WEEK 10

Walker's 214 yards, 3 TDs, power undefeated Patriots

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (11-4-07) -- There were eerie similarities between last season's San Diego CIF Division V championship game and Saturday's (Nov. 3) rematch between Christian and Francis Parker high schools. Fortunately for the Patriots, the cards fell their way once again.

"It was a similar game, but Parker always plays us tough," said Patriots coach MATT OLIVER. "There are certain teams you always seem to have wars with no matter who has what talent, but our defense was tough."

A few plays following an early interception by MIKE FERRIERA, Walker busted loose on an 81-yard touchdown scamper -- the longest rush of his standout career -- just 4:25 into the contest.

Meanwhile, CHARLES THOMPSON was effective running the ball to balance the Christian attack. The junior rushed 14 times for 86 yards, giving the Patriots a total of 285 yards on the ground.

Christian's defense sent Francis Parker (4-4, 0-2) to its fourth straight loss by limiting the Lancers to a mere 129 yards in total offense. Their only touchdown was set-up courtesy of a turnover.

"We knew Deon would be a huge factor -- we had to contain him," said Hernandez. "But our DBs came up big with those interceptions."

"Lawrence was unbelievable at the end of the game," added Oliver.

Lawrence Walker slides through a huge hole created by his offensive line (top), slides to his right to avoid a tackler (middle pair), then races 81 yards for the touchdown (bottom) to keep Christian undefeated at 8-0 after downing visiting Francis Parker, 20-10. (Photos by Tori Mills)

"There's always been a big rivalry between the schools," Hernandez said. "We knew it was going to be a dogfight, but we came out and took charge of this ballgame by pounding it."

Senior linebacker PAT KELLY again posted double-digit figures in tackles, while COLIN RYAN made many key stops whenever Randall ran away from Kelly's side of the field.

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EL CAJON (11-3-07) — When CASEY ASH was named head coach of the West Hills Wolf Pack less than two months before the start of the season, he admitted he was a little bit on the panicked side.

After a victory in the Islands , the Wolf Pack proceeded to lose four of its next five. Some teams with a rookie head coach might have cashed it in at that point. Not so at West Hills.

“I think we’re peaking at the right time,” Ash said after the visiting Wolf Pack blanked Grossmont 19-0 Friday night (Nov. 2). “There’s no shame in losing to teams like Mission Hills, Helix and Steele Canyon. The important games are the ones we’re playing now.”

Not only did West Hills hand Grossmont its first shutout in 58 games dating back to 2002, but the Wolf Pack (4-4, 2-0 GNL) secured at least a share of the Grossmont North League championship. If the Pack can sack El Cajon Valley in next week’s regular season finale, they will capture the Grossmont North title outright.

“We are motivated,” said senior defensive lineman RUDY ORTEGA, who recorded to sacks. “We came out this week hungry for a win, since we’d gone 20 days without playing a game. We could smell it.”

Do-it-all senior ERIC FIEGE provided the Wolf Pack with the scoring punch to knock out the Foothillers (6-3, 2-1 GNL), garnering 211 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

On the final play of the first period Fiege – making his senior debut at quarterback – took a snap out of shotgun formation and raced 70 yards for a touchdown.

“We’ve had a package with Fiege at quarterback all season but hadn’t used it yet, said Ash. “The second play at quarterback he made that long touchdown run. It was a big play – I went crazy, everyone did. It was nice to finally break through and get things going the right way.”

Early in the 2nd quarter Fiege displayed his expertise as a wide receiver, hauling in a long pass from quarterback CHRIS MISENSOL for a 66-yard touchdown and a 12-0 lead.

“Fiege made a nice move to get open, but Misensol made the play,” Ash said.

“The play was a slant and go, and Misensol threw a nice pass right over the center’s head and Fiege outran the defense from there. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

“That was the best half we’ve played all year,” Ash said. “We knew Grossmont had a lot of speed, so we got real physical and put a face on them.”

Senior middle linebacker DAVID HERNANDEZ, a 3-year starter for the Wolf Pack, talked about the overall intensity and West Hills’ determination to shut down Grossmont’s running game.

Mission accomplished, as the Foothillers averaged slightly more than two yards per carry on 27 chances.

“We were all hyped up to stop the running game,” Hernandez said. “We had guys plugging up the middle and our safeties putting a hat on them on the outside. They had nowhere to run.”

Grossmont’s woes began when it lost starting quarterback JOSH SIMMS to an apparent broken collarbone early in the 2nd quarter. Early in the 3rd quarter tailback/corner KHALID WATERS followed Simms to the sidelines with pain in his back.

Simms, a standout baseball player, appears to be finished for the season. Senior CHARLIE PIRO, Grossmont’s starting quarterback the past two seasons and part of this one, took over for his injured comrade and completed 10 of 20 passes for 124 yards.

“This game was by far our best,” said Hernandez. “We put the hit on ‘em all night.

People have kinda counted us out from the start. We needed to make a statement and I think we did tonight.”

Ortega talked about the change of coaches from the veteran STEVE SUTTON to the youthful Ash.

“It was a change that was tough on all of us,” said Ortega. “Coach Sutton was the fatherly type, so losing him was like losing your father. In a lot of ways it was heart-breaking.”

Ortega and company have made a positive adjustment to Ash’s way of doing things.

“No matter who our coach is, we’re still a team,” said Ortega. “The biggest difference between Coach Ash and Coach Sutton is Ash pushes us much harder. He’s more demanding.”

That paid off in the win over Grossmont.

“We all want that league championship, including Coach Ash,” Ortega said. “We probably have spent an hour and a half more than usual preparing for this game. I think the results speak for themselves. Everybody was on fire out there tonight.”

HELIX 35, STEELE CANYON 7 – One thing is certain about the 3rd-ranked Helix Highlanders this season: It’s hard to figure out how to stop them. That’s because the Highlanders have no featured offensive performer.

That was again the case Friday night (Nov. 2) when eight Highlanders contributed to a 284 yard rushing attack. Three passers and four receivers shared in an 83-yard aerial production.

“There are some things we’ve done in our offensive line that has made us a lot better since the Santa Fe Christian game (Sept. 21),” said Helix coach DONNIE VAN HOOK, who’s Highlanders totaled 367 yards against Steele Canyon. “We put a new little wrinkle in for some power offense, and that paid off. You know, it’s just going good right now.”

The victory was the fourth straight for the Highlanders (6-1-1, 3-0 GSL), who clinched at least a share of their 5th league title in seven years.

Junior quarterback ANTHONY DIAZ was the Highlanders’ leading rusher with 91 yards, including scoring runs of 11 and 9 yards.

LARRY GIST also scored on a 8-yard run and JO-JO PHILLIPS punched one across from 3-yards out as the Highlanders built a 28-0 lead with 3:12 left in the 3rd quarter.

Not to be overlooked was the Helix defense, which limited Steele Canyon to 160 yards total offense.

“I love the way our defense is playing,” said Van Hook. “We’ve been playing aggressive and strong in all areas.”

Junior safety TRELAN TAYLOR (8 tackles), linebacker O.J. AUIMATAG (6 tackles, fumble recovery), strong safety CHRIS PETERSON (5 tackles) and middle linebacker ANTHONY LARCEVAL (6 tackles) helped the Highlanders stretch their string of scoreless quarters to 15.

The Highlanders also kept a tight rein on East County rushing leader JAMIE DALE. To his credit, the 5-foot-9, 163-pound Dale flashed his way for 95 yards on 24 carries. Most noteworthy of his rushes was a 3-yard scoring sortie around the right end with 10:48 left in the game.

Dale’s touchdown was the first allowed by the Highlanders in four games.

“We knew he was the key point of their offense,” said Auimatag. “We knew if we could neutralize him we’d have a good chance of winning.”

Although Dale’s TD broke Helix’ string of scoreless quarters, the Highlanders did not seem upset.

“It’s all about the ‘W’,” said Auimatag.

Senior linebacker MILES MINICH, who’s home was destroyed by fire a week ago, led the Cougars (5-3, 2-1 GSL) with a dozen tackles, one more than BRANDON BROWN, who also had an interception.

The difference was Payne's ability to run with the football, rushing 16 times for 58 yards and two touchdowns, plus a 2-point conversion carry, to push the Monarchs to a 21-7 advantage.

"Maurice is the smartest kid I've ever coached," said Monarchs coach PAGE CULVER. "He's a playmaker who knows what he's doing, and even as a sophomore, he does a good job running our team."

Payne completed 7-of-17 passes for 122 yards, but was nearly overshadowed by Jaworski, who almost completed a storybook finish for Granite Hills.

Jaworski's first career touchdown pass went 13 yards to RICHIE BESWICK with 4:12 remaining, then VINCENTE STAFFORD (the player Jaworksi replaced) refused to drop his head by recovering the ensuing onsides kickoff to give the Eagles a chance before a Senior Night gathering.

Monte Vista senior JOSH GOSSMEYER registered an interception, returning the ball 27 yards to stop the drive. But when the Monarchs attempted a quick kick on 4th down out of a standard shotgun formation, Stafford wasn't fooled and returned the punt 41 yards to give Granite Hills a final opportunity.

"We played hard in the fourth quarter and made sure we stopped them," explained Gossmeyer. "And we won because Maurice was more mobile and more experienced."

In the final minute, a pass of Jaworski completions -- to MIKE MISENSOL for 11 yards, then 13 yards to BRENDAN CARTER -- moved the ball to the Monarchs-14.

However, Monte Vista hung on when the Eagles were called for a holding penalty with 0:05 left, then defenders JOSH PARRIS and TRACY SHIELDS sacked Jaworski on the game's final play to register the team's first league triumph of the season.

Parris, a junior linebacker, finished with 2.5 of Monte Vista's five sacks. TAYLOR RODNEY-WALLACE and BRANDON BURTON registered the other sacks, while KENNETH TRIBBLE grabbed a first-half interception for the Monarchs defense.

"(Jaworski’s) still not very mobile," Burton , a defensive end, noted about the first-time starter. "So it's pretty easy to get back there when the tackle is also a little slow and you're going off the edge to pass rush. So it's nice to finally get a win again."

Granite Hills scored first when Brendan Carter raced 46 yards to the Monarchs red zone. Five plays later, Jaworski completed a wrap-around handoff to Harris, who rumbled 10 yards up the middle for a 7-0 lead. Jaworski finished with 144 yards on 17-for-33 passing.

"We were real excited about Jaworski coming up from the JV and now we have a couple of years to work with him," said Eagles coach RANDY DeWITT. "Since I've been here as offensive coordinator and now head coach, we haven't had someone we can develop like Tyler. He showed what he can do tonight."

Monte Vista , which gained 119 yards on its first three drives yet went scoreless, broke through midway through the second period when Payne found Gossmeyer defended by single coverage, going deep over the top along the right sideline on a 45-yard TD pass.

However, BRADLEY MEYER tipped the conversion kick, as the ball sailed barely wide to the right to maintain a 7-6 Eagles lead.

On the next possession, Payne connected with Gossmeyer (3 catches, 90 yards) for 23 yards, setting up a pair of 3-yard runs by Payne with 53 seconds left in the half -- the first for a touchdown, then a 2-point conversion romp for a 14-7 lead at intermission.

Payne then kept the ball on several option plays, rushing 11 yards around the right side, then going 2 runs behind the right guard and tackle for another score and a 21-7 lead in the third quarter.

"The week off was hard to come back from," added Culver. "It hurt us because in the offense we run, you have to be pretty precise. But we were able to battle and survive."

Jaworski stats could've really shined, but he was victimized by six dropped balls, while the Granite Hills defense dropped four potential interceptions, including two which would've gone for gimme touchdowns. The team's lone forced turnover was an interception by Stafford, a two-way player who transferred to the Granite Hills from Virginia.

"That's pretty much been the story of our season, just one or two plays," noted DeWitt. "If we make them, then we're in there and this would be another win for us."

Carter recorded 8 receptions for 67yards. On defense, Eagles defender EDDIE MINEAR registered two sacks, while FRANK CLAUS also reached Payne for a sack.

For Monte Vista, JERAD SCOTT was the game's leading rusher with 92 yards on 18 carries, while Gossmeyer ran for 41 yards to give Monte Vista a 328-205 advantage in total offense.

“Yeah, you probably want to know how a team can get only 53 yards total offense and still score 21 points,” said a bemused Gross. “We just find a way to score.”

Obviously, not by putting together lengthy drives.

After averaging nearly 250 yards passing in their first four games, the Sultans’ offense has begun to sputter of late. Yet, despite its paltry yardage output in Friday’s (Nov. 2) Grossmont North League contest against visiting El Cajon Valley, Santana (4-5, 1-2) was able to snap a 3-game losing streak by playing longball.

After blowing a 14-3 lead in the 4th quarter, the Sultans fought back to win on TYLER AUBREY’s 90-yard kickoff return with 6:31 to play.

“You have to hand it to our defense and our special teams,” said Gross. “Our defense was really great. It seemed like our defense was out there forever, but they did a great job.”

The Sultans forced 5 turnovers – 3 interceptions and 2 fumbles.

Gross singled out KRIS KIMMEL for his defensive leadership.

Kimmel’s 5th interception of the season set up a Santana touchdown in the 2nd quarter. His 39-yard return led to a 1-yard run by quarterback JAMES NEEDY, giving the Sultans a 7-3 halftime lead.

Santana forced a turnover early in the 3rd quarter as DANIEL CAREL recovered a fumble on the El Cajon Valley 25-yard line. Needy eventually culminated the drive with a 9-yard scoring pass to Aubrey, making it 14-3.

As usual, Aubrey was all over the field for Santana. He also made a key field goal block.

The Braves were further frustrated when NIK HODGE recovered a fumble, and the ROMERO brothers, KYLE and BRETT each had an interception.

Four of El Cajon Valley ’s turnovers came in the red zone.

“That really hurt us,” commented El Cajon Valley coach DANNY GOODRICH. “We were down 7-3 at halftime and had four turnovers, and that set the tone for the rest of the game. We should have been up 21-7 at halftime.”

El Cajon Valley took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter when freshman DANNY PETERSON booted a 20-yard field goal with 2:44 left.

The Braves (2-6, 1-1 GNL) looked as if they were going to pull out a victory on the strength of the passing arm of ISAAC SOLIZ. The junior quarterback, who completed 15 of 34 passes for 184 yards, fired scoring strikes of 5 and 32 yards to KEVIN KELLY (7-113) in the final quarter, putting El Cajon Valley on top 17-14.

But Santana’s Aubrey foiled the comeback with his scoring kickoff return.

“Our defense played well but were on the field too much,” Goodrich noted. “It was a very frustrating game.”

MOUNT MIGUEL 21, VALHALLA 14 – It was a subdued homecoming celebration for Valhalla Friday evening (Nov. 2) at halftime of the contest between the Norsemen and visiting Mount Miguel . The Valhalla community lost one of its assistant wrestling coaches, TOM VARSHOCK, to the recent Harris wildfire in Potrero, and his son, sophomore wrestler RICHARD VARSHOCK, remains in critical condition in at the UCSD burn unit.

Many schools have taken up donations to help support the Varshock family.

While the Norsemen did enjoy a 14-7 halftime lead with a chance to play Grossmont South League spoiler, the visiting Matadors scored two touchdowns in the second half, preserving the Mount Miguel ’s chance to win at least a hunk of the league title.

AARON BRYANT completed half of his 26 passes for a season-best 256 yards and 2 TDs to lead the Matadors (6-2, 3-0 GSL). His favorite target was AHMAAD NUNLEY with 6 catches for 158 yards and one TD. Mount Miguel 's stable of running backs rushed for 134 yards in 35 attempts.

For Valhalla (2-6, 0-3 GSL), ZACK ROMERO carried the ball 14 times for 100 yards and a TD, his best effort of the season. Sophomore quarterback PETE THOMAS threw for 128 yards on 12-of-29 and DEREK WHITE snagged five passes for 67 yards for the Norsemen.

The start of the second half was delayed several minutes due to the homecoming ceremony and both offenses started off sluggishly. Valhalla received the second half kickoff, started at its 31-yard line and advanced to its 42, but the Matadors' BRANDON KAIMULOA sacked the quarterback for a 10-yard loss to its 32-yard line. Romero had a quick hitter good for 13 yards to the Valhalla 45, forcing a punt situation. WES PARKER (5 punts, 40.8 average) hit a 42-yarder that pinned the Matadors at their 13-yard line.

On its ensuing drive, Mount Miguel took some punishment by the Valhalla defense, led by senior linebacker TANNER HITT (16 tackles), TREVOR DOTSON (3 tackles for loss) and sophomore defensive end SHANE PENNIX.

After nine plays, the Matadors' offense gained only 20 yards to its 33-yard line. On the 10th play, IVAN MAY intercepted and returned it 35 yards to the Mount Miguel 16-yard line. A personal foul penalty on the return tacked on 8 more yards, giving the Norsemen the opportunity to blow the game open. On second and goal from the 9, Mount Miguel recovered a fumble on an option play, taking the wind out of Valhalla ’s proverbial sails.

Rejuvenated and starting from its 11-yard line, Mount Miguel moved quickly down the field. A key pass play from Bryant to senior wide receiver TONY SWINTON covered 37 yards down the right sideline to the Valhalla 23. Five plays later, Bryant found Swinton open in the endzone for a 12-yard TD pass. ALAIN ROMERO converted the second of his three PAT kicks to tie the game 14-14 with only 10 seconds left in the third quarter.

Valhalla couldn't move the ball on its next possession against the fired-up Matadors defense, having to punt less than a minute into the last period. Mount Miguel then put together a nine-play, 64-yard scoring drive, culminating in the go-ahead touchdown on a 5-yard run by DERALL HUNTER with 7:13 left to play in the game. Hunter led the Matadors’ rushers with 62 yards on 13 carries.

Late in the game, Valhalla mounted an 18-play drive that was marred by dropped passes and a holding penalty, but the Norsemen managed to get to the Matadors' 36-yard line when SAMATRE JONES leaped for an interception at the Mount Miguel 25-yard line, ending the attempted Norsemen comeback.

Early in the second quarter, Valhalla broke the scoreless deadlock. Romero burst through the middle of the line, sprung by TAYLOR PHIPPS' crushing block, and cruised 43 yards to the endzone. Following Thomas PAT kick, the Norsemen led 7-0, with 9:36 left to play in the half.

After JOSH QUEJA planted the ensuing kickoff in the endzone for a touchback, the Matadors went on the attack. Bryant hooked up with Nunley for an 83-yard scoring strike, which included the senior receiver’s ability to shake a couple of tacklers. Nunley’s effort is the sixth longest pass play in Mount Miguel history.

Valhalla responded immediately, moving quickly down the field from its 11-yard line, highlighted by a 19-yard screen pass from Thomas to White, and a 25-yard gain on a slant pass from Thomas to fellow sophomore NINO MALLORY, setting up the Norsemen at the Mount Miguel 15.

Valhalla coach STEVE SUTTON then called a play that would make ex-Charger quarterback Drew Brees proud. Thomas handed off to Mallory, who started to sweep right. Thomas took off down the left sideline and Mallory quickly stopped and threw a fade pass to Thomas in the endzone for the go-ahead TD, with 4:09 remaining in the second stanza. Thomas' kick gave the Norsemen a 14-7 lead at the halfway mark.

Both defenses ruled the field until midway through the first quarter when Valhalla's May returned a punt 28 yards to the Matadors' 39-yard line, giving Valhalla excellent field position. On first down, Thomas threw a dart to fellow sophomore Mallory for a 13-yard gain to the Mount Miguel 26. Three plays later, Thomas rushed for a first down at the Matadors' 14. Three plays and two dropped passes later, Valhalla had to try a 30-yard field goal, but Thomas' kick was blocked, ending the only scoring threat by either team in the initial period.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN 33, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 12 -- After Christian Life Academy was forced to cancel its football season just days before the opener, the first-year program at Calvin Christian of Escondido was there to fill in the scheduling gaps for a host of ballclubs.

For the Crusaders, it allowed them to avenge a loss in their first-ever game by bouncing back two months later to stop the injury-plagued Knights at Junior Seau Field at Parkway Middle School.

After Calvin tossed a first-half shutout to take a 20-0 lead, Foothillers finally got the offense in gear with touchdown runs by CALEB GARDNER (a 2-yarder in the 3rd period) and JOHN MAGANA (a 50-yard burst in the 4th period). Magana paced the Knights with 81 rushing yards, while Gardner was the leading Foothills tackler with 13 shots (7 solo).

Gardner also passed for 125 yards, including four completions to MATTISON RUNDLETT for 114 yards.

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EL CAJON (11-1-07) -- With 25 percent of an already short, 4-game league schedule eliminated by a CIF San Diego Section office unwilling to follow the lead of the Southern Section by rescheduling games lost by last week's rampage of wildfires, Friday's (Nov. 2) showdown between West Hills and Grossmont high schools is probably the deciding contest for the Grossmont North League championship.

Although El Cajon Valley, which is also undefeated in league play, may still be heard from, this clash between the league's top two defenses should fill the stands at Lt. Thomas M. Adams Memorial Field on the Grossmont campus.

West Hills fielded the league's most dominant team to start the decade, but a Foothillers triumph could mean a quiet second title over three seasons. Whichever side comes out on top, it would bring a satisfying feeling to programs which revamped their respective coaching staffs in the offseason -- changes that many thought would prevent either from denying El Capitan a second straight GNL title.

The knock on the Foothillers this year is too many of their standouts are asked to go both ways.

"We might just have as many kids going both ways as Grossmont, so I don't believe it's an excuse for either team," said Wolf Pack coach CASEY ASH. "So we don't want to extend the game any more than they do."

And a 3-game league season isn't the best of scenarios either.

"By the time we line up with Grossmont, we wouldn't have played a game in 20 days," added Ash. "It's not the best situation, but you play with what you're dealt."

Following a Week 8 bye date, West Hills -- along with the rest of the San Diego Section -- lost all of last week's games. Indeed, the Wolf Pack suffered some bad luck.

Meanwhile, El Capitan, which has this week's bye, attempted to at least gain an equal footing with the rest of the league by scheduling a game with San Marcos , which has the bye in the Valley League. CIF Commissioner Dennis Ackerman nixed that idea, too, so now the Vaqueros have 20 days to rest, never mind the lost income or having to conducted homecoming festivities at Thursday's (Nov. 8) JV game.
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If Grossmont wins, they gain the title since they have a Week 11 bye. If West Hills wins, then El Cajon Valley could have something to say should the Braves get past Santana. The Hillers are in a touch more desperate situation, plus own the better record and the better stats. There must be a reason... Grossmont, 23-20.

El Cajon Valley at Santana -- The Braves control their own destiny. If they win-out, they can guarantee themselves a share of the North League title.

Two years ago, ECV was in a similar situation, but lost a heart-breaking, 13-12 decision to Grossmont. With no game against the Hillers this go-round, victories over the Sultans and then West Hills doesn't seem so far-fetched.

For Santana to come through, quarterback JAMES NEEDY, who owns a 12-10 touchdown to interception ratio, needs to be on the mark. El Cajon Valley forced five turnovers in upsetting El Capitan two weeks ago.

The Sultans have scored only 14 points in their last two starts and will need to pump it up to avoid tripping against the Braves. Santana is a powder keg waiting to explode... Santana, 28-20.

Helix at Steele Canyon -- The winner of this game will probably be in line when they pass out the Grossmont South League championship patches. If the Cougars can knock off the 5th-ranked Highlanders, and then close out the regular season by dumping Mount Miguel the following week, they can finish as unbeaten league champs for the second time in three years.

The two major forces at work are the Scotties' defense attempting to halt Cougars running back JAMIE DALE.

Dale is in contention for not only an East County rushing title -- he leads LAWRENCE WALKER of Christian by 118 yards -- Dale is also in the mix for the section lead, resting in third place behind sophomore Ricky Seale of Escondido by just 102 yards.

The difference is Dale's ability to finish runs, hitting the end zone 12 times for touchdowns in his last three outings. And with a beefy O-line leading the way, his chances are enhanced that much more.

Meanwhile, Helix is making an art out of keeping standout backs out of not only the end zone, but the red zone as well. The Highlanders own three straight shutouts and have allowed just 48 points all season against one of the toughest schedules in the county.

If the Scotties can avoid the offensive malfunction which doomed them to a 7-7 tie with Santa Fe Christian -- the last ballclub to score on Helix way back in Week 4 -- it should be enough for... Helix 14-7.

Mount Miguel at Valhalla -- Does anybody know who predicted a last-place finish for the Matadors? Sorry about that.

Well, if Mount Miguel takes care of business here against the Norsemen, the team will be playing for a share of the GSL championship next week against Steele Canyon.

The Matadors have shown they can throw the ball with senior AARON BRYANT making the deliveries. But running the ball is probably their strongest suit, depending on who is available to tote the ball on a given week.

Valhalla is all about passing and sophomore PETER THOMAS does a pretty good job of it. A key here is whether the Norsemen's undersized line can hold off the bigger, quick Matadors. Look for the Matadors to push their way to get a shot at a league crown... Mount Miguel, 25-21.

Monte Vista at Granite Hills -- Not much is on the line but pride and the opportunity to avoid a last-place GSL finish in a meeting of 0-2 ballclubs.

Both sides are playing above-average defense, but both units have been on the field for way too many minutes with offenses which can seem to get untracked.

Monte Vista sophomore quarterback MAURICE PAYNE is a star of the future. Granite Hills is still trying to find a QB since starter JUSTIN MONTGOMERY went down with an injury three weeks ago.

The side that can move the ball even for 1 or 2 drives should capture a low-scoring contest, which leaves the selection to the team with the better kicking game... by a late field goal, Granite Hills, 10-7.

Calvin Christian vs. Foothills Christian, Junior Seau Field -- The Knights won the season opener, 34-18, in the Crusaders' first-ever football game. But that was before Foothills lost its quarterback for the season, so even though Calvin is winless in four starts, they might make a go of it.

Fortunately for the Knights, their ground game -- with JOHN MAGANA and MATTISON RUNDLETT healthy again -- should still lift them back to the .500 mark... Foothills Christian, 20-12.

Sat., Nov. 3
Francis Parker vs. Christian, at Valhalla -- The scales are finally tilting toward the Patriots in this series which featured this exact matchup in the last pair of SDCIF Division V championship games. The Lancers had won 9 of 10, including the 2005 crown, but Christian bounced back from a regular season setback to claim the 2006 title, 14-10.

The ballclubs have played several tight games of late, but with the loss of at least 14 starters from Francis Parker, the school down-graded its schedule. Thus, its 31.7 scoring average is better than last season's 24.5 ledger, yet the Lancers currently rest in the cellar of the Coastal League.

Meanwhile, Christian, which is listed among the honorable mention in the San Diego Section rankings, gained a forfeit from its lone loss of the season, and is now sporting a perfect 7-0 record. The Patriots are just one of three undefeated teams (Poway and The Bishop's) remaining entering the next-to-last week of the regular season.

Following four straight victories, Parker has dropped three straight, including a 35-0 white-washing to Santa Fe Christian prior to the wildfires. And since Santa Fe fell to the Patriots, 30-6, this could become a one-sided affair... Christian, 34-10.

© East County Sports.com
POMONA (10-28-07) -- Without playing a game, Christian High School gained a football victory this week.

Diamond Ranch officials self-reported a possible violation on an unidentified transfer student on Wednesday, with the swift-acting Southern Section office announcing the decision the next day. The losses left the Panthers at 0-7 (0-2 in the Miramonte League).

Meanwhile, Christian now owns a perfect 7-0 overall record (1-0 in the Coastal League). The Pats are tied for first place with The Bishop's School, but since the schools were slated to meet Friday (Oct. 26) before conditions cause by wildfires cancelled all San Diego Section ballgames, they may not meet until the playoffs.

Should both schools finish unbeaten in league play, and with the CIF-SDS not allowing any makeup of cancelled contests, a vote from league officials may be needed to determine which school receives the top-seed into the postseason.

A similar scenario could occur in the Grossmont South League, where the game between Helix and Mount Miguel were wiped out, leaving the possibility of co-champions among schools which did not play each other.