 35, El Cajon Valley 7
Thurs., Nov. 6
Pacific League

Escondido Charter 46, Foothills Christian 3

***END OF REGULAR SEASON***

Postseason Schedule

Fri., Nov. 14
Division IV First Round

(8) El Cajon Valley 49, (9) Horizon 34
Division III First Round
(5) Granite Hills 55, (12) Henry 28
(9) Parker 41, (8) Monte Vista 21
Division II First Round
(5) West Hills 41, (12) Imperial 27
Division I First Round
(5) Point Loma 47, (12) Mt. Miguel 35
(7) El Camino 31, (10) Valhalla 17
(8) Grossmont 56, (9) Westview 34

Fri., Nov. 21
Division IV Quarterfinals

(1) Bishop’s 62, (8) El Cajon Valley 0
Division III Quarterfinals
(2) Christian 42, (10) La Jolla 38
(5) Granite Hills 38, (4) Fallbrook 7
Division II Quarterfinals
(1) El Capitan 48, (8) Mt. Carmel 6
(4) Brawley 29, (5) West Hills 13
Division I Quarterfinals
(1) La Costa Canyon 47, (8) Grossmont 28
(7) El Camino 33, (2) Steele Canyon 31
Open Division
(3) Helix 58, (6) Ramona 35

Fri., Nov. 28
Division III Semifinals

(1) Hoover 21, (5) Granite Hills 13
(2) Christian 25, (11) Morse 20
Division II Semifinals
(1) El Capitan 34, (4) Brawley 7
Open Division
(3) Helix 27, (2) Cathedral Catholic 5

Sat., Dec. 6
Division III Finals

(2) Christian 31, (1) Hoover 9
Division II Finals
(1) El Capitan 14, (3) Rancho Bernardo 7
Open Division Finals
(1) Oceanside 20, (3) Helix 13

 

WEEK 4

Highlanders Dealt Revenge by the Dons

©EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO (9-20-14) — After Helix scored on its first drive of the game, Cathedral Catholic seemingly controlled the clock and field position for the remainder of Friday night’s (Sept.) non-league game, dealing the Highlanders a stunning 9-7 blow.

The Dons got what would be the game's decisive score with about nine minutes left in the second quarter when Cathedral Catholic's Choyce Bostian had a 19-yard pass completion for a touchdown to Kai Walter.

Walter broke underneath from his tight end spot on the left side, and was uncovered at about the 2-yard line when he hauled in the easy toss from Bostian.

Helix’s NATHAN STINSON had 15 carries for 95 yards, including a 36-yard run on the Scotties' scoring drive, when he cut back against the blocking of his massive line, then shot out to the right sideline past midfield, outsprinting all but one CC defender, getting knocked out inside the 25.

The Highlanders had a six-play, 62-yard scoring drive following a long Cathedral march that resulted in an opening field goal by Tim Semenza from 19 yards out. JIHAD WOODS capped the drive with a 3-yard scoring scrum.

In the fourth quarter, Helix's Woods stripped a ball from a Cathedral back, to give the Scots the ball almost near midfield, but Helix would be intercepted on the next play, when an intended pass went through the hands of a receiver and was deflected off a player's leg, and the ball easily landed in the hands of a Dons defensive man.

Helix had a 48-yard field-goal attempt blocked with 4:27 remaining in the game. The Dons picked up a fourth-down conversion with 1:36 to go to force the kneel-down and end the game.

Helix's strong defensive night was led by DASHAWN KIERSEY, SEFA TAUANUU, FORREST HANLON, EZEKIEL NOA, TYLER CLANTON, SCOTT YOUNG and MEKHI STEVENSON.

It takes five La Jolla Vikings to bring down West Hills' 5-foot-7, 152-pound powerhouse senior slot-man Raphy Carr during the Wolf Pack's non-league win over La Jolla Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

WEST HILLS 26, LA JOLLA 24 – West Hills snapped a two-game losing streak against the high-scoring Vikings in Friday night’s (Sept. 19) non-league game.
This game was sealed by Wolf Pack senior receiver WILL PETTY.

The Pack got a 19-yard TD reception by JUSTIN HANCOCK with 1:44 left in the game from QB SPENCER MOYER to rally the host Wolf Pack after the Vikings had erased a two-touchdown halftime deficit.

Hancock, lined up on the left, took a quick, but slightly-delayed inside route pass from Moyer. He caught the ball wide open just inside the 10, and easily had the end zone.

West Hills got an interception by Petty to seal the late win for the Wolf Pack, as the Vikings' last-ditch drive was cut short. Wolf Pack senior defensive back RAPHY CARR had an 80-yard touchdown catch-and-run and two interceptions in the first half for a 20-10 halftime advantage.

On the Pack's game-deciding drive, Moyer completed passes for pair of conversions for first downs, as West Hills moved into La Jolla territory to the 44 with 5:40 left. Running back JACOB SHAW rumbled for a first down on fourth-and-a long three to extend the winning march.

West Hills senior receiver Devon Hathaway is brought down by La Jolla defenders Friday night in Santee. 9-19-14 (EastCountySports.com photo)

On the West Hills series before the decisive score, Moyer threw a 3rd-and -18 completion to Carr, plus a penalty took the ball down to the La Jolla 11-yard line. But a Pack near-TD run resulted in a touchback when the ball was stripped and fumbled just before the pylon.

The Vikes' earlier converted a 45-yard pass to Carlton O'Neal from QB Collin Rugg on fourth down – their second fourth-down conversion of the series, then the next play was a 15-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Levenson. The PAT was good with 2:16 left in third, closing the West Hills lead to 20-17.

LJ converted a fourth down late to extend their final drive with under a minute remaining. Then, on 3rd-and-3, Vikings picked up another first down before Petty's interception. West Hills needed to down the ball to end the contest.

The Vikings got a 38-yard TD pass to O'Neal with 8:55 left as the receiver got open down field behind the defense for a 24-20 lead with 8:55 left.

West Hills didn't look sharp executing the offense in the second half until their scoring drive, as they were bogged down by penalties, as well as a drive which resulted in a missed field goal attempt.

TAJ BROOMFIELD, a junior, also had a first-half interception for the Wolf Pack.

Shaw had a 35-yard run for West Hills in the first half, taking the Pack down to the 11, where Moyer found tight end AUSTIN ESTRADA for an 11-yard score, making it 13-3 West Hills. Shaw opened the scoring for the Wolf Pack wtih a 6-yard score, erasing an early 3-0 La Jolla advantage.

Carr's second interception of the first half came in the Vikings' end zone, as he picked off the La Jolla scoring threat just before intermission. On his 80-yard score in the second quarter, Carr caught a short screen to the left behind the line of scrimmage, as the play was started with a fake-inside-handoff to the right.

That left the 5-foot-7, 152-pounder with a bevy of pull-back blockers, including linemen DOMINIC TUFI, GARRETT MEAD, JOSE ESTRADA and OSCAR MORALES, leaving a wide-open ocean of blue turf down the middle of the field, as he jaunted alone to the end zone, giving West Hills the 20-10 halftime lead.

Christian junior running back Adrian Petty runs to familiar daylight against Ontario Christian Friday night. (photo by Ruth Mims)

CHRISTIAN 55, ONTARIO CHRISTIAN 7 – Patriots junior running back ADRIAN PETTY ran over Ontario Christian all night, and sometimes it was even by accident.

Petty started the night with a couple of 20-yard-plus runs, and ended the night going 99 yards for a touchdown because the Patriots couldn't take a knee without allowing a safety.

JOEY MORONES had Christian's first touchdown on a 5-yard run, then Petty picked up his first score on a 15-yard toss for a 13-0 advantage.

Senior captain TREVOR HOWELL and quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH teamed up on an 80-yard pass-and-run, giving Christian a 20-0 lead. The duo would combine again for another TD connection, while Morones also added another touchdown run.

Just before halftime, the Knights were headed in for a possible score when the Patriots forced a fumble at the 1, recovering for a turnover.

That set the stage for Petty's record-tying, 99-yard run. Christian was content to take a knee and head into halftime, but after one down, found themselves backed up well inside the 1. Instead of giving up the two points in the first half, Petty tried to bash into the line, but got through and busted all the way down the field for a 41-0 lead.

With seven minutes left in the third quarter, a running clock was used for the remainder of the game.

Petty took it to the house one more time – this one from 40 yards, then CHAD HUMPHRIES added a 25-yard score after Ontario Christian had scored on a TD pass.

Foothillers players celebrate... again, during Grossmont's record-setting win over Hilltop Friday night. (photo by Linda Byerline)

GROSSMONT 75, HILLTOP 22 – Coach TOM KARLO’s Foothillers barged in front 41-14 at halftime and never looked back in Friday’s (Sept. 19) non-league action.

The triggerman for the Foothillers was running back ALIJAH AVANT, who led the Grossmont scoring parade of 75 points – a Grossmont Conference record as well as a school record – which included 712 yards total offense.

JAKE HARR averaged 110 yards rushing and a touchdown. DEION MICKENS also scored a pair of touchdowns on 104 yards for the Foothillers.

GRANITE HILLS 44, CENTRAL UNION 22 – Having outscored their opponents by 100 points in their first 3 games, the Granite Hills High Eagles (4-0) took one of the hottest offenses in the section into the desert to tackle Central Union (1-2) in equally hot temperatures.

When the dust settled, Granite Hills was headed West with a 44-22 victory. Red hot QB SETH COLLINS figured to have the biggest influence on the outcome of the game. That happened, but not in a way anyone saw coming. On the 5th play of the opening drive, Collins was hit late out of bounds on the Central sideline. A melee ensued and the result was the ejection of Collins.

What do you do when you lose your starting QB? You ring up MICHAEL LEDESMA. The wideout slipped into the Eagles shotgun and ran the host Spartans right into the ground.

Ledesma scored 5 touchdowns on runs of 1, 10, 15, 12 and 6 yards. "I never thought I'd score 5 rushing TD's tonight," stated Ledesma. "But our coaches dialed up some really nice plays and I have the option of changing out of the play if I need to."

But don't let the final score fool you. This was a competitive game deep into the 4th quarter.

Granite got the scoring started with an 8-play 60 yard drive to start the game. All 8 plays were on the ground with Collins and Ledesma sharing the duties with THOMAS YOUMON. Ledesma had the 1 yard plunge for the TD.

With the Eagles up 7-0, the home standing Spartans showed they weren't going down without a fight. They countered with a 6-play 95 yard drive that ended with a 55 yard touchdown pass from QB Pete Sanchez.

Granite contributed to the Central cause when on a 4th down from their own 20, Granite Hills snapped the ball out of the end zone for a safety. Central up 9-7, with 3:50 left in the 1st quarter.

On the ensuing free kick, the Spartans turned up the heat on the Eagles. QB Angel Ramirez shook free and weaved his way for 44 yards to paydirt, and the Eagles found themselves down 16-7 in a hostile environment.

"When we fell behind early I just told our guys to stay the course," said head coach KELLAN COBBS. "I reminded them that we had scored 21 or more points every 4th quarter so far, so we weren't out of it."

THOMAS YOUMOG and Ledesma handled the heavy lifting on the next Granite Hills scoring drive. Literally alternating runs Youmog (15 carries- 78 yards) had 4 carries for 20 yards on the drive while Ledesma (25 for 144, 5 Tds) added 37 yards including the final 10 yards for the score.

The final minute of the first half and the opening drive of the 2nd half might have been the most pivotal section of the game. Up 16-14, Central lined up for a questionable 49 yard field goal with 47 seconds left in the half. The Eagles not only blocked the kick, but managed to use a short field for a 40 yard BRYCE STRICKLAND field goal and a 17-16 halftime lead.

Although Central received the 2nd half kickoff, their drive stalled at their own 40 yard line. Mysteriously, the Spartans decided to go on 4th down and 2. They didn't convert and the Eagles drove 40 yards in 7 plays and scored again with Ledesma's 3rd TD run of 15 yards.

"We were a little surprised when they went for it that early in the game," Cobbs stated. "We used it as motivation for our boys and it kind of fired us up a little."

Clearly momentum had changed and Granite Hills had moved itself into great field position again. But up 24-16 on the Spartan 36 yard line, Granite coughed up the ball and the pesky Spartans returned the fumble 64 yards to pull within 2 points. 24-22.

That was as close as the Spartans would get.

After a failed 2-pt conversion, Granite Hills would again lean on Ledesma. He added TD runs of 12 and 6 yards to close out the scoring on offense.

"Coach came up to me and said I needed to step up as a leader and he was confident I could handle it," Ledesma said. "I knew we have been strong in the second half, so we just kept after it."

With Central grasping for straws in the waning seconds of the game, Granite put a punctuation mark on the night on the final play of the game. Linebacker KELLEN GAEIR intercepted and returned the final pass of the game for a touchdown and the final score of 44-22.

The Granite Hills rushing corps finished with 45 rushes for 248 yards and 5 touchdowns. Coach Cobbs also had strong praise for his offensive line.

"Wow, our line really came together tonight," said Cobbs. "They are very young and inexperienced. But they are very talented."

— Mark Meadows

MONTE VISTA 31, MOUNT MIGUEL 28 – The battle for Spring Valley couldn’t get much closer as the Monarchs took the encounter to the final seconds.

The Monarchs had to scramble for the victory, however, which balanced their record at 2-2.

Monte Vista claimed a prideful win that ended up less than a yard from the goal line, which sent the crowd spilling onto the field.

This was a wild one as the teams traded scores all night. The Monarchs tucked the victory away on a 27-yard field goal by MATTHEW GOFIGAN with 2:20 remaining.

Monte Vista took a 20-10 halftime lead. But the game was not decided until the final seconds.

Mount Miguel’s ANTOINNE HAMILTON scored 2 touchdowns for the Matadors.

Steele Canyon's Riley Jones carries against Rancho Buena Vista Friday night. The Cougars easily won the non-league contest. (EastCountySports.com photo)

STEELE CANYON 41, RANCHO BUENA VISTA 0 – The Longhorns were under attack from Steele Canyon's unheralded defense from the get-go, as the host Cougars piled up a four-touchdown lead by halftime.

The Cougars are 4-0 to open the season for the first time in school history (since 2006), according to coach SCOTT LONGERBONE. The Cougars have won 4 in a row in 2005 and 2006, but not to open the season.

But the stats got even better as the Cougars defense limited the Longhorns to 21 yards during Friday night’s (Sept. 19) romp over RBV, and also racked up 7 sacks.

Seniors EDWARD DELGADO and WILLIE FAIR, had a pair of sacks, as RBV managed a first down, but a series of minus-yardage plays on the 'Horns opening drive.

The Cougars went on a relatively easy march on the game's first drive. A 24-yard TD run by RILEY JONES made it 7-0.

Jones had a 21-yard TD run with 2:18 left in the first quarter, as the senior dashed off left tackle, cut to the numbers at the 10, hopping out of the grasp of a would-be tackler before the goal. The score was set up by a great deep-fade 32-yard completion from QB DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON to ROOSEVELT JOHNSON to land the Cougars close to the red zone.

Two more Steele Canyon sacks, including one by Jones, on RBV's first drive of the second quarter forced a turnover on downs with 7:44 left before halftime.

The Cougars recovered an on-side kick, then Wood-Anderson had another deep pass completion to inside the 10. PIERRE ALEXANDER ran a sweep to the right on the next play, crashing just inside the pylon, for a 20-0 lead. The PAT failed.?

Later in the second, Wood-Anderson threw a long pass to the opposite hash down the right side, hitting senior ISAIAH WEBB in stride for a seemingly easy 33-yard score, making it 27-0 at intermission.

In the third, Wood-Anderson added a 15-yard touchdown run.

In the fourth quarter, Wood-Anderson's capable backup, JOE CALIFANO came in to the game to wrap up for SC, and he hit receiver DEREK TYLER, who made a jumping, one-handed catch between two defenders, then cut back against another man to get clear for the final few yards for the score.

It was a big night for the Cougars' up front on the offensive line, as MARVIN CALDWELL, KYREE WOODS, CALEB OGORMAN, JEREMIAH ZAMPETTI, JOEY METZ and JOE DELUCA manhandled the visitors from the North County.

EL CAPITAN 42, SERRA 0 – It wasn’t so much a complete domination of the Serra Conquistadors, but more just Serra committing errors, one after another throughout the night as the El Capitan Vaqueros shutout Serra 42-0.

The second quarter really told the story for the entire game. One can look at the teams’ starting positions to figure it all out. El Capitan had an average starting position in the quarter at the Serra 24-yard line. Meanwhile, the Q-Dogs’ starting position was their own 17. The Vaqueros scored 28 points in the quarter.

“We were a little sloppy early in the game,” Vaqueros coach RON BURNER said. “But the defense took over and we played our style of football. We stayed on our blocks and that opened running allies for our running backs.”

For the game, El Capitan outgained Serra 212 yards to 73. BRAD CAGLE had a subpar passing night, 10-for-23 for 136 yards and 4 touchdowns. JOEY LaCHAPPA (5-60-1), ISAIAH CAPOOCIA (3-60-2) and FRANCIS LIMA (2-16-1) were the only Vaqueros to catch passes.

The No. 3 ranked Vaqueros were playing with a running clock by halftime with a comfortable lead, and went on to polish off a 42-0 victory.

FRANCIS PARKER 28, SANTANA 14 - Missing some of their key ingredients the Sultans (2-2) stumbled for the second straight year to the Lancers. ZACH LEWIS returned a blocked punt 31 yards for a touchdown with less than a minute remaining in the first half to trim the Parker lead to 14-7, but they gave one right back as the Lancers scored with :05 seconds left before intermission.

"They were very big up front and we had a really hard time moving them," said Parker head coach John Morrison of the all-sophomore defensive line that had to make an emergency start for the Sultans."We really just wanted to keep the ball out of their hands once we got that halftime lead and luckily it worked out for us."

FRANK GUTIERREZ was 16-of-27 for 174 yards, but was sacked four times in the loss. He also scored on a 1-yd quarterback sneak to go along with 45 yards on 11 carries.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 46, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 6 - The Knights trailed 26-6 at one point in the non-league loss to Chula Vista Calvary Christian Academy Friday night (Sept. 19).

After starting quarterback WYATT BASSON was injured in last week’s game, back-up quarterback DANIEL HOFFMAN lofted a 35-yard scoring pass to TAYLOR BANKHEAD for the Knights' only score of the game.

“In the first quarter it took us awhile to get going,” said first year Knights’ coach REY LYYJOKI.

Junior Varsity
Friday, Sept 19

Grossmont 20, Hilltop 13
El Capitan 26, Serra 21
La Jolla 28, West Hills 16
Santana 42, Francis Parker 6
Only scores reported

Frosh scores
Thursday, Sept. 25

Helix 22, Cathedral Catholic 8
El Capitan 26, Serra 0
Hilltop 24, Grossmont 21
Rancho Buena Vista 24, Steele Canyon 6
Santana 33, Crawford 16

Only scores reported


2014 FEARLESS FORECASTER
Week 4

Highlanders, Dons features one of county's top regular-season matchups
Top-rated Helix travels to meet fifth-ranked Cathedral

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-18-14) — Helix, the No. 1 ranked team in the state as well as in the San Diego Section, have motored past two of the top-ranked teams in the state.

The Highlanders (2-0), who play one of the top schedules in Southern California, will travel to Cathedral Catholic (2-1) on Friday (Sept. 19) to face the Dons at 7 p.m.

The key to Helix’s success is speedy running back NATHAN STINSON, who has rushed for 228 yards on 33 carries for 2 TDs, to carry the load for the Highlanders. If Helix can find an edge it will be quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN, who has rushed for 14 carries for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Highlanders continue their drive for a state title and don’t figure to stumble . . . Helix 24-14.

EL CAPITAN (3-0) at SERRA (0-3), 6:30 – In spite of their undefeated stance, there are those who doubt whether El Capitan is as good as their 3-0 record.

Don’t doubt it. This team is a good one. The Vaqueros have a balanced attack led by quarterback BRAD CAGLE. Hard-nosed D.J. SMITH leads the ground game along with slotback ISAIAH CAPOOCIA.

El Capitan leads the all-time series between these two teams 4-2 with two of those wins coming in CIF playoffs. In 2012 Serra beat the Vaqueros 55-49 in double overtime.

But it won’t go that way this time. It should be a blowout . . . El Capitan 42-14.

CHRISTIAN (3-0) vs. ONTARIO CHRISTIAN (1-2) at Granite Hills, 7 – No. 10 ranked Christian, which is No. 1 ranked in the state in their division, is probably one of the highest scoring teams in the county, as the Patriots are averaging 56.3 points per game, according to Christian High offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

This should be a wild scoring affair as the Ontario Christian Knights are averaging 36.3 ppg.

However, the Patriots have more weapons than the Knights.

Christian transfer ADRIAN PETTY, who is averaging 147.2 yards per game, leads East County in rushing. “He’s such a versatile player,” noted Beezer. “He can run the option and he throws the ball accurately.”

By the end of this Friday night’s (Sept. 19) this high-scoring decision will belong to . . . Christian 42-27.

GRANITE HILLS (3-0) at El Centro-CENTRAL UNION (1-1), 7 – The Granite Hills Eagles are averaging 44.7 ppg. The Eagles will test the desert heat Friday night (Sept. 19) against the Spartans to find out just how good they really are.

Perhaps one of the most underrated teams in the section, the undefeated Eagles haven’t taken a step back in their first three games and don’t figure to do so this week.

Versatile quarterback SETH COLLINS can do it all. He has passed for 18 of 36 aerials for 391 yards for 5 touchdowns and rushed for 349 yards on 30 carries and 7 more touchdowns.

When it comes to playing the Eagles it’s all about offense. The upcoming part of the season will create the biggest part of the challenge.

The Eagles have begun the march to challenge for a league championship . . . Granite Hills 33-7.

RANCHO BUENA VISTA (1-2) at STEELE CANYON (3-0), 7 – This will be the second time these two teams meet. In 2013 Steele Canyon prevailed over the Longhorns 27-23.

Cougars junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON returned from the DL to lead his team to an impressive victory over Vista last week, as kicker ALEX RAYA nailed three field goals for Steele Canyon while ROSEVELT JOHNSON, MALCOM ANDERS and PIERRE ALEXANDER all scored touchdowns for the Cougars.

Steele Canyon senior linebacker WILLIE FAIR made a dramatic play on the ball as he leaped into the air a week ago and came down with his first interception of the year.

Look for a repeat this week, as the nod goes to . . . Steele Canyon 14-12.

HILLTOP (1-1) at *GROSSMONT (1-2), 7 – The injury-riddled Foothillers hope that a Homecoming crowd will give them a lift that they need after losing two of their first three games.

Perhaps the biggest advantage for Grossmont is the Foothillers have won 8 of 9 meetings against Hilltop entering Friday night’s (Sept. 19) kickoff.

Grossmont’s jumbled offense has to create confusion for the visiting Lancers due to a bucketful of injuries. The Foothillers are led by hard-nosed running back JAKE HARR, who has piled up 394 yards on 49 carries for 4 touchdowns.

Will that be enough to turn back the Lancers? Just for history’s sake . . . Grossmont 27-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (2-1) at MONTE VISTA (1-2), 7 – These two teams will collide for the mythical Spring Valley championship, and perhaps more importantly for bragging rights in Friday night’s (Sept. 19) encounter. The Matadors lead the all-time series 31-22. Both teams lost last week.

LEE WADE rushed 17 times for 101 yards and a touchdown for Monte Vista against Valhalla, while Monarchs quarterback AUSTIN CAOLE sprinted 14 yards for another.

ANTHONY GILMORE rushed for 121 yards on 21 carries to lead the Matadors against Otay Ranch. Down 9-0 early in the third quarter against the Mustangs, Matadors quarterback JACOB CASTILLO connected with JAY-VON JONES for a 16-yard touchdown pass.

Give this one to . . . Mount Miguel 23-20.

SANTANA (2-1) at FRANCIS PARKER (2-1), 7 – The only time these teams have played was in 2013, when the Lancers slugged the Sultans 52-13. The rematch should be closer but the results will likely be similar. In a battle that turned into a physical scrum, Castle Park scored 13 points in the final quarter a week ago to deal the Sultans their first setback.

The Santana defense did a superior job of making a 23-yard field goal by JACOB HAMPSON stand up for three periods. Quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ completed 15 of 24 passes for 207 yards while surviving 5 sacks. DAKOTA HARP was the Sultans leading receiver with 88 yards on 4 catches.

The Sultans will have a difficult time extending their record above .500 . . . Francis Parker 29-8.

LA JOLLA (1-2) at WEST HILLS (1-2), 7 – The joust between La Jolla and West Hills on Friday (Sept. 19) could turn into a scoring fest. The Vikings have scored 161 points compared to the Wolf Pack’s 62.

Break out the abacus for this one as neither team figures to put the brakes on the other. JACOB SHAW averaged 120 yards and scored 3 touchdowns to carry the
Wolf Pack offense. Not to be overlooked was the passing of SPENCER MOYER, who connected on 19 of 39 passes for 393 yards and 3 touchdowns to spike the Pack’s aerial game a week ago. Versatile RAPHY CARR caught 13 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown for West Hills.

Given that West Hills plays a better game of defense, the nod goes to . . . West Hills 26-22.

CV-CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ( 0-1) vs. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-2), Seau Field, 7 – It figures to be a long season for the Foothills Christian Knights, who have been crunched 91-14 after three starts.

On the defensive side the Knights haven’t done a whole lot better, having been shutout in two of their three games . . . Foothills Christian 12-7.


Fearless Forecaster’ Record
Last week: 7-2 (.778)
Season record: 23-7 (.767)


Week 3

Norsemen Turn a Triple Play

© EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (9-13-14) — Valhalla’s football team hit the trifecta Friday evening (Sept. 12). The varsity earned its first win of the season after defeating rival Monte Vista 35-14, immediately after its JV and freshmen squads each scored an identical 35 points against the Monarchs’ respective underclassmen.

For most of the game, the Norsemen defense smothered the visitors’ offense, forcing 7 punts. In fact, the Monarchs were unable to generate a first down until mid-way through the second quarter.

Led by junior quarterback PHILLIP NASSEH, Valhalla put together a sustained 14-play drive in its first possession and marched steadily down the field, aided by three receptions by senior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS and strong running by sophomore JEROME JOHNSON. Nasseh capped the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. Placekicker JACOB PAAPE’s placement (5-5) was perfect, and the Norsemen jumped to a 7-0 lead with 4:59 left in the first quarter.

Valhalla's Jerome Johnson falls near the goal Friday night against visting Monte Vista. (photo by dondemarsphotography.com)

Unable to get anything going on offense, the Monarchs defense stiffened the next time Valhalla had the ball. After the Norsemen had moved deep into Monte Vista territory to the 11-yard line and a first-and-10 from there, the visitors put the clamps on, forcing a 28-yard field goal attempt that was wide left, leaving it a close game as the initial period ended.

Early in the second quarter, Valhalla started at its 37 when disaster struck. Untouched, the ball squirted out of Nasseh’s hands as he was running; an alert ANGEL LUNA pounced on the fumbled ball and recovered it for the Monarchs at the Norsemen 26-yard line, trailing only by 7 points.

Valhalla’s defense returned the favor two plays later when linebacker DANIEL BENDER pressured the quarterback into making a hurried throw that was intercepted by linebacker LOGAN BAKER at the Norsemen 20-yard line. Valhalla was able to move the ball almost to midfield but had to punt.

Paape boomed the punt 49 yards to the Monte Vista 7-yard line, where the receiver fumbled it. Valhalla’s JOHNNY TOMA recovered the pigskin at the 4- yard line. A holding penalty moved the Norsemen back to the 14-yard line, but Nasseh found wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER open in the end zone for a 14- yard TD pass-catch, upping the score to 14-0 with 8:08 remaining until intermission.

Following the kickoff, Monte Vista started at its 23-yard line. On first down, senior running back LEE WADE sprinted 15 yards to the 38-yard line for the visitors’ initial first down of the game. Unfortunately, a penalty and a dropped pass stalled the drive, once again resulting in a punt.

This time, Valhalla defensive lineman CHRIS YOHE partially blocked the punt, giving the Norsemen excellent field position at the Monarchs’ 48-yard line. A personal foul penalty quickly squelched that drive, and the Monarchs’ offense got another chance, starting at its 16-yard line following the Valhalla punt.

This time, Monte Vista quarterback AUSTIN CAOLE made the most of his opportunity, connecting with wide receiver JOSH MIKHA for a 41-yard gain to the Valhalla 43-yard line. Six plays later, Monte Vista got on the scoreboard when Wade shook off several tacklers and sprinted to the end zone for a 14-yard TD run. MATT GOFIGAN’s PAT was good, and the game tightened to 14-7, with 2:10 left to play in the first half.

Starting at its own 39 -yard line after the ensuing kickoff, Nasseh threw a dart to wide receiver TERRANCE TANNER for a 9-yard gain. On the next play, Nasseh made an excellent play fake to Johnson, who had been pounding the middle of the line all evening; at the last second Nasseh pulled the ball back and took off running to the left, evading several tacklers for a 23-yard gain to the Monte Vista 29.

A draw play to Johnson picked up another 11 yards to the 18-yard line, followed by an 8-yard pickup on a screen pass to Johnson. With first-and-goal from the 10, offensive lineman CAMERON HOWARD and MICHAEL RIVERA opened a huge hole for Johnson to lumber unmolested to the endzone, extending Valhalla’s lead to 21-7 at halftime.

The second half was more of the same. Johnson scored his second TD of the game late in the third quarter as he bulled his way into the end zone from 4 yards out, making it 28-7 with 2:28 left in the third quarter. Forced to punt again on its next possession, Monte Vista got a break when the returner fumbled the punt at the Valhalla 7 yard line, which was recovered by the Monarchs at the 4. On first down, Wade scored a touchdown, making it a two possession game, 28-14, with 1:03 left in the third quarter. Valhalla added an insurance TD late in the game when running back RASHAUN SHARPE scored on a two yard run.

For Valhalla, Nasseh was 16-28-0 for 177 passing yards and one TD. Johnson gained 105 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns in 18 attempts, while Sharpe netted 69 yards and 1 TD on 10 carries. Wide receiver Frazier continued to impress with 5 receptions and a TD.

Defensively Logan Baker continued to lead the way for Valhalla with 9 tackles (3 for loss), an interception, and 3 quarterback hurries. Linebacker CADE BAKER also had 9 tackles and caused a fumble, while linebacker TREY SCHIMKE contributed 8 tackles.

EL CAPITAN 51, WEST HILLS 7 — Four minutes into the game, El Capitan's ISAIAH CAPOOCIA opened the scoring with a 22-yard rushing TD. Three minutes later, quarterback BRAD CAGLE completed a pass for a 38-yard touchdown, making it 14-0.

El Capitan's DJ SMITH, running with his trademark smash-mouth, stiff-arming style, upped the lead to 21-0 with a 21-yard rushing TD with four minutes to go in the first quarter. Two minutes later, the Vaqueros’ defense recorded a safety to continue the early onslaught, which ended with El Capitan defeating West Hills 51-7.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Smith took a sneaky handoff on a draw play and turned it into a 70-yard rushing touchdown down the left sideline for a 29-0 advantage.

With under a minute until halftime, the Vaqueros capped an 86-yard touchdown drive that took a little less than four minutes when Capoocia had a 5-yard TD run.

Capoocia added a third touchdown with a 40-yard scamper on the opening drive of the second half.

West Hills got on the board with about nine minutes left in the third quarter when SPENCER MOYER threw a 79-yard touchdown pass to RAPHY CARR.

ZACH CAGLE had a 16-yard reception on the Vaqueros' opening drive of the game.

Helping pitch the near-shutout on defense were Vaquero seniors JOEY LaCHAPPA, CLAY CROMWELL, JAMES OWENS, ROBBY CALLAWAY and JOHN LaCHAPPA.

“Our defense has allowed only two touchdowns in two games,” noted El Capitan coach RON BURNER. “We have a pretty strong team, which is evident by the fact that we scored 33 points in 33 seconds of the first quarter.”

Nine Vaqueros carried the football, rolling up 337 yards for El Capitan (3-0).

Brad Cagle completed 3 of 7 passes for 52 yards and a touchdown to add to the totals for El Capitan.

No information was received from West Hills.

A Grossmont player completes a play Friday night at Ramona. (photo by Linda Byerline)

RAMONA 45, GROSSMONT 27 - Injuries at quarterback had the Foothillers climbing up hill in a trip to No. 7 ranked Ramona on Friday (Sept.12).

Grossmont senior GEORGE CARRIGIANNIDES, the Foothillers’ No. 3 quarterback, completed 18 of 31 passes for 203 yards. (Numbers 1 and 2 quarterbacks – CALVIN FARRIS and JARED REDFIELD – are sidelined with concussions.)

Foothillers teammates HUNTER REINER had 8 catches for 97 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the game in the first five minutes of the contest, and JAKE HARR had 18 carries for 158 yards as Grossmont tried to match the Bulldogs' offensive firepower.

The Bulldogs' QB Marco Cobian found Christian Dominguez for 55 yards on the game's first play. Two plays later, Cobian hit Dylan Shields for an 8-yard touchdown.

Garrett Binkley returned a punt 60 yards to open the second-half scoring for Ramona. Binkley caught seven passes for 97 yards, including a 25-yard TD catch in the fourth.

The Bulldogs got 218 yards rushing by Brandon Gansch. Cobian completed 11 of 18 passes for 182 yards, while Dominguez had two catches for 82 yards, including a second-quarter 27-yard TD reception that made it 16-7 Bulldogs.

Grossmont defensive players team up to make a stop against Ramona Friday night. (photo by Linda Byerline)

With about 10 minutes to go before halftime Carragiannides had a 41-yard pass completion to ALIJAH AVANT for a touchdown, closing the score at 17-14.

Ramona led 24-14 at the end of the first half.

Harr, who finished with 140 yards, had a 2-yard rushing score with eight minutes left in the game to make it 37-20. He also caught a TD pass from Carragiannides. Reiner hauled in his second score of the game on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Carragiannides in the game's final minutes.

Grossmont suffered another setback when linebacker RYAN BARNES went down with a season-ending torn ACL injury.

OTAY RANCH 16, MOUNT MIGUEL 6 – If one thing is for sure, the Mustangs (3-0) won't be welcomed back into East County any time soon after they knocked off their third opponent (Valhalla, Grossmont) in as many weeks. Last week they forced the Foothillers to turn over the ball 7 times.

The Matadors on the other hand, protected the football and even were +3 in the turnover ratio, but just couldn't get enough points on the board.

“It really was a hard fought game by both teams,” stated Mount Miguel head coach SHAUN McDADE, who was also awarded before the game as San Diego's 'Coach of the Week' after last week's comeback victory over Poway.

“Every single guy on our defensive unit played their hearts out tonight and they kept us in the game,” McDade continued. “They say football is a game of inches and tonight it literally was.”

Leading 6-0 late in the first half Otay Ranch broke off a big play down to the Matadors 5-yard line, but the defense held them to a field goal. Down 9-0 early in the third, quarterback JACOB CASTILLO connected with JAY-VON JONES for a 16-yard touchdown pass and then CHRIS CALZADILLAS made an interception, giving the Matadors one final chance at a score.

With 2:34 remaining on the clock and trailing 9-6, Mount Miguel had a fourth down with the game on the line. Castillo lofted a ball into the end zone that was caught for the potential game-winner, but after a long debate the referees ruled him out of bounds. Otay Ranch then added a late touchdown after the wind was already out of the Matadors sails.

“A play here, a play there and things could've ended up different,” McDade said. “I'm proud of our defense though. TRAVIS CHALKE-DALY flew all over the field tonight. TITO ORTIZ made a bunch of great plays that other guys don't normally make at his position. Calzadillas had that great pick that set us up for the potential win. Even offensively, when running back ANTHONY GILMORE got a little banged up, CURTIS HIBLER played great when he took his place. It's just a game of inches.”

Andrew Smith

GRANITE HILLS 54, PATRICK HENRY 24 – It was a special night at Granite Hills on Friday (Sept. 12). That is, the Eagles broke out jersey No. 12 to celebrate the memory of former Granite Hills’ All-American quarterback, the late JOE ROTH, who died of lymphoma in 1977 while performing for the Cal Berkley Bears.

“It’s something we’ve done every year since I’ve been the head coach at Granite Hills,” said KELLAN COBBS.

This year the honor of wearing Roth’s retired jersey No. 12 went to wide receiver-defensive back MICHAEL LEDESMA.

Ledesma did not disappoint. Fact is, he was a standout at the game. He scored on two aerials from quarterback SETH COLLINS and returned one of Granite Hills’ three interceptions for a touchdown.

“Obviously this is an honor to be chosen to wear No. 12,” said Ledesma, who was selected because he is one of the team’s senior leaders. “It’s a matter of respect and I think I did him well.”

Defensive back RILEY REYES logged the other two interceptions for the Eagles and chalked up five tackles.

Not to be overlooked was Collins, who rushed for three touchdowns for 126 yards on 17 carries. He also completed 6 of 12 passes for 133 yards and 2 scores.

THOMAS YOUMOG capped the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown run in the final minutes of the game.

Santana's Bobby Wallace carries against Castle Park Friday night. (photo by Tori Mills)

CASTLE PARK 13, SANTANA 3 – The Sultans led 3-0 at halftime following a 23-yard first-quarter field goal by JACOB HAMPSON, and the teams traded punts out of the locker room in the third quarter.

But, Castle Park's Luq Barcoo has a 23-yard touchdown to give the Trojans a 6-3 lead with five minutes left in the game.

The Sultans blocked the point-after, but ultimately had their two-game winning streak snapped.

Earlier in the first half, Sultans' star TANNER WEISS recorded a spectacular interception just two yards in front of his own goal line, as he beautifully read a deep pass that was underthrown. He returned the ball out to the 18.

Then, Santana quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ threw a screen pass to the left to DAKOTA HARP, who promptly turned up the middle of the field and cut back against three defenders for a 60 yard catch-and-run, setting up Hampson's boot.

Santana quarterback Frankie Gutierrez throws a pass against Castle Park Friday night. (photo by Tori Mills)

The Trojans snuffed out two deep Santana drives, as Barcoo had a leaping interception of an overthrown deep route, then a fumble before the goal line on what looked to be a possible touchdown run, ended up as a drive which ended with no points.

Santana had a late deep drive result in a tipped passed by the intended receiver, but ended up intercepted by Barcoo, who returned the ball 73 yards to the Santana 12.

Jordan Danielson had a 3-yard TD run with four minutes left to make it a two-score game.

STEELE CANYON 25, VISTA 7 – The Cougars (3-0) went into the locker room last week at halftime trailing Monte Vista 14-7 and they were furious with themselves. They reeled off 20 straight points to win the game going away and carried that momentum with them into Friday's (Sept. 12) night big rematch with the Panthers (1-2).

Quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON returned from a hospital stay after getting appendicitis, to help lead the Cougars to an impressive home win over the visiting Panthers in Jamul Friday night (Sept. 12).

The game resembled last year's 8-6 Vista-win slugfest early, as it was a tug-o-war stalemate - with quite a few three-and-outs for much of the first half - until Steele Canyon got a big play from Wood-Anderson to open the scoring in the second quarter.

Steele Canyon quarterback Dominick Wood-Anderson looks for a receiver downfield during the Cougars' win over visiting Vista Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

The Cougars scored a touchdown with 4:28 left until halftime on a 45-yd touchdown pass to ROOSEVELT JOHNSON from Wood-Anderson. The junior signal-caller lofted a high, deep pass down the right sideline that Johnson hauled in while in stride at the 10-yard line, and was being tackled while crossing the goal line. The PAT failed but kicker ALEX RAYA nailed one of his two field goals on the night from 46-yards out with 43.4 seconds left for a 9-0 halftime lead and the defense made that stand following a mild Panther scoring threat in the last half-minute, which stalled on a coverage sack led by EDWARD DELGADO and JAMES EDWARDS.

Steele Canyon had a pair of sacks on an earlier Vista drive, as the Cougars took over at the Vista 42 following a punt with 1:49 left in the second quarter.

The Cougars took advantage of a Vista special teams miscue in the third quarter when junior NY JOHNSON recovered a muffed punt. MALCOM ANDERS then scored on an 11-yard run behind linemen CALEB OGORMAN and JOEY METZ to up the lead to 16-0. Other big men up front with strong nights for SC were KYREE WOODS, MARVIN CALDWELL and JEREMIAH ZAMPETTI.

Steele Canyon's PIERRE ALEXANDER had a 53-yard second half touchdown, as he slipped to the outside, evading the grab of a defender before getting loose down the right side for a 23-0 lead. The defensive highlight of the game came in the third quarter when senior linebacker WILLIE FAIR dropped back into coverage and made what his head coach called a super, dynamic play on the ball as he leaped into the air made and came down with his first interception of the year.

“We knew coming in they were a tough offense to face,” Fair admitted. “I kept reading the quarterback's eyes and he continued to lead me to a certain spot, but never threw it my way. I knew eventually he would throw it there and I just went up and got it.”

The near-shutout was pitched by Cougar defenders WILL SPALSBURY, senior DYLAN HAMLET, junior RICHARD VAZQUEZ and junior NIKO HAILEY.

Earlier MALCOM ANDERS scored the first touchdown of the night from 11 yards out and senior linebacker RILEY JONES had another big night with a sack in each half for Steele Canyon.

“I'm real excited for Pierre to get some solid playing time and see him being a big time factor for us,” added Steele Canyon coach SCOTT LONGERBONE after migraines sidelined Alexander in training camp and the early part of the season.

“With him we have a whole other dynamic because we have a 3-headed backfield. Riley gets the bulk of the carries, Malcolm is our between the tackles guy and Pierre is so shifty he's really hard to for defenders to tackle.”

“I have to give a huge credit to my defensive coordinator JESSE SPENCER for this one,” praised the head coach. “He studied their film with our guys extensively and they put together a great game plan.”

They wouldn’t have had the great success on the ground if it weren't for their offensive line, who were playing with heavy hearts. OL coach ALEX McTRUSTY had to fly back to Alaska earlier in the morning to sadly take care of loss in his family. The hogs up front rallied around that as they dedicated this game to the man they call “Coach Mac” and even after starting guard RICKY PEREZ went down with an injury they still rallied to dominate a much bigger Vista D-Line.

“Win or lose I love playing North County teams,” said Longerbone. “They say there is a North County bias, but I think it's well deserved. They play great football up there and all the coaches are nothing but class. It always helps to pull out the W but we've already matched last season's win total and this was definitely one we could build even more off of.”

CHRISTIAN 70, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 – Christian High's ADRIAN PETTY thought it was funny when an El Cajon Valley player told him on Thursday, "We will see you on the field, we're about to get that (win)," the Patriots' junior said before Friday night's (Sept. 12) contest.

The East County's top yard-producing running back after two weeks took to twitter to do some clean trash-talking.

"These El Cajon Valley kids are hilarious," Petty tweeted. "I'm literally in tears. I gotta show my team and Beez (CHS Athletic Director DAVID BEEZER) tomorrow."

The Patriots promptly led Friday night 28-7 in the first half and cruised from there.

Petty had a 69-yard touchdown run up the middle in the first quarter to give Christian a 14-0 lead, after just moments earlier, Christian quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH threw a screen pass to Petty on the right side for a 55-yard score for the early 7-0 lead in the opening minutes.

CHAD HUMPHRIES caught a pass from Jeremiah wide open down the middle and ran to complete a 78-yard touchdown play, giving the Patriots a 21-0 lead.

Christian led 21-0 when Braves' quarterback MERITON HASANI completed a pass to MATTHEW SHEARIN, who ran to complete a 40-yard score, closing the gap to 21-7.

JOEY MARONES had a 9-yard touchdown run to put the Patriots up 28-7.

Christian's NICK SEXTON caught a 12-yard touchdown pass in the second half to make it 35-7 Patriots. It was a big night up front for Patriot blockers MATTHEW CARILLO, LAITHE ISENMANN and TY NICHOLS.

Christian scored again to make it 42-7.

MARANATHA CHRISTIAN 34, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 - After scoring two touchdowns last week against Calvin Christian, the Knights were held off the scoreboard for the second time in three games.

Isaac Schwan and had a 16-yard touchdown catch for Maranatha Christian in the first quarter, giving the Eagles the lead.

Foothills Christian’s WYATT BASSON was injured in the second half and the game was delayed while medics attended to him. He went to the hospital with a neck/head/shoulder injury after sliding into and under a bench after being pushed out of bounds.

JV scores
Valhalla 35, Monte Vista 0
El Capitan 22, West Hills 21
Granite Hills 20, Patrick Henry 0
Grossmont 40, Ramona 10

Frosh scores
El Capitan 14, West Hills 6
Valhalla 35, Monte Vista 12
Grossmont 28, Ramona 7
Otay Ranch 16, Mount Miguel 7

FEARLESS FORECASTER

Week 3

Dual-threat QBs make Eagles, Patriots match-up potential shoot out
Granite Hills' Collins, Henry's Samaniego keep defenders on heels

By Bill Dickens
© East CountySports.com
EL CAJON (9-11-14) — Putting points on the scoreboard is something that has not baffled the Granite Hills Eagles (2-0) the first two weeks of the season.

The ringleader is quarterback SETH COLLINS, who has completed 12 of 25 passes for 258 yards and 3 TDs. He’s equally a running threat, barging for 223 yards for 4 TDs on 17 carries.

Eagles running back THOMAS YOUMOG has accounted for 153 yards on 13 carries. Blue chip receivers include the Eagles’ MICHAEL LEDESMA (6-155, 1 TD) and RILEY REYES (2-64).

Patrick Henry (1-1) hopes to spring the upset Friday (Sept. 12) when they travel to Valley Stadium. The Patriots count on double threat quarterback/running back Christopher “Cruz” Samaniego, who has passed for 352 yards on 27-49 carries and 3 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 134 yards on 11 carries.

Granite Hills is looking for a 3-0 start . . . Granite Hills 28-21.

OTAY RANCH (2-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL (2-0), 7 – The Otay Ranch Mustangs are feasting on Grossmont Conference foes as they’ve already knocked off Valhalla (24-11) and Grossmont (42-31).

The Matadors hope to spoil Otay Ranch’s run Friday night (Sept. 12) when they host the Mustangs in a battle of unbeatens. ANTHONY GILMORE rushed for 287 yards on 35 carries for an East County-leading 5 touchdowns to pace the Mount Miguel offense in the first two games.

Quarterback JACOB CASTILLO (16-23, 245, 3 TDs) presents the Matadors with an offensive threat and that may be enough to swing the gate in Mount Miguel’s favor. The Matadors rallied from a 24-0 deficit last week to squeeze out a 25-24 victory over Poway. Can they repeat against Otay Ranch? . . . Mount Miguel 23-21.

GROSSMONT (1-1) at RAMONA (2-0), 7 – Coach TOM KARLO’s Foothillers have a chance to climb back into San Diego Section contention if they can knock off Ramona on Friday (Sept. 12) in the mountains.

However, the Foothillers must find a healthy quarterback, since two of the three signal callers went down with injuries last week. Karlo wouldn’t say who is going to get the starting call.

Running back JAKE HARR (30 carries-235 yds, 3 TDs) and ALIJAH AVANT (7-106, 1 TD) will be depended on to carry the load. Avant will also be a threat as a receiver, pulling in 15 passes for 258 yards, while A.J. SHAW hauled in 3 passes for 81 yards and 1 touchdown. HUNTER REINER ranks among the leaders with 13 receptions for 148 yards and 2 scores. Harr is a double threat as he has 2 catches (66, 67) for 138 yards and 2 TDs.

Ramona has a balanced attack, led by running back BRANDON GANSCH (34-300, 4 TDs). Marco Cobian will take charge at quarterback with 13-for-21 passes for 267 yards and 3 touchdowns.

This one’s hard to read, but the injuries make Grossmont the underdog . . . Ramona 31-14.

WEST HILLS (1-1) at EL CAPITAN (2-0), 7 – Despite a handful of injuries the El Capitan Vaqueros are in position to collect their 3rd straight win. They stand in second place in the Division II South, according to CalHi-Sports.com, for the second straight week.

Quarterback BRAD CAGLE has completed 32 of 44 passes for 444 yards and 4 touchdowns for the undefeated Vaqueros. Cagle, who has also rushed for 79 yards, targets ISAIAH CAPOOCIA, who has reeled in 13 passes for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns.

JACOB SHAW is averaging 112.5 yards per carry for West Hills, and has scored 3 touchdowns. RAPHY CARR, DEVON HATHAWAY and TAJ BROOMFIELD are the leading receivers for the Wolf Pack. SPENCER MOYER and KIAN AHMADIAN share the quarterbacking duties for the Pack.

El Capitan won last year 45-26 and West Hills won the previous two seasons, 21-0 and 31-10. This one should be a close one, but the Vaqueros don’t figure to go down . . . El Capitan 28-18.

VISTA (1-1) at STEELE CANYON (2-0), 7 – This is a traditional match-up between Top 10 teams on Friday (Sept. 12). Neither team breaks out of the gate as a powerhouse, however, both teams could finish battling for a San Diego CIF championship when all is said and done.

Heavy graduation decimated the ranks of the Cougars and an injury to quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON wounded the Cougars even more. Reserve QB JORDAN JOHNSON has picked up the slack, which has helped Steele Canyon roll to two straight wins.

Chances are good for the Cougars to keep their winning streak alive . . . Steele Canyon 14-12.

CHRISTIAN (2-0) at EL CAJONVALLEY (1-1), 7 – Christian High has scored 99 points in two games and doesn’t figure to slow down anytime soon. They currently hold the No. 1 position in Southern California in Division IV for the second consecutive week, according to Cal-HiSports.com.

The Patriots, who possess a bevy of offensive weapons including versatile TREVOR HOWELL, JACOB SANDUSKY, HUNTER ARVAN, CHRISTIAN MEZA, NICK SEXTON, ADRIAN PETTY and fullback JOEY MORONES are unlikely to put the brakes to the Christian offense.

El Cajon Valley has it own weapon in MATTEW SHEARIN, but the Braves will be outnumbered . . . Christian 33-21.

SANTANA (2-0) at CASTLEPARK (1-1), 7 – The Santana Sultans are on a roll behind the passing of quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ with 29-for-49 passes for 392 yards and 5 touchdowns. The undefeated Sultans also have a couple of nugget receivers in TANNER WEISS (9-for-107, 2 TD) and DAKOTA HARP (8-105).

Castle Park was roughed up by La Jolla Country Day last week 57-24 after opening the season with a 24-21 win over Hilltop. The Trojans have a high scoring offense but their defense is suspect.

Can Santana make it three in a row? . . . Santana 28-20.

MONTE VISTA (1-1) at VALHALLA (0-2), 7 – The Norsemen have won the last seven meetings against the Monarchs and had their winning record snapped by the Scripps Ranch fire in 2007. Valhalla won five in a row prior to the fire, and Monte Vista reeled off 16 victories against the Norsemen before that.

The rebuilding Monarchs look to offensive linemen XAVIER WADE (6-3, 255), MIREN TOGIA (6-2, 240), JONATHAN TARIPE (5-7,235) and CURTIS STEVENS (5-11, 270). The Monarchs will count on quarterback AUSTIN CAOLE.

Valhalla’s LOGAN BAKER (22 tackles), CADE BAKER (18 tackles), DANIEL BENDER (12 tackles) and J.J. MEIER (11 tackles) anchor the Valhalla defense.

The game will be broadcast on Friday (Sept. 12) on http://orangenationtv.com/ .

This game is a tossup but the Norsemen can’t be denied . . . Valhalla 22-21.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-2) at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN (1-1), 7 – Junior quarterback WYATT BASSON leads the youthful Knights in hopes to generate some offense for a team that has struggled in its first two games without ringing up a single point. This is a team well stocked in linemen but short-handed in skill performers. Foothills Christian is about to erupt against Maranatha Christian but can little afford mistakes . . . Foothills Christian 22-20.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 8-2 (.800)
Season record: 16-5 (.762)


 

Helix Dominates Del Oro in Championship Rematch

By Andrew Smith
© East CountySports.com

OCEANSIDE (9-6-14) — The memories of the 2011 Division II state championship team might be long lost memories for Helix, but three years later the result stays the same after they dismantled Loomis Del Oro in what turned out to be a non-contest Friday (Sept. 5) night at Oceanside high school in the UT Honor Bowl.

Less than six minutes into the game junior running back NATHAN STINSON already had two touchdown runs (34, 2) for the Highlanders and their defense sank their teeth into a wounded Golden Eagles bunch that was gasping for life from the get go as they were smothered 34-10, never given a chance to breathe.

“There's a lot of positives we can take away from these first two games all across the board,” said Helix (2-0) head coach TROY STARR. “We have much bigger ambitions than just being 2-0. We are beat up after two games and the way the playoffs are set up now you have to win 3 battles in a row to win the crown so it's good we have a bye week coming up, but we have a long way to go to get to where we want to be.”

For the second straight week Helix's defense had a big saying in the final outcome. Last week they stood tall while clinging to a 4-point lead in the closing seconds. ZEKE NOA made sure this one wouldn't get to that point. He scored the first of his two defensive touchdowns after SCOTTIE YOUNG jarred the ball loose and then watched Noa complete a scoop and score from 21-yards out.

“I just took advantage of what came at me,” stated Noa, a sophomore linebacker. He would also go on to score Helix's last touchdown of the game on a 63-yard interception return to seal the victory. “It wasn't just me...it was our whole defense flying around and making big plays. Tonight the ball just came my way.”

Through two games it’s obvious that there is a very high ceiling for the group of Scotties and they have just begun to scratch the surface. Junior QB MICHAEL AUSTIN is still learning on the fly and he raced for a 60-yard touchdown for another Helix score.

“I think our team played a really good game tonight,” said Del Oro (1-1) head coach Casey Taylor. “Troy (Starr) does a great job over there and I have a lot of respect for them, holding a team with their explosiveness and speed to only 3 touchdowns offensively is a good effort and a challenge all in itself.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 25, POWAY 24 – Looking up at a scoreboard that read the Titans' were leading 21-0 would've rattled a lot of teams. However, this year's group of Matadors under the helm of head coach SHAUN McDADE have no quit in them and they proved it with a come-from-behind victory.

“Obviously this was a huge win for us,” he said afterward. “We have a young team this year and being down three scores to the No. 10 team in the county and not only not giving up, but to come back and win was just a great feeling throughout our entire locker room.”

The Titans (1-1) took a 14-0 lead after a 90-yard screen pass went to Jacob Gaines. Another score gave them a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter, but then they fumbled away the ball and Mount Miguel (2-0) made the recovery, turning the tide. The Matadors wasted no time as the senior connection of QB JACOB CASTILLO found his favorite wide receiver JAY-VON JONES for a 30-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to 21-6.

After halftime the Matadors played keepaway with a pair of long drives thanks to running back ANTHONY GILMORE who rushed for 150 yards and 3 touchdowns. In fact, the Titans only had 3 plays in the third quarter as they slowly started to crumble.

The defense also came up big as they played a huge role in the comeback. TRAVIS CHALKE-DALY and CODY STONE each had two sacks apiece. Chalke-Daly also was responsible for causing a fumble that led to the game-winning touchdown run by Gilmore and sent the Matadors faithful into a frenzy.

After the Matadors' defense forced a quick Poway punt, junior MIKE JONES carried for a 38-yard touchdown. A pass conversion attempt was no good, leaving the deficit at 21-12. A field goal with :33 left gave the Titans a 24-12 lead at intermission.

The Matadors closed to within 24-19 on Gilmore's 15-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 with 5:42 left in the third. Gilmore shifted left, and slid outside the blocking in a relatively easy race to the left pylon.

Then Gilmore, a junior, scored the go-ahead touchdown with :34 left in the third quarter on a 29-yard run. He bounced off left tackle and beat a series of defenders to the left side, before getting a good-enough interference block from senior receiver GARY HASKINS, whose defender got a last mitt on Gilmore to no avail.

The Titans quickly turned the tide for the moment when they returned the ensuing kickoff 74 yards to the Matadors' 21, but on first-and-goal at the 8, Mount Miguel senior CHARLIE JONES knocked the ball out of the ball carries hands with the help of Mike Jones, and recovered a fumble for a turnover.

Poway's next-to-last drive was thwarted by a tackle-for-loss by Mount Miguel senior defensive end Daly, who surged virtually untouched through the line and smashed the ball carrier at the Titan 3. With under a minute left in the game, on fourth down, Matadors' senior end DACHELLE JOHNSON rushed easily past his blocker on the left side and wrapped up the quarterback to clinch the victory.

Jacob Gaines caught a screen pass from QB Chris Isaak, as Boyle knocked slipped past a couple of Mount Miguel defenders early on his way to a 90-yard touchdown for Poway to make it 7-0.

Isaak hooked up with Connor Boyle for a 13-yard pass over the middle to make it 14-0 with 48 seconds left in the first quarter.

Isaak threw another touchdown pass with 8:50 to go in the second quarter, when he hit Saimon Georgari for a 40-yard score on third down, making it 21-0.

LB TITO ORTIZ recorded a third down sack for Mount Miguel and Poway missed an ensuing 40 yard field goal attempt in the first quarter.

TREVON ALLEN, CODY STEWART, ANGEL CURIEL, and DEMETRIUS O'RAY wore down the Poway defensive front after the early deficit.

Mount Miguel's defense, which had a tough time wrapping up in the first quarter, settled in behind strong efforts from DURAN MILLER, KRIS JACKSON, JAMIE NAVA, MICHAEL NODALO and senior PEDRO MARTINEZ.

EL CAJON VALLEY 30, MONTGOMERY 23 –- El Cajon Valley junior cornerback CHARLES SMITH intercepted a Montgomery pass in the end zone with 2:31 remaining, securing the Braves' 30-23 win over the visiting Aztecs on the night the school debuted its new ECVHS Athletics Hall of Fame.

The Aztecs were on a long drive and seemed poised to go in for a potential score. On a fourth down play from the Braves-6, Smith stepped in front of an Aztecs receiver in the end zone for a touchback on a long roll-out to the right by the Montgomery quarterback. The Braves were able to run out the clock on a first-down run by quarterback HASANI MERITON with a minute to play.

The Braves nearly had the Aztecs on the ropes moments earlier when they made a third down stop inside the 10-yard line, only to give Montgomery a first down following an unsportsmanlike penalty.?

After the Aztecs converted a first down during the march, the Braves forced a 4th down-and-4 at the El Cajon Valley 11-yard line with 4:14 to go in the 4th quarter 30-23, when a penalty came on a shoving match following the play.

Senior star MATTHEW SHEARIN had the decisive touchdown run with 13 seconds left in the third when he broke off a long touchdown on a pass from just inside midfield. It was a huge night for the Braves' back, as he had a 26-yard touchdown run in the first half, giving the ECV a 17-13 lead at halftime.

The Braves scored a touchdown with 5:39 left in the third quarter on a long reception and run by Shearin from Meriton. The PAT was no good, but gave the Braves a 23-16 lead.

Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown with 31.6 seconds to go in the third quarter making it 23-23 following the successful PAT.

A missed PAT gave Montgomery a small window to get even on a score with 32 seconds left in the third quarter.

However, the ballgame remained tied for a mere 18 seconds. A 2-play scoring drive was capped on a 55-yard run around the left end by Shearin to reclaim the lead for keeps.

Junior linebacker PANNEL TAYLER had a third-quarter sack for the Braves.

The game had rough play throughout, but featured several unsportsmanlike calls in the first half.

El Cajon Valley's PATTI MARTIN kicked a 38-yard field goal to cut Montgomery's early lead to 13-10.

ALEX MOORE scored the Braves' first touchdown on a 50-yard run.

Montgomery defensive back Jason Simmons had a scoop-and-score in the first quarter.

EL CAPITAN 35, MATER DEI 0 –-
The Vaqueros' BRAD CAGLE threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, as the hosts shutout Mater Dei Catholic on Friday (Sept. 5) in Lakeside.

With under a minute to go in the first, Cagle threw an 8-yard score to JOEY LaCHAPPA for a 7-0 lead. LaChappa ran up and out to the right-front pylon to secure the roll-out pass from Cagle, as he caught the pass tucked just inside the corner of the end zone.

Cagle's rushing touchdown came with seven minutes to go in the first half, when he ran for a 9-yard score. The senior signal-caller dashed around left tackle, getting the seal block from lineman TANNER MORGAN, before rushing to the goal and diving in while being grabbed by two defenders.

Cagle added a second-quarter TD throw, this time to senior D.J. SMITH on a delayed middle screen, which accounted for 65 yards and a 21-0 advantage. Smith had the whole line seemingly in front of him after getting the short toss, then moved to the right side, before cutting back against a pair of futile attempts, racing up the side for the long score.

Four minutes into the third quarter Cagle had a 35-yard touchdown hookup down the center of the field with ISAIAH CAPOOCIA, making it 28-0. Capoocia got just behind the defenders, and Cagle's pass was perfect over-the-middle, where it was caught inside the 10, and taken in for the TD.

El Capitan junior JEREMYAH MUNSON returned a fumble 20 yards for a late score, as the defensive shutout was also anchored by juniors DEVIN DULAY and DANIEL BRISTOL, and seniors JOSH BENSON, JOHN LACHAPPA, JARED TURNER and SAM MELERO.

It was another strong performance for the offensive front, including senior ANTHONY RICO, senior CARLOS ALEXANDER, sophomore center DOMINICK SALAZAR and JEREMYAH QUICHOCHO.

STEELE CANYON 27, MONTE VISTA 14 –
When teams spend almost an entire quarter of a football game on one side of the 50-yard line, there tends to be a good news/bad news situation for those teams involved.

“You win a lot of football games if your defense and special teams gives you a short field like that for an entire quarter,” said Monte Vista coach RON HAMAMOTO, after his Monarchs blundered a third quarter against Steele Canyon, in which the Cougars scored four times in a 5:40 span to steal a 27-14 victory over the host Monarchs on Friday night (Sept. 5).

“I wish I had that short field,” Hamamoto said.

Trailing 14-7 at halftime and not playing up to the snuff of its coaching staff, Steele Canyon (2-0) reeled off 20 points in rapid-fire succession in the third quarter to snag the comeback win with an exclamation point.

“I love that third quarter,” said Steele Canyon running back MALCOLM ANDERS, who tallied 107 yards on 14 carries. “That was just all hard work we did over the summer. The coaches gave us quite an earful at halftime, and we responded.”

After Monte Vista (1-1) scored twice in the final 1:23 of the first half to take the 14-7 lead, Steele Canyon took its opening possession of the second half and drove 53 yards in nine plays before settling for a 32-yard field goal by ALEXANDER RAYA with 6:56 on the clock.

On the ensuing kickoff, a Monte Vista return specialist muffed the catch, and JAMES EDWARDS alertly and emphatically recovered the fumble at the Monarch’s 17-yard line.

Quarterback JOE CALIFANO quickly connected with DEREK TYLER for a 12-yard pickup only to have the ball marched backwards 15 yards for a personal-foul penalty after the play. Three plays later, the Cougars again had to settle for a 22-yard field by Raya to make it 14-13 at 4:45.

Three plays into Monte Vista’s next possession, JAKE CITRINITTI intercepted an errant Monarchs pass and returned it 17 yards to the 9-yard line.

Senior tailback RILEY JONES took the next handoff off right tackle, juked a few defenders and skirted into the end zone to make it 20-14 at 3:42.

A few clicks later, now playing linebacker, Jones scooped up a fumble in the Monarchs’ backfield and raced 43 yards for the final score. The ball wound up on the ground because ROBERT TEO and WILLIE FAIR executed a brilliant blitz to disrupt a handoff in the Monarchs’ backfield.

Asked which of his two quick scores he enjoyed more, Jones responded, “The fumble recovery was really a momentum changer. It put us in position to win the game. Don’t get me wrong, I love the rushing touchdown. That was nice, too.”

Said Steele Canyon coach SCOTT LONGERBONE, “That third quarter obviously flipped things for us. That was not the first half we expected, but credit Monte Vista. Ron Hamamoto is a great coach. They came out well-prepared. He’s such a great coach. He’s always going to have his team prepared.”

Big hits, dominant defense by both sides and mistakes created only one score until late in the first half.

After a scoreless first quarter, Steele Canyon changed the scoreboard on the first play of the second quarter as Califano lofted a sideline pass toward ROOSEVELT JOHNSON from the 23-yard line. With a defender draping him in front, Johnson leaped and somehow swiped the ball away and tumbled into the end zone for a 7-0 Cougars lead.

Monte Vista tied it up with 1:23 left. After a fumble recovery and a pass interference put the Monarchs at the 17-yard line, AUSTIN CAOLE hit TRE OWENS for a 14-yard gain, and JACOB JARDIM then bulled over from the 3 to make it 7-7 with 1:23 left before intermission.

An interception by JOHNNY JONES three plays later gave Monte Vista possession at the 44-yard line. Three plays later, with the clock ticking inside of 5 seconds, Caole heaved a Hail Mary pass toward the end zone in the direction of Jones, now at wide receiver.

A leaping Jones got his paws on the ball first, but it tipped up and then off a defender, and then Jones dived into the end zone to snare the deflection for an improbable 35-yard touchdown catch and an equally improbable 14-7 lead by Monte Vista.

“We just got lucky,” Caole said. “I sprinted out, saw my receiver deep and threw it up. He made an awesome catch.”

Said Hamamoto, “They were an Open Division playoff team last year. We were a Division IV team (that finished runner-up to Sweetwater). People thought I was crazy to schedule this game.

“For us to be in the game at 7-7 at halftime would have been great. Being up 14-7 was awesome.

“But I think we got them mad. They really came after us after halftime.”

The halftime lead by Monte Vista, indeed, seemed to light a fire in the Cougars. More than one Cougar confessed that their halftime “talk” was more of a tongue lashing.

“It put us in the mentality we needed to be,” Jones said. “We should have been in that state of mind from the beginning. We really got after it to start the second half.”

Said Hamamoto,” The three turnovers in the third quarter really hurt. Steele Canyon is too good a football team to let that happen. If you don’t protect the football, it’s going to be a tough night.”

Monte Vista’s Caole finished with 111 yards on 7-of-18 passing but admitted the third quarter was a brutal experience. “I wouldn’t say we lost our spirit,” Caole said, “but we really hurt ourselves in that third quarter.”

Caole’s favorite target, Owens, caught six passes for 76 yards. LEE WADE had 94 rushing yards on 10 carries, and JORDAN JOHNSON added 47 yards on 10 carries.

Along with Anders’ 107 yards, Steele Canyon got 59 yards from DEREK TYLER on just two carries, 48 yards from Jones on 10 touches and 37 yards from PIERRE ALEXANDER on nine rushes.

Overall, the Cougars rushed for 263 yards and totaled 325. Monte Vista rushed for 167 and totaled 278 yards.

Defensive stalwarts for Monte Vista included CURTIS STEVENS, BRANDON PHATSENHANN, RASHAUN WILLIS, FREDDY SIMMS, AGAPE KYLE and Jones.

Steele’s stellar stars on defense included SEAN McGRANE (fumble recovery), Citrinitti (interception, fumble recovery), Edwards and, of course, Fair, who is a beast and among the best in the county on defense.

Steele Canyon plays next on the road against Vista, while Monte Vista travels to Valhalla.

— Jim Lindgren

SANTANA 30, KEARNY 0 – The Santana Sultans posted their second consecutive shutout as they crushed the Komets in Friday’s (Sept. 5) non-league action.

FRANKIE GUTIERREZ completed 14 of 23 passes for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns for Santana (2-0).

TANNER WEISS reeled in 5 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown, while ZACH LEWIS reeled in 3 passes for 50 yards. JAMES BRANSON made the most of 2 passes for 24 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Santana also had success running the ball as Lewis burst for 23 yards on 7 carries. BOBBY WALLACE tacked on 12 yards on 3 carries for the Sultans, who have outscored their first two foes by a combined 65 yards.

Not to be overlooked at Santana is the work of DAKOTA HARP, who has accounted for 157 all-purpose yards.

Santana scored in all four quarters.

GRANITE HILLS 45, VALHALLA 7 – The show started with a bang Friday evening (Sept. 5) when the Granite Hills Eagles came across town to attempt to make it two in a row against Valhalla after the Norsemen had prevailed in 9 of the last 11 contests between the El Cajon rivals.

Senior MICHAEL LADESMA snagged the opening kickoff at the 6-yard line and zoomed 94 yards past the Norsemen defenders for a quick touchdown only 15 seconds into the contest. Sophomore kicker BRYCE STRICKLAND split the uprights and the visitors led 7-0.

The Eagles’ quick score didn’t faze the Norsemen. Starting at their 35-yard line, the Valhalla offense motored down the field, spearheaded by sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON’s 35 rushing yards in 4 attempts, which put the Norsemen at the Granite 29-yard line. Junior quarterback PHILLIP NASSEH threw a dart to senior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS in the endzone to tie the game at 7 after JACOB PAAPE drilled the extra point, with 9:38 left in the initial stanza.

Following Paape’s ensuing kickoff into the endzone, Granite Hills started at its 20-yard line. Valhalla defensive back J.J. MEIER sacked the quarterback on second down, making it 3rd and long for the Eagles offense. Senior quarterback SETH COLLINS was chased out of the pocket by Valhalla defender DANIEL BENDER, but just before Collins was forced out of bounds, he heaved the ball 30 yards downfield and hit Ladesma in full stride, resulting in an 80-yard TD play, allowing the Eagles to regain the lead 14-7, less than 4 minutes into the game.

It looked like the Norsemen were going to knot the game on the following kickoff when RAHSHAUN SHARPE broke free from would-be tacklers, scampered to the 50-yard line and looked like he was taking it to the house, but an ankle tackle from a diving Granite Hills defender saved the touchdown. After Valhalla moved to the Granite 41, the runner was stuffed for a loss on 4th-and-1, swinging the momentum back to the visitors.

Collins was able to get the Eagles into Valhalla territory on the next possession, but on 3rd down on the Norsemen 46, free safety TYLER BUZZELL knocked down a sure reception, forcing the first punt of the game.

Early in the second quarter, Granite Hills drove deep into Valhalla territory. On 2nd –and-five from the Valhalla 13, Collins, who has an uncanny ability to evade tacklers at 6-foot, 5-inches, was chased relentlessly in the backfield by junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER while trying to find an open receiver in the endzone — until Baker ran him to ground for a whopping 24-yard loss. Two plays later, Valhalla junior defensive back DASHAWN KINISTON picked off an errant pass in the endzone and returned it to the Norsemen 15-yard line.

Late in the second period, the Granite Hills offense got up a head of steam. Starting at their own 25-yard line, the Eagles methodically moved the ball down the field, highlighted by a 15-yard run to the Valhalla 29-yard line when Eagles sophomore tackle FRANCISCO MEZA opened a big hole for junior running back THOMAS YOUMOG. Four plays later, Collins connected with junior tight end JACOB BURTON for a 3-yard scoring pass. After Strickland’s kick was good, Granite Hills extended its lead to 21-7 at the half.

The Eagles pulled away in the second half. Youmog hit pay dirt on a draw play when he motored 62 yards down the left sideline, making it 28-7 with 5:01 remaining in the third quarter.

At the end of the third quarter, junior linebacker ALEX MACK intercepted an errant Valhalla pass at the Eagles’ 30-yard line and rumbled 69 yards to the Valhalla 1 before he was dragged down by Johnson, saving the TD. A few plays later, Strickland connected on a 29-yard field goal on the second play of the fourth period, giving the visitors a comfortable 31-7 cushion.

Collins scored on an 11-yard run and a fumble return touchdown by Burton from the Valhalla 10 finished out the scoring in this 45-7 romp.

For Valhalla, Nasseh was 12-19-1 for 135 yards and one TD, and Johnson rushed for 75 yards on 25 carries.

For Granite Hills, Collins was 8-16-1 for 137 yards.

OTAY RANCH 42, GROSSMONT 31 – Otay Ranch played takeaway against the Foothillers' offense and rallied in the second half to exact revenge on a pair of defeats last season, including a playoff loss.

Otay Ranch's Adrian Rodriguez turned in one of those games of a lifetime, as he had six interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Grossmont reserve quarterback JARED REDFIELD hooked up with talented receiver A.J. SHAW on a long touchdown pass to give the Foothillers a 13-7 lead. Redfield was pressed into action after starter CALVIN FARRIS was slammed hard to the ground, and couldn't return to action. The Foothillers would be on their third QB by the end of the contest.

Redfield took a short drop following play-action, then lofted the pass perfectly into Shaw's long reach, over the defender down the left hash. He then out-raced two defenders to the goal.

Redfield also connected with running back JAKE HARR on a 62-yard touchdown pass, as the duo had a pair of 60-yard-plus hookups on the night before leaving prematurely with a concussion. Redfield produced more 150 yards and three touchdowns in the first half for the Hillers (1-1), while Harr generated 220 yards for Grossmont.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Otay Ranch's Dorsey Furlow went straight-up-the-gut and completed a 95-yard journey to tie the game, and regain the lead following the PAT. The Foothillers would lead, however, 25-21, at halftime.

Sergio Ayon picked up a fumble on and raced 82 yards for a touchdown, as Otay Ranch (1-1) lead 7-0. Sam Stevens added an interception and a rushing touchdown for Otay Ranch.

“It was just a bad game all the way around,” said Grossmont coach TOM KARLO.

CHRISTIAN 43, WEST HILLS 29 – In a traditional high-scoring neighborhood battle Friday night (Sept. 5) at Granite Hills’ Valley Stadium, the Christian High Patriots bowled over West Hills.

The Patriots (2-0) turned the tide in their favor on the running game of JOEY MORONES, who banged out consecutive running plays of 10 yards, 10 yards, 9 yards, 0 yards and -3 yards to setup a second quarter touchdown for Christian.

Morones continued to beat the rushing path with a 29-yard carry, a 15-yard carry and scored 3 touchdowns, finishing with 175 yards on 23 carries.

ADRIAN PETTY scored a touchdown for the Patriots on a 47-yard rushing play.

Christian also scored on an interception return by CHAD HUMPHRIES on a 31-yard scamper.

West Hills (1-1) split the quarterbacking duties between senior KIAN AHMADIAN and junior SPENCER MOYER.

Running back JACOB SHAW scored on touchdown runs of 48 and 31 yards in the losing effort for the Wolf Pack.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN 44, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 14
– Calvin Christian led 27-7 en route to the win at Seau Field Friday night (Sept. 5).

No further information was made available.

Junior Varsity scores

Friday, Sept 5
Grossmont 39, Otay Ranch 6
El Capitan 28, Mater Dei Catholic 6
Steele Canyon 20, Monte Vista 0
Mount Miguel 29, Poway 28
Santana 35, Kearny 14
Valhalla 19, Granite Hills 7
Christian 15, West Hills 12

Freshman scores

West Hills 32, Mar Vista 6
Poway 16, Mount Miguel 8
Otay Ranch 47, Grossmont 21
Valhalla 14, Granite Hills 0
El Capitan 6, Mater Dei Catholic 6
Helix 37, Sweetwater 0


FEARLESS FORECASTER

Week 2

Championship foes Helix, Del Oro meet at Oceanside
Golden Eagles face another challenge in state-ranked Highlanders

By Bill Dickens
© East CountySports.com
EL CAJON (9-4-14) — Plenty of memories go back between the teams and coaches of Helix and Loomis-Del Oro, who will face off again on Friday (Sept. 5) at Oceanside High School at 5 p.m.

In 2011 in the last meeting between the Highlanders and the Golden Eagles, the stakes were as high as they could get – a state championship. Helix won it 35-24 in the Division II playoffs.

Of course the majority of that cast has moved on - except the head coaches - but the buzz is still there.

NATHAN STINSON barged for 123 yards on 23 carries to pace the Highlanders past Ventura-St. Bonaventure 24-20 in the opener.

Helix coach TROY STARR said the key to the victory was the Highlanders’ success going 8-for-14 on 3rd down plays. Of that keeps up Helix is going to be untouchable.

A major test will come up next as the Highlanders take on Del Oro.

The Highlanders are certainly capable of winning the rematch . . . Helix 21-13.

WEST HILLS (1-0) vs. CHRISTIAN (1-0) at Granite Hills, 7 – No question Christian wants to be a member of the Grossmont Conference, but the Patriots are short on invitations to do so.

Thus every time Christian plays a Grossmont Conference opponent, it’s special.

The Patriots will take their 4th swing at West Hills on Friday night (Sept. 5) at Granite Hills’ Valley Stadium. These teams have not met since 1995 but the Wolf Pack holds a 2-1 all-time series advantage.

Quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH completed 21-of-30 passes for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns to guide the Patriots past San Luis Obispo Mission Prep. Multiple threat TREVOR HOWELL also completed his only pass for 29 yards and a touchdown for Christian.

It was a balanced offense, for sure, with ADRIAN PETTY leading the ground game with 142 yards and 3 touchdowns on 19 carries. JOEY MORONES garnered only 20 yards on 7 carries but scored 2 touchdowns. Kicker NATE CAZARES was 8-for-8 on PATs.

JACOB SHAW was the spearhead of the West Hills’ offense, garnering 100 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

This one could be the highlight of the night, but the pick here goes to . . . Christian 31-28.

GROSSMONT (1-0) at OTAY RANCH (1-0), 7 – There’s no question that the Foothillers are one of the top offensive outfits in the San Diego Section. Despite heavy substitutions, the Foothillers proved that in last week’s 37-22 non-league romp over Patrick Henry.

Grossmont grinded out 548 yards in handing the Patriots the lop-sided setback.
JAKE HARR led the charge with 175 yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 carries, which included a 72-yard scoring burst. ALIJAH AVANT made the most of 5 carries, churning out 109 yards on 5 carries for the Foothillers. Avant is also a top-notch receiver as he proved by catching 6 balls for 132 yards between Grossmont’s passing tandem of CALVIN FARRIS and JARED REDFIELD.

JOSH McFAUL logged a team-leading 8 tackles, while JACOB DENSON registered 3 tackles for losses to anchor Grossmont’s defense, which will be challenged by Otay Ranch . . . Grossmont 33-17.

MATER DEI (1-0) at EL CAPITAN (1-0), 7 – No. 10 ranked El Capitan posted a stylish upset 35-7 victory over No. 7 Madison in the opener. Question is, are the Vaqueros that good, or are the Warhawks overrated?

These teams have met only once in the past and that was last year when El Capitan crushed the Crusaders 44-0. Make no mistake, Mater Dei hasn’t forgotten, and El Capitan is a veteran team.

The tale of the tape could come on Friday (Sept. 5) when the Vaqueros host the Crusaders. Should be a good one . . . El Capitan 28-8.

STEELE CANYON (1-0) at MONTE VISTA (1-0), 7 – Steele Canyon is seeking a 2-0 start for the first time since 2010, when the Cougars began with a 3-0 run. But this time will be no small chore as they must side-step ever-improving Monte Vista in Friday night’s (Sept. 5) showdown.

The Monarchs, who clobbered Serra 26-7 in last week’s opener, were the San Diego CIF Division IV runner-up in 2013. Early season injuries put some doubts in Steele Canyon’s surge, but reserve quarterback JOE CALIFANO completed 8-of-17 passes for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Cougars crushed Chula Vista in the opener.

Not to be overlooked in the Cougar’s conquest was running back RILEY JONES, who stacked up 99 yards on 14 carries. DEREK TYLER caught 3 passes for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. ROBERT TEO picked off a pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown, while WILLIE FAIR also had an interception for the Cougars. ALEX RAYA was 6-for-6 on PATs.

Monte Vista rushed for 344 yards against Serra but won’t come near that against Steele Canyon . . . Steele Canyon 28-7.

POWAY (1-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL (1-0), 7 – MountMiguel will look to a speedy offense led by junior running back ANTHONY GILBERT and quarterback JACOB CASTILLO in Friday’s (Sept. 5) showdown against Poway, who edged Rancho Buena Vista 30-28 in last week’s opener.

It was a sweet win for Poway, which was playing on its brand-new turf. The Titans took a 24-0 first-half lead and then had to scramble to the finish line.

Mount Miguel was in command throughout as Gilbert ran for 2 touchdowns and Castillo passed for two more. Momentum favors the Matadors . . . Mount Miguel 28-26.

MONTGOMERY (1-0) at EL CAJONVALLEY (0-1), 7 – Host El CajonValley hopes to return to the good old days when the Braves honor the 1974 Grossmont League champions prior to Friday’s (Sept. 5) game. The Braves are coming off a 55-13 shellacking at the hands of Ramona, while Montgomery mauled Cardenas Prep from Tijuana, Mexico 44-0. MATTHEW SHEARIN scored 2 touchdowns for the Braves in the opening loss.

El Cajon Valley will further celebrate their championship of 30 years ago on Sunday (Sept. 7) by unveiling the refurbished statue of the Braves’ mascot at 2 p.m., and also hold the Grand Opening of the Braves’ historical museum.

Will the excitement be enough to put the Braves back on the victory trail? . . . El Cajon Valley 21-20.

GRANITE HILLS (1-0) at VALHALLA (0-1), 7 – The rebuilding Norsemen have lost 11 of their last 12, but don’t count them out this year. Valhalla put up a mighty struggle in a loss to Otay Ranch in this season’s opener.

The Eagles, meanwhile, rode the versatility of senior quarterback SETH COLLINS to a 41-0 blowout of San Diego. Collins carried the ball only five times and scored 4 touchdowns. He also passed to MICHAEL LADESMA for a score. Granite Hills leads the all-time series 24-14, but the Norsemen have won 11 of their last 13 over the Eagles, but the nod this time, Friday (Sept. 5) goes to . . . Granite Hills 27-21.

KEARNY (0-1) at SANTANA (1-0), 7 – Can the Sultans make it two in a row for the first time since reeling off eight straight to begin the 2011 season? The Sultans posted a 35-0 victory over San Diego-Southwest and Kearny didn’t find the end zone until the final minutes in a 30-6 loss in the opener to Mater Dei.

TANNER KVEDERIS made 7 tackles – 4 for loss – and 3 sacks in the shutout victory. ZACH LEWIS scored a pair of touchdowns in Santana’s romp. Quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ completed 15 of 26 passes for 187 yards and 2 TDs.

Santana has clipped the Komets in their last four meetings, including 35-25 in 2011 – the last time they played. The Sultans will be hard pressed to continue their winning ways over Kearny this Friday (Sept. 5) . . . Kearny 16-14.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN (0-0) at FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-1), 7 – Foothills Christian was shut out by the Rock Academy 13-0 in its first outing last week after being held to nine points or fewer in five games a year ago. Calvin Christian is untested as the Crusaders will be playing their opener Friday (Sept. 5) at Seau Field in La Mesa. A year ago these teams put on an offensive slugfest with the Crusaders winning 53-26. It won’t be a scoring free-for-all this time around . . . Calvin Christian 27-12.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 8-3 (.727)



Scotties Open Season with a Bang! Prove No. 1 Ranking Legit

By Andrew Smith
© East CountySports.com
DEL MAR (8-31-14) -- When the Helix Highlanders walked off the field for the last time a season ago following a disappointing loss in the semifinal round of the San Diego C.I.F. Playoffs there was a certain look on their faces that you never want to see from a loved one. Steaming and fumed, the largely underclassmen squad was enraged that they had to wait 9 months to take revenge out on somebody and you could see it in their eyes.

That time finally came on Saturday (Aug. 30) night at Cathedral Catholic High as the San Diego Section No. 1 preseason ranked Highlanders took on Ventura's St. Bonaventure. The much heralded Seraphs entered the game ranked the No. 10 team in the state by Cal-Hi Sports and were led by a QB that's headed to USC next year, but the rabid group of Scotties came away with a huge win, opening the new season with an impressive 24-20 victory.

“This isn't going to be the high point of our season,” head coach TROY STARR vowed after. “We've won one game and have to get back and prepare for another tough one next week. We can't let our selves get too high after a big win like this and you can't get too low or you'll never be successful in this sport and in life.”

Using a heavy overdose of the ground game Helix (1-0) rushed 52 times for 312 yards keeping St. Bonaventure's aerial attack at bay on the sidelines. NATHAN STINSON racked up 143 yards on 23 carries. JIHAD WOODS rushed 14 times for 79 yards and a score. Junior quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN went for 45 yards and a TD on 7 carries, but CURTIS HOLMES had the game-winning score on a 2-yd run with 2:03 remaining in the game after being met at the line of scrimmage only to move the pile into the end zone.

“It was just an unbelievable effort by our guys as a whole team,” Starr added. “Everybody on both sides was cramping up all over the place, but I think we were able to pull this one out because we were the better conditioned team of the two in the end.”

The success rate on third downs was another key point in the Helix win as they went 8-for-14 while holding the Seraphs (0-1) to 4-for-13 on third and 0-for-4 on fourth downs. That included and incompletion inside the red zone that eventually ended the game.

Eagles' Collins Proves he's a Flock Above

© East CountySports.com
EL CAJON (8-30-14) — Granite Hills quarterback SETH COLLINS carried the ball only five times for 222 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to set things up for a big night for the senior star as Granite Hills blanked visiting San Diego High 41-0 in Friday night’s (Aug. 29) at Valley Stadium.

The 6-foot-4, 175-pounder threw a bomb off his back foot for a 45-yard touchdown pass to MICHAEL LADESMA, who got behind his man deep down the right numbers, giving Granite Hills a 14-0 lead.

Collins added another long touchdown run in the first half, going 70 yards on a designed keep. He then added an 88-yard keeper up the middle for a score in the third quarter.

“Seth is a pretty elite player . . . a really fast kid,” said Eagles coach KELLAN COBBS.

Collins, who has committed to San Jose State University, accounted for 347 yards total offense against the Cavers.

Clearing the way for Collins on his breakout night was senior JOSH MILLINGER,
sophomore KALVIN SANDERS, junior BRENDEN DENNEY, junior VICTOR GARCIA and sophomore ANGELO SANDERS.

Junior strong safety RILEY REYES and 6-foot-6, 235-pound lineman JACOB BURTON spearheaded the Granite Hills’ shutout.

“We got up strongly with our defense turning four straight 3-and-outs,” Cobbs said. “And that seemed to spark our offense.”

Ladesma rushed for 70 yards on four carries and a touchdown. He also completed a pass for 20 yards and caught one aerial for 37 yards.

EL CAPITAN 35, MADISON 7 – In a battle of Top 10 teams, the visiting Vaqueros mowed down Madison in Friday’s (Aug. 29) season opener.

The No. 9 ranked Vaqueros skated past the No. 7 ranked Warhawks with relative ease.

D.J. SMITH and ISAIAH CAPOOCIA scored two touchdowns apiece for El Capitan. Quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who completed 12-of-18 passes for 147 yards and lofted one scoring pass, also scored on a touchdown scramble.

Despite the impressive victory, El Capitan coach RON BURNER was not overly pleased with his club’s first time out.

“We want to emphasize our defense and special teams,” he said.

And so they did.

Yet they also produced 282 offensive yards.

Defensively TREVOR ZAMORA and JARRED TURNER each intercepted passes.

“It wasn’t a one-man show but safety ZACH CAGLE was all over the field,” noted Burner. “Defense was the star of the show for us tonight.”

Standouts for El Capitan on defense included nose guard CLAY CROMWELL and 6-foot-2, 218-pound linebacker Smith.

MONTE VISTA 29, SERRA 7 — The Monte Vista Monarchs started off slow in Friday’s (Aug. 29) season opener at Serra High, but ended up dispatching the Conquistadors 29-7.

JORDAN JOHNSON began the Monarchs (1-0) season on the right foot as he racked up 111 yards on 16 carries with a pair of touchdowns. Four different Monte Vista running backs cracked the 50-yard barrier.

Joining Johnson was LEE WADE (8 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown), JACOB JARDIM (76 yards on 14 carries) and TRE OWENS (4 carries that gained 54 yards). As a whole, the MV rushing attack racked up 344 yards on 49 plays.

The passing game will need work this season if the season opener is any indication. As a team the Monarchs completed a single pass on seven attempts.

Jardim was busy besides his rushing duties. He is also the team’s punter, a feat that he performed four times for an average of 31.2 yards per punt.

Defensively, Monte Vista (1-0) held Serra (0-1) to 243 yards on 49 plays on the evening. Also in the Monarchs’ favor was the fact that the Conquistadors were in a very giving mood. Not only did the Q’s throw a pair of interceptions, they also fumbled the ball four times (all recovered by Monte Vista).

The one area that both teams will have to work on is up their act. The two teams combined for a total of 22 penalties for 222 yards. Monte Vista had the edge by committing 12 infractions for 116 yards.

— Chris Davis

CHRISTIAN 56, SLO-MISSION PREP 21 – After making an unprecedented run to its first ever Division III championship last year, the word on the street was that the Patriots (1-0) stood no shot at being a contender once again after losing a sloth of seniors to graduation.
After one game, that seems like a long lost myth as Christian dismantled the Royals and it started on its very first offensive snap of the season in Friday’s (Aug. 29) opener. Junior running back ADRIAN PETTY took the ball outside and BRANDON HESTER sealed the corner with a crushing block on a linebacker to springing him 52 yards for a score and the Patriots never looked back, scoring two touchdowns in each quarter.
DAVID TODD JEREMIAH was sharp in his varsity debut going 21-for-30 with 214 yards and 2 TD's with no interceptions. His favorite target was NICK SEXTON, who hauled in 9 balls for 131 yards. Hester reeled in 5 passes for 60 yards and a score to go along with a 41-yard run.
Meanwhile, senior captain TREVOR HOWELL had three receptions for 14 yards, one score and also threw a touchdown pass of his own from 29 yards out.
The Patriots compiled 516 total yards of offense (273 rush, 243 pass) against a Mission Prep squad that made it into the semifinal round of their city playoffs last year.
Petty free-falled his way to 142 yards on 19 rushes and 3 TD's, while JOEY MORONES also reached the end zone with 2 touchdown runs of his own.
“This is going to be a fun team to watch,” said offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER. “We have a long ways to go to reach our full potential, but if everyone buys into what we're trying to do it will be a good season.”

— Andrew Smith

MOUNT MIGUEL 26, MORSE 6 (Rev. 9-1-14) – Junior ANTHONY GILMORE proved that the Matadors will not be lacking in a ground game punch this season as he helped Mount Miguel tame the Tigers in Friday night’s (Aug. 29) non-league opener at Morse.

Gilmore scored two touchdowns on runs of 57 and 27 yards as the Matadors banged their way to the victory.

Mount Miguel coach SHAUN McDADE realizes that Gilmore will be their ticket to success this season.

“He got in three games last year and scored a couple of touchdowns,” McDade said. “We predicted that he’s gonna be a big play, home run hitter for us this season.”

So far, so good.

The Matadors took command behind Gilmore, who rushed for 122 yards on 14 carries in addition to making a 22-yard pass reception.

“We’re basically a running team, but I know we can throw the ball too,” said Gilmore.

Matadors quarterback JACOB CASTILLO completed 6-of-12 passes for 140 yards including two touchdown strikes – one a 63-yard pass to KIKO BORJA and another to GARY HASKINS for 32 yards.

MIKE JONES led the Mount Miguel defense with 12 tackles, and TITO ORTIZ added 10. CODY STONE logged 8 tackles, including 2 sacks. TRAVIS CHALKE-DALY made 6 stops and notched one sack.

As a team the Matadors made 5½ tackles for losses.

— Bill Dickens

OTAY RANCH 24, VALHALLA 11 – Trying to regroup, rebuild and rebound from a disappointing 1-9 season, Valhalla fourth-year coach CHARLES BUSSEY naturally was eagerly awaiting his squad’s first-ever meeting with Otay Ranch in its season opener Friday night (Aug. 29).

Similarly, Otay Ranch, under first-year coach Lance Christensen, was reconstructing after a troublesome 3-8 campaign in 2013.

Thus there was an opportunity – for both squads – to start out on the right track. Too many mistakes and missed chances, however, derailed the Norsemen on a pleasant summer evening in the East County.

The Norsemen tossed three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), missed a field goal, had a roughing-the-punter penalty that contributed to seven infractions overall and yielded two fourth-quarter scores as Otay Ranch pulled away with a 24-11 victory at Valhalla.

“You had the normal first-game mistakes,” Bussey said, “but I thought we played with intensity. I don’t think we played hesitant at all. I was very pleased with our effort and intensity. The kids played hard. We struggled at times, but we had a chance there at 14-11.”

Indeed. JEROME JOHNSON capped a 7-play drive with an 18-yard touchdown romp with 8:16 left to play. On the 2-point conversion attempt, JULIUS FRAZIER made a brilliant over-the-shoulder catch on a corner-route pass from VINNY MANUPELLA to make it 14-11 and seemingly swung the momentum toward the Norsemen.

But not for long.

Otay Ranch answered with a 12-play, 71-yard drive – 11 of them running plays – that culminated in a 22-yard field goal by Alec Cortez to make it 17-11 with 2:43 left. The big hurt was a 28-yard rush by Dorsey Furlow that gave the Mustangs first-and-goal at the 6-yard line.

Valhalla had plenty of time for a late rally, but five plays later, Otay’s Sam Stephens snagged the finale of a multi-tipped ball for an interception at the Mustangs’ 45-yard line with 1:11 left.

“We’re heroes if we drive down and score,” Bussey said, “and goats if we don’t.”

On the next play, Furlow busted through a blitzing Valhalla defense for a 51-yard gain to the 4-yard line. Mustangs quarterback Arturo Saenz kept the next snap and raced to the right corner of the end zone for the final nail-in-the-coffin.

“Those big runs really hurt us,” Bussey said. “We knew they were going to run the ball, and we had to make a stop. We had to take a chance at stopping them. But if they can break through on the blitz, you set yourself up for a big gain.”

Johnson, a 6-foot, 202-pound sophomore, showed tremendous potential running the ball, gaining 82 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

“He ran the ball really well,” Bussey said. “Ran hard, especially in the first half.”

Valhalla’s passing schemes, however, were inconsistent. Manupella finished 11-of-25 for 71 yards with an interception. PHILLIP NASEH, who split series with Manupella for the first 2½ quarters, was 2-of-10 for 18 yards and two interceptions. Frazier had six receptions for 33 yards.

Naseh started but was picked off on the third play of the game by Stephens, who returned it 29-yards to the Norsemen 21-yard line. Otay Ranch, though, missed a 32-yard field-goal attempt five plays later.

Valhalla then pieced together its best “drive” of the game, but it netted only three points. Starting at its 20, with Manupella calling the signals, the Norsemen used 12 plays to move to the Mustangs’ 43 before having to punt after a 10-yard loss on a fumble exchange.

JACOB PAAPE’s punt, however, was muffed by Otay’s returner and recovered by JOSEPH THOMAS at the 16-yard line. After a 9-yard gain on a pass from Manupella to Frazier, the drive stalled, and Paape booted a 27-yard field goal for a 3-0 Norsemen advantage with 4:44 showing in the first quarter.

“We had some chances inside the 10-yard line but didn’t take advantage,” Bussey pointed out.

Plenty of punts, penalties, fumbles and bumbles ensued until Otay Ranch went on top after a 14-yard touchdown scamper by fullback Emilio Razo with 3:04 left in the half made it 7-3.

Fittingly, the first half ended after a motion penalty by the Mustangs.

Valhalla’s second series of the second half turned the game as Otay’s Jensen Petersen snared another tipped pass and returned the interception 30 yards for a TD and a 14-3 lead with 6:01 left in the third quarter.

It stayed that way until Johnson’s TD burst made it 14-11 with 8:16 left in the game.

For what it’s worth, Valhalla at least matched Otay Ranch in big plays on defense and special teams. TREY SCHIMKE had a sack and blocked a punt in the first quarter. JONNY TOMA recovered a fumble in the second quarter.

DANIEL BENDER made an excellent stop on a fourth-down play in the third quarters. With the game still in tow, DANTE CARNESSSALE made a touchdown-saving tackle from behind at the 6-yard line. Otay managed only a field goal after that save.

“We did a lot of nice things tonight,” Bussey said. “We also made a lot of mistakes.

“Tip your hat to Otay Ranch. They played a little better than we did.

“Good news, it’s the first game. It’s not a playoff game. We’ve got another game next week.”

Ah yes, Granite Hills at Valhalla next Friday night – a big rivalry game in these parts.

If the Norsemen can tidy things up a bit, they just may right the ship after all.

— Jim Lindgren

STEELE CANYON 48, CHULA VISTA 14
– Senior quarterback JOSEPH CALIFANO hit DEREK TYLER with a long pass down the middle of the field for an 88-yard score, as Tyler slipped behind a hole in the defensive backfield and caught the aerial mid-stride to give Steele Canyon a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Califano took over for DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON, who has been sidelined with appendicitis.

ROOSEVELT JOHNSON had a 32-yard touchdown reception to give the Cougars a 14-0 lead at Rindone Stadium. Califano lofted a pass toward the goal on the left numbers and Johnson leaped to make a finger-tip grab while falling into the end zone.

Steele Canyon's ROBERT TEO stepped in front of a blown-up screen play and intercepted the attempt, returning the ball 20 yards for a score, giving the Cougars a 21-0 lead.

In the third quarter, Califano threw for his third score of the game, completing a 42-yard touchdown pass to Tyler, who got behind the defense to catch a perfectly thrown pass and won the race to the left pylon.

Offensive line KYREE WOOD, JOE METZ, JEREMIAH ZAMPETTI and MARVIN CALDWELL were strong protection for Califano.

The Cougars built a 27-6 lead with 2:20 remaining in the first half.

Steele Canyon's defensive starters had their way early, led by EDWARD DELGADO, RILEY JONES, DYLAN HAMLET, WILLIAM SPALSBURY and PAUL ALEXANDER.

SANTANA 35, SD-SOUTHWEST 0 – Santana junior quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ completed 15-of-26 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns, and junior running back ZACH LEWIS rushed for two scores in the first quarter of the Sultans' road shutout win.

Lewis had TD runs of 14 and 6 yards to give Santana a 14-0 lead.

Gutierrez threw touchdown passes to TANNER WEISS (1 yard) and ADAM CHILDRESS (27 yards), both in the third quarter.

The Santana defense was led by TANNER KVEDERIS (7 tackles) and AUSTIN PACHECO (4 tackles), as the Sultans racked up seven sacks in the opener. Weiss added an interception.

DAKOTA HARP returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown for Santana in the third stanza, as well as hauling in five passes for 55 yards for the contest.

WEST HILLS 26, MISSION BAY 13
– West Hills broke open a scoreless game late in the first half, then carried that momentum into the second half to open up a significant lead against visiting Mission Bay.

With under a minute to go until halftime, West Hills's KIAN AHMADIAN threw a 12-yard touchdown on a quick slant over the middle and near the front of the end zone to DEVON HATHAWAY for the game's first score.

With three minutes gone in the third quarter, West Hills' SPENCER MOYER threw a short screen pass in the right flat off play-action that turned into a 40-yard touchdown down the right sideline for junior receiver TAJ BROOMFIELD.

On the ensuing possession, senior defensive back RAPHY CARR picked off an overthrown ball and scampered down the right side for a 39-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“We got off to a fast start in the second half,” said Wolf Pack coach CASEY ASH.

“We had a couple of big plays from our seniors – Broomfield’s TD and then Carr’s interception return for TD. It set us up for some good momentum.”

West Hills defense was led by junior linebacker AUSTIN ESTRADA, senior
linebacker BROCK NUCKOLS, senior lineman ESTEBAN FLORES and junior linebacker CLAYTON LEWIS.

Midway through the third, West Hills' JACOB SHAW added a 5-yard rushing TD to make it 26-0.

“Shaw ran hard and converted several important third downs,” Ash noted. “Defensively Hathaway was a standout. He made two tackles for losses on fourth down plays.”

The Wolf Pack's pair of QBs had protection from senior GARRETT MEAD, junior RICHARD IMBIMBO, senior JOSE ESTRADA and junior DOMINIC TUFI.

GROSSMONT 37, PATRICK HENRY 22 – Grossmont running back ALIJAH AVANT's 50-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter broke open a one-score game, as the Foothillers won on the road.

JARED REDFIELD, who shared quarterback duties with CALVIN FARRIS, gave the Foothillers a 12-6 lead two minutes into the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run.


Grossmont tied the game 6-6 with three minutes left in the first quarter when a 30-yard pass completion to JAKE LOPEZ resulted in a touchdown.

Henry's scores came from the arm of talented quarterback Christopher Samaniego, as the Patriots kept it a back-and-forth game in the first half.

Lopez added a 3-yard touchdown run late in the first half to give Grossmont a 21-14 lead at intermission.

JAKE HARR scored two touchdowns, as did Avant, in Friday night’s (Aug. 29) opening night. HUNTER REINER also scored on a TD run as the Foothillers rolled over the 400-yard mark for the evening.

Grossmont coach TOM KARLO praised his offensive line of LOGAN CANDELARIO, MARCO MORGAN, MICHAEL BYERLINE, TARIQ BUTROS and SCOTT FOHRING.

“When you’re breaking in new quarterbacks it figures to be tough going,” said Karlo.

Linebacker JACOB DENSON paced the Grossmont defense with 10 tackles.

The Foothillers led 35-14 after three quarters.

THE ROCK 13, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 0 – The Foothill Christian Knights played solid defense but couldn’t find its offense in Friday’s (Aug. 29) non-league opener on Seau Field.

“Our defense finally was able to come around,” said the Knights’ first-year coach REY LYYJOKI. “With all our changes we weren’t able to get in a scrimmage or a passing league.”

Pretty much both teams were scoreless in the second half. According to the coach a couple of kids had cramps on both teams, but there were no injuries. There were a couple of turnovers on each side.

“Our running game is starting to show some life,” Lyyjoki said.

“Defensive tackle CAMDON STEELE had a very strong night with two sacks and a fumble recovery,” the coach added.

Foothills trailed 13-0 in the first quarter after two quick turnovers, which allowed a pair of short fields for The Rock.

RAMONA 55, EL CAJON VALLEY 13 – MATTHEW SHEARIN scored two touchdowns but it was not nearly enough as the Braves dropped Friday’s (Aug. 29) season opener to county elite Ramona. SHEARIN turned in a spectacular run for the Braves, dodging and eluding several tacklers en route to a 55-yard jaunt to give El Cajon Valley a second-half touchdown.

Shearin scored on a 47-yard run and a 55-yard pass from quarterback MERITON HASANI.

NATHAN McCULLOUGH logged 6 tackles for the Braves.

“McCullough had some big hits for us,” noted El Cajon Valley coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD.

Ramona led 34-0 after the first quarter and it was no contest after that.

Junior Varsity scores - Week 1

Grossmont 21, Patrick Henry 0
Morse 6, Mount Miguel 0
Eastlake 24, Helix 0
Serra 39, Monte Vista 0
Valhalla 39, Otay Ranch 7
Madison 26, El Capitan 14
Christian 33, Mission Prep 0
Steele Canyon 22, Chula Vista 14

Frosh scores - Week 1

Mount Miguel 39, Morse 14
Grossmont 49, Patrick Henry 15
El Capitan 7, Madison 6
Westview 26, Granite Hills 7
Otay Ranch 42, Valhalla 19
Chula Vista 14, Steele Canyon 3
Santana 35, Southwest-SD 0
Eastlake 16, Helix 15


2014 FEARLESS FORECASTER

Week 1

Highlanders face state-ranked St. Bonaventure in high-profile neutral-site clash
No. 22 Helix meets No. 15 Seraphs in opener

© East CountySports.com
EL CAJON (8-28-14) — State powers Helix High and St. Bonaventure of Ventura will face off on Saturday(Aug. 30) at Cathedral Catholic High at 8 p.m.

The Highlanders (9-3 a year ago) will be led by double-threat quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN, who can throw and run, and running back NATE STINSON.

The Seraphs (8-4 last year) are ranked No. 15 in California by MaxPreps.com.

The nod here goes to . . .St. Bonaventure 16-14.

STEELE CANYON at CHULA VISTA, 7 – Led by quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON, the Cougars should be vastly improved from last year’s 3-8 record when they take on the Spartans in Friday (Aug. 29) night’s opener. JORDAN JOHNSON is a two-way standout as a wide receiver-free safety. MARVIN CALDWELL anchors the offensive line at 5-foot-10, 240 pounds. The Cougars figure to overpower Chula Vista . . . Steele Canyon 27-7.

PATRICK HENRY at GROSSMONT, 7 – The Foothillers ran roughshod over the Patriots 52-27 last year and things don’t seem to be much different in Friday’s (Aug. 29) rematch. Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS takes the reins for Grossmont and figures to direct the same potent passing game. Running back JAKE HAAR leads the running game. The nod goes again to . . . Grossmont 33-12.

EL CAPITAN at MADISON, 6:30 – In a battle of Top 10 teams the Vaqueros (No. 10) look to senior quarterback BRAD CAGLE to lead his squad to a first-round victory in Friday (Aug. 29) night’s opener against No. 7 ranked Madison. Cagle, who passed for 2,755 yards and 32 touchdowns a year ago, will be the triggerman. He has a bevy of targets including D.J. SMITH (RB-LB), ISAIAH CAPOOCIA (WR), ZACH CAGLE (slot) and FRANKIE LIMA (WR). JOEY LaCHAPPA anchors the defense along with Smith. That adds up to victory for . . . El Capitan 21-10.

MISSION BAY at WEST HILLS, 7 – Coach CASEY ASH returns to the Wolf Pack helm after a four-year hiatus. He looks to a handful of skill players, but he’s short on the defensive end. A switch of leagues ­– from the Grossmont Hills to the Grossmont Valley – no doubt will leave the Pack scratching for success as they graduated 42 seniors but feel they have a better chance competitively. Facing off against MissionBay on Friday (Aug. 29) stands as a major challenge . . . Mission Bay 27-20.

MONTE VISTA at SERRA, 6:30 – The Monarchs fell a touchdown short of capturing the Division IV San Diego Section championship on the only pass completion of the game, 7-0 to Sweetwater. But the Monarchs, 7-6 a year ago, figure to rebound behind their running game in Friday’s (Aug. 29) opener. Quarterback AUSTIN CAOLE and running backs RYAN SHIELDS and LEE WADE hope to pump more offense into the Monte Vista attack as the Monarchs figure to avenge a 42-22 loss to Serra a year ago. This time the nod goes to. . . Monte Vista 21-20.

OTAY RANCH at VALHALLA, 7 – Two of the top teams in the San Diego Section will collide Friday (Aug. 29) night on the Norsemen’s field. Linebacker LOGAN BAKER and tackle RYAN BURKE spearhead the Valhalla defense. The Norsemen, however, will have to bolster an offense to compete against the rebuilding Mustangs . . . Valhalla 24-20.

MOUNT MIGUEL at MORSE, 7 – Wholesale graduation has caused the Mount Miguel Matadors to rebuild. Senior JACOB CASTILLO takes over at quarterback for the Matadors, who finished 8-3 a year ago. Sophomore running back ANTHONY GILMORE, a breakaway threat, should be a surprise for the Matadors. MountMiguel averaged 33.7 ppg a year ago but will be hard-pressed to match that number. Morse was 5-7 last year but should not be capable of upsetting their neighborhood rival Friday (Aug. 29) . . . Mount Miguel 28-26.

SAN DIEGO at GRANITE HILLS, 6:30 – Quarterback SETH COLLINS will direct the Granite Hills offense, which should improve the Eagles’ 7-6 season record of a year ago. The Eagles’ defense will be anchored by safety RILEY REYES, linebacker KELLEN GAIER, defensive lineman JACOB BURTON (6-6, 235) and wide receiver-defensive back MICHAEL LEDESMA. The Eagles face off against the Cavers (0-9 last year) on Friday (Aug. 29) night, so the odds look favorable . . . Granite Hills 21-13.

CHRISTIAN at MISSION PREP, 7 – The defending champion San Diego Section Division III Patriots figure to make another charge for post-season awards after finishing 12-1 a year ago. The team was wiped out by graduation but plenty of skill players return in TREVOR HOWELL (WR-OLB) and junior quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH. For one of the few times in recent years the Patriots possess plenty of depth, but they will face a stiff challenge from Mission Prep of San Luis Obispo. NICK SEXTON (WR-DB), CHAD HUMPHRIES (RB-LB) and LAITHE ESEMANN (OL, 6-4, 300) should make an impact along with running backs ADRIAN PETTY and JOEY MORONES . . . Christian 27-26.

SANTANA at San Diego-SOUTHWEST, 7 – Two teams coming off of 1-9 seasons hope to get on track early in Friday (Aug. 29) night’s opener. The Sultans’ lone conquest was a 35-0 knockout of El CajonValley a year ago. The key players for the Raiders are QB Christian Silva, receiver Brandon Molina, running back Moses Robles and receiver Adrian Samano. QB FRANKIE GUTIERREZ returns to direct the Santana attack. Wide receiver DAKOTA HARP caught 40 passes for 481 yards for Santana a year ago. This should be a good start for the Sultans . . . Santana 25-20.

RAMONA at EL CAJON VALLEY, 7 – The Braves host NorthCounty powerhouse Ramona in Friday’s (Aug. 29) non-league encounter. The Bulldogs are coming off a 10-2 record compared to the Braves’ 2-8 log. Scoring points has not been a problem for the Braves. Halting the opponents’ flow has been . . . Ramona 38-7.

THE ROCK vs. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN at Seau Field, 7 – A new coach, REY LYYJOKI, and a handful of inexperienced skill players carry the future for the Foothills Christian Knights into Friday’s (Aug. 29) opener against The Rock. The Knights are small except for junior ISAIAH BARTOLOME (6-1, 275) and sophomore lineman ANTHONY MALCUIT (6-1, 262). A young team returns from an 0-10 2013 season for the Warriors . . . Foothills Christian 28-6.


PRESEASON

Grossmont Conference
 2014 Football Alignment
Grossmont Hills League
• Grossmont
• Helix
• Steele Canyon
• Valhalla
• El Capitan
• Mount Miguel
Grossmont Valley League
• El Cajon Valley
• Monte Vista
• Santana
• Granite Hills
• West Hills
 
Four schools, not two, make the switch

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-22-14) — The Grossmont Conference has shuffled teams between the Grossmont Hills League and the Grossmont Valley League for football only for the 2014 season.

The East County leagues will have a new alignment with two major changes in each league, instead of the anticipated one or two schools switching.

The lineup for the Grossmont Hills League shows El Capitan and Mount Miguel joining Grossmont, Helix, Steele Canyon and Valhalla.

In the Grossmont Valley League, the new lineup shakes out with Granite Hills and West Hills joining El Cajon Valley, Monte Vista and Santana.

The teams will open the season on Friday (Aug. 29) in non-league contests. The only exception to the first round schedule will be Helix battling Ventura's St. Bonaventure at Cathedral Catholic at 8 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 30.


 
NUC West Coast
Football Classic
Fri., Jan. 3
In Temecula
SDFNL All-Star Game
 Sat., Dec. 28 At Helix 
Kickoff:   1 p.m.
Focus on Flagstaff for Helix' Kuykendall

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com

LA MESA (6-23-14) — Helix Highlander lineman JAYLON KUYKENDALL has accepted a scholarship to Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, Ariz.

The 6-foot-1, 300 pound senior-to-be elected to sign early in accepting the Lumberjacks’ offer.

Kuykendall was selected to the 2013 All-East County Sports.com first team as an offensive lineman.

“This is very exciting,” Kuykendall said. “Now I can concentrate on my senior year.”

In selecting NAU Kuykendall turned down offers from San Jose State, UNLV and USD.

One of the eye-catching features for Kuykendall was the NAU Skydome.

In 2012, the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome, one of the most unique venues in all of college athletics, celebrates its 36th year as the entertainment center for northern Arizona . The Skydome has been the home of NAU football, basketball and indoor track and field since 1977.

Kuykendall, who will play either guard or center for the Lumberjacks, admitted being amazed by the Skydome.

He visited NAU a week ago and was impressed onsite.

“The Skydome just catches your eye right away, and when I talked to the coaches it just made everything even better,” said Kuykendall, who has a 3.2 GPA.

He plans to major in psychology.


© 2014 East County Sports
Email us: ramon@eastcountysports.com
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