Hot start for Helix; Norsemen unbeaten; El Cap wins four

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 5, 2026

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP WATER POLO

EastCountySports.com staff report

LA MESA — Helix has quickly turned a demanding opening assignment into East County’s strongest early résumé of the 2026 boys water polo season.

After beginning the season with a loss to perennial power Bishop’s, the Scotties responded with three consecutive victories. Helix defeated La Costa Canyon, Torrey Pines and Canyon Crest Academy to improve to 3-1 through the first week of September.

The Scotties routed La Costa Canyon, 16-7, before producing an especially impressive 12-4 victory over Torrey Pines on Sept. 2. They returned the following night and defeated Canyon Crest Academy, 10-8.

The fast start suggests Helix remains capable of competing among the San Diego Section’s stronger programs despite graduating five seniors from last season’s Open Division playoff team.

Juniors Kai Mortier and Noah Berray and seniors Jackson Morgans and Walter Mundt were among the Scotties recognized on East County’s preseason media watch list. Helix also added Mason Torretto to its experienced returning group.

Helix is not alone in providing early optimism around East County.

Valhalla has played only twice, but the Norsemen have been the area’s most dominant team. Valhalla defeated Patrick Henry, 22-12, and Point Loma, 18-9, outscoring its opponents 40-21.

Senior Julius Brikho was among the Norsemen recognized on the county media watch list entering the season.

El Capitan has assembled the area’s largest collection of victories. The Vaqueros stand 4-2 after playing six games, including four during a busy stretch from Sept. 2-5.

El Capitan defeated High Tech San Diego, 15-7, and San Pasqual, 15-6, before recording a 10-7 victory over West Hills. Its two losses came against Clairemont and San Dieguito Academy.

Grossmont is rebuilding around a notable collection of returners after reaching last season’s San Diego Section Division II championship game.

The Foothillers finished 24-7 last year and defeated University City and Del Norte in the playoffs before falling to Oceanside in the championship match.

Seniors Nathan French, Jackson Coplin and Soren Larsen and juniors Connor Williams, Mehki High and Caden Hoagland give Grossmont an experienced core. Williams was among the Foothillers’ top offensive contributors last season, while French, Hoagland and High also produced at both ends of the pool.

Grossmont has opened 1-2, but both losses came by narrow margins. The Foothillers fell to Coronado, 10-9, and Mission Bay, 10-8, while defeating Clairemont, 13-10.

West Hills earned a noteworthy 10-7 victory over San Marcos before losing to El Capitan and Otay Ranch. The Wolf Pack’s two defeats came by a combined five goals.

Granite Hills opened with a competitive 15-13 loss to La Jolla Country Day. Monte Vista dropped its first three reported games, while Mount Miguel began 0-2. Steele Canyon had not played a reported game through Sept. 7.

Santana remains the area’s biggest early unknown.

The Sultans began the season ranked fourth in the county and placed senior Davis Jespersen and sophomore Axton Rasmusson on the preseason media watch list. Santana’s only reported result was a competitive 15-12 loss to traditionally strong Dos Pueblos.

The early results have created an increasingly clear picture heading toward conference competition.

Helix has compiled the deepest résumé. Valhalla has been the most dominant. El Capitan has been the busiest and leads the area in total victories, while Santana remains highly regarded despite having only one confirmed result.

The next stage begins when Grossmont Conference league competition opens Sept. 29.

Santana, Helix, Valhalla, Grossmont and Steele Canyon comprise the Grossmont Hills League. El Capitan, Granite Hills, Monte Vista, Mount Miguel and West Hills compete in the Grossmont Valley League.

If the opening results are any indication, East County should again be well represented across the section playoff brackets.

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