EAST COUNTY FEARLESS FORECASTER – WEEK TEN

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

EAST COUNTY FEARLESS FORECASTER — WEEK 10

By Ramon Scott
EastCountySports.com

The biggest assignment on East County’s football schedule comes with a trip into the Inland Empire, where fourth-ranked Granite Hills will test its Open Division ambitions against unbeaten San Jacinto on Friday night.

The Eagles have been overwhelming their league opponents, but the Tigers present a different challenge: an 8-0 record, a balanced offense and a home field that makes this considerably more demanding than another tuneup for Helix.

Senior Zachary Benitez has thrown 10 touchdown passes over the past two games, six to senior Courtney “Nino” Miller-Thompson. Another productive night against this opponent could give Granite Hills a signature victory at precisely the right time.

The most immediate championship consequences arrive in Santee, where Valhalla visits West Hills in what amounts to an elimination game in the Grossmont Valley League race.

Both have one league loss and need to stay within reach of unbeaten league leader El Capitan. The Wolf Pack returns home after losing on a last-second field goal at Lakeside, while the Norsemen must recover from Santana’s one-point victory on their field.

Santana, meanwhile, travels to Monte Vista with renewed confidence, although junior Daesean Jenkins gives the Monarchs the speed to complicate that assignment.

El Capitan hosts El Cajon Valley, looking to protect its lead before the regular-season finale against Valhalla.

In the Hills League, Helix cannot let next week’s Granite Hills showdown arrive a week early.

The Highlanders visit a Steele Canyon team with enough offensive firepower to punish that mistake, particularly through senior quarterback Gavin Caha, who passed for 433 yards at Grossmont last week. Helix counters with an increasingly established running game led by junior Stephon Fuentes.

Grossmont closes its regular season at Mount Miguel, seeking a seventh victory after senior Tyler Holmes threw five touchdown passes against the Cougars. The Matadors need fewer self-inflicted problems and more opportunities for David Watt, whose 61-yard screen touchdown against Granite Hills showed how quickly he can change a possession.

At Valley Stadium, Christian faces another difficult Eastern League assignment against St. Augustine, with two of the county’s leading rushers sharing the field. Saints senior Paisios “Pai” Polamalu enters third with 1,405 yards, followed by

Patriots sophomore Julian Morones with 1,261. Christian’s defensive improvement kept last week’s game within reach; converting its offensive yardage into touchdowns remains the challenge.

Foothills Christian has a different opportunity against visiting Victory Christian Academy at Santana High: secure a winning regular-season record and set up an unbeaten league showdown with O’Farrell Charter for the Sunset championship.

No. 4 GRANITE HILLS (6-2, 3-0) at SAN JACINTO (8-0, 3-0)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — San Jacinto High
Nonleague

Granite Hills has a league championship showdown waiting next week.

First comes a road assignment that deserves its own place at the front of the conversation.

East County’s highest-ranked program travels into the Inland Empire on Friday to face unbeaten San Jacinto, a balanced, defensively accomplished opponent with a chance to make the Eagles earn every bit of their growing postseason standing.

The computer comparisons suggest a close game. The supplied statewide rankings place San Jacinto at No. 54 and Granite Hills at No. 58. One projection favors the Tigers by seven; another favors the Eagles by five.

Those numbers establish how competitive this could be. They do not make the trip any less demanding.

San Jacinto has won close games against credible opponents, handled road challenges and accelerated through its league schedule. Granite Hills brings the quarterback and receiving talent to win, but the Eagles should expect considerably more resistance than they encountered during last week’s 52-11 victory at Mount Miguel.

An Inland Empire reminder

East County has seen how quickly a challenging trip north can become uncomfortable.

Helix opened the 2018 season at Cajon as the county’s top-ranked team. A field goal by Chase Osborn gave the Highlanders an early lead, but quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Cowboys took command in a 43-3 victory.

Standout Helix running back Elelyon Noa also left that game following a second-quarter injury.

The circumstances Friday are different, but the broader lesson remains useful: a leading San Diego Section program still has to prove itself when it travels into another strong program’s territory.

San Jacinto has earned that respect.

The Tigers were ranked No. 3 in the Inland Empire Top 10 media poll following their 48-7 victory over Tahquitz, a placement that generated debate about whether an unbeaten team with victories over King and Great Oak deserved to sit behind two teams with three losses apiece.

San Jacinto subsequently defeated Elsinore, 49-16, to reach 8-0.

Granite Hills is visiting a team already drawing consideration among the Inland Empire’s best, with an opportunity to deliver a victory that would resonate beyond the San Diego Section.

The Tigers reached the 2022 Division 3-AA state championship game and were Southern Section Division 7 runners-up in 2019. Their current team is building another substantial résumé.

Tigers can attack both ways

San Jacinto’s unbeaten start includes victories over Beaumont, King, Chino Hills, Great Oak and Aquinas.

The Tigers survived Beaumont, 28-25, and Chino Hills, 16-14. More recently, they have outscored their first three Mountain Pass League opponents 146-23, including last week’s 49-16 victory over Elsinore.

Their overall scoring advantage is 270-110.

The offense presents a balanced assignment, with listed averages of 188.6 rushing yards and 186.3 passing yards per game.

Senior running back Elijah Robinson averages 123 rushing yards per game and has scored 12 rushing touchdowns. Fellow senior Noel Felio supplies another 42.2 rushing yards per game.

Junior quarterback Josue Estrada has thrown 19 touchdown passes and completed 73.5 percent of his attempts.

Senior receiver Jordan Bernard averages 83 receiving yards per game and has eight touchdown catches. Junior Knoble Wilmot averages 55.3 receiving yards, while senior Devin Sandville averages 51.2 and has four touchdown receptions.

Granite Hills cannot simply load up against Robinson and assume the difficult work is finished.

The Eagles need to win early downs, tackle securely and force Estrada into situations in which the defense can anticipate the pass. Allowing the Tigers to move comfortably between their running and passing games would make this a long evening.

Benitez brings his own answers

Granite Hills has the offensive personnel to make San Jacinto uncomfortable, too.

Senior quarterback Zachary Benitez completed 14 of 15 passes for 245 yards and six touchdowns against Mount Miguel. Across the Eagles’ past two victories, he is 37-for-47 for 542 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Senior receiver Courtney “Nino” Miller-Thompson has caught 11 passes for 208 yards and six touchdowns during that stretch.

A matchup of this magnitude offers Miller-Thompson another opportunity to demonstrate how difficult he is to cover. His ability to separate, finish catches and create after the reception gives Granite Hills a scoring threat from different areas of the field.

The Tigers must account for more than that connection.

Senior Davion Williams caught a 23-yard touchdown against Mount Miguel, senior Romeo Pepi scored on a 49-yard reception, and sophomore Manny Walker added a 9-yard touchdown catch.

Senior Jesse Wilhite contributed two receptions for 43 yards.

That variety gives Benitez alternatives if San Jacinto directs extra attention toward Miller-Thompson.

The Eagles will also need senior running back Gage Spalding. He carried only twice last week as Granite Hills repeatedly capitalized on favorable field position. Friday could require a more substantial rushing contribution to sustain drives and keep the Tigers’ defense honest.

Protection and possessions

San Jacinto has allowed only 13.8 points per game.

Sophomore Daevon Love leads an active defensive group, averaging 9.6 tackles per game with five sacks and two forced fumbles.

Junior Kingston Tivao averages 8.4 tackles, while sophomore Kingslee Tivao and senior Dai’len Robinson have three sacks apiece.

Senior Ahmad McClellan and Sandville each have two interceptions.

Giving Benitez time to work through his receiving options is therefore one of Granite Hills’ most important assignments.

The Eagles would also welcome another contribution from their own defense and special teams.

Jamir Alvarez blocked a punt and intercepted a pass against Mount Miguel. Ty Spencer returned a fumble 28 yards for a touchdown, helping Granite Hills build a 35-0 first-quarter lead.

Those plays created separation immediately. Against San Jacinto, even one additional possession could determine the result.

Senior Nick McKindley’s 44-yard field goal last week also demonstrated that the Eagles can finish a possession from beyond the red zone.

Open possibilities add another layer

Granite Hills’ pursuit of a four-team Open Division berth gives Friday significance beyond the nonleague result.

A victory over an unbeaten San Jacinto team would strengthen the Eagles’ case considerably. A loss could make their route more difficult without necessarily ending it, particularly with Helix still on the schedule.

The regular-season finale could remain decisive for both the Grossmont Hills League championship and postseason positioning.

Santa Fe Christian remains an important variable in that Open discussion. Its matchup with unbeaten Escondido Charter offers another test, although Santa Fe Christian is heavily favored.

How the final ratings respond to the contenders’ remaining opponents and results will determine the bracket. Granite Hills can improve its own position Friday by earning a road victory that would command attention.

Fearless Forecaster

The Eagles have the quarterback, the receivers and the big-play capability to win this game.

Benitez’s recent efficiency is exceptional, and Miller-Thompson is precisely the kind of playmaker who can turn a difficult road assignment into a signature performance. Williams, Pepi, Walker and Wilhite make it dangerous to concentrate on only one receiver.

But San Jacinto’s unbeaten record comes with balance, defensive production and a home-field advantage. The Tigers have demonstrated they can survive a close finish as well as control an overmatched opponent.

Expect both offenses to exceed the comfort level of the opposing defense. Granite Hills should produce enough explosive plays to remain involved deep into the fourth quarter.

The slight edge goes to the unbeaten home team in East County’s most compelling assignment of the week… SAN JACINTO 35, GRANITE HILLS 31

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Wolf Pack, Norsemen face Valley survival test

VALHALLA (5-3, 2-1) at No. 32 WEST HILLS (6-2, 2-1)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — West Hills High
Grossmont Valley League

One point separated each of these teams from a different championship outlook last Friday.

Now West Hills and Valhalla meet with little room left to recover.

Both trail El Capitan (3-0) by one game in the Grossmont Valley League. With the Vaqueros heavily favored against El Cajon Valley, a second league loss would effectively end the loser’s championship pursuit.

The winner keeps a route open, although those routes are different.

Valhalla still hosts El Capitan in the regular-season finale and can directly influence the race. West Hills needs to win its remaining games and receive help after losing to the Vaqueros last week.

That makes Friday a survival game between teams coming off painful finishes—and a matchup considerably harder to separate than Valhalla’s early league results suggested.

Wolf Pack brings more than a close loss

West Hills came within 7.6 seconds of leaving Lakeside with a victory and a share of first place.

Instead, Ryder Powers’ 28-yard field goal gave El Capitan a 24-23 victory in the Tony Burner Memorial Trophy game.

The Wolf Pack’s response to adversity nevertheless supplied reasons to take its championship chances seriously.

Senior quarterback Evin Dill completed 11 of 18 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 76 yards and another score. West Hills finished with a 325-281 advantage in total offense.

Sophomore Xavier Moffatt scored on a 40-yard reception and a 25-yard run, giving the offense another player capable of turning a well-designed opportunity into a touchdown.

Rene Varela Ugalde caught six passes for 77 yards. Markus Leath added two receptions for 36 yards and recovered the late fumble that revived the Wolf Pack’s chances.

Senior E.J. Lee-Fields created that opportunity by chasing down Anthony Mattar and punching the ball loose when El Capitan appeared close to finishing the game.

Dill then drove West Hills to a touchdown, and Christian Rosolino’s two-point conversion put the Wolf Pack ahead with 1:08 remaining.

The finish hurt. The performance established that West Hills can compete with the league leader.

Its next step is eliminating the mistakes that prevented that effort from becoming a victory. A holding penalty erased a substantial Dill run, and pass-interference penalties helped El Capitan reach position for the winning kick.

Valhalla needs offense back

Valhalla had outscored Monte Vista and El Cajon Valley 111-7 in its first two league games.

Santana changed the conversation.

The Sultans arrived at Valhalla on a three-game losing streak, held the Norsemen scoreless after halftime and left with a 20-19 victory.

It was Valhalla’s first on-field defeat, adding to an official record already carrying two eligibility forfeits.

The Norsemen remain dangerous, but Friday requires a more complete offensive performance.

Quarterback Adrian Wilson completed nine of 20 passes for 54 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Santana. Sophomore playmaker T’Marrion Williams caught three passes for 28 yards, although his 82-yard interception return for a touchdown supplied one of the game’s biggest plays.

Jayden Hunter rushed for 81 yards on 12 carries, and sophomore Camryn Conley added 53 yards on six attempts.

Those rushing gains gave Valhalla opportunities. They did not produce a second-half scoring drive.

Against West Hills, Hunter and Conley must help create manageable passing situations so Wilson can reconnect with Williams and the rest of the receiving group.

Santana demonstrated that Valhalla’s explosive offense can be contained. The Norsemen now have to show how they respond.

Pressure against a mobile quarterback

Valhalla’s defense remained disruptive even in defeat.

The Norsemen recorded seven sacks against Santana, including three by Gabriel Lederer. Amar’e Young led the defense with 13 tackles.

Getting pressure on Dill is only part of Friday’s assignment, however. Finishing the play matters just as much.

Dill can escape the rush, extend a passing opportunity or turn an opening into a first down with his legs. His ability to keep West Hills moving makes defensive discipline essential.

The Wolf Pack has its own disruptive players.

Zack Waters finished the El Capitan game with eight tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack. Lee-Fields also recorded eight tackles, while Leath and Anthony Torres each had six.

Their assignment is to limit Hunter’s early-down gains and prevent Williams from finding the space to change the game.

Special teams deserve attention in a contest this close.

West Hills kicker Bryce Robertson was injured against El Capitan, forcing Dill to handle punting duties and the Wolf Pack to rely on two-point attempts. Robertson’s availability remains an important detail entering Friday.

Valhalla, meanwhile, lost by one after Santana blocked an extra point.

Neither team needs a reminder that the conversion plays count.

West Hills has won the past five meetings, including 17-7 at Valhalla last season and 30-13 in Santee in 2024. The Norsemen’s most recent victory came during the 2019 regular season, 24-14, but the Wolf Pack returned to Valhalla that November and reversed the result with a 21-14 Division III playoff victory.

The series has swung sharply before. Valhalla won five consecutive meetings from 2009 through 2013, while West Hills’ current streak includes a 49-0 victory during its unbeaten 2021 regular season. Friday gives the Norsemen an opportunity to interrupt another Wolf Pack run—with both of the teams’ league championship hopes riding on the result.

Fearless Forecaster

Valhalla still has the personnel to win this game and put itself one victory from a possible share of the championship.

Its section computer ranking remains above West Hills, and last week’s disappointment does not erase the threat presented by Hunter, Williams and an aggressive defensive front.

But the Wolf Pack has supplied the stronger recent evidence.

West Hills won at Santana, then pushed El Capitan to the final seconds in Lakeside. Valhalla lost at home to those same Sultans.

Comparative scores do not settle Friday’s result, but they reinforce what West Hills has shown on the field: a resourceful quarterback, several productive offensive options and a defense willing to keep pursuing when a game appears nearly gone.

The Wolf Pack returns home after two demanding road assignments. That provides the slightest edge in a game Valhalla is fully capable of taking.

Expect another fourth-quarter decision—and perhaps another conversion to make the difference… WEST HILLS 28, VALHALLA 27

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Sultans, Monarchs shoot for second-straight win

No. 36 SANTANA (5-3, 1-2) at MONTE VISTA (3-5, 1-2)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — Monte Vista High
Grossmont Valley League

Santana earned the attention last week. Now comes the assignment of keeping it.

The Sultans travel to Monte Vista after a 20-19 victory at Valhalla, a result that interrupted the Norsemen’s championship pursuit and restored Santana’s confidence following three consecutive losses.

The Monarchs enter with their own losing streak behind them, having defeated El Cajon Valley, 56-6.

Both teams are 1-2 in the Grossmont Valley League. Santana has demonstrated the more complete game against the stronger recent opposition, but Monte Vista has enough speed to make another road victory considerably more difficult than the computer projections suggest.

Especially when Daesean Jenkins gets the ball.

Jenkins deserves a wider audience

The Monte Vista junior can turn a routine handoff or an awkwardly bouncing punt into the most memorable play of the night.

Against El Cajon Valley, Jenkins rushed 10 times for 172 yards, scoring on runs of 47 and 48 yards. His third touchdown required an even more remarkable route.

A punt sailed over his head, forcing him to retreat toward his own end zone. Jenkins gathered the bounce, circled toward the opposite side, escaped pursuit and cut back through the field for a 73-yard touchdown return.

It was the kind of play worthy of a much larger audience.

Jenkins belongs in the discussion of the county’s most dangerous big-play threats, even if his work has not received attention matching its entertainment value. Opponents have considerably more reason to recognize him than the broader football audience might.

Monte Vista’s limited appearances on the local highlight shows leave Jenkins’ ability to change a game mostly just for the fans in attendance to admire and appreciate.

Santana’s pursuit angles and kick coverage will be tested every time he has room to move.

Monarchs have more than one runner

Jenkins was not the only Monte Vista player breaking into the open last week.

Junior Braden Silie rushed for 153 yards on nine carries, scoring from 62 and 14 yards.

Senior quarterback Juan Duran scored on a 9-yard keeper, while senior Matthew Ocampo returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown.

Junior Isaiah Willis supplied another defensive highlight, making a leaping, one-handed interception near the goal line and returning it approximately 60 yards as the first half expired.

Seniors Peter Alhanoush, Joshua Hunt and Jay’Vion Delaney, along with junior Leeland Sanchez, helped establish the blocking behind Monte Vista’s rushing production.

El Cajon Valley did not present the resistance Santana should provide. Still, the Monarchs demonstrated why allowing their runners through the first level can become expensive.

Santana finds its balance

The Sultans’ most encouraging development at Valhalla was their ability to keep producing through difficult circumstances.

Santana surrendered an interception-return touchdown and allowed seven sacks. Neither prevented the visitors from finding the possessions needed to win.

Ethan Miller completed 20 of 26 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

Kolten “Koko” Thornton caught nine passes for 60 yards and a touchdown, while Denton Goar added five receptions for 49 yards and a score.

The ground game provided an important complement.

Julian Mayers gained 90 yards on 24 carries, and sophomore Landen Braaksma added 56 yards on nine attempts, including the decisive 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

“Offense found our running game,” coach Tim Estes said after the victory.

That balance is worth carrying into Spring Valley. Sustained drives would give Santana opportunities to score while reducing the number of possessions available to Jenkins and the Monarchs.

Different defensive assignment

Santana shut out Valhalla after halftime and restricted the Norsemen’s passing game.

Monte Vista presents a different emphasis: contain the runners, maintain outside responsibility and finish tackles.

Senior Dillon Timanus recorded 10 tackles, an interception and a blocked extra point against Valhalla. The blocked kick became decisive in the one-point finish.

Tatum Morehouse and Ryder Miller each added eight tackles, with Morehouse recording a sack.

The Sultans need that collective discipline again. A defender abandoning an assignment to chase the ball can provide precisely the opening Jenkins needs.

Recent series favors Santana

Santana has won the teams’ past four meetings, but the last two were competitive.

The Sultans prevailed 38-35 at Monte Vista in 2024 and 14-7 at Santana in 2025. Earlier victories in that stretch came by 20-7 in 2021 and 36-7 in 2022.

Monte Vista’s most recent series victory was 37-10 in 2019, during an unbeaten league championship run.

The Monarchs have fallen behind the Valley’s leading contenders this season, but their history includes a 2024 section championship and state-final appearance. Friday’s task is more immediate: demonstrate they can compete with another Valley opponent after handling the Braves.

Fearless Forecaster

Santana’s victory at Valhalla gives the Sultans the stronger recent credential.

Miller’s accuracy, the receiving combination of Thornton and Goar, and the renewed rushing production from Mayers and Braaksma provide several ways to sustain offense.

Monte Vista can interrupt that rhythm with a takeaway or a long touchdown. Jenkins makes it difficult to dismiss the Monarchs, particularly at home, and Silie gives the defense another runner to account for.

The computer projections favor Santana by considerably more than a touchdown. The expectation here is that Monte Vista produces enough explosive moments to keep the Sultans working into the fourth quarter.

Santana’s balance and defensive consistency supply the difference… SANTANA 31, MONTE VISTA 23

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Vaqueros take final step before title game

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-6, 0-3) at No. 33 EL CAPITAN (4-4, 3-0)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — El Capitan High
Grossmont Valley League

El Capitan needed nearly every remaining second to protect its place atop the Grossmont Valley League last week.

Friday’s assignment is to make the next step considerably less dramatic.

The Vaqueros host El Cajon Valley following a 24-23 victory over West Hills, with an opportunity to move to 4-0 in league before their regular-season finale at Valhalla.

El Capitan has beaten Monte Vista, Santana and West Hills to establish sole possession of first place. The Braves arrive after a 56-6 loss to Monte Vista, still seeking their first league victory since 2022.

The matchup strongly favors the hosts. The challenge for El Capitan is carrying the execution that finished last week’s emotional victory into a game it is expected to control.

Offense gaining options

Senior Anthony Mattar’s return supplied an important addition against West Hills.

Making his season debut after an injury, Mattar rushed nine times for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Castillo added 61 yards on 12 carries, giving the Vaqueros two productive options on the ground. Mattar had a critical fumble on his way to a game-clinching long run, but that can be chalked up to the back’s inactivity. He’ll remember to keep a tight hold now.

Junior quarterback Hayden Passanisi completed eight of 11 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown, then directed the final possession that set up the winning kick.

Elijah Arzu caught six passes for 103 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown, and finished with 203 all-purpose yards.

That combination gives El Capitan several ways to approach the Braves.

The Vaqueros can establish their running game, use Arzu to stretch the defense and continue developing the passing efficiency Passanisi demonstrated in Lakeside.

Assistant head coach Shaun McDade credited the offensive line after the West Hills victory. Another strong performance up front would allow El Capitan to dictate the pace rather than depend on another late escape.

Penalties interrupted promising possessions last week. Reducing those setbacks would make the offense more consistent heading into the Valhalla game.

Powers, Silva help set the standard

Senior Ryder Powers supplied the winning 28-yard field goal with 7.6 seconds remaining against West Hills.

His contribution extended beyond the kick. Powers recorded eight tackles and made all three extra points.

Sophomore Robinson Silva led El Capitan with 13 tackles, including two for loss, and recovered a fumble. Ethan Soule added eight tackles and a sack, while Mateo Sanchez finished with seven tackles and a forced fumble.

The Braves will need to sustain blocks and protect the football against that group.

El Capitan’s defense has already held Santana to seven points and shut out Monte Vista during its unbeaten league start. Making El Cajon Valley earn its first downs would give the Vaqueros a chance to establish control early.

Braves need sustained possessions

El Cajon Valley found an early answer against Monte Vista when sophomore quarterback TJ Ibrahimi connected with Amir Miller for a 33-yard touchdown.

Producing that kind of opportunity more consistently remains the assignment.

Miller gives the Braves a downfield target El Capitan must respect, while Janvier Kashindi provides a rushing threat.

But the Braves need more than an occasional explosive completion. Sustained possessions would help their defense avoid repeatedly returning to the field against Mattar, Castillo and the Vaqueros’ developing passing game.

El Cajon Valley also needs to limit the long touchdowns that created separation for Monte Vista.

There were individual defensive responses last week. Jonathan Gonzalez forced a fumble, and the Braves blocked an extra point. Those efforts need to accompany more consistent tackling and fewer breakdowns.

Series includes a recent warning

El Capitan has won the past 10 meetings, with El Cajon Valley’s most recent victory coming 29-21 in 2007.

The recent results have not all followed the same pattern.

The Vaqueros won 48-7 in 2021 and 55-21 in 2022, but the Braves pushed them to a 31-28 finish in 2023. El Capitan answered with a 64-0 victory in 2024; the teams did not meet in 2025.

That three-point game offers a reminder to handle the current assignment before looking toward the finale.

Fearless Forecaster

El Capitan has the stronger defense, more dependable rushing options and the momentum of three consecutive league victories.

Mattar’s return adds another dimension, while Passanisi and Arzu demonstrated last week that the Vaqueros can make important plays through the air.

For Passanisi, the win had to be especially sweet, getting to finally showcase his hard work to get back into the lineup after an early-season injury.

El Cajon Valley’s best opportunity is to protect Ibrahimi, find Miller for a scoring play and keep the game from becoming a succession of short possessions.

Expect El Capitan to establish its ground game, build a comfortable advantage and move within one victory of an outright league championship… EL CAPITAN 42, EL CAJON VALLEY 7

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Scotties can’t look past Cougars’ claws

No. 9 HELIX (6-2, 2-0) at No. 17 STEELE CANYON (4-4, 0-2)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — Steele Canyon High
Grossmont Hills League

Steele Canyon has put a claw into Helix’s plans before.

The Highlanders arrive Friday looking increasingly like a program returning to its accustomed place among the section’s contenders. Their offense has developed balance, their defense has supplied takeaways, and next week’s meeting with Granite Hills carries substantial championship and postseason possibilities.

The Cougars would welcome the opportunity to interrupt that conversation.

Helix is the deserved favorite, but Steele Canyon has the quarterback, receiving talent and history in this matchup to demand the Highlanders’ full attention.

The visitors are coming off a bye. The hosts are coming off a game in which scoring 42 points was not enough to win.

Helix finding its familiar variety

The Highlanders have won three consecutive games, outscoring Mater Dei Catholic, Mount Miguel and Grossmont 140-34.

Their most recent appearance was a 49-12 victory over Grossmont, built on a rushing attack that repeatedly turned contact near the line into substantial gains.

Junior Stephon Fuentes gained 158 yards on 12 carries and scored twice, including a 55-yard touchdown and a 44-yard run that set up another score.

Fuentes has emerged as a featured back, giving Helix a dependable foundation around quarterback Caden Thompson.

Donte Wright provides another rushing option and scored twice against Grossmont. Their different contributions make defending the Highlanders more complicated than concentrating on one runner.

Thompson has benefited from that support and an expanding collection of receiving threats.

Jeremy Robinson caught four passes for 111 yards against Grossmont, scoring on a 61-yard reception and adding a rushing touchdown.

Jacob “J.J.” Andrew-Johnson contributed four catches for 55 yards and intercepted a pass. His ability to influence both sides of the ball adds another dimension to Helix’s improvement.

The Highlanders finished with 280 rushing yards and 457 total yards against the Foothillers.

That balance presents Steele Canyon’s defense with a considerably different problem from simply trying to contain a productive passer.

Caha keeps Cougars dangerous

Steele Canyon senior quarterback Gavin Caha completed 30 of 34 passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns against Grossmont.

He added 35 rushing yards, finishing with 468 yards of total offense.

The Cougars still lost, 53-42.

That result illustrates both the threat Steele Canyon presents and the corrections required to turn its offensive production into a league victory.

Caha can deliver accurately from the pocket, extend a play with his movement and find several receivers capable of producing substantial gains.

Trevor Zenno caught eight passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns against Grossmont. His ability to finish through contact was particularly evident on a fourth-down touchdown reception when defenders could not bring him down before the goal line.

Josiah Stocker added four catches for 65 yards and threw a two-point conversion pass to Zenno. He remains an important target and another player the Cougars can use creatively.

Cameron Trujillo caught seven passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, while Aden Brown finished with seven receptions for 91 yards.

Helix cannot assume that taking away one target will stop the passing game.

Nor can it disregard Marcus Hunt, who supplied 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries against the Foothillers.

Caha carries a substantial responsibility, but Hunt’s production demonstrated that Steele Canyon can support him on the ground.

Stops must accompany scores

The Cougars led Grossmont 21-20 at halftime before defensive and special-teams breakdowns changed the game.

Grossmont extended scoring possessions on fourth down, returned a punt for a touchdown and recovered a short kickoff.

Those additional opportunities forced Steele Canyon to keep chasing even as Caha and his receivers continued producing.

Against Helix, the Cougars need cleaner tackling, disciplined kickoff responsibilities and an ability to finish a defensive possession when they create a favorable situation.

Luke Rode recorded 12 tackles and an interception against Grossmont, while also intercepting a two-point conversion attempt.

Steele Canyon needs more possessions ending with that kind of defensive answer.

The same responsibility applies to Helix’s defense. Pressure on Caha must come with containment, and coverage must hold when he moves outside the original structure of a play.

A hurried throw is useful. Allowing Caha to escape and locate Zenno or Stocker downfield would undo much of that work.

Series supplies its own warning

Steele Canyon’s most recent victory over Helix came with considerably more at stake than a regular-season result.

The Cougars won 22-19 in last year’s Division II playoffs, reversing a 39-34 regular-season loss to the Highlanders.

Under Scott Longerbone, Steele Canyon also defeated Helix 22-21 in 2018, when the Highlanders went on to reach the Division I championship game.

Helix has delivered decisive results in the series as well, winning 53-21 in 2022, 51-14 in 2023 and 62-20 in 2024.

Other meetings have been much tighter, including the Highlanders’ 14-13 victory in 2013 and 27-22 win during their 2021 Division I championship season.

Longerbone and Helix coach Damaja Jones both have Highlander roots. Neither sideline needs much explanation of what the other program expects.

First, protect the opportunity

Helix’s improvement makes next week’s Granite Hills game compelling.

The Eagles have won the past four meetings, and the Highlanders still have to demonstrate on the field that they have closed that gap.

Before any of that can be settled, Helix must settle Steele Canyon.

A victory keeps the Highlanders unbeaten in league and preserves their opportunity to play Granite Hills for the championship. It also protects their pursuit of favorable postseason placement, with the final ratings determining whether that means an Open opportunity or a Division I assignment.

Looking ahead would put those possibilities at unnecessary risk against an opponent that ended Helix’s season a year ago.

Fearless Forecaster

Helix has the more complete combination of rushing production, receiving threats and recent defensive results.

Fuentes gives the Highlanders a back around whom they can build possessions. Thompson has enough options to punish a defense that commits too heavily to stopping him.

Steele Canyon has the offensive talent to answer. Caha’s accuracy, Zenno’s difficult catches, Stocker’s versatility and Hunt’s rushing production should keep the Cougars involved at home.

The concern is whether their defense can produce enough stops to make those answers decisive.

The projections suggest a wider margin. This rivalry, Steele Canyon’s home field and the Cougars’ passing game argue for a more demanding evening.

Helix finishes enough possessions on both sides to move into its final league assignment unbeaten… HELIX 31, STEELE CANYON 21

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Foothillers bring multiple threats into finale

No. 13 GROSSMONT (6-3, 1-2) at MOUNT MIGUEL (2-5, 0-2)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — Mount Miguel High
Grossmont Hills League

Grossmont rediscovered its offensive rhythm last week. Mount Miguel needs to interrupt it before another home game becomes an exercise in trying to catch up.

The Foothillers arrive following a 53-42 victory over Steele Canyon, carrying a collection of offensive weapons that makes them substantial favorites in their regular-season finale.

The Matadors have enough speed to create trouble, particularly when David Watt gets the football in open space. Their challenge is producing those opportunities consistently while preventing Grossmont from controlling the evening with its running game.

For the visitors, a victory would mean a 7-3 finish, consecutive league wins and momentum heading into the postseason.

Holmes has plenty of help

Senior quarterback Tyler Holmes threw five touchdown passes against Steele Canyon, but Grossmont’s most encouraging number might have been its 283 rushing yards.

Junior Jacob Fee supplied 157 yards on 19 carries, scoring on runs of 20 and 35 yards. Holmes added 96 yards on 21 attempts, giving the Foothillers two productive runners and forcing the Cougars to defend more than the passing game.

That creates a demanding assignment for Mount Miguel.

Concentrating on Holmes leaves opportunities for Fee. Committing additional defenders to the run creates room for receivers who demonstrated last week that tight coverage does not necessarily prevent a touchdown.

Junior Cedric Norris caught five passes for 78 yards and three touchdowns against Steele Canyon. Senior Max Bewley added three catches for 62 yards and two scores.

Both made scoring catches through defensive interference. Bewley’s second touchdown came on fourth down and gave Grossmont its first lead early in the third quarter.

Holmes finished 11-for-18 for 180 yards, with five of his completions producing touchdowns.

Junior Jamar McClendon supplied another scoring avenue, returning a punt 58 yards for a touchdown. Holmes later kicked short into an opening in Steele Canyon’s alignment and recovered the ball himself.

Grossmont generated 463 offensive yards, but those extra possessions and special-teams points helped separate the teams.

Matadors must protect opportunities

Mount Miguel saw last week how quickly field-position mistakes can overwhelm an offense.

A blocked punt, another punting breakdown and a fumble returned for a touchdown contributed to Granite Hills’ 35-point first quarter in a 52-11 Eagles victory.

The Matadors cannot afford to give Grossmont that kind of assistance.

Secure snaps, sound punt protection and ball security would at least require the Foothillers to build their own scoring drives. Mount Miguel then needs enough offensive first downs to prevent its defense from repeatedly returning to the field.

Dominic Lopez provides a physical rushing option. Quarterback Enrique Gonzalez has shown composure during a difficult stretch, and Watt demonstrated against Granite Hills how little space he needs to change a possession.

Gonzalez delivered a middle screen behind the line of scrimmage, and Watt accelerated through the opening for a 61-yard touchdown.

That is the kind of play that gives Mount Miguel a chance to make Friday more competitive than the projections suggest.

Gonzalez followed it with another resourceful effort. After a bouncing PAT snap, he scrambled and found Isiah McKnight in the end zone for two points.

One play succeeded through preparation; the next through improvisation. The Matadors need more of both, with Cayden “Prince” Mobley providing another potential source of explosive offense. He is a wildcat threat, as well.

Hillers still need defensive improvement

The Foothillers have reason to feel confident about their offense. Their defense has work remaining.

Steele Canyon passed for 433 yards last week and continued scoring into the closing minutes. Grossmont cannot assume that its own touchdowns will always provide enough separation.

Rudy Gomez recorded 11 tackles against the Cougars, Jonah Yost added 10 and Kaiden Ong finished with nine. Allen Wuertz contributed 1½ sacks as Grossmont collected four.

Those interruptions mattered. More consistent tackling and fewer extended possessions would give the Foothillers a stronger performance to carry into the playoffs.

Against Watt and Mount Miguel’s other speed threats, pursuit angles will be particularly important. A short completion can become a long touchdown when the first defender misses.

History offers reversal

Mount Miguel has won the past two meetings, 66-20 in 2023 and 63-26 in 2024. The teams did not meet last season. Grossmont won the two previous encounters, 63-29 in 2014 and 35-0 in 2015, illustrating how sharply this matchup has swung between meetings.

One memorable chapter came in 1978, when Mount Miguel beat Grossmont 35-12 during an unbeaten league season. The Foothillers returned for the playoffs and won the rematch, 18-17, handing the Matadors their only defeat.

Fearless Forecaster

Mount Miguel’s physical players and home field offer reasons to expect resistance. Watt’s speed offers a reason to expect a few uncomfortable moments for the visitors.

Grossmont nevertheless has more dependable ways to sustain offense.

Holmes can throw or run, Fee gives the ground game another substantial threat, and Norris and Bewley have shown they can finish difficult catches. McClendon adds the possibility of a sudden special-teams score.

The Matadors can keep this interesting by protecting the football and producing a few explosive answers. Grossmont’s balance should eventually create enough separation to finish its regular season with another victory.

GROSSMONT 40, MOUNT MIGUEL 26

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Patriots face Polamalu, Saints as spoiler

No. 25 ST. AUGUSTINE (4-4, 3-0) at No. 30 CHRISTIAN (5-3, 0-3)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — Valley Stadium
Eastern League

Christian’s postseason possibilities remain worth watching. Its immediate assignment is finding enough offense to interrupt another team’s championship pursuit.

The Patriots welcome St. Augustine to Valley Stadium on Friday, facing a Saints team that shares the Eastern League lead with San Diego and cannot afford a stumble before their season-ending showdown.

Christian has lost three consecutive games following a 5-0 start. Last week’s 15-9 loss to La Jolla supplied evidence of defensive improvement, but also another reminder that moving the football and finishing possessions are different assignments.

Against senior Paisios “Pai” Polamalu, the Patriots will need both defensive discipline and a more productive scoring response.

Two of the county’s leading runners

Friday features the third- and fourth-leading rushers on the supplied county leaderboard.

Polamalu enters with 1,405 rushing yards, just four behind second-place Darian Webb of Carlsbad. Christian sophomore Julian Morones follows with 1,261 yards.

Their production gives this matchup a compelling centerpiece even with the teams occupying opposite ends of the league standings.

Polamalu rushed 20 times for 287 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s 49-34 victory over Scripps Ranch. He averages 175.6 rushing yards per game and ranks third on the listed county touchdown leaderboard with 21 total scores.

The son of former Pittsburgh Steelers star Troy Polamalu has established his own identity as a player who can influence the game on both sides of the ball. Christian must account for him as both a runner and a defensive playmaker.

Morones remains the foundation of the Patriots’ offense.

He gained 140 yards on 25 carries against La Jolla, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt, and added two receptions for 17 yards. His season rushing average stands at 157.6 yards per game, with 17 total touchdowns on the supplied leaderboard.

Christian has a back capable of matching productive stretches with almost anyone. The challenge is giving him enough help to prevent the Saints from dictating how the Patriots must play.

Hardy’s progress shows Christian future

With Kaleb Runkle sidelined in recent weeks, sophomore quarterback Joel Hardy IV has been learning against increasingly difficult opposition.

His performance against La Jolla offered encouragement.

Hardy completed 13 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, a substantial improvement from his passing production at University City the previous week.

Sophomore Gavin Runkle caught the 9-yard touchdown pass that helped Christian establish a 7-0 lead. Junior Connor Nguyen supplied a downfield threat with two receptions for 77 yards.

Those connections matter against a defense preparing to contain Morones. Christian needs enough credible passing production to keep defenders from crowding the running lanes.

The Patriots finished with 288 total yards against La Jolla, outgaining the Vikings by 64. They nevertheless produced only one offensive touchdown.

That is the next step for Hardy and the offense: turning improved execution between the goal lines into enough points to win.

Kaleb Runkle’s availability remains a significant variable. A return would change Christian’s offensive outlook, but the Patriots must prepare to compete with the personnel available.

Hardy’s experience should benefit his development beyond this season. Christian would welcome an immediate return on those lessons Friday.

Saints offer more than run game

Stopping Polamalu is the first priority. Treating him as St. Augustine’s only threat would create another problem.

Junior quarterback Julian Chanfreau threw for 137 yards and two touchdowns against Scripps Ranch. Junior receiver Mateo Iuli caught seven passes for 133 yards and both scores.

Christian’s improved pass defense faces an important balancing act: provide enough support against the run without leaving Iuli room to turn the Saints’ passing opportunities into explosive gains.

The Patriots held La Jolla to 224 total yards, including 110 passing, after allowing 370 passing yards at University City.

Junior Drew Gaut supplied their biggest defensive play, tackling a Vikings ballcarrier in the end zone for a safety and a 9-7 lead.

That effort kept Christian within one possession throughout the finish. A similar performance against St. Augustine begins with sound tackling before Polamalu reaches open space.

The Saints have also allowed opportunities. Scripps Ranch scored 34 points last week, and St. Augustine has surrendered 93 points across its three league victories.

Christian should have chances. It needs to finish them.

A series with deeper roots

St. Augustine won 20-7 last season, but these programs shared league schedules long before their current Eastern League meeting. Christian beat the Saints in three consecutive seasons from 1985 through 1987, including a 34-8 victory in the final game of that stretch.

The Saints answered with victories in each season from 1989 through 1993. Their history also includes a scoreless tie in 1984, a reminder that this matchup reaches well beyond its recent renewal.

Christian also has a recent example of why league difficulties need not define an entire season. Last year’s Patriots entered the playoffs 3-7, then won five consecutive postseason games to reach a state championship game. This team’s eventual postseason assignment will be different, but meaningful football can remain after a difficult league stretch.

Fearless Forecaster

Christian’s defense showed enough against La Jolla to believe the Patriots can make St. Augustine work.

Morones gives the home team a dependable offensive foundation, and Hardy’s progress provides a reason to expect more passing support. A few timely connections with Nguyen and Gavin Runkle could keep the Saints from concentrating entirely on the run.

St. Augustine still has the more established offensive combination, led by Polamalu and supported by Chanfreau and Iuli.

The Saints also have a championship opportunity to protect. Looking ahead to San Diego would be dangerous against a Christian team that remains capable of making this uncomfortable.

Expect the Patriots to compete, produce more offense than last week and stay involved into the second half. Polamalu and the Saints find enough finishing plays to preserve their unbeaten league record.

ST. AUGUSTINE 28, CHRISTIAN 21

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Knights can set up title showdown

VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (0-8, 0-3) at FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (4-3, 2-0)
Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — Santana High School
Sunset League

Foothills Christian entered the season with questions about how much progress its return to 11-man football would produce after a 1-9 season in 2025.

With two regular-season games remaining, the Knights have an opportunity to supply a substantial answer.

A victory Friday over visiting Victory Christian Academy would secure a winning regular-season record, preserve Foothills’ unbeaten Sunset League mark and set up a championship showdown with O’Farrell Charter.

For a program coming off a one-win season, that represents meaningful improvement.

The Knights have generally handled the opponents against whom they could reasonably expect to compete. Their next assignment is continuing that pattern against a winless visitor.

A season of measurable progress

Foothills has already quadrupled last season’s victory total.

Its wins over Orange Glen, Hamilton, Tri-City Christian and Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac have demonstrated that the Knights can succeed against opponents within their competitive range.

There have been difficult afternoons, including shutout losses to Escondido Charter and Lake Mead Christian Academy. A narrow 25-22 loss to Calipatria also left an opportunity unclaimed.

Taken together, however, the results show a team establishing a more competitive footing in 11-man football under Dustin Turley.

The Knights returned from two idle weekends last Saturday with a 39-8 victory over Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac, receiving contributions from several younger players.

That matters beyond the immediate standings. Foothills is winning games while developing players who can help sustain its progress.

Olesons give offense another dimension

Senior David Stewart remains Foothills’ leading rusher, averaging 121.5 yards per game on the supplied season comparison.

Last week demonstrated that the Knights have additional ways to move the football.

Junior Hayden Oleson and freshman Jack Oleson combined to complete all five of their passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns.

Hayden completed both attempts for 35 yards and a touchdown. Jack went 3-for-3 for 90 yards and two scores, adding 27 rushing yards on two carries.

Sophomore Isaac Maisonet caught three passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow sophomore Jax Vizkeleti supplied a 45-yard touchdown reception.

Foothills does not need a high-volume passing attack to benefit from those connections. Timely completions can punish a defense concentrating on Stewart and the running game.

Sophomore Quentin Wardlaw supplied the largest rushing contribution last week, gaining 73 yards on six carries with two touchdowns. Junior Drew Mikulsky added a rushing score.

The Knights finished with 286 total yards and averaged seven yards per carry.

Against Victory Christian, that distribution should allow Foothills to attack through several players rather than requiring one standout to carry the entire offense.

Victory Christian seeks breakthrough

Victory Christian came close to its first win last week, falling 20-14 to Orange Glen.

That result gives the visitors something to build upon, but their season-long production explains why Foothills enters as a considerable favorite.

Victory Christian has scored 50 points in eight games while allowing 336. Foothills has scored 160 points in seven games and holds a 4-0 record against common opponents, compared with Victory Christian’s 0-4.

The visitors’ offensive options include Kyle Capili, JD Lair and Michael Aguirre. Nathan Garcia averages 7.5 tackles per game.

Foothills’ responsibility is preventing a struggling opponent from gaining confidence through turnovers, missed tackles or short fields.

The Knights received encouraging defensive contributions last week from freshman Degan Bird, who led the team with six tackles. Freshman Nathan Manalo and sophomore Jaxson Felan each broke up two passes.

Another sound defensive performance would give the offense time to establish control.

A milestone within reach

A victory would give Foothills its first winning 11-man season since 2010, when the Knights finished 6-3. Their subsequent 11-man campaigns produced records of 4-6 in 2011, 3-6 in 2012, 2-7 in 2013, 0-10 in 2014, 3-6 in 2021 and 1-9 last season.

The program enjoyed considerable success in eight-man football during that span, including an 11-0 season in 2019 and a 9-2 championship season in 2023. This year offers a chance to establish a different milestone as Foothills builds its place in the county’s 11-man competition.

Victory Christian won last year’s meeting 28-6. Friday gives Foothills an opportunity to reverse that result and demonstrate how much has changed in one season.

Championship opportunity comes next

O’Farrell Charter has completed its first three Sunset League games unbeaten, outscoring those opponents 131-12.

Foothills is 2-0, with a 74-20 scoring advantage.

A Knights victory Friday would send both teams into the regular-season finale unbeaten in league, with the championship at stake.

That is an appealing opportunity for a program that entered the season seeking improvement. Reaching it requires completing Friday’s assignment first.

Fearless Forecaster

Victory Christian’s close game against Orange Glen deserves attention, but the Patriots won for just the second time in 48 contests.

Foothills has the more dependable running game and an expanding collection of offensive contributors.

Stewart provides the foundation. Wardlaw offers another productive rushing option, while both Olesons showed last week that the Knights can finish possessions through the air.

Expect Foothills to establish control on the ground, create a few passing opportunities and secure its winning season with enough separation to turn its attention toward a championship game.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 42, VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 8

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2026 FEARLESS FORECASTER

Week 10 — October 22–23

Elsewhere, Carlsbad visits La Costa Canyon with an opportunity to clinch the outright Avocado West championship, while Point Loma travels to Cathedral Catholic in a Western League game with substantial postseason implications.

Mission Hills at Rancho Bernardo offers another strong test between highly ranked teams, and unbeaten Escondido Charter visits unbeaten Santa Fe Christian in a matchup whose records are considerably closer than the projections.

Torrey Pines at San Marcos gives two teams another chance to improve their position after difficult league starts.

Madison visits Patrick Henry with a chance to interrupt the Patriots’ historic unbeaten season, while Lincoln travels to Mission Bay seeking to maintain its place in the Western title race.

Ramona hosts Escondido looking to preserve its Palomar lead, and Oceanside visits Poway with the Sun Devils still unbeaten in Avocado East play.

There are championship races throughout the remaining leagues, too—from Bonita Vista at Hilltop to the Imperial Valley contenders—and an especially appealing backcountry matchup when Borrego Springs visits Julian in an 8-man feature of local interest.

ECS Top 40 games

No. 1 Carlsbad (8-0, 3-0 Avocado West) 35, at No. 7 La Costa Canyon (5-3, 1-1 Avocado West) 24

At No. 2 Cathedral Catholic (5-3, 1-0 Western) 38, No. 15 Point Loma (6-2, 0-1 Western) 17

No. 3 Mission Hills (6-2, 2-1 Avocado West) 28, at No. 6 Rancho Bernardo (7-1, 3-0 Avocado East) 21

At No. 5 Santa Fe Christian (9-0, 2-0 Coastal) 42, No. 30 Escondido Charter (8-0, 3-0 Pacific) 14

At No. 11 San Marcos (4-4, 0-2 Avocado West) 24, No. 8 Torrey Pines (5-3, 0-2 Avocado West) 23

At No. 12 Patrick Henry (8-0, 2-0 City) 35, No. 29 Madison (5-3, 1-1 City) 24

No. 14 Lincoln (3-5, 1-0 Western) 35, at No. 28 Mission Bay (4-4, 0-1 Western) 14

At No. 18 Ramona (4-4, 2-0 Palomar) 49, Escondido (1-7, 0-2 Palomar) 7

No. 10 Oceanside (4-4, 1-1 Avocado East) 24, at No. 19 Poway (4-4, 2-0 Avocado East) 20

No. 20 Del Norte (4-4, 0-3 Avocado East) 28, at El Camino (0-8, 0-2 Avocado East) 14

At No. 21 Holtville (6-2, 2-0 Imperial Valley) 49, Calexico (2-6, 0-3 Imperial Valley) 7

At No. 22 San Diego (4-4, 3-0 Eastern) 27, No. 39 La Jolla (3-5, 2-1 Eastern) 24

At No. 23 Imperial (6-2, 2-0 Imperial Valley) 35, Brawley (3-5, 1-1 Imperial Valley) 14

At No. 24 San Pasqual (5-3, 1-1 Palomar) 35, Mt. Carmel (2-7, 1-2 Palomar) 14

No. 31 University City (4-4, 1-2 Eastern) 42, at Scripps Ranch (0-8, 0-3 Eastern) 28

No. 34 Morse (4-4, 2-1 City) 35, at Crawford (3-5, 1-2 Central) 13

No. 35 Mira Mesa (6-2, 1-1 City) 35, at Coronado (1-7, 0-3 City) 14

No. 38 Bishop’s (6-2, 2-0 Coastal) 35, at Classical Academy (2-6, 0-2 Pacific) 14

No. 40 Mater Dei Catholic (3-6, 3-0 Metro Mesa) 35, at Otay Ranch (4-4, 1-1 Metro Mesa) 24

Associated leagues and conferences

At Canyon Hills (2-6, 1-1 Central) 28, Kearny (1-7, 1-2 Central) 20

At Hoover (5-3, 2-0 Central) 42, Clairemont (4-4, 1-1 Central) 20

At La Jolla Country Day (4-4, 0-2 Coastal) 28, Maranatha Christian (6-2, 2-1 Pacific) 24

Coastal Academy (1-6, 0-2 Pacific) 28, at Army-Navy (3-5, 0-2 Coastal) 24

At Tri-City Christian (4-3, 1-2 Sunset) 35, Orange Glen (1-7, 1-2 Sunset) 14

At Westview (5-3, 1-0 Valley) 31, Rancho Buena Vista (4-4, 1-0 Valley) 27

Fallbrook (4-4; league designation under review) 35, at Vista (0-8, 0-1 Valley) 14

Other leagues and conferences

Bonita Vista (4-4, 1-0 Metro South Bay) 24, at Hilltop (5-3, 1-0 Metro South Bay) 17

At Chula Vista (2-6, 0-1 Metro South Bay) 28, Sweetwater (1-7, 0-1 Metro South Bay) 14

Olympian (2-6, 0-2 Metro Mesa) 28, at Montgomery (2-6, 0-2 Metro Mesa) 20

At Mar Vista (5-3, 1-0 Metro Pacific) 35, Castle Park (3-5, 0-1 Metro Pacific) 7

At Southwest–San Diego (5-3, 1-0 Metro Pacific) 35, San Ysidro (2-6, 0-1 Metro Pacific) 7

Vincent Memorial (6-2, 2-1 Desert) 42, at Calipatria (3-5, 0-2 Desert) 7

Palo Verde Valley (6-2, 2-0 Desert) 42, at Southwest–El Centro (3-4, 0-1 Desert) 7

Eight-man

Thursday, Oct. 22

San Pasqual Academy (2-2, 1-2 Manzanita) 36, at West Shores (1-6, 1-2 Manzanita) 20

Friday, Oct. 23

Borrego Springs (3-3, 2-0 Manzanita) 42, at Julian (5-2, 4-0 Manzanita) 40

At Francis Parker (7-0, 0-0 Ocean) 64, Warner (0-6, 0-4 Manzanita) 20

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