Scottie mission now set on Hills League

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 11, 2021

2021 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

MISSION VIEJO 38, HELIX 21

EastCountySports.com staff report

LA MESA – A little less than six years ago, the Mission Viejo Diablos defeated the Helix Highlanders, 32-28, in the CIF 1-AA Southen California championship game, as the Scotties lost a 10-point lead in the final five minutes of the game.

Mission Viejo went on to win the state championship game a week later.

Friday night, the elite programs met again in La Mesa.

And while the Diablos are still that team, currently ranked fifth in the state, the Highlanders aren’t quite at those same heights.

Helix just continues to play teams that are.

Christian Washington, of the Highlanders, put on another impressive performance but Mission Viejo outlasted the Highlanders, 38-21, in a back-and-forth game for the first three quarters.

While Washington was sufficiently bottled up against powerful teams Cathedral Catholic and Servite, it didn’t take long for him to put the moves on against Mission Viejo on his home turf.

Washington scored on a 68-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, then after the Diablos countered with a score, Washington would find the end zone two more times.

Washington rushed for 195 yards – on just 17 carries – and three touchdowns.

Washington scored on a 10-yard touchdown as tight end Adrian Davis pushed a defender out of the way to give Helix a 14-7 lead. The score was set up by Washington’s earlier 41-yard run on the drive.

The third score of the night for the senior back came on another long run – a 65-yarder.

The play appeared to be dead as Washington ran into the backside of a pile of linemen from both teams, but he bolted away from the scrum to the right side and into the clear.

Senior Tyrus Lanzar-Lockhart added 69 yards on the ground for Helix, including a 38-yard run.

Lanzar-Lockhart really gave the Highlanders their best option as a secondary runner for Washington this season.

Helix’s run game was particularly aided by the standout play of sophomore offensive linemen Ryan Mason and Jeremiah Savaiianaea.

Xavier Van, of Helix, had an interception, forced a fumble, and had a fumble recovery on a backward pass.

Senior Samson Atuatasi had a sack and a fumble recovery for Helix (3-3).

Highlander sophomore Kairo Kahananui also was strong against the Diablos defensively, although MVHS finished with nearly 400 total yards.

Washington has over 1,100 yards of all-purpose yards this season and has to be on the shortlist of county player of the year candidates despite the Highlanders’ .500 record.

Jackson Holman scored on a great 50-yard touchdown reception for Mission Viejo (6-1), which led 28-21 with 10 minutes left in the contest.

But it was junior Mikey Matthews that the Scotties had trouble accounting for, as he reached the end zone four times on receptions.

Junior quarterback Kaden Samonza passed for the four touchdowns for the Diablos.

Helix opens the three-week Grossmont Hills League season this week, hosting the Steele Canyon Cougars (1-6).

The Highlanders got through their non-league schedule according to form but the season-deciding test against Mater Dei Catholic was canceled.

Helix may end up just short of the Open Division playoffs even if it can sweep the GHL schedule.