EAST COUNTY FEARLESS FORECASTER – Week 8

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 7, 2026

Grossmont receiver Marquis Edmond. / Vic Marano

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

EAST COUNTY FEARLESS FORECASTER

By Ramon Scott

EastCountySports.com

Two trophies take center stage in East County football this week, with the Battle for the Musket and Santee City Cup leading the Fearless Forecaster’s Week 8 predictions.

No. 11 Helix visits No. 18 Grossmont with both teams carrying 5-2 records, but the Highlanders also bring 30 consecutive victories in the series. Tyler Holmes gives the Foothillers a chance to challenge that history at home.

Across Santee, No. 26 West Hills (5-1) visits No. 38 Santana (4-2), where the Wolf Pack will try to retain the Cup and the Sultans need to reverse consecutive losses before their Valley League deficit grows.

The other Hills League matchup sends No. 17 Steele Canyon (4-2) to No. 4 Granite Hills (4-2). Gavin Caha and Josiah Stocker have helped the Cougars win three straight, but Zachary Benitez and the Eagles present a considerably tougher road assignment.

In the Valley, No. 37 El Capitan (2-4) looks to build on its victory at Santana when it visits Monte Vista (2-4). Michael Castillo’s return has restored some force to the Vaqueros’ running game, while the Monarchs need defensive improvement after allowing 118 points over their last two games.

League favorite No. 21 Valhalla (4-2) takes its expanding collection of scoring threats to El Cajon Valley (2-4).

Elsewhere, No. 22 Christian (5-1) faces another demanding passing attack at No. 31 University City (3-3) as the Patriots continue to operate without their injured starting quarterback and the games continue to get tougher.

Mount Miguel (2-3) hosts unbeaten No. 15 Patrick Henry (6-0), with the Matadors seeking sustained offense against a Patriots team led by the productive Madin Gardini.

And Mountain Empire (4-3) heads to Calipatria (3-3) looking to turn its physical running game and reliable passing combination into a first Desert League victory.

The trophies provide the week’s most familiar stakes. Around them are opportunities to establish a league lead, repair a difficult start or show that an encouraging run can withstand a stronger opponent.

Musket still in Helix’s possession; Grossmont looks to change the story

No. 11 HELIX (5-2, 1-0) at No. 18 GROSSMONT (5-2, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Grossmont High
Grossmont Hills League — Battle for the Musket

Thirty consecutive losses can make a rivalry sound settled before the teams arrive. Tyler Holmes gives Grossmont a reason to believe Friday deserves its own hearing.

The Foothillers bring five victories, an unbeaten home record and a quarterback capable of changing a game with his arm or his legs into the Battle for the Musket. Helix brings five victories of its own, a growing collection of playmakers and a trophy it has kept through every meeting since 1992.

That combination makes this our feature matchup of the week. Grossmont has enough offense to challenge the Highlanders. Whether it can make enough stops to threaten their extraordinary streak is the larger question.

“The Battle for the Musket is always a great time,” Helix coach Damaja Jones said. “Because so many of our players and students know each other, it’s always intense and fun.”

A long wait for another turn

Grossmont last won the Musket in 1991, defeating Helix 28-14. The Highlanders answered with a 14-11 victory in 1992, beginning the 30-game run they carry into Friday.

The schools did not meet in 2025. Their most recent game was a 56-26 Helix victory at Grossmont in 2024, following Highlander wins of 57-8 in 2023 and 42-17 in 2022.

Those results illustrate the assignment. Grossmont has put points on the board in this rivalry, but keeping Helix within reach has been considerably harder.

“Our Musket is hanging up in the library,” Jones said. “We plan on bringing it to the game.”

Jones said his senior class is excited to face the Foothillers, most likely for the final time.

The Foothillers return home after a 44-24 loss at Granite Hills left them 0-1 in Hills play. Helix opened its league schedule by defeating Mount Miguel, 42-8, a week after scoring 49 against Mater Dei Catholic.

Grossmont coach Anthony Lawrence recognizes the challenge ahead.

“Helix is definitely improved from the last couple of years,” Lawrence said. “We need to play a perfect game for all four quarters.”

Holmes gives Grossmont its chance

Holmes averages 179.3 passing yards and 103.9 rushing yards, making him the central concern for a Helix defense that cannot treat a covered receiver as the end of a play.

Grossmont averages 406.7 yards of offense, including 209 on the ground. Jonah Martinez, averaging 93 receiving yards, supplies a substantial downfield threat, while Corbin Dow gives the Foothillers another rushing option.

The challenge for Helix is containing Holmes without allowing the passing game room to develop behind that commitment. A missed tackle or an undisciplined rush can turn a promising defensive series into another set of downs.

For Grossmont, sustained possessions would serve two purposes: produce points and reduce the opportunities for Helix’s offense and return game. The Foothillers are 3-0 at home, and their best chance begins with making the Highlanders work through a competitive first half.

“We need to control the ball on offense,” Lawrence said.

He emphasized hard running from Holmes and the Foothillers’ other ball carriers, along with help from the passing game.

“Need a couple of receivers to make some big plays and break some tackles,” Lawrence said.

Another early deficit would put too much of the assignment on Holmes.

Jones sees challenges beyond Grossmont’s offensive production.

“I think the biggest challenge we have is slowing down their offense and making sure we are solid in the kicking game,” Jones said. “They are very untraditional with special teams.”

Helix can answer in several ways

Caden Thompson directs a Highlander offense with options beyond any single matchup.

Jeremy Robinson, averaging 51 receiving yards, can create a scoring opportunity through the air, on the ground or in the return game. J.J. Andrew-Johnson adds another receiving and return threat, while Stephon Fuentes and Eunique Johnson give Helix different ways to advance the ball on the ground.

That variety matters against a Grossmont defense that has allowed 45, 33 and 44 points in its past three games. The Foothillers won two of those contests, demonstrating their ability to answer. Helix presents another opponent against which answering alone may not be enough.

“On defense, need to fly around and limit explosives,” Lawrence said. “They have a few stud receivers and a good quarterback.”

Linebacker Rudy Gomez, averaging 8.3 tackles, and defensive end Jackson Baird will be important to Grossmont’s efforts to disrupt possessions before the Highlanders establish their rhythm.

“Have to be able to heat them up and cause some problems,” Lawrence said. “It would be awesome if Jonah Yost could get an interception.”

Helix, meanwhile, needs disciplined tackling and coverage against Holmes. The Highlanders have scored 91 points over their past two games, but Grossmont has the offensive personnel to make this a more demanding evening.

Fearless Forecaster

Grossmont’s home field and productive offense warrant more consideration than the series streak alone would suggest. Holmes should help the Foothillers generate scoring drives, and this has the ingredients for a lively game.

Helix still has the stronger case: more ways to create explosive plays, consecutive decisive victories and an opponent that has struggled to keep capable offenses out of the end zone.

The Foothillers make the Highlanders earn another trip home with the trophy. Helix’s scoring options eventually create the separation.

HELIX 38, GROSSMONT 22

Cougars bring momentum into Eagles’ territory

No. 17 STEELE CANYON (4-2, 0-0) at No. 4 GRANITE HILLS (4-2, 1-0)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Granite Hills High
Grossmont Hills League

Steele Canyon has spent three weeks improving its outlook. Granite Hills will provide a considerably tougher examination of that progress.

The Cougars arrive with three consecutive victories, an increasingly productive connection between Gavin Caha and Josiah Stocker, and several ways to create points beyond a conventional offensive possession.

The Eagles arrive with Zachary Benitez, more than 10,000 career passing yards and a passing game that found 11 different receivers in last week’s 44-24 victory over Grossmont.

Both teams are 4-2. Granite Hills has the stronger body of work and home-field advantage, but Steele Canyon brings enough recent improvement to make the Eagles earn their separation.

Granite Hills coach Kellan Cobbs sees a particularly demanding assignment on the other side of the ball.

“Steele Canyon defensively is very, very good,” Cobbs said. “This is probably the best their defense has looked since their state championship team.”

Series has turned toward Granite

Steele Canyon holds a 13-10 series advantage, although the recent meetings have belonged decisively to Granite Hills.

The Eagles have won four straight by a combined 153-17, following a 34-0 victory in 2022 with wins of 45-7, 39-0 and 35-10 last season.

The Cougars’ last victory was 21-20 in 2021. That narrow result fits an earlier stretch of the rivalry that included several one-point finishes. The assignment now is to restore that competitiveness against an Eagles team that has steadily widened the gap.

Caha and Stocker give the Cougars an answer

Steele Canyon’s 35-12 victory over CIVICA offered more than another addition to the win column.

Caha passed for 282 yards and four touchdowns, adding 47 rushing yards. Stocker caught seven passes for 185 yards and three scores, following his 105-yard receiving performance at Dorsey.

Stocker’s production has come through both separation and persistence. Against CIVICA, he rolled across a defender without touching down before continuing for one touchdown, then finished a 68-yard scoring connection while Caha extended the play.

Those are precisely the opportunities Steele Canyon needs Friday: protection that gives Caha time, a receiver who can win beyond the first level of coverage and enough improvisation to salvage a play when the original design breaks down.

Cobbs wants his defense to disrupt that connection before it develops.

“Defensively, we have to get pressure on the quarterback,” Cobbs said. “They like to throw the ball, but they do a good job of getting the ball out quick.”

The objective, he added, is to “put some pressure on the QB and get him off his spot.”

Marcus Hunt, who rushed for 75 yards on 17 carries last week, must help keep that passing game out of obvious long-yardage situations. Cameron Trujillo and Trevor Zenno provide additional receiving options.

Trujillo also caught a touchdown and the ensuing two-point conversion against CIVICA. Joel Rodriguez delivered the conversion pass from a swinging-gate formation and intercepted two passes on defense.

The Cougars have shown they can manufacture an important play. Against Granite Hills, they will need enough ordinary first downs to make those moments count.

Benitez has more places to go

Benitez threw five touchdown passes and ran for another score against Grossmont, passing for 262 yards while reaching his career milestone.

Courtney “Nino” Miller-Thompson, averaging 102.5 receiving yards, remains a major concern for any opponent. But focusing the coverage on him does not exhaust the Eagles’ options.

Manny Walker, Brody Vicars and Romeo Pepe caught touchdown passes last week, with Pepe contributing in his Granite Hills debut. Jesse Wilhite supplied another important completion, and Gage Spalding gives the Eagles a rushing threat that discourages a defense from committing entirely to coverage.

Wilhite’s contributions extend beyond the receiving game, although shoulder issues have recently limited his offensive workload.

“Jesse has been big in all three phases of football — special teams, defensively and offensively,” Cobbs said.

Despite playing less on offense lately, Wilhite has “still been a key contributor defensively and on special teams,” Cobbs said.

For Steele Canyon defenders such as Luke Rode and Hawkins Ayede, the challenge extends beyond applying pressure. Benitez has the experience and receiving options to punish an uncovered assignment, while Spalding can exploit the attention directed toward the passing game.

Cobbs believes the Eagles will need that balance against the Cougars’ defense.

“On offense, we’re gonna have to protect the football, have great pass protection and play balanced,” Cobbs said.

Granite Hills also demonstrated how quickly its defense and special teams can change the terms. Jamir Alvarez’s interception return to the Grossmont 1 set up a touchdown, and a blocked punt produced a safety during the Eagles’ 23-0 start.

Steele Canyon cannot afford to contribute those kinds of opportunities.

Fearless Forecaster

The Eagles have something to clean up themselves. Penalties repeatedly extended Grossmont possessions last week, allowing the Foothillers additional chances after Granite Hills had established control.

Caha and Stocker are capable of taking advantage of similar help. The Cougars’ three-game winning streak deserves recognition, and their passing game gives them a reasonable route to a couple of touchdowns.

Granite Hills still has more offensive answers and the ability to force Steele Canyon into a game played at the Eagles’ pace. Expect the Cougars to produce some worthwhile moments, but Benitez and his receiving group should generate too many scoring possessions for the visitors to keep up.

GRANITE HILLS 41, STEELE CANYON 18

Cup rivalry gives Santana a chance to change direction

No. 26 WEST HILLS (5-1, 1-0) at No. 38 SANTANA (4-2, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Santana High
Grossmont Valley League — Santee City Cup

The quarterbacks give this game its possibilities. The rivalry gives us reason to expect that very little will come easily.

Evin Dill brings West Hills across town with five victories and an opportunity to strengthen its position in the Grossmont Valley League race. Ethan Miller and Santana have a more immediate assignment: stop a two-game slide, reclaim the Santee City Cup and avoid falling two games behind the Wolf Pack in the standings.

Both teams started 4-0. West Hills has handled the next stretch better, answering its 40-33 loss to Grossmont with a 48-12 victory over El Cajon Valley. Santana followed its homecoming loss to Fallbrook with a 19-7 defeat against El Capitan, leaving the Sultans looking for answers on the same field where they will try to recover Friday.

“To beat West Hills, we cannot play like we have the last two weeks,” Santana coach Tim Estes said. “We made too many mistakes. They have been playing really well, and it’s always a tough game.”

With Valhalla setting the early standard in the Valley race, neither Santee team wants to surrender much ground. For Santana, the urgency is particularly strong.

A trophy usually earned the hard way

West Hills leads the series 27-10 entering the 38th meeting and has won three straight, including last season’s 10-7 overtime decision on Christian Slojkowski’s 25-yard field goal.

The Wolf Pack won 38-21 in 2024 and 14-0 in 2023. Santana’s last victory was 10-3 in 2022. Three of those four meetings produced 17 combined points or fewer.

For Estes and West Hills coach Casey Ash, the familiarity extends well beyond those recent results.

“We have been coaching against each other for over 10 years,” Estes said. “I have great respect for his program and his professionalism.”

The players bring their own shared history into the rivalry.

“The kids really take it to heart,” Estes said. “They have been playing Little League, youth football and other sports most of their lives.”

Several players central to last year’s struggle return with important roles.

Dill rushed for 42 yards as West Hills leaned heavily on its ground game. Santana’s Tatum Morehouse returned a fumble 14 yards for the Sultans’ only touchdown, while Kolten “Koko” Thornton forced another fumble. Then-sophomore Cameron Cipro led Santana with 12 tackles.

Slojkowski has graduated, but the lesson from his winning kick remains useful: possessions, field position and conversion opportunities can carry considerable weight in this matchup.

Santana needs finishes

Miller’s season average of 272.3 passing yards demonstrates what Santana can generate. Last week illustrated how difficult those yards become when protection breaks down and scoring opportunities disappear.

Ash sees a more dangerous Santana offense despite its recent results.

“As far as the Sultans go, (Miller) looks vastly improved,” Ash said. “(Denton Goar) is dynamic in the slot. (Thornton) might be the best player we’ve faced this year.”

Against El Capitan, Miller completed 23 of 43 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Santana surrendered a safety on a punt snap and a 94-yard interception return after taking possession near the Vaqueros’ goal line.

Those mistakes helped turn a game with nearly identical offensive totals into a two-score defeat.

Thornton remained productive with 11 catches for 104 yards, while Dillon Timanus caught Santana’s touchdown and supplied a strip and fumble recovery. The Sultans had opportunities; completing those possessions is the next step.

Julian Mayers, who gained 55 rushing yards last week, becomes especially important against a West Hills defense that would welcome another evening of obvious passing situations.

The Wolf Pack recorded seven sacks and four interceptions against El Cajon Valley. Zach Waters had three sacks, while Xavier Moffatt and Mike Ware returned interceptions for touchdowns.

Santana must give Miller enough time to find Thornton without asking its quarterback to rescue every series. Ash believes the Sultans have improved up front, too.

“Offensive line is bigger and better than they’d had the last couple of years,” Ash said. “They also play with tempo, so it will be a significant challenge for our defense.”

Dill gives West Hills the edge

West Hills has the more established running game, averaging 196.5 yards compared with Santana’s 80.5. Dill leads the Wolf Pack with 71.8 rushing yards per game and adds 137.5 through the air.

Rene Varela Ugalde and Marcus Leath provide additional rushing threats, while Moffatt’s 48-yard touchdown reception last week showed what can happen when the defense concentrates too heavily on the ground game.

For Santana, Morehouse, averaging 9.3 tackles, and Timanus will have to help keep those options contained. Making Dill finish long possessions would give the Sultans a better chance to keep the score within reach.

“Casey runs a good program, and he prepares his team really well,” Estes said. “I can’t wait to play them. It’s a fun game.”

Fearless Forecaster

West Hills deserves the slight road edge because of its balance and its ability to pressure the passer. Santana has enough defensive playmakers, a productive receiving threat in Thornton and considerable incentive to make this uncomfortable.

Expect fewer clean possessions than the quarterbacks’ season numbers might suggest. The Wolf Pack should find just enough offense to retain the Cup, with Santana keeping the outcome unsettled into the fourth quarter.

WEST HILLS 20, SANTANA 17

Healthier Vaqueros look to keep moving forward

No. 37 EL CAPITAN (2-4, 1-0) at MONTE VISTA (2-4, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Monte Vista High
Grossmont Valley League

El Capitan finally had enough familiar pieces back together to show why its league aspirations survived a difficult September.

Now the Vaqueros must prove that their recovery can last longer than one Friday night.

A 19-7 victory at Santana restored some confidence, brought Michael Castillo back into a substantial rushing role and supplied a defensive performance worthy of a team expecting to contend. Another road assignment awaits against a Monte Vista club whose recent results make El Capitan the favorite, but whose big-play ability gives the visitors reason to remain careful.

“We got most of our guys back last week and are fairly healthy for this time of the year,” El Capitan defensive coordinator Shaun McDade said.

Both teams are 2-4. Their immediate outlooks are considerably different.

The Vaqueros can reach 2-0 in the Grossmont Valley League. The Monarchs need to interrupt a four-game losing streak and establish some defensive stability after consecutive losses to Christian and Valhalla.

Castillo changes the assignment

Castillo’s return to a heavier workload provided the clearest evidence of El Capitan’s improving health.

The senior rushed for 157 yards on 22 carries against Santana, finishing with a 45-yard touchdown run that turned a five-point fourth-quarter lead into the final margin. After earlier limitations following a knee injury, he gave the Vaqueros a dependable way to sustain possessions and finish a game.

Monte Vista’s first responsibility will be preventing that formula from working again.

The Monarchs faced a Valhalla offense that threw six touchdown passes last week. El Capitan presents a different challenge: handle Castillo, tackle consistently and force the Vaqueros to produce more through the air.

Hayden Passanisi, El Capitan’s original starting quarterback, returned against Santana and completed five of 11 passes for 50 yards. Daniel Montijo also played.

“Both QBs will see time and we will go with the hot hand,” McDade said.

Their availability improves El Capitan’s options, but the passing game remains a work in progress. The Vaqueros won last week with only 54 yards through the air, receiving their biggest contributions from the ground game, defense and special teams.

A few timely completions would make Castillo considerably harder to defend. Until that balance develops, there is reason to expect Monte Vista to keep this more competitive than its recent scores suggest.

Monarchs need stops—and possessions

Monte Vista has allowed 118 points over its last two games and 199 during its four-game losing streak, the highest such within-season totals in the school’s history dating to 1961.

Christian and Valhalla supplied formidable offensive challenges. Even with that context, the Monarchs need to make opponents work longer for their points.

Against Valhalla, Monte Vista trailed only 14-7 after one quarter before a 28-point second period took the game away. Avoiding another stretch of rapid separation is essential.

Daesean Jenkins gives the Monarchs an explosive threat capable of changing the outlook with one play. Aleksander Carrera and Edwin Smith IV provide additional personnel for El Capitan to account for, but Monte Vista also needs possessions that allow its defense to recover.

“They have a really good back and they get after it,” McDade said. “It’s going to take a great effort from us. Most definitely our goal is to take away what they do best which is the run game.”

That means protecting the ball against a Vaqueros unit coming off its most encouraging performance.

Robinson Silva recorded 13 tackles and two sacks at Santana. Ryder Powers added 10 tackles and his fourth interception of the season, while Shayne Whitmore returned an interception 94 yards for a touchdown. Colton Kidd contributed eight tackles.

El Capitan’s pursuit and tackling must travel with it. Giving Jenkins room to escape would make this a much less comfortable evening.

“It will be a big test for us,” McDade said. “We’ve played some good teams so we hope we will be ready. I have a ton of respect for Monte Vista.”

McDade also has a connection to the Monarchs beyond football: many students from the school where he serves as a vice principal go on to Monte Vista.

Recent history favors El Capitan

The Vaqueros lead the recorded series 32-16-1 entering the 50th meeting and have won seven straight. Monte Vista’s most recent victory was 38-28 in 2012.

El Capitan has scored exactly 38 points in each of the last four meetings, winning 38-0 last season after a 38-21 result in 2024.

Fearless Forecaster

El Capitan has the healthier running game, the stronger recent defensive performance and a chance to build genuine league momentum.

But another road victory still requires more offensive consistency. Monte Vista should have a better opportunity to compete against this developing attack, and Jenkins gives the Monarchs a way to remain dangerous without needing a long drive every time.

Castillo and the Vaqueros should ultimately supply enough sustained offense to leave Spring Valley with a second league victory. Expect the Monarchs to make them earn it.

EL CAPITAN 27, MONTE VISTA 19

Patriots face another passing test at University City

No. 22 CHRISTIAN (5-1, 0-1) at No. 31 UNIVERSITY CITY (3-3, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — University City High
Eastern League

Christian’s defense helped the Patriots navigate the early weeks without their starting quarterback. The Eastern League schedule is now asking considerably more of that arrangement.

A 27-14 loss to San Diego ended Christian’s unbeaten start Saturday. Six days later, the Patriots visit a University City team whose quarterback just threw for 407 yards and five touchdowns.

Christian remains higher in the our rankings. With Kaleb Runkle’s return still unresolved, however, the matchup gives the Centurions a reasonable opportunity to send the Patriots home with a second consecutive league defeat.

Both teams need a response. University City scored 40 points against St. Augustine last week and still lost by eight. Christian committed five turnovers against San Diego and finished with its lowest scoring output of the season.

The missing balance matters

Runkle’s lower-leg injury has required Christian to adjust its offense during a season that began with five consecutive victories.

Kai Rosier has handled emergency quarterback responsibilities, and Joel Hardy IV supplied an efficient performance against Monte Vista two weeks ago. Rosier again saw work at quarterback against San Diego.

The immediate requirement is consistent regardless of who takes the snaps: protect the football and give Julian Morones enough support to keep the offense moving.

Morones remains Christian’s strongest means of controlling possessions. His seven-touchdown performance against Monte Vista demonstrated his ability to take over a favorable matchup. University City’s last game provides a reason to believe the Patriots can find running room Friday.

St. Augustine’s Paisios Polamalu rushed for 360 yards and five touchdowns on 27 carries against the Centurions.

Christian cannot assume it will reproduce that performance, but establishing Morones early would attack a demonstrated weakness while limiting the possessions available to University City’s passing game.

Connor Nguyen and Gavin Runkle give the Patriots receiving options, while Rosier’s versatility creates additional possibilities. A handful of productive completions could make a substantial difference in how aggressively University City crowds the running game.

Dietrich presents the challenge

The Centurions have a more established passing attack available for this assignment.

Thomas Dietrich completed 28 of 41 passes for 407 yards and five touchdowns against St. Augustine. University City’s 48-40 defeat exposed defensive problems, but it also showed the offense could continue answering a talented opponent.

Deshaun Hille makes that offense difficult to defend with a single emphasis. He rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Saints and caught two touchdown passes. Hesh Hertz also caught a scoring pass, while DJ Ferguson supplies another significant receiving threat.

Christian must contain Hille without allowing Dietrich comfortable opportunities downfield.

Logan Saathoff and two-way contributor Xavier Molina were among the Patriots’ defensive leaders against San Diego. Their unit now faces the task of producing stops while an offense still adjusting to Runkle’s absence works to regain its footing.

The Patriots have allowed 83 points in six games, a sound overall defensive record. But University City brings the passing production to test whether Christian can maintain that standard against a more demanding league opponent.

A recent playoff connection

University City won the most recent meeting, 41-28 in the 2024 Division II quarterfinals. The teams did not meet last season.

Christian won 42-34 in 2019 and took both 2018 meetings, including a 42-41 playoff victory after a 49-28 regular-season win. These programs have produced some considerable offense when their paths have crossed.

Fearless Forecaster

Christian has a credible path through Morones, longer possessions and a cleaner night with the football. University City’s run defense leaves enough room for the Patriots to remain competitive.

The edge goes to the Centurions’ available passing game and home field. With Runkle’s return still unlikely, Christian is still being asked to overcome a significant offensive limitation against an opponent capable of making every empty possession costly.

Expect the Patriots to recover some offensive production, but Dietrich and Hille should supply enough answers to keep University City in front.

UNIVERSITY CITY 31, CHRISTIAN 24

Matadors seek traction against unbeaten Henry

No. 15 PATRICK HENRY (6-0, 1-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL (2-3, 0-1)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Mount Miguel High
Nonleague

Mount Miguel has players capable of making this a competitive home game. Turning their individual moments into a dependable offense remains the assignment.

The Matadors return to Spring Valley following a 42-8 loss to Helix, facing an unbeaten Patrick Henry team whose quarterback can punish a defense in considerably more than one way.

Madin Gardini has helped the Patriots reach 6-0 for the first time since 1999. Friday brings their third consecutive road game, following victories at Mt. Carmel and Morse, and another opportunity to demonstrate that their strong start can continue away from home.

For Mount Miguel, the challenge goes beyond the quality of its opponents. The Matadors need an offensive approach they can sustain, enough successful possessions to support their defense and fewer opportunities handed back to the other sideline.

Mobley provides possibilities

Cayden “Prince” Mobley supplied some of Mount Miguel’s most encouraging work against Helix.

He rushed for 50 yards on six carries, completed two of three passes for 35 yards and delivered a 28-yard touchdown pass to Da’King “DK” Smith. Mobley then found Dominic Lopez for the two-point conversion, with Lopez making a difficult one-handed catch.

Those plays demonstrated the skill still available to the Matadors. The problem was producing enough of them before the game had been decided.

Mount Miguel finished with 185 offensive yards. Four possessions ended on downs, and Helix also collected an interception and a fumble recovery.

Enrique Gonzalez completed seven of 12 passes for 70 yards. Lopez contributed 30 rushing yards, two catches for 35 yards and nine tackles, continuing to carry responsibilities on both sides of the ball.

Against Henry, the Matadors need Lopez’s physical running and Mobley’s versatility to produce manageable third downs. Smith gives them another player capable of finishing a scoring opportunity.

There should be room for Mount Miguel to improve on last week’s output. Henry has allowed 156 points through six games, and its opponents have generally found more scoring opportunities than the unbeaten record alone might suggest.

Gardini keeps finding answers

Stopping the Patriots is the more difficult part of the assignment.

Gardini produced matching totals of 151 passing yards and 151 rushing yards against Morse, accounting for all five of Henry’s offensive touchdowns in the 42-21 victory. He ran for three scores and threw for two.

His listed season averages of 257.5 passing yards and 96.5 rushing yards illustrate why committing too heavily to either part of the offense can become costly.

Cole Farace caught six passes for 102 yards and both touchdown throws last week. Kymani Joeseph, averaging 90.5 receiving yards, gives Gardini another established target, while Max Dean added 59 rushing yards on 10 carries against Morse.

Henry rushed for 249 yards as a team. Its offense can continue moving even when the passing game encounters resistance.

There were opportunities for Morse, however. The Tigers intercepted Gardini three times, a reminder that Mount Miguel can help itself considerably by turning pressure or a contested throw into an extra possession.

The Matadors must keep Gardini from escaping into open running lanes while remaining sound enough in coverage to account for Farace and Joeseph. That requires disciplined pursuit as much as physical play.

Make Henry finish drives

Mount Miguel held Helix to one touchdown in the opening quarter, but a punt-return score and a 21-point second period helped the game get away.

A better start Friday requires contributions from all three units. The offense must retain possession, the coverage teams must avoid a major return and the defense must make Henry earn its yards over multiple plays.

The Patriots have already shown they can survive a tighter game, answering Mt. Carmel’s challenge in a 20-16 victory two weeks ago. Mount Miguel will need to maintain its pressure beyond the opening quarter to create a similar test.

Fearless Forecaster

The Matadors have enough speed and physical ability to generate offense against this defense. Lopez, Mobley and Smith give them a reasonable chance to make Henry work deeper into the game.

But Gardini is playing with confidence, and the Patriots have more dependable ways to finish possessions. Mount Miguel should show more offensively than it did against Helix; containing Henry often enough to complete an upset is another matter.

PATRICK HENRY 37, MOUNT MIGUEL 23

RedHawks bring a physical response to Calipatria

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE (4-3, 0-1) at CALIPATRIA (3-3, 0-0)
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. — Calipatria High
Desert League — Homecoming

Mountain Empire’s offense continued producing against one of the Desert League’s strongest teams last week. Friday offers the RedHawks an opportunity to turn that production back into a victory.

The trip to Calipatria follows a 50-29 loss to Vincent Memorial that exposed costly mistakes but did little to diminish confidence in Mountain Empire’s offensive personnel.

Elisha Robinson still found running room. Chance Ross and Amar Mahasin continued connecting for touchdowns. Against a Hornets team coming off consecutive lopsided defeats, that combination should give the RedHawks a substantial advantage.

Calipatria has Homecoming, a fresh league start and its own productive running threat. Mountain Empire has the stronger case to dictate how the evening unfolds.

Robinson sets the terms

Robinson rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries against Vincent Memorial, averaging 5.2 yards despite the more demanding opposition.

The junior gives Mountain Empire a physical foundation that should be particularly useful against Calipatria. The Hornets allowed several long touchdown runs in last week’s 40-6 loss to Desert Mirage, including scoring bursts of 54 and 69 yards by Alonso Bernandez Garcia.

For the RedHawks, the opportunity is to keep Robinson moving forward until those shorter gains become something larger.

Ball security must improve. Mountain Empire lost three fumbles against Vincent Memorial, surrendering possessions it could ill afford while trying to keep pace with the Scots.

A cleaner performance would allow the RedHawks to make fuller use of an offense that has consistently found ways to score.

More than a running game

Ross gives Mountain Empire an important advantage when an opponent commits extra defenders to Robinson.

The senior threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns against Vincent Memorial and added a rushing touchdown. Mahasin caught six passes for 81 yards and both scoring throws, marking the second consecutive game in which the pair connected for two touchdowns.

Over those two games, Mahasin has 10 receptions for 165 yards and four touchdowns.

That established passing connection makes Mountain Empire difficult to defend solely by crowding the line. Ross can reward the RedHawks when coverage leaves an opening, while his own running provides another means of extending possessions.

Calipatria needs to limit the explosive gains that undermined its defense last week. Mountain Empire has several ways to create them.

First, contain Lopez

The Hornets’ best chance to keep this competitive begins with Sebastyan Lopez and a running game that can keep Mountain Empire’s offense waiting.

Lopez leads Calipatria’s posted rushing and receiving averages. Quarterback Daniel Alcala also showed his mobility last week with a 20-yard scramble during the Hornets’ touchdown drive, which Rihann Potter finished with a six-yard run.

Calipatria has victories over Foothills Christian, O’Farrell Charter and Yuma. The Hornets have demonstrated that they can finish competitive games, even as their last two opponents outscored them a combined 96-6.

For Mountain Empire, Angel Avila, Robinson and the rest of the defense must prevent Calipatria from repeatedly gaining the four or five yards that keep a running offense comfortable.

That means tackling reliably on early downs and making Alcala face longer passing situations. The RedHawks also need better kickoff coverage after allowing a 78-yard touchdown return against Vincent Memorial.

Homecoming gives Calipatria an emotional opportunity. Mountain Empire can reduce its effect by protecting possession and making the Hornets drive the length of the field.

Fearless Forecaster

The RedHawks have remained productive even when the opposition has been strong enough to beat them. Against a more favorable matchup, their running game and dependable receiving connection should become increasingly difficult to handle.

Calipatria can put together scoring possessions, but Mountain Empire has the personnel to control the line for longer stretches and create separation without abandoning its usual offense.

Expect Robinson to establish the physical tone, Ross and Mahasin to supply additional scoring opportunities and the defense to make a substantial improvement over last week.

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 45, CALIPATRIA 14

FEARLESS FORECASTER — WEEK 8
Remaining games, Oct. 8–10, 2026

All games Friday unless noted.

TOP 40

At No. 1 Carlsbad 24, No. 2 Mission Hills 21
No. 3 Cathedral Catholic 42, at La Jolla 7
At No. 5 Santa Fe Christian 49, La Jolla Country Day 7 — Thursday
No. 6 Rancho Bernardo 31, at El Camino 14
No. 7 La Costa Canyon 24, at No. 13 San Marcos 20
No. 8 Torrey Pines 24, at No. 14 Poway 21
At No. 9 Del Norte 28, No. 12 Oceanside 27
At No. 10 Point Loma 35, Scripps Ranch 7
No. 16 Eastlake 42, at Montgomery 7
At No. 19 Lincoln 31, No. 27 St. Augustine 24
At No. 20 Madison 28, No. 34 Mira Mesa 21
At No. 23 Ramona 31, No. 29 San Pasqual 24
No. 24 Imperial 49, at Calexico 7
No. 25 Holtville 28, at No. 32 Central Union 20 — Thursday
At No. 28 San Diego 27, No. 33 Mission Bay 21
At No. 30 Valley Center 28, Mt. Carmel 17
No. 36 Escondido Charter 28, at Coastal Academy 17
At No. 39 Morse 28, Coronado 14
At No. 40 Maranatha Christian 24, Classical Academy 20

AREA LEAGUE GAMES

Central

At Canyon Hills 28, Crawford 21
Hoover 35, at Kearny 14

Coastal

At Bishop’s 35, Army-Navy 14 — Saturday

OTHER COUNTY GAMES

Mater Dei Catholic 35, at Olympian 14
At Bonita Vista 42, Castle Park 7
At Chula Vista 35, Southwest–San Diego 14
Hilltop 28, at Mar Vista 20
Sweetwater 35, at San Ysidro 14
Westview 42, at Escondido 14
At O’Farrell Charter 35, Victory Christian Academy 14

IMPERIAL / DESERT

Palo Verde Valley 28, at Vincent Memorial 24
At Southwest–El Centro 28, Somerton (Ariz.) 7
Antelope (Ariz.) 35, at San Pasqual Valley 21

8-MAN

At Francis Parker 42, Julian 14
At Borrego Springs 48, West Shores 28
At San Pasqual Academy 42, Warner 12