Jenkins strikes again to defeat Colts

By Ramon Scott
Updated: August 23, 2026

Monte Vista on offense against Crawford on Friday.

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

DON’T KICK IT TO NO. 1: JENKINS OPENING KICK RETURN SPARKS MONARCHS

EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

MONTE VISTA 31, CRAWFORD 23

By Ramon Scott

EastCountySports.com

SAN DIEGO — Don’t kick it to No. 1.

That might have been the most logical thought on either sideline before Monte Vista opened its season against Crawford. The Colts kicked it to Daesean Jenkins anyway, and the dynamic junior immediately raced 86 yards with the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

It was an unforgettable way for the Monarchs to begin their 2026 season—and another reminder of what Jenkins can do against Crawford.

A year earlier, Jenkins made his varsity debut against the same Colts and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in Monte Vista’s 36-13 victory. This time, he needed only the opening seconds to change the game.

Jenkins later added a 45-yard touchdown run, while Brayden Silie scored twice on the ground as Monte Vista built a 23-point fourth-quarter advantage before surviving a furious Crawford rally for a 31-23 road victory Friday night.

Crawford responded to Jenkins’ opening return with 5:20 left in the first quarter. Quarterback Giovanni “Gio” Garcia delivered a deep ball to Damian Monroy, who completed the 48-yard touchdown connection. Garcia ran in the two-point conversion, briefly giving the Colts an 8-7 lead.

Monte Vista answered before the period ended. Silie powered up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown run with 1:36 remaining, putting the Monarchs back in front, 13-8. Silie followed essentially the same path on the two-point conversion, increasing the lead to 15-8.

Monte Vista’s Lennox Williams (24) lines up on Friday.

After a scoreless second quarter, Jenkins struck again with 9:53 remaining in the third. The junior broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run, extending Monte Vista’s advantage to 21-8 after the conversion failed.

Silie added his second touchdown with 4:45 left in the third, driving straight through the middle for a 10-yard score. The extra point gave the Monarchs a 28-8 lead.

Monte Vista’s defense also produced an important takeaway when a Crawford receiver completed a catch near midfield but lost the football after the reception. The Monarchs recovered the fumble.

Left-footed kicker Juan Duran converted a 35-yard field goal with 11:06 remaining, increasing Monte Vista’s lead to 31-8 and ultimately supplying the winning points.

Crawford, however, refused to go quietly.

Garcia completed 21 of 32 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown without an interception, helping the Colts mount a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback. Monroy caught eight passes for 153 yards and a touchdown, repeatedly supplying Crawford with explosive plays.

Running back Shamar Warren scored both of the Colts’ fourth-quarter touchdowns. His first score, followed by Aristote Benjamin’s extra point, reduced Monte Vista’s lead to 31-15.

Warren struck again on a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:26 remaining and then carried in the two-point conversion, suddenly pulling Crawford within 31-23. He finished with 41 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.

The Colts received one final opportunity and advanced beyond their own 40-yard line with 16 seconds left. Garcia’s last Hail Mary was completed, but Monte Vista brought the receiver down well short of the end zone as time expired.

The Monarchs escaped with the victory, but the game’s defining image came on its opening play: Jenkins finding daylight with the football in his hands and showing Crawford for the second consecutive season why giving No. 1 an opportunity can change a game instantly.

UP NEXT

Monte Vista returns home to face Montgomery, which opened its season with a 42-26 loss to Mount Miguel. The Aztecs scored first in that game and produced several explosive plays, but the Monarchs will carry momentum into their home opener after defeating Crawford for the second consecutive season.