ATHLETES OF THE WEEK — WEEK 2

By Ramon Scott
Updated: August 31, 2026

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

EAST COUNTY ATHLETES OF THE WEEK — WEEK 2

Four athletes who delivered breakthrough performances, game-winning plays and complete two-way efforts have been selected as the East County Sports Prep Football Athletes of the Week.

SANTIAGO BENITEZ, EL CAPITAN

Benitez entered after starting running back Michael Castillo was injured on the opening snap and unexpectedly became the centerpiece of El Capitan’s offense.

The junior rushed for 93 yards and scored both Vaqueros touchdowns, providing all the scoring in a 14-9 victory over Chula Vista. Benitez answered the sudden assignment with a performance that helped El Capitan earn its first victory of the season.

GAGE SPALDING, GRANITE HILLS

With two other Granite Hills running backs unavailable, Spalding carried the Eagles’ ground game—and then carried them into the end zone for the winning score.

The senior rushed 15 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns while adding three receptions for 27 yards. His 1-yard touchdown with 35 seconds remaining gave Granite Hills a dramatic 38-31 victory over Mater Dei Catholic.

Spalding finished with 136 yards from scrimmage as the Eagles overcame an early 14-point deficit and avoided an 0-2 start.

E.J. LEE-FIELDS, WEST HILLS

Lee-Fields delivered one of the week’s most complete two-way performances as West Hills improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2022.

The senior led the Wolf Pack with 15 tackles and intercepted a pass as West Hills held Bonita Vista scoreless over the final three quarters of a 20-10 road victory.

Lee-Fields also rushed seven times for 74 yards, including a long run that established West Hills’ opening touchdown. His impact on both sides of the football helped the Wolf Pack preserve its early unbeaten record.

DAESEAN JENKINS, MONTE VISTA

Jenkins supplied the decisive play in Monte Vista’s second consecutive victory.

With Montgomery threatening to score late, the junior intercepted a pass near the goal line and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown with 27 seconds remaining, completing the Monarchs’ 29-14 victory.

The game-clinching return continued Jenkins’ remarkable start to the season. He has scored three touchdowns covering a combined 226 yards through two games, including an 86-yard kickoff return and a 45-yard rushing score in Monte Vista’s opener.