Allison propels Cougars past Eagles

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: October 9, 2026

Steele Canyon senior Evie Allison / Tammy Ryan

Steele Canyon’s Evie Allison returns an interception 44 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FLAG FOOTBALL

STEELE CANYON 14, GRANITE HILLS 7

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS senior writer

EL CAJON — Steele Canyon senior Evie Allison returned an interception 44 yards for the game-winning points, but her contributions extended well beyond the scoreboard in lifting the Cougars to a 14-7 upset victory over Granite Hills on Thursday (Oct. 8) at Valley Stadium.

Allison’s leaping grab put the Eagles. ahead by two two scores

A two-way standout, Allison made two pivotal plays that helped Steele Canyon protect its 14-0 halftime advantage.

With Granite Hills scrambling to get back into contention, an Eagles completion that appeared destined to become a 53-yard touchdown was stopped short when Jones raced from behind to make a stellar flag pull at the Cougars’ 8-yard line.

Although Granite Hills eventually scored with 7:35 remaining, Jones’ pursuit forced the Eagles to use nearly two additional minutes before reaching the end zone—time that proved important down the stretch.

Jones delivered again on offense with just under five minutes remaining.

Facing third-and-11, Allison raced around the left side for 16 yards and a first down. The conversion allowed Steele Canyon to drain more than two additional minutes from the clock, leaving the hosts only 2:10 to travel 67 yards.

Granite Hills’ final possession ended with an incomplete pass on fourth down.

The victory represented a significant turnaround for Steele Canyon on two fronts.

First, the Cougars ended a scoring drought following consecutive shutout losses. The defending Grossmont Hills League champions also remained in contention for a CIF playoff berth.

Meanwhile, Granite Hills may have been caught looking ahead to its rematch with Grossmont Hills League front-runner Helix. The Eagles entered the contest one full game behind the Highlanders, but now must defeat Helix and receive help from another league opponent to earn a share of the championship.

The Cougars ended their shutout drought on the game’s opening possession, marching 64 yards for a quick 7-0 advantage.

A series of short completions culminated in Devyn Harper’s 4-yard touchdown reception, completing a 12-play drive that consumed the opening 5:27.