Hillers sweep, look toward CIF playoffs

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: November 5, 2024

2024 EAST COUNTY GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

ECS staff report

HILLS – Utilizing a variety of season-long standouts along with several fresh faces, the Grossmont Foothillers prepared for next week’s CIF San Diego Section championships with a pair of Grossmont Hills League triumphs.

The Hillers topped Santana, 35-12, and Steele Canyon, 30-20, to capture the debut of GHL flag football with a record of 8-1 (15-4 overall).

The GHL triple-header, held at Grossmont’s Lt. Mitchell Memorial Field, also saw Steele Canyon whip Granite Hills, 27-6, in a contest with heavy playoff considerations.

In its game on Senior Night, Grossmont quarterback Marissa Farace fired three touchdown passes, but she found some new targets.

Savannah “Big Dog” Tucker recorded her first career TD reception. Earlier, Tucker also registered a first-half interception to preserve the lead.

Saraya Rope and Siena Botkin each scored seven pooints with a TD catch and a PAT reception. Noylin sldo collected an interception.

In addition, Hillers defenders Abigail Johnson and Jaelyn Jensen posted interceptions, with Johnson returning her theft go s Pick 6 touchdown.

Santana doubled its score with a TD in trhe closing seconds. However, on the failed PAT, Xairah Gromus returned the ball 80 yards ds as time expired, sharing in a CIF record earlier set by Botkin (and others) for the longest possible play in CIFSDS history.

Against Steele Canyon. Roops hauled in three TD passes, while Jensen reached the end xzone twice on ctatches in roll past the Cougars.

“Shoop” Rope also had an interception.

However, the rout started on a Pick 6 TD interception by Ashley “Pipsqueak” Beard.

With the victories. the Foothillers hope to gain at least a No. 7 seed in Division 1 to avoid difficult trips to Vincent Memorial in the Imperiasl Valleycity of Calexico, or at Cathedral Catholic in a revene spot for the Dons.

The three remaining GHL squads will be in Division 3. With Steele Canyon and Granite Hills tying for second place, the tie-breaker goes to the Cougars, so should result in a home game.

City Conference

A year ago, Cathedral Catholic had the league title clinched with a win over Morse, but then the Dons lost to Hoover on the final dfay of the season to share the title with the Tigers, which gained a higher seed.

Mira Mesa was well-aware of the situation, and were to also meet Hoover.

The Marauders learned their history lesson, downing the Cardinals, 32-6, to take the crown by one full game over Patrick Henry.

The Patriots finished second with a 35-6 pasting of San Diego High.

Scoreboard

Grossmont Hills League
At Grossmont
Grossmont 35, Santana 12
Steele Canyon 27, Granite Hills 6
Grossmont 30, Steele Canyon 20
City Conference
Patrick Henry 35, San Diego HS 6
Point Loma 21, Scripps Ranch 6
Morse 13, University City 0
Mira Mesa 32, Hoover 6 (Mira Mesa clinches league title)