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- Updated: August 21, 2026
J.J. Johnson of Helix goes for a catch against Santa Fe Christian
2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
No. 14 SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 38, No. 13 HELIX 6
EastCountySports.com staff report
SOLANA BEACH — Defending CIF San Diego Section Division 2 champion Santa Fe Christian delivered an emphatic opening statement Friday afternoon.
And in the process, created some separation between two programs that were closely rated in the county rankings to start the 2026 season.
Cornell-bound quarterback Dax Labrum passed for three touchdowns, and Brady Berg scored three times as the Eagles defeated No. 10 Helix, 38-6, in a high-profile nonleague season opener. It was one of the biggest regular-season non-league wins in program history.
Berg opened the scoring with a short touchdown run before showing his versatility as a receiver. Labrum delivered a deep pass over the middle, and Berg made the catch for his second touchdown of the first half.
Santa Fe Christian added a field goal to carry a 17-0 advantage into halftime.
The Eagles reached into the playbook early in the third quarter, using a double-handoff play involving Labrum and Brody Stewart that ended with Berg scoring his third touchdown of the afternoon for a 24-0 lead.
Helix finally broke through midway through the third quarter when Bryce Calloway scored on an 8-yard run. Sean Fanua, Caleb Cerda, Kaleo Hughes, Jake Conboy, Aydan Lopez and Jaidyn Merlo helped pave the way for the touchdown, which reduced the deficit to 24-6.
The Scotties were unable to build upon the score, however.
Labrum responded by connecting with Chase Woolley for another touchdown, and Santa Fe Christian added one more score to complete the 38-6 victory.
Labrum finished 19 of 29 passing for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Berg scored on runs of 2 and 10 yards and caught a 40-yard touchdown pass.
Woolley accumulated 205 all-purpose yards, caught a 32-yard touchdown and repeatedly created favorable field position. His 47-yard punt return set up Santa Fe Christian’s opening score, while a 53-yard kickoff return helped launch another scoring drive.
Labrum entered the season regarded as one of San Diego County’s leading quarterbacks. The senior also benefits from the guidance of former Chargers quarterback and newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Brees, who serves as Santa Fe Christian’s quarterbacks coach. Brees’ son, Baylen Brees, is a senior receiver for the Eagles.
Santa Fe Christian’s defense prevented Helix from establishing any sustained offensive rhythm outside the Scotties’ third-quarter scoring drive. Chuck Stover led the Eagles with 12 tackles.
The Eagles have won 14 of their past 15 season openers and appear equipped to make another deep postseason run.
Helix, coming off consecutive 5-7 seasons, will attempt to regroup Friday when it travels to face Imperial. The Tigers opened their season with a 25-20 victory over Mission Bay, making the trip another significant early test for the Scotties.
