ROUNDUP: RedHawks, Christian, Henry fall

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 4, 2026

Christian High's Kai Rosier. / Vic Marano

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

RedHawks produce offense, but Scots remain difficult hurdle

By Ramon Scott
EastCountySports.com

VINCENT MEMORIAL 50, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 29

PINE VALLEY — Mountain Empire had enough offensive production to challenge Vincent Memorial. Holding onto the football and keeping the Scots out of the end zone proved more difficult.

Elisha Robinson rushed for 119 yards, and Chance Ross accounted for four touchdowns, but the RedHawks dropped a 50-29 decision to visiting Vincent Memorial on Friday, Oct. 2, in Mountain Empire’s Desert League opener.

The RedHawks fell to 4-3 overall and 0-1 in league, ending a two-game winning streak. Vincent Memorial improved to 6-1, reaching 50 points for the first time this season.

The Scots presented the sort of test Mountain Empire must pass to turn an encouraging season into a run at a league championship. Even productive RedHawks teams have found Vincent Memorial difficult to get past, and Friday brought another reminder of how costly mistakes can become against that opponent.

Mountain Empire lost three fumbles, while the Scots received a major contribution from Guillermo Galvan, who scored on a 78-yard kickoff return and caught four passes for 102 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown.

Those scores gave Vincent Memorial production in two phases and added to the challenge facing a Mountain Empire offense that continued to find the end zone.

Ross completed 11 of 26 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns, both to Amar Mahasin. The senior quarterback also rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown and connected with Mahasin for a two-point conversion.

Mahasin finished with six receptions for 81 yards, giving the RedHawks a familiar scoring combination against a substantially tougher defense than they encountered in their previous two victories.

Robinson carried 23 times for 119 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. His performance followed a 102-yard rushing effort in the shutout of Victory Christian Academy.

But the junior also had three fumbles, losing two. Ross had two fumbles, losing one.

The RedHawks had beaten San Ysidro and Victory Christian by a combined 92-6 entering Friday. Against Vincent Memorial, their offensive production remained a positive, but the turnovers and a touchdown allowed on special teams left substantial ground to make up.

Mountain Empire now turns toward a trip to Calipatria, where the RedHawks will try to secure their first Desert League victory.

Offensive weapons remain in place

The loss did not erase the combination that has helped Mountain Empire build a winning record.

Elisha Robinson’s 119 rushing yards gave the RedHawks steady production on the ground, while Chance Ross and Amar Mahasin connected for two touchdowns for the second consecutive game.

Mahasin has caught 10 passes for 165 yards and four touchdowns over those two games. Ross has thrown for 326 yards and four touchdowns during that span.

Against Vincent Memorial, Mahasin drew 13 targets and accounted for six of Ross’ 11 completions. The other five completions produced 97 yards, showing that Mountain Empire also found gains beyond its leading receiver.

The task entering the next league game is to preserve that production while reducing the mistakes that surrendered possessions against the Scots.

Up next: A league road test at Calipatria

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE (4-3, 0-1) at CALIPATRIA (3-3, 0-0)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Calipatria High School

Mountain Empire heads into the Imperial Valley with an opportunity to even its Desert League record against a Calipatria team trying to recover from consecutive lopsided losses.

The Hornets will celebrate Homecoming and open their league schedule after falling 56-0 to Clairemont and 40-6 to Desert Mirage.

Calipatria previously earned victories over Foothills Christian, 25-22; O’Farrell Charter, 20-14; and Yuma, 16-6. Mountain Empire also defeated O’Farrell Charter.

In the supplied section rankings, Mountain Empire stands No. 65 overall and No. 5 in Division 5-AA, while Calipatria is No. 78 in the section and No. 8 in Division 5-AA.

The Hornets’ offense centers on Sebastyan Lopez, whose listed rushing average is 143.3 yards per game. He also leads the team’s listed receiving averages, making him a priority for the RedHawks whether he takes a handoff or releases into a passing route.

Quarterback Daniel Alcala directs an offense whose posted averages lean heavily toward the run: 219.8 rushing yards per game, compared with 38 through the air.

For Mountain Empire, that puts an emphasis on sound tackling and limiting the early-down gains that allow a running team to sustain possessions. Angel Avila, Robinson and the rest of the RedHawks’ defensive front will have an opportunity to help dictate the game by forcing longer-yardage situations.

On offense, Mountain Empire brings multiple scoring options in Robinson, Ross and Mahasin. The immediate priority is ball security after losing three fumbles against Vincent Memorial.

Calipatria has allowed 96 points over its last two games, but its earlier victories provide reason for the RedHawks to take the road assignment seriously, particularly with the Hornets opening league play on Homecoming.

Mountain Empire still has a winning record and time to respond within the Desert League race. Friday offers its first opportunity to turn the lessons from Vincent Memorial into a league victory.

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Christian’s unbeaten start ends with home loss Cavers

SAN DIEGO 27, CHRISTIAN 14

EL CAJON — Christian’s unbeaten start ended Saturday, but the Patriots’ first loss also came with a significant piece of their offense still missing.

With Kaleb Runkle, one of the county’s top 10 quarterbacks, continuing to sit out with a lower-leg injury, Christian fell 27-14 to San Diego in its Eastern League opener.

The Patriots dropped to 5-1 overall and 0-1 in league. San Diego improved to 2-4 and 1-0.

A home loss to a team that entered with one victory was a disappointing start to league play for Christian. Runkle’s continued absence, however, remains an important part of assessing a Patriots offense that finished with its lowest point total of the season.

Christian had won its first five games, including a 62-27 victory over Monte Vista a week earlier. Against San Diego, the Patriots encountered a defense credited with five takeaways and three sacks.

Jayden Johnson intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble for the Cavers. Xavier Wilson recovered two fumbles and recorded 22 tackles, including two for losses.

Nathan Rivas, Daniel Sherif and Isaiah Savage each recorded a sack.

Johnson also contributed offensively, rushing for 61 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Delontay Williams added 35 yards and a touchdown on two attempts.

Christian now faces another demanding league assignment at University City, with both teams seeking their first Eastern League victory.

Up next: Christian at University City

CHRISTIAN (5-1, 0-1) at UNIVERSITY CITY (3-3, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — University City High School

Christian’s response to its first defeat will come against an opponent that scored 40 points in its own league-opening loss.

University City fell 48-40 to St. Augustine despite a five-touchdown passing performance from Thomas Dietrich. The Centurions quarterback completed 28 of 41 passes for 407 yards, presenting a substantial challenge for a Patriots defense trying to help its team recover from the San Diego loss.

Deshaun Hille supplied production on the ground and through the air against the Saints, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown and catching two touchdown passes. Hesh Hertz also caught a scoring pass.

The matchup pairs Christian, listed No. 28 in the section’s computer rankings, with No. 31 University City. Both enter 0-1 in the Eastern League, giving Friday’s result immediate importance in a five-game league schedule.

For Christian, Runkle’s availability remains a central question. His absence removes an established passing threat and places more responsibility on the running game and the players handling the quarterback duties.

Julian Morones gives Christian a way to sustain possessions and limit the opportunities for Dietrich and the Centurions’ passing attack. Defensively, the Patriots must contain Hille without allowing University City to create repeated gains downfield.

Christian has won all three of its road games this season. Extending that record Friday would restore momentum and bring the Patriots back to even in league play before home games against La Jolla and St. Augustine.

Gardini accounts for five touchdowns as Henry reaches 6-0

PATRICK HENRY 42, MORSE 21

SAN DIEGO — Patrick Henry extended its unbeaten start behind a quarterback who did as much damage running the football as throwing it.

Madin Gardini passed for 151 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 151 yards and three scores as the Patriots defeated Morse, 42-21, Friday in their league opener.

Henry improved to 6-0 overall and 1-0 in league, reaching 6-0 for the first time since 1999. The Tigers fell to 2-4 and 0-1.

Gardini carried 13 times, averaging 11.6 yards per attempt, and completed 18 of 28 passes. His five touchdowns helped the Patriots overcome three interceptions by a Morse defense that continued to create opportunities.

Cole Farace caught six passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns, complementing Gardini’s production on the ground.

Max Dean added 59 rushing yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 11 yards. Kymani Joeseph contributed four receptions for 40 yards.

Henry finished with 249 rushing yards on 28 attempts, averaging 8.9 yards per carry.

Morse quarterback Curtis Simmons completed 16 of 27 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions. He also rushed for 33 yards.

Sophomore Patrick Franklin IV caught both touchdown passes, finishing with three receptions for 51 yards.

Deandre Eleby supplied the Tigers’ rushing touchdown and contributed in several roles. He gained 14 rushing yards, caught five passes for 52 yards and returned a kickoff 37 yards, finishing with 103 all-purpose yards.

Trayshawn McNair added five receptions for 41 yards and 104 yards on five kickoff returns.

Defensively, Rayvon Steward intercepted two passes and McNair intercepted another. McNair also recorded seven tackles and a forced fumble.

Mikel Williams led Morse with 11 tackles. Rochadd Laban, Edward “Corvette” Walker and Muzique Lee contributed six apiece.

Francisco Avitia converted all three of the Tigers’ extra-point attempts and averaged 41 yards on three punts, including a 46-yarder.

The Patriots carry their unbeaten record into an East County road assignment, while Morse remains home against Coronado.

Henry heads to Mount Miguel

PATRICK HENRY (6-0, 1-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL (1-4, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Mount Miguel High School

Henry visits Spring Valley for a nonleague matchup against a Mount Miguel team coming off a 42-8 loss to Helix in its Grossmont Hills League opener.

The Patriots enter No. 23 in the section’s computer rankings, while the Matadors are No. 56.

Gardini’s ability to create yards on the ground and through the air gives Mount Miguel two problems to solve. His listed season averages are 257.5 passing yards and 96.5 rushing yards per game.

Kymani Joeseph enters averaging 90.5 receiving yards, while Cole Farace’s performance against Morse demonstrated another way Henry can punish a defense focused on its quarterback.

For Mount Miguel, Dominic Lopez leads the listed rushing and tackling averages, while Cayden “Prince” Mobley supplies a receiving threat at 79 yards per game.

The Matadors need sustained possessions and defensive stops to keep Henry from establishing its offensive pace. For the Patriots, protecting the football becomes an immediate point of emphasis after throwing three interceptions against Morse.

Morse hosts Coronado

CORONADO (1-5, 0-1) at MORSE (2-4, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Morse High School

Morse gets another home game against a Coronado team coming off a 35-14 loss to Madison.

The nonleague matchup pairs teams looking to respond after dropping their league openers. Morse is listed No. 55 in the section’s computer rankings, with Coronado No. 62.

The Tigers can build on the takeaways supplied by Rayvon Steward and Trayshawn McNair, but must improve against the run after allowing Henry 249 rushing yards.

Coronado’s Melo Avetyan enters with a listed average of 66.2 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Jack O’Sullivan averages 190.2 passing yards, and Reese Pagon, who caught two touchdown passes against Madison, averages 75.2 receiving yards.

For Morse, Curtis Simmons connected twice with Patrick Franklin IV for touchdowns against Henry, while Deandre Eleby contributed as a runner, receiver and kickoff returner.

Those options give the Tigers something to build upon as they pursue their third victory.

Shaw, Bedia lead Ramona to league-opening victory

RAMONA 35, MT. CARMEL 21

SAN DIEGO — Each time Mt. Carmel pulled even or threatened to close the gap, Ramona found an answer.

Ryan Shaw passed for 247 yards and two touchdowns, and Noah Bedia caught six passes for 143 yards and a score as the Bulldogs opened Palomar League play with a 35-21 road victory Friday.

Ramona improved to 3-4 overall and 1-0 in league. Mt. Carmel fell to 1-6, 0-1.

Shaw completed 13 of 20 passes without an interception, directing an offense that finished with 365 total yards. Zarius Pascual supplied two rushing touchdowns, while Keegan McElwee and Liam Cavaness added scores.

An early Shaw-to-Bedia completion put Ramona near the goal line, setting up Pascual’s 3-yard touchdown run. After Mt. Carmel tied the game in the second quarter, another substantial gain by Bedia helped position Pascual for an 8-yard scoring run.

The Sundevils answered again, making it 14-14, but Ramona reclaimed the lead before halftime. A completion to Cavaness moved the Bulldogs to the 12, and Shaw found Bedia for the touchdown and a 21-14 advantage.

Ramona’s defense helped create separation in the third quarter. Levi Rios intercepted a pass, giving the Bulldogs possession at the Mt. Carmel 30. McElwee finished the ensuing drive with a 13-yard touchdown run.

Ryan Peck intercepted another pass later in the quarter, helping Ramona carry a 28-14 lead into the fourth.

Mt. Carmel cut the deficit to seven, but Shaw answered with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cavaness. The Bulldogs then recovered a fumble on the Sundevils’ next possession to finish off the victory.

Pascual rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries, and McElwee added 55 yards on eight attempts. Cavaness caught four passes for 71 yards, while Noah Korsbjerg converted all five extra points.

Peck contributed eight tackles and Rios seven.

For Mt. Carmel, Kobe Anousinh caught 15 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. Tamar Diggs supplied 142 yards from scrimmage, scoring once rushing and once receiving.

Up next: Homecoming against San Pasqual

SAN PASQUAL (4-2, 0-0) at RAMONA (3-4, 1-0)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Ramona High School

Ramona can reach .500 overall and move to 2-0 in the Palomar League when it hosts San Pasqual for Homecoming.

The Golden Eagles, No. 29 in the section’s computer rankings, arrive after a 47-20 victory over Fallbrook in which Jared Brecht scored four touchdowns, including two on returns.

Quarterback Cameron Pereira completed 11 of 16 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Simmons added 101 rushing yards and a touchdown on four carries, plus five receptions for 56 yards and another score.

That combination makes tackling in space and disciplined kick coverage priorities for Ramona. San Pasqual also brings a defensive threat in Landen Lockwood, whose listed averages are 8.4 tackles and one sack per game.

The Bulldogs’ response at Mt. Carmel provides a useful foundation: Shaw distributed the ball effectively, Pascual and McElwee supplied three rushing touchdowns, and the defense created second-half takeaways.

Repeating that balance would give Ramona an opportunity to turn its league-opening victory into a stronger position in the Palomar race.

Fields-Cook tops 100 yards in Canyon Hills loss

MISSION BAY 34, CANYON HILLS 6

SAN DIEGO — Ma’Kahi Fields-Cook rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, but Canyon Hills could not keep pace with Mission Bay’s passing attack in a 34-6 nonleague loss Friday.

The Rattlers fell to 1-5, while the Buccaneers improved to 4-2.

Canyon Hills trailed just 13-6 at halftime before Mission Bay scored 21 unanswered points after the break.

Fields-Cook carried 22 times and added a 12-yard reception. Taylon Sheriff, handling quarterback duties, completed six of 13 passes for 41 yards with an interception and rushed for 31 yards on eight carries. He also contributed five tackles.

Haize Lafarga led the Rattlers with 10 tackles, while Angel Morales recorded two tackles for loss.

Mission Bay’s Austin Stefl completed 19 of 23 passes for 387 yards and five touchdowns. Major Scott caught six passes for 132 yards and three scores.

Up next: Crawford visits

CRAWFORD (2-4, 0-1) at CANYON HILLS (1-5, 0-0)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Canyon Hills High School

Canyon Hills returns home for a nonleague matchup against Crawford, which is coming off a 32-0 loss to Hoover.

The teams sit close together in the section’s computer rankings, with the Rattlers No. 70 and the Colts No. 72.

Fields-Cook gives Canyon Hills a rushing foundation after his 100-yard performance at Mission Bay. The Rattlers will look for more passing production to complement him and sustain possessions.

Crawford counters with running back Shamar Warren, whose listed average is 96.4 rushing yards per game, and receiver Damian Monroy, averaging 86.3 receiving yards.

Containing those two would give Canyon Hills an opportunity to earn its first home victory of the season.

Betts powers Julian to third straight victory

JULIAN 50, WEST SHORES 38

SALTON CITY — Gabriel Betts accounted for 358 yards and three touchdowns as Julian defeated West Shores, 50-38, Friday, setting up a significant eight-man matchup against unbeaten Francis Parker.

The Eagles improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in league with their third consecutive victory. West Shores fell to 0-5.

Betts rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, averaging 12.3 yards per attempt. The junior also completed four of six passes for 161 yards and a touchdown.

Ricardo Medrano-Lopez added two touchdown passes and 33 rushing yards. Ryan Wells caught two passes for 33 yards and a touchdown.

Betts contributed defensively as well, recording nine tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Wells finished with eight tackles and a sack, while Jameson Winn forced and recovered a fumble.

The Eagles kept their winning streak intact, but allowing 38 points gives the defense something to address before facing the section’s second-ranked eight-man team.

Up next: Julian takes on unbeaten Parker

JULIAN (4-1, 3-0) at FRANCIS PARKER (5-0, 0-0)
Friday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m. — Francis Parker School

Julian’s next assignment offers a chance to measure its progress against one of the section’s leading eight-man programs.

The No. 3 Eagles visit No. 2 Francis Parker in a nonleague game matching teams with a combined 9-1 record. Those positions are the section’s eight-man computer rankings.

Parker has outscored its opponents 183-22, making Julian’s ability to sustain drives a central challenge. Betts gives the Eagles options: he enters averaging 153 rushing yards per game, and his passing production against West Shores showed the danger of concentrating solely on stopping his runs.

Julian will need that versatility against a defense featuring Demetrius Walcott II and Jaylen Murray. Their listed averages are nine tackles per game for Walcott and 1.8 sacks for Murray.

On the other side, Spencer Perry supplies Parker with a rushing and return threat. The Eagles must tackle more consistently than they did at West Shores and avoid giving an unbeaten opponent additional opportunities through breakdowns in kick coverage.

Wells’ pressure up front and Winn’s ability to create turnovers could help Julian keep the game manageable.

The Eagles arrive with three straight victories and an unbeaten league record. Friday offers a tougher test—and an opportunity to show how closely they can contend with a team positioned just above them in the section’s eight-man rankings.

Around the County

Compiled from reports by David A. Willauer

San Pasqual 47, Fallbrook 20

FALLBROOK — Jared Brecht scored four touchdowns as San Pasqual built a 23-0 lead and defeated Fallbrook, improving to 4-2. The Warriors fell to 4-3.

Brecht caught two touchdown passes and added two return touchdowns. Quarterback Cameron Pereira completed 11 of 16 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns.

Jordan Simmons contributed in both phases of the Eagles’ offense, rushing four times for 101 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown, and catching five passes for 56 yards and a score. Brecht finished with 112 receiving yards.

Austin Quintero kicked field goals of 42 and 43 yards.

Fallbrook’s Hunter Rabbets returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Joshua Hernandez rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns, including a 13-yard score on the final play.

Defensively, Jonathan Leon intercepted a pass for San Pasqual. Ryan Hodgins added an interception, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.

Carlsbad 30, Torrey Pines 7

Top-ranked Carlsbad remained unbeaten at 6-0 overall and 1-0 in the Avocado West League, defeating a Torrey Pines team that dropped to 4-2, 0-1.

Antonio D’Alessandro completed 16 of 20 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

The Lancers also received significant contributions from their defense. Trent Kellas recorded a sack for a safety, while William Junge and Colt Rocha intercepted passes.

Mira Mesa 21, Rancho Buena Vista 17

Mira Mesa improved to 5-1 behind Nico Giusti’s 225 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with Juju Salmond’s 185 rushing yards and a score.

Devin Cabrales finished with 68 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Isaac Mendiola added 60 receiving yards and a touchdown.

For Rancho Buena Vista (3-4), Van Piercy passed for 182 yards and a touchdown. Kaipo Gutierrez rushed for 51 yards and a score, and Ean Perfect gained 70 yards on 12 carries. Sean Richard caught three passes for 67 yards.

Valley Center 48, Escondido 0

Casen Dunham passed for 202 yards and four touchdowns as Valley Center opened Palomar League play with a shutout.

The Jaguars improved to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in league, while Escondido fell to 1-5, 0-1.

Gauge Wright accounted for 132 receiving yards and three touchdowns, scoring on receptions of 35, 36 and 46 yards. Branden Reveles added a rushing touchdown.

Poway 26, El Camino 9

Poway opened Avocado East League play with a victory, improving to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in league.

Trenton Schrecker passed for 86 yards, and Carson Williams gained 51 yards on 10 rushing attempts.

El Camino dropped to 0-6 overall and 0-1 in league.

Classical Academy 33, Army-Navy Academy 14

Nick Mizel passed for 142 yards and rushed for 37 yards as Classical Academy improved to 2-4.

The Caimans defeated Army-Navy Academy, which fell to 3-3.

Santa Fe Christian 35, King/Drew 7

Dax Labrum passed for 138 yards and a touchdown as Santa Fe Christian defeated visiting King/Drew of Los Angeles in a Thursday game to remain unbeaten this season.

Labrum also threw one interception in the Eagles’ victory.

Tri-City Christian 46, Victory Christian Academy 22

Tri-City Christian opened Sunset League play with a victory, improving to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in league.

Donovan Cronkhite passed for 184 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Williams finished with 114 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

Victory Christian Academy fell to 0-6 overall and 0-1 in league.