EAST COUNTY FEARLESS FORECASTER – Week 7

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 30, 2026

Granite Hills' Nino Miller-Thompson against Cathedral Catholic. / Vic Marano

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

FEARLESS FORECASTER — WEEK 7

By Ramon Scott
EastCountySports.com

League play has a way of sorting out September’s impressions. Fast starts become championship bids, difficult starts get a fresh opportunity, and familiar opponents begin asking questions the nonleague schedule could not answer.

Week 7 brings that examination to East County, with the Grossmont Conference races opening alongside league debuts for Christian and Mountain Empire.

Granite Hills remains the team to beat in the Grossmont Hills League, and visiting Grossmont gets the first opportunity to measure the distance.

The Foothillers return from a one-year stay in the Valley League with a 5-1 record and an offense capable of making the Eagles work. Sustaining that challenge for four quarters is another matter.

Helix, meanwhile, hosts a Mount Miguel team that has won their last two meetings, although the Highlanders enter this one looking better equipped to challenge Granite Hills.

The Forecaster’s projected finish: Granite Hills, Helix, Grossmont, Steele Canyon and Mount Miguel, with the Foothillers getting the narrow nod over the Cougars for third, with Grossmont hosting their league matchup this season. Steele Canyon has one more nonleague assignment, hosting Nevada’s CIVICA on Friday night.

In the Grossmont Valley League, Valhalla’s overwhelming on-field performances make the Norsemen the favorite, but familiar opposition should provide a clearer measure of their championship credentials. Monte Vista gets the first look Friday.

Santana hosts an injury-hampered El Capitan team still capable of changing the conversation, while West Hills welcomes El Cajon Valley.

The projected order is Valhalla, Santana, West Hills, El Capitan, Monte Vista and El Cajon Valley. There is little separating the two Santee teams, and a healthier Vaqueros offense could make that forecast uncomfortable.

Two more league openers deserve a prominent place on the weekend’s card. Unbeaten Christian hosts San Diego on Saturday, with the Patriots’ defense and productive running game supporting an offense still adjusting at quarterback.

In Pine Valley, Mountain Empire welcomes Vincent Memorial for a Desert League test that could turn the RedHawks’ encouraging start into a much bigger story.

September supplied reasons to believe. This week begins determining which teams can turn that belief into a league championship.

No. 17 GROSSMONT (5-1) at No. 6 GRANITE HILLS (3-2)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Granite Hills Stadium
Grossmont Hills League opener

Grossmont brings a better football team back to the Grossmont Hills League. Its first assignment is finding out how much better against the program that still sets the East County standard.

The Foothillers arrive at Granite Hills with five victories, consecutive 40-point performances and a defense that supplied the final answer in a difficult road win last week. There is reason to believe Anthony Lawrence’s team can make this meeting more competitive than the last one.

There is also the matter of those 90 points.

Granite Hills’ 90-46 victory in 2024, on this same field, will follow the matchup until the teams give everyone something else to discuss. But even that extraordinary final obscures how the game unfolded.

The Eagles led just 41-34 at halftime. Grossmont pulled within 41-40 in the third quarter.

Then Granite Hills scored 49 of the remaining 55 points.

That is the challenge Friday: Grossmont has demonstrated it can score against good teams. Staying with the Eagles for 48 minutes requires enough stops—and enough productive possessions—to prevent the game from getting away.

A familiar league, a stronger return

Grossmont’s return follows a 5-0 Valley League championship season. The Foothillers belonged to the Hills from its inception in 2010 through 2024; last season was their only departure. This is familiar territory, even if the immediate schedule offers little hospitality.

Granite Hills comes first, followed by Helix and Steele Canyon.

The Eagles remain our choice to win the Hills without a league loss, with Helix the strongest challenger. Grossmont enters behind those two, but its improvement makes a run at third place plausible. The home meeting with Steele Canyon could become particularly meaningful.

First, the Foothillers must show how much of their nonleague success translates against Granite Hills.

Holmes gives Grossmont more than one way forward

Tyler Holmes accounted for 319 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s 40-33 victory at West Hills, throwing for 181 yards and two scores while rushing for 138 yards and three touchdowns.

His fourth-quarter scoring runs of 19 and 39 yards changed the lead. Jonah Yost’s fourth-down pass breakup finished the job after West Hills reached first-and-goal at the Grossmont 1.

The Foothillers allowed only six second-half points and outscored the Wolf Pack 22-6 after halftime.

That defensive response matters. So does an offense averaging 419.2 yards per game, divided almost evenly between rushing and passing.

Holmes’ running ability, Corbin Dow’s contribution on the ground and receiving threats including Jonah Martinez and Henry Ficorola give Grossmont opportunities to sustain possessions instead of relying entirely on quick strikes.

A touchdown after a long drive would accomplish two things Friday: put points on the board and keep Zac Benitez waiting on the sideline.

Grossmont cannot afford many empty possessions followed by immediate Granite Hills answers. It also cannot wait until halftime to find the defensive discipline it showed in Santee.

Familiar Eagles, a different challenge

Several players have firsthand experience with the 2024 scoring spree.

Benitez threw for 371 yards and eight touchdowns that night. Gage Spalding gained 41 yards on three carries, including a 32-yard touchdown. Holmes also appeared for Grossmont, completing both of his passes in a limited role.

Their responsibilities are considerably larger now.

Benitez directs an Eagles offense looking to regain its rhythm after the 42-21 loss to Cathedral Catholic. Granite Hills entered the fourth quarter down only 28-21, but the Dons scored the final two touchdowns.

Cathedral’s pressure limited the Eagles to 283 total yards. Grossmont will try to create its own disruption, but reproducing that defensive performance is a considerable assignment.

Spalding, Courtney “Nino” Miller-Thompson, Jesse Wilhite and Brody Vicars give Benitez multiple ways to attack. Miller-Thompson demonstrated another dimension last week with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Wilhite, then caught 10 passes himself.

The Eagles also enter the week following the frightening injury to senior defensive end Gabe Luera, who was taken away by ambulance during the Cathedral game. His injury adds a personnel concern as Granite Hills prepares to contain Holmes.

League stakes, postseason possibilities

The supplied postseason snapshot places Granite Hills fourth in Division I and Grossmont eighth in Division II. Those are current projections, not fixed assignments; final rankings and the section’s placement rules will determine the actual brackets.

For Granite Hills, league play begins another championship pursuit. For Grossmont, a strong Hills season could validate the progress already evident in its 5-1 start and improve its postseason position.

The Foothillers do not need another track meet. They need first downs, controlled possessions and defensive stops that make the Eagles earn their opportunities.

They have enough offense to create problems. Granite Hills still has the more complete case over four quarters, particularly at home.

Grossmont’s frequent two-point attempts also make a conventional final score less likely. The Foothillers went for two after all six touchdowns last week, converting twice.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: GRANITE HILLS 45, GROSSMONT 22.

SERIES NOTEBOOK

Granite Hills leads 30-23-1 through 54 games.

The Eagles have won the last three meetings: 55-0 in 2022, 44-22 in 2023 and 90-46 in 2024. Grossmont’s most recent victory was 24-14 in 2021.

The rivalry’s longest winning streak belongs to Granite Hills: eight straight from 1975–82, part of a 14-game unbeaten stretch through 1988, interrupted only by a 14-14 tie in 1983. Grossmont answered with a 54-0 victory in 1989.

Grossmont’s longest winning streak was five consecutive meetings, spread across 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008 and 2010.

Grossmont coach Anthony Lawrence was the Foothillers’ quarterback when they won 63-49 at Granite Hills in the 2013 Hills League opener. Despite having one of the section’s leading passers, Grossmont leaned on its ground game, with Jake Haar rushing for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Justin Peace’s 76-yard interception return for a touchdown helped hold off the Eagles. That night’s Fearless Forecaster pick? Grossmont, 35-14. The winner was right; the scoreboard had other ideas.

One of Grossmont’s most memorable recent wins came in 2019, 33-32 at Granite Hills. Jaime Odom’s 46-yard scramble on fourth-and-2, with approximately 90 seconds remaining, helped complete a comeback from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit.

MOUNT MIGUEL (1-3) at No. 12 HELIX (4-2)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Hart Stadium
Grossmont Hills League opener

Helix has spent the past two weeks showing how much ground it has regained. Friday brings an opportunity to reclaim something Mount Miguel has held through the last two meetings.

The Matadors won 48-35 in 2024 and 42-14 last season, results that helped establish them as a challenger to Granite Hills while the Highlanders worked through two difficult seasons. Now Helix looks better equipped to pursue the Eagles, and Mount Miguel faces the considerable task of defending its recent success in this rivalry.

The Claymore is at stake, along with the first step in a league race that offers neither team much room for an uneven start.

Damaja Jones’ Highlanders followed their competitive 24-19 loss to Cathedral Catholic by overwhelming Mater Dei Catholic, 49-14, building a 42-0 halftime lead. The most encouraging part was how many players contributed — and how many ways Helix found to take control.

Jeremy Robinson scored on a punt return, a reception and a run, then intercepted a pass. His 135 all-purpose yards on five offensive touches and punt returns illustrated the challenge Mount Miguel faces: containing him in one role still leaves several others to consider.

Quarterback Caden Thompson threw three touchdown passes, while Stephon Fuentes supplied 89 rushing yards on 11 carries. Eunique Johnson and Kingston James provide additional scoring options for an offense that can distribute the work.

Mount Miguel’s first priority is preventing those options from becoming another early avalanche.

The Matadors have faced three consecutive ranked opponents, losing to University City, Torrey Pines and Poway. Helix could be their toughest assignment yet. A bye gave first-year coach James Simon additional preparation time, but the opening possessions will reveal whether that work can translate into a more competitive start.

Against Poway, Mount Miguel trailed 35-0 at halftime before Dominic Lopez scored twice. Lopez finished with 78 rushing yards, six tackles and an interception, giving the Matadors dependable production on both sides of the ball.

Cayden “Prince” Mobley offers their best opportunity to change field position in a hurry. He produced 153 all-purpose yards against Poway, including 103 on returns. Getting him the ball with room to operate would help Mount Miguel avoid having to assemble every scoring opportunity through a long drive.

That requires protection against a Helix front led last week by Dean Niumata, who recorded 3½ tackles for loss and 1½ sacks. Both Enrique Gonzalez and freshman Amare White played quarterback against Poway; whoever handles the snaps Friday will need manageable down-and-distance situations.

The personnel have changed considerably since Mount Miguel’s last two victories. Jordan Fuga and Kiti Fuga, formerly Matadors, now contribute to Helix. Mount Miguel is developing a different group, including young players gaining experience during a demanding schedule.

Those recent wins still give the Matadors something meaningful to draw upon. But this group will have to establish its own foothold against a Highlanders team with more ways to dictate the game.

For Helix, a championship challenge begins with handling this assignment. Granite Hills remains the Hills League favorite, but the Highlanders have shown enough to make that race worth watching. Mount Miguel needs progress that can carry into the rest of its schedule, with home opportunities against Patrick Henry and Grossmont still ahead.

Series notebook: Helix leads 43-18, including Mount Miguel’s 2005 forfeit victory. The Highlanders last won 59-14 in 2015, then the teams went eight seasons without meeting before Mount Miguel swept the rivalry’s return. The Matadors can match their longest series winning streak — three, established in 1973-75 — with an upset Friday.

Mount Miguel has enough individual ability to produce some resistance, particularly coming off the bye. Sustaining it for four quarters against Helix’s offense, pressure and return game is the larger problem.

The Highlanders should establish control without needing to reproduce last week’s first-half scoring spree.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: HELIX 42, MOUNT MIGUEL 14

EL CAPITAN (1-4) at No. 33 SANTANA (4-1)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Santana High
Grossmont Valley League opener

Santana and El Capitan begin league play with something to repair — and an opportunity neither can afford to overlook.

The Sultans need to respond to their first defeat. The Vaqueros need to demonstrate that an injury-disrupted September has not determined the course of their season.

With Valhalla entering as the Grossmont Valley League favorite, Santana and West Hills look like the most immediate challengers. El Capitan began the season with championship aspirations of its own, but must now regain enough offensive stability to join that pursuit.

Friday offers the Vaqueros a direct route back into the discussion. It also gives Santana a chance to establish its position before the race develops further.

The Sultans remain the choice at home. But El Capitan has more reason to believe it can compete than its 1-4 record might suggest.

Before their 35-0 loss at Steele Canyon, the Vaqueros’ three defeats had come by a combined 20 points. They also beat Chula Vista, 14-9 — the same opponent Santana edged, 37-35.

Those results suggest the distance between these teams could be smaller than the difference in their records. The largest uncertainty remains behind center.

Injuries to El Capitan’s first two quarterbacks, along with an opening-game injury to its starting running back, have repeatedly disrupted the offense.

Kyle Carnes started against Steele Canyon, and Zane Burke took snaps during the final two series. Earlier, sophomore Daniel Montijo had thrown for 172 yards and two touchdowns against Ramona before being injured the following week at Bonita Vista.

The bye offered time to recover and prepare. It does not establish that either injured quarterback will return.

El Capitan has scored seven points in its last two games. Until the Vaqueros demonstrate greater continuity and production, Santana’s established passing attack gives the home team the clearer advantage.

Ethan Miller threw for 223 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 31-21 loss to Fallbrook. Denton Goar caught eight passes for 74 yards and two scores, while Kolten “Koko” Thornton added six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Those connections kept Santana within reach during a disappointing homecoming performance. The question is how much help they will receive Friday.

Julian Mayers supplied 73 of the Sultans’ 74 rushing yards against Fallbrook. More consistent balance would help Santana sustain possessions and prevent El Capitan from concentrating its attention on Miller and his receivers.

The Vaqueros have a useful example to study from that game.

Fallbrook rushed for 184 yards, but its success required more than physical play up front. Quarterback Easton Lucy also supplied a passing threat, and his 55-yard touchdown connection with Jayden Brown broke the halftime tie.

El Capitan must present enough of a passing threat to create similar room. Asking its running game and defense to carry the entire evening would make an upset considerably more difficult.

There were encouraging individual moments against Steele Canyon. Sophomore Shayne Whitmore made a 45-yard reception, Burke found space on keepers, and the defense held the Cougars scoreless in the third quarter. Friday requires turning those isolated successes into sustained possessions and timely stops.

Santana has defensive repairs to make, too. Dillon Timanus recorded 11 tackles against Fallbrook, Thornton added 10, and Tatum Morehouse and Brayton Knight contributed plays behind the line. Yet eight tackles for loss did not prevent the Warriors from repeatedly moving the chains.

Finishing those possessions would help the Sultans keep El Capitan’s offense from gaining confidence.

Valhalla still has to prove its standing against its league opponents. For the teams pursuing the Norsemen, however, winning an opener like this would prevent an immediate setback. Santana can reinforce its place alongside West Hills among the leading challengers; El Capitan can begin changing an outlook that has become less favorable with each injury and missed opportunity.

Series notebook: El Capitan leads 34-18-2, with Friday marking the 55th meeting. The Vaqueros have won three of the last four, but the last three meetings were each decided by seven points: El Capitan won 7-0 in 2022, Santana answered 21-14 in overtime in 2023, and El Capitan took the 2024 game, 14-7. The teams did not meet last season.

This looks like another game in which the favorite will have to earn its separation. El Capitan’s extra preparation time and earlier close results deserve consideration, while Santana’s loss showed that its strong start had not settled every question.

Still, Miller, Goar and Thornton give the Sultans the more dependable means of producing the decisive touchdown. Until El Capitan shows it can answer consistently, the edge belongs to Santana.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: SANTANA 20, EL CAPITAN 16

MONTE VISTA (2-3) at No. 22 VALHALLA (3-2)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Valhalla High
Grossmont Valley League opener

Valhalla has spent September demonstrating how much its football program has changed. October brings the opportunity to change its place in the league standings.

The Norsemen enter Grossmont Valley League play as the favorite, with an offense that has overwhelmed its first four opponents and a defense that has allowed one touchdown. Now comes the work of turning those performances into a championship pursuit against familiar opponents.

Monte Vista provides the first test — and a reminder that Valhalla’s anticipated rise still requires results against teams that have recently had its number.

Jason Carter’s arrival from Lincoln brought championship-program experience and renewed expectations. A roster strengthened by newcomers and productive young players has given his staff several ways to attack opponents.

The official record requires explanation. Valhalla’s 3-2 mark includes two forfeit losses stemming from an eligibility ruling and last week’s forfeit victory over St. Pius X–St. Matthias Academy. The school previously announced an appeal of the eligibility decision, saying it had initially been informed the player was cleared.

On the field, the Norsemen have outscored four opponents 246-6.

Both parts belong in the account of their season. The forfeits determine the official record; the performances explain why Valhalla remains the team to beat in the Valley.

The schedule supplies another necessary qualification. The Norsemen have faced limited resistance, leaving questions about how they will handle an opponent that sustains possessions, forces adjustments or keeps the outcome unsettled into the second half.

Monte Vista has a player capable of asking some of those questions.

Daesean Jenkins scored all four Monarchs touchdowns against Christian last week, including a 72-yard run, two short scoring runs and a touchdown reception. Monte Vista led 7-0 and 21-14 before the Patriots moved ahead 28-21 at halftime.

The eventual 62-27 defeat reflected a defensive breakdown after intermission. It did not erase the problems Jenkins created for an unbeaten opponent.

Valhalla must account for him as both a runner and receiver. Sound pursuit and secure tackling will matter more than preserving September’s remarkable defensive averages.

The Norsemen have personnel suited to that assignment. Gideon Hypes made 14 tackles in their most recent game, a 49-0 victory at Kearny, while Amare Young returned a fumble for a touchdown. Valhalla has repeatedly created scoring opportunities while denying opponents the sustained drives needed to keep its offense waiting.

That offense presents Monte Vista’s larger concern.

Christian rushed for 395 yards on 24 attempts against the Monarchs, with sophomore Julian Morones accounting for 313 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns. Valhalla has several players capable of exploiting similar openings.

Senior Jayden Hunter supplies an established running threat, with 366 rushing yards through four games played. Sophomore Camryn Conley scored three touchdowns at Kearny, catching five passes for 92 yards and two scores while adding another touchdown on the ground.

Junior quarterback Adrian Wilson can extend plays with his legs, and freshman A.J. Wright gives him another target downfield. Wright and Conley have combined for 548 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches.

Monte Vista cannot concentrate on one player and expect the rest of the offense to become manageable. The Monarchs need considerably more resistance at the line of scrimmage, followed by possessions that give their defense time to recover.

For Valhalla, this is the beginning of a league schedule that should provide a more useful measure of its postseason possibilities. Santana and West Hills enter as credible challengers, while El Capitan hopes improved health will restore its own ambitions.

The Norsemen’s opportunity recalls the standard established under Steve Sutton, when Valhalla reached the section championship game in 2008 and followed with an unbeaten league season in 2009. Getting back to that level begins with handling the next opponent, rather than looking past it.

Series notebook: Monte Vista has won three consecutive meetings — 42-29 in 2023, 38-21 in 2024 and 35-11 last season. Valhalla last won 22-14 in 2022, following a 35-21 victory in 2021. The series has featured extended reversals: Valhalla won eight consecutive meetings from 2005 through 2014, with no games between the schools in 2007 or 2012.

Jenkins gives Monte Vista a reasonable chance to produce more offense than Valhalla’s previous opponents. But the Monarchs must solve too many defensive problems against a team with this many scoring options.

The Norsemen have looked ready to lead the Valley. Friday should supply their first league victory to support that expectation.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: VALHALLA 42, MONTE VISTA 14

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-3) at No. 27 WEST HILLS (4-1)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — West Hills High
Grossmont Valley League opener

West Hills came within a yard of giving itself a chance to preserve its unbeaten record. El Cajon Valley spent its last game demonstrating how much it has improved since an 0-3 start.

Both have something worth carrying into league play. The Wolf Pack have considerably more ways to sustain it.

After a 40-33 loss to Grossmont, West Hills begins its pursuit of a Grossmont Valley championship with a favorable home assignment. Valhalla enters as the league favorite, with the Wolf Pack and Santana among the leading challengers. Handling this opener would give West Hills the response it needs after letting a fourth-quarter lead slip away.

El Cajon Valley arrives off a bye and consecutive victories, including a 26-15 comeback at Castle Park. The Braves scored the final 20 points after trailing 15-6, offering evidence of progress beyond their earlier 42-0 victory over Orange Glen.

Amir Miller was central to both the comeback and the defensive finish. The senior caught three touchdown passes and intercepted two passes, using his strength and sure hands to win contested opportunities.

Sophomore quarterback TJ Ibrahimi threw for 285 yards and four touchdowns, bringing his two-game totals to 582 yards and nine scoring passes.

That partnership deserves West Hills’ attention. So do the players around it.

Gavino Kendall-Pinal caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against Castle Park. Rashaunn Barr added 68 receiving yards and an interception, while Janvier Kashindi rushed for 62 yards on eight carries.

The Braves have players capable of making an impact against league opponents. Friday’s challenge is creating enough time and space for them against a deeper team.

Ibrahimi has shown what he can do when receivers have time to work open. West Hills should place considerably more pressure on that process. Quick throws to Miller could give the Braves a way to move the ball before the rush arrives, but the Wolf Pack have the size and defensive support to contest catches and limit the yards afterward.

El Cajon Valley will need production from its other targets to keep West Hills from concentrating on its leading threat.

On the other side, Evin Dill presents a demanding assignment for a defense whose key players also carry substantial offensive responsibilities.

Dill completed 15 of 18 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns against Grossmont, adding 85 rushing yards and three scores. He accounted for all five West Hills touchdowns, and the Wolf Pack finished with 401 yards of offense.

Rene Varela Ugalde led seven receivers with five catches for 88 yards. Chuck Rosolino caught four passes, while Adan Torres and E.J. Lee-Fields supplied touchdown receptions.

West Hills also demonstrated that it can make an opponent defend for an extended stretch. A 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive consumed more than seven minutes against Grossmont. Reproducing that kind of possession would test the Braves’ depth while keeping Ibrahimi and Miller on the sideline.

For El Cajon Valley, takeaways offer one way to interrupt that pattern. Miller and Barr combined for three interceptions at Castle Park, and Jonathan Gonzalez recovered a fumble. Justice Virgen led the Braves with 10 tackles, while Kendall-Pinal and Kashindi added nine apiece.

Those contributions helped finish a road victory. Sustaining the same effectiveness against Dill’s running and passing will be a substantial step up.

West Hills has defensive corrections of its own after allowing Grossmont to turn a 33-26 deficit into a victory. Lee-Fields made 10 tackles, Zach Waters added nine and shared a sack with Scott Miller, and Enzo Magnarelli finished with eight stops. The Wolf Pack need those plays to produce more consistent possession-ending stops.

The postseason outlook adds urgency for El Cajon Valley. The Braves are outside the current projected field, leaving league play as their opportunity to improve that position. An upset would help substantially, although their eventual standing will depend on the final rankings rather than a prescribed number of victories.

Series notebook: West Hills has won the last nine meetings and is unbeaten in 13 straight meetings since El Cajon Valley’s 42-21 victory in 2005. That stretch includes a 24-24 tie in 2009. The Wolf Pack won 28-6 in 2024 and 42-13 last season.

The Braves’ recent improvement gives them a better chance to finish scoring opportunities than their opening three games suggested. Miller remains a difficult matchup, and Ibrahimi has gained confidence with several experienced targets available.

But West Hills should control more possessions, generate pressure and establish a margin that allows it to use its depth as the evening progresses.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: WEST HILLS 49, EL CAJON VALLEY 13

No. 30 SAN DIEGO (1-4, 1-0 Eastern) at No. 15 CHRISTIAN (5-0, 0-0)
Saturday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. — Valley Stadium
Eastern League opener

Christian’s latest victory belonged to Julian Morones in ways few games ever belong to one player. Another sophomore’s contribution could become just as important to keeping the Patriots unbeaten.

While Morones rushed for 313 yards and scored seven touchdowns against Monte Vista, Joel Hardy IV supplied a steady performance at quarterback: 12 completions in 17 attempts for 89 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

The yardage was modest. The possibilities were significant.

With Kaleb Runkle still sidelined, Hardy’s ability to handle the passing duties gives Christian an opportunity to use Kai Rosier more freely throughout the offense. Rosier helped the Patriots navigate their quarterback shortage, but his versatility also makes him valuable as a receiver and runner.

Against Monte Vista, he caught two passes for 26 yards and scored on a 15-yard run. Christian can benefit from finding more ways to put the ball in his hands without requiring him to direct every possession.

Saturday brings a stronger test of that developing arrangement.

San Diego’s 1-4 record comes against a schedule that included Steele Canyon, Ramona, Madison and Rancho Bernardo before last week’s 35-6 victory at Scripps Ranch. The Cavers lost only 7-3 at Steele Canyon, evidence that they can make a capable offense work for its points.

They also arrive with something Christian has yet to earn this season: an Eastern League victory. The teams stand on equal footing on that basis in Friday’s league opener.

Former Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper has a team whose defensive playmakers could make the Patriots’ quarterback decisions particularly consequential.

Kye Cooper finished the Scripps Ranch game with 12 tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Xavier Wilson also made 12 tackles. Both will be central to San Diego’s effort to contain Morones, prevent yards after contact and put Christian into less comfortable passing situations.

The Patriots cannot expect the running lanes they found at Monte Vista to remain available.

Their 395 rushing yards on 24 attempts reflected excellent work up front as well as Morones’ exceptional night. Taj Carrillo added 67 yards and a touchdown, giving Christian another productive runner beyond its leading scorer.

Against San Diego, shorter gains may have to accumulate before the larger opportunities appear. Hardy’s job would be to keep those possessions moving, protect the ball and make the Cavers defend more than the run.

Christian also has a reliable receiving option in Connor Nguyen, who caught six passes for 59 yards last week, and scored a touchdown

The Patriots’ defense provides another reason to favor them at home, although Monte Vista showed where improvement is needed.

Christian has allowed 56 points in five games — 11.2 per outing. But the Monarchs scored 21 before halftime and twice held the lead, with Daesean Jenkins creating problems as both a runner and receiver.

San Diego has players capable of testing those same assignments.

Quarterback Jayden Harris completed 13 of 17 passes for 165 yards and three touchdowns against Scripps Ranch. Delontay Williams, the former Mount Miguel player, contributed 104 yards of total offense, while Jayden Johnson gives the Cavers an established rushing option. Noah Jones and Kayman Shields are additional receiving threats.

Christian needs to make San Diego sustain drives rather than allow one missed assignment to erase a series of good defensive plays.

Kayne Hubbard, who made 12 tackles against Monte Vista, and Xander Molina, who added 11, provide a starting point. Logan Saathoff contributed seven tackles and an interception, while Morones supplied a defensive touchdown on a strip and fumble return.

The Patriots have repeatedly found ways to win while adjusting their offense. Their unbeaten nonleague record gives them a promising foundation, but league play now offers a better measure of their championship and postseason prospects.

Last meeting: Christian won 13-7 at San Diego to close the 2025 regular season and secure its only Eastern League victory. Hank Houston’s touchdown run and Parker Soto’s blocked-punt return supplied the scoring, while Soren Lucey’s late interception helped preserve the lead. That victory began the run that carried the Patriots through the playoffs to a Southern California regional championship and a state-title-game appearance.

Christian has won 11 of its last 12 games dating to that meeting. Maintaining the run Saturday will require more than reproducing last week’s offensive highlights and the Julian Morones Show.

San Diego should offer greater resistance, and its takeaway threats make a careless afternoon dangerous. But Christian’s line, running options and defensive consistency give the Patriots enough support around their young quarterback to finish the assignment.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: CHRISTIAN 28, SAN DIEGO 17

CIVICA (NV) (4-1) at No. 19 STEELE CANYON (3-2)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Steele Canyon High
Nonleague

Steele Canyon found a way to bring a difficult road game home last Friday. Now the Cougars need a more complete performance against a Nevada visitor whose uneven schedule makes it an intriguing assignment.

CIVICA Career & Collegiate Academy of North Las Vegas has overwhelmed three opponents on the field, received a forfeit victory and suffered one decisive defeat. Somewhere between those extremes is the team Steele Canyon must prepare to face.

The Wolves’ 42-0 victory over Army-Navy deserves attention. So does their 58-19 loss at Shadow Ridge of Surprise, Ariz. Those results suggest an opponent capable of creating problems, but one the Cougars should be equipped to handle at home.

Steele Canyon has won two straight, following a 35-0 victory over El Capitan with last week’s 28-26 escape at Dorsey. Its two losses came against still-unbeaten Eastlake and Santa Fe Christian.

That schedule gives the Cougars a reasonable foundation for confidence. Their most recent performance supplies reasons to keep working.

Gavin Caha ran for two touchdowns and threw another to Josiah Stocker at Dorsey. Laith Jamous added a 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and Gunner Minich stopped the potential tying two-point conversion with a sack.

Steele Canyon recovered the ensuing onside kick and finished its first road victory of the season.

The decisive plays were substantial. So was their importance to an offense that finished with 172 total yards.

Caha completed eight of 22 passes for 132 yards, a touchdown and an interception. A week earlier, he had completed 14 of 20 for 200 yards and five touchdowns against El Capitan.

The Cougars would like to carry more of that earlier efficiency into Friday, reducing their dependence on takeaways and dramatic late stops.

Stocker provides another reason to believe they can. His five catches for 105 yards at Dorsey gave Steele Canyon a productive target on a night when other opportunities were limited.

Malcholm Ballard, Trevor Zenno and Cameron Trujillo give Caha additional options. Through five games, the senior quarterback has thrown for 805 yards and 10 touchdowns against two interceptions, while adding 124 rushing yards.

More consistent production from Marcus Hunt and the running game would help those receivers by keeping the Cougars out of predictable passing situations.

CIVICA presents a different kind of evaluation.

The Wolves have beaten Judge Memorial, 26-0; San Diego team Army-Navy, 42-0; and Needles, 50-0. Their fourth victory came by forfeit against Elite of Vallejo.

Their three played victories have been shutouts. All 58 points allowed came in the loss at Shadow Ridge (Ariz).

That makes the overall defensive average less useful than the individual matchups. Steele Canyon should expect more resistance than the Wolves’ lone defeat might suggest, while recognizing that an opponent with sufficient offensive weapons has already found ways to separate.

Quarterback Ayden Jackson (380 passing yards, four touchdowns) and receiver Zequan Powell are among CIVICA’s players to watch. The Wolves have not played since Sept. 12, giving them an extended preparation period before the trip to Spring Valley.

For Steele Canyon’s defense, disciplined coverage and tackling will matter alongside the pursuit of another takeaway.

Minich finished the Dorsey game with 12 tackles. Joel Rodriguez intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble, while Jamieson Sablan and Jamous also collected loose balls. Those four takeaways helped the Cougars overcome their modest offensive output.

Repeating that total is no guarantee. Making CIVICA sustain drives would provide a more dependable starting point.

This is Steele Canyon’s final nonleague assignment before entering the Hills race. Granite Hills and Helix remain the leading obstacles, while Grossmont’s improvement makes the competition behind them particularly interesting.

A third consecutive victory would give the Cougars momentum. A balanced performance would give them something more useful to carry into that stretch.

CIVICA has enough evidence in its favor to merit a competitive forecast, particularly that win over Army-Navy. But Caha’s experience, the Cougars’ receiving options and home field make Steele Canyon the choice.

Expect the Wolves to produce some offense. Expect the Cougars to produce enough answers to avoid another finish resting on a single conversion.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: STEELE CANYON 31, CIVICA (NV) 17

VINCENT MEMORIAL (5-1, 1-0 Desert) at MOUNTAIN EMPIRE (4-2, 0-0)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Mountain Empire High, Pine Valley
Desert League

Mountain Empire has given its growing following plenty to celebrate. Friday offers something more demanding: a chance to beat a team that has repeatedly stood between the RedHawks and their ambitions.

Vincent Memorial arrives with five victories, a league win already secured and an offense capable of testing Mountain Empire through the air and on the ground.

The RedHawks arrive with a running back who can change a game, a quarterback who can do more than hand him the ball, and an increasingly convincing group around them.

This is the kind of assignment Chance Ross had in mind during last Friday’s EastCountySports.com postgame show.

“I want to win those big games and those close games,” the senior quarterback said.

Mountain Empire gets both possibilities in the same evening.

Cameron Keller’s RedHawks have outscored their last two opponents 92-6, following a 50-6 victory over San Ysidro with a 42-0 road shutout of Victory Christian Academy. The opposition becomes considerably stronger Friday, but the RedHawks have developed more ways to respond.

Elisha Robinson remains the starting point. The junior rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries against Victory Christian, producing another efficient afternoon without having to handle every important touch.

Angel Avila and Nick Terlann combined for 111 rushing yards on seven carries. Their contributions helped keep Robinson fresh while maintaining the offense’s physical approach.

Ross supplied the necessary complement, completing eight of 11 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns, both to Amar Mahasin.

That balance is central to the upset opportunity.

Vincent Memorial will make Mountain Empire earn its rushing yards. The RedHawks need Garrett Steinsdoerfer and the offensive line to create enough room on early downs that Ross can throw by choice, rather than repeatedly having to rescue long-yardage situations.

Mahasin gives the Scots another responsibility. His four catches for 84 yards last week included gains of 30 and 41 yards, and his blocking contributes to the same running game opponents must prepare to stop.

Mountain Empire’s offense can keep Vincent Memorial occupied. Its defense faces an equally important assignment.

Junior quarterback Juan “Juani” Mendoza threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in the Scots’ 34-0 victory over Southwest of El Centro. Alvaro Apodaca caught three scoring passes, covering 17, 26 and 46 yards, while Guillermo Galvan added a 35-yard touchdown reception and an interception.

With Emiliano Sanchez supplying a substantial rushing threat, Vincent Memorial can punish a defense that concentrates too heavily on either part of the offense.

Avila and Robinson will need to make their tackles count near the line while trusting the secondary to handle its assignments. Both made seven stops against Victory Christian, David Oney contributed a sack, and CJ Bynum intercepted a pass.

The RedHawks allowed only 109 total yards that afternoon. Friday’s standard will be different: limiting explosive plays, forcing the Scots to work through longer possessions and finding a stop when the game requires one.

Vincent Memorial’s only loss was 34-29 to Hoover. Victories over Canyon Hills and Clairemont add substance to its record, and the Scots deserve their favored status.

But Mountain Empire has a credible route to an upset. Robinson can sustain drives as well as break long runs. Ross has shown he can deliver efficiently when protected. Avila, Mahasin and the supporting runners make this more than a contest between one standout back and an entire defense.

Series notebook: Vincent Memorial has won the last five meetings, including 16-14 in 2021, 42-6 in the 2022 playoffs and 42-0 in 2023. The teams did not meet in 2024 or 2025. Mountain Empire’s last victory was 45-16 in 2018, when the RedHawks finished 8-4, won the Manzanita League and recorded four shutouts. Last season’s 9-3 finish provides a more recent foundation for the program’s current ambitions.

The stakes extend beyond ending a series streak. With Palo Verde Valley also part of the Desert League race, Mountain Empire can immediately establish itself as a contender by winning its opener. Both Friday opponents also figure prominently in the current Division 5-AA playoff picture.

For the RedHawks, the next step is turning their convincing wins into a victory against an opponent capable of answering.

Expect Vincent Memorial to do exactly that. Mendoza and his receivers should ensure Mountain Empire has to play through pressure, and this could remain unsettled until the final possession.

The pick is that Robinson’s running, Ross’ timely passing and one late defensive stand give Pine Valley the result it has been waiting for.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 28, VINCENT MEMORIAL 27

No. 16 PATRICK HENRY (5-0) at No. 37 MORSE (2-3)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Morse High
Nonleague

Patrick Henry proved last week that its unbeaten start could survive an evening when the touchdowns came less frequently. Now the Patriots must keep Morse’s most dangerous playmaker from turning another road assignment into a prolonged chase.

Henry’s 20-16 victory at Mt. Carmel secured its first 5-0 start since 2012. The Patriots overcame seven sacks, answered a third-quarter deficit and held the Sundevils scoreless in the fourth. That defensive finish mattered for a team averaging 37.6 points and 436 yards per game.

Madin Gardini remains the engine, averaging 364.4 yards of total offense with 17 touchdown passes and four rushing scores. Cole Farace supplied 215 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns last week, while Kymani Joeseph and Cyrus Drury give Gardini additional threats downfield.

Morse has an answer worth respecting in Deandre Eleby, who leads the Tigers in both rushing and receiving. His ability to turn a short completion into a long gain makes him the central concern for a Henry defense allowing 27 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Hunter Griffin gives Morse a capable passer to deliver those opportunities.

The Tigers’ best chance is to pressure Gardini without allowing his scrambling to unravel their coverage. Muzique Lee and Gael Diaz will have important roles in making Henry earn its possessions, but the Patriots have more ways to sustain offense and spread the scoring around.

Eleby should help Morse find the end zone. Henry’s balance and Gardini’s production should keep the Patriots a step ahead—and unbeaten heading into league play.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: PATRICK HENRY 42, MORSE 20.

No. 23 RAMONA (2-4) at MT. CARMEL (1-5)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7:15 p.m. — Mt. Carmel High
League opener

Ramona and Mt. Carmel arrive at league play with losing records and recent evidence that neither should be judged by those records alone.

The Bulldogs pushed No. 11 Point Loma before falling 17-12 last week. The Sundevils followed their first victory over Fallbrook by taking unbeaten Patrick Henry into the fourth quarter of a 20-16 defeat. Both now need to turn competitive performances into wins.

For Ramona, that starts with protecting Ryan Shaw against a defense that sacked Henry’s quarterback seven times. Caleb McNickle supplied three of those sacks and a fumble recovery, making him a central concern for an offense averaging 300 yards per game.

Keegan McElwee, averaging 68.3 rushing yards, gives the Bulldogs a way to avoid relying entirely on Shaw’s passing. Jordan Howard, Noah Bedia and Trake Kelly provide several receiving options, and getting the ball out efficiently could help Ramona limit the negative plays that kept Mt. Carmel within reach last week.

The Sundevils counter with Tamar Diggs on the ground and the Jayden Llantada–Kobe Anousinh passing connection. Anousinh’s 77.8 receiving yards per game make him the downfield threat Ramona must contain. Linebacker Wade Tamburrino and two-way contributor Ryan Peck will help determine whether Mt. Carmel can sustain enough offense to support its improving defense.

The Sundevils look more dangerous than they did during their 0-4 start. Still, Ramona gets the nod for its greater offensive production and multiple receiving threats. Establishing McElwee early should give Shaw a better chance to finish drives than Henry had against this pressure.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: RAMONA 28, MT. CARMEL 13

CANYON HILLS (1-4) at No. 35 MISSION BAY (3-2)
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. — Mission Bay High
Nonleague

Canyon Hills needs sustained possessions to keep Mission Bay’s passing attack on the sideline. Ma’Kahi Fields-Cook, averaging 85.2 rushing yards, offers the Rattlers their best chance to control the pace, while Taylon Sheriff’s six touchdown catches give quarterback Liam White a proven scoring target.

The challenge is finding enough stops. Mission Bay quarterback Austin Stefl has thrown 13 touchdown passes, with Sean Lander averaging 104.2 receiving yards and Jayden Marcelino contributing touchdowns as both a runner and receiver. That variety presents a difficult assignment for a Canyon Hills defense allowing 34.4 points per game.

Protection will matter just as much for the Rattlers. Fernando Bautista’s six sacks lead the Buccaneers, whose pressure could make it difficult for White to find Sheriff consistently. Fields-Cook can help Canyon Hills put together productive stretches, but Mission Bay has the offensive weapons and defensive disruption to pull away.

FEARLESS FORECASTER: MISSION BAY 49, CANYON HILLS 7.

TOP 40 PREDICTIONS

King/Drew (3-2) 7 @ #7 Santa Fe Christian (6-0) 42 — Thu.
#1 Carlsbad (5-0) 35 @ #9 Torrey Pines (4-1) 7
De La Salle (5-0) 45 @ #2 Cathedral Catholic (3-2) 17
#3 Mission Hills (4-1) 34 @ #4 La Costa Canyon (3-2) 21
#13 Oceanside (2-3) 17 @ #5 San Marcos (4-1) 24
#10 Del Norte (4-1) 24 @ #8 Rancho Bernardo (4-1) 31
#36 El Camino (0-5) 21 @ #14 Poway (3-2) 31
Otay Ranch (3-3) 17 @ #18 Eastlake (6-0) 34
#21 Madison (3-2) 35 @ Coronado (1-4) 7
#29 Central Union (5-1) 14 @ #24 Imperial (4-1) 27
#26 University City (3-2) 20 @ #28 St. Augustine (2-3) 35
#31 San Pasqual (3-2) 35 @ #32 Fallbrook (4-2) 17
#34 Valley Center (3-3) 48 @ Escondido (1-4) 10
#38 Mira Mesa (4-1) 24 @ Rancho Buena Vista (3-3) 17
#39 Maranatha Christian (5-0) 28 @ #40 Escondido Charter (5-0) 24 — Sat.

OTHER COUNTY PREDICTIONS

Eastern
Scripps Ranch (0-5) 14 @ La Jolla (1-4) 27

Central
Kearny (0-5) 20 @ Clairemont (3-3) 30
Hoover (3-3) 35 @ Crawford (2-3) 24

Coastal
Army-Navy (3-2) 24 @ Classical Academy (1-4) 14 — Thu.
Bishop’s (3-2) 35 @ Coastal Academy (1-3) 7

Metro-Mesa
Montgomery (2-4) 7 @ Mater Dei Catholic (0-6) 45

Sunset
Victory Christian Academy (0-5) 17 @ Tri-City Christian (3-2) 34

Nonleague
Castle Park (2-3) 38 @ Orange Glen (0-6) 10
Hilltop (2-3) 34 @ Vista (0-6) 13

INTERSECTIONAL PREDICTIONS

O’Farrell Charter (1-5) 21 @ Hamilton (3-2) 27

IMPERIAL / DESERT PREDICTIONS

Brawley (2-4) 28 @ Linfield Christian (1-4) 21 — Thu.
Coachella Valley (1-4) 28 @ Southwest El Centro (2-3) 13
Desert Mirage (4-1) 28 @ Calipatria (3-2) 24
Cibola (4-1) 28 @ Palo Verde Valley (3-2) 38

EIGHT-MAN PREDICTIONS

Manzanita
Borrego Springs (1-3) 44 @ Warner (0-3) 8
Julian (3-1) 44 @ West Shores (0-4) 12

Intersectional
Mammoth (4-1) 24 @ St. Joseph Academy (4-0) 42