Helix steps forward as flag contender

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: August 21, 2026

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FLAG FOOTBALL

EastCountySports.com

LA MESA — With two players now participating for the U.S. National Team, the Calexico Bulldogs have been at the forefront of flag football since the sport debuted in the CIF San Diego Section three seasons ago.

Last season, the Bulldogs went undefeated in nonleague action (6-0), then finished in the middle of the pack in the difficult Imperial Valley League en route to a third consecutive playoff berth. That run includes a trip to the semifinals in 2023.

If Calexico ranks among the section’s best, how good might the current crop of Helix Highlanders be?

On Thursday (Aug. 20), the Scotties opened their second season of flag football in style, overwhelming the Bulldogs, 49-6, at Benton Hart Stadium.

Helix went 11-11 during its debut campaign despite being the lone expansion program in the Grossmont Hills League. The Highlanders now appear poised to become a top contender in Year Two after carrying a shutout deep into the second half against Calexico.

The Highlanders were more than ready after their scheduled season opener against Imperial on Tuesday was canceled. No reason was publicly announced by the Tigers.

Helix scored touchdowns on three of its first four possessions and never looked back.

Elsewhere

Grossmont 12, Mabel O’Farrell Charter 0

At Skyline — The Foothillers, who fell to Calexico in their season opener, bounced back by blanking the host Falcons.

Grossmont dropped its first two contests but has now captured two straight to improve to 2-2. The contest was the season opener for O’Farrell, which is located about a half-mile west of Morse High.

Monte Vista 46, CVLCC 6

At Spring Valley — The Monarchs followed the lead of league rival El Cajon Valley by also establishing a school single-game scoring record, routing Chula Vista Community Learning Center and its Cobras, 46-6.

Ramona 13, Escondido Charter 6

At Escondido — The Bulldogs became the first East County program to open the season with a 2-0 record after stopping the host White Tigers.

Ramona sophomore quarterback Elisa Gaines split time with the incumbent senior yet made a strong case for the starting job by passing for 161 yards and both Bulldogs touchdowns. Gaines completed 23 of 38 passes, with her lone interception coming on a deflection.

A pair of senior receivers — Reese Blakey and Kynzie King — caught the two touchdown passes. King finished with 99 receiving yards on a school-record 14 receptions.

On defense, Emersyn Bryant equaled a school record by sacking the Escondido Charter quarterback three times. Blakey added an interception.

Rancho Bernardo 25, Santana 18

At Santee — Santana opened its 2026 campaign with a competitive effort Thursday, but Rancho Bernardo escaped with a 25-18 nonleague victory over the host Sultans.

The seven-point margin represented the closest game of the young season for the Broncos, who evened their record at 2-2. Rancho Bernardo had split its first three contests before holding off Santana in the Sultans’ season debut.

Santana (0-1) will remain home to meet unbeaten Otay Ranch in another nonleague contest. The Mustangs improved to 2-0 after blanking Canyon Hills, 20-0.

Rancho Bernardo next faces San Marcos on Monday. The Knights are 3-0 following a 44-0 victory over Dana Hills.