© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-18-08/Rev. 10-19-08) — There is no better word to describe Mount Miguel junior running back DERALL HUNTER than workhorse – one who gets results in record numbers.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Hunter galloped his way into Grossmont Conference history Friday night (Oct. 17) as the Matadors opened the Grossmont South League season by spoiling host Granite Hills’ homecoming.

On a night when the Eagles’ retired the jersey numbers of Granite Hills superstars of the past – the late JOE ROTH (12), Touchdown TOMMY VARDELL (34) and present San Diego Padres outfielder BRIAN GILES (32) – it was Hunter and the Matadors who stole the show.

Hunter scored 38 points – second only to the Grossmont Conference record-holder REY BRATHWAITE (1998) of Monte Vista. Hunter found the end zone on three 5-yard runs, plus scampers of 7, 10 and 23 yards.

Fly Like an Eagle

Granite Hills retired the jerseys of three all-time Eagles standouts during Friday's homecoming ceremonies: "Touchdown" Tommy Vardell (top), Brian Giles (bottom, on left),and the late Joe Roth. Master of Ceremonies was former Eagles head coach Paul Wargo (bottom, right). (Photos by Susan Cooper Photography)

For good measure, Hunter caught a 2-point conversion pass from De’JAY NOLEN to break the Mount Miguel mark of 30 points (4 TDs, three 2-PATs) set by DWAYNE ARY’s 30-point effort against El Cajon Valley in 2002.

“We weren’t doing anything fancy,” said Hunter, who also rushed for 338 yards on 38 carries, breaking Ary’s old mark of 322 yards on 13 carries against El Cajon Valley in 2002. “Basically all we were running were zone plays – right up the middle. We just kept running them, killing them with the same play over and over, and they never shut it down.”

Hunter heralded his offensive line of left tackle DAVID CARRILLO, left guard BRAXTON FALANIKO, center NATHAN “Kool Aid” LANG, right guard CHRISTIAN TAUSAGA, right tackle TYRONE IAULUALO, and tight end JAMES MONTANO.

“Our linemen want me to be the best running back in East County ,” said Hunter, whose rushing total against the Eagles is second only to Helix’s JASON VAN (18-382), who set the conference mark in 1999. “And I want them to be recognized as the best offensive line in East County.”

As a team, Mount Miguel stacked up a school record 601 total yards, breaking the old mark of 545 set against Fallbrook in 1987, Nolen chipped in with 251 yards on 13-of-20 passing. He also rushed for 8 yards and a TD.

Mount Miguel (3-3, 1-0) marched out to a 19-7 lead early in the 2nd quarter as Nolen scored on an 11-yard run.

At that point Granite Hills (1-5, 0-1) started playing long ball. The Eagles scored on an 89-yard dash by AARON HARRIS, the 2nd of 3 touchdowns for Harris in the game.

Moments later Mount Miguel appeared to be going in for the knockout blow when BRIAN CARROLL intercepted a Nolen pass at the goal line and returned it 100 yards to put the Eagles in front. TYLER STRICKLAND converted the 3rd of his 5 PAT kicks, giving Granite Hills a 21-19 halftime lead.

Carroll actually intercepted the ball 4 yards deep into the endzone but National High School Federation rules limit all interception returns inside the endzone to 100 yards, regardless of where the defender makes the pick. Only two other players in Grossmont Conference history have logged 100-yard interception returns – MIKE MATHIAS in 1979 and NICK SOBEL in 2006. Both played for Grossmont.

Mount Miguel burned the Eagles four times with squib kickoffs by JORGE MEDINA.

“They weren’t onside kicks,” said Mount Miguel head coach TOM KARLO. “Our special teams coach, RAY WELLS, made those calls after what he’d seen on film. And we wound up recovering all four of them (two in each half).”

Karlo said that the Matadors detected the front line of Granite Hills’ kick receiving team “was bailing out too soon” – in other words they were retreating to setup a blocking scheme for a return.

“And the other two times we tried it they just mishandled the ball up-front and we got it,” Karlo added.

That was the swing vote in momentum for Mount Miguel. And thanks to Hunter the Matadors were able to take advantage of those extra possessions.

“When we make holes, Derall capitalizes on them almost every time because he makes such quick reads,” Tausaga said. “I wanna be honest with you that our O-line can be lazy at times, and it hurts us. We need better discipline. But tonight when we had to get the job done, we did it. Hopefully we can keep it up the rest of the season.”

Harris once again paced the Eagles with 187 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 rushes. He also caught a 49-yard touchdown pass from TYLER JOWORSKI (6-for-14, 157 yards, 2 TDs). VICENTE STAFFORD also reeled in a TD pass from Joworski from the same distance.

In spite of the loss, the game was not without glitter for Granite Hills.

“Tom Vardell and Brian Giles were there, as were members of Joe Roth’s family,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT. “We put their jersey numbers on 2’x3’ football-shaped signs which will be mounted on top of the press box (at the Eagles’ Valley Stadium).”

Granite Hills owns the conference record of minus-49 yards (22 rushes) established against Santana in 1983.

Valhalla traveled to Helix planning on putting a damper on the Highlanders' Homecoming. Instead, Helix running back TRAVON VAN electrified the home crowd when he took the opening kickoff 94 yards for a quick touchdown. After JAKE REED's first of 4 successful PATs, the Scotties led 7-0, with only 14 seconds off the clock.

It didn't take long for the Norsemen to strike back. On the ensuing kickoff, TRAIVONNE BROWN scooted 57 yards to the Helix 42-yard line, giving the visitors great field position. After ANTHONY LARCEVAL batted down the pass on first down, Valhalla ’s PETE THOMAS showed why the junior quarterback is a Division-I prospect, throwing strikes to MATT SWANGER, JAMES LEIGHTON, DEREK WHITE and MANUEL PARAMO.

With a 3rd-and-10 at the Helix 18, and under heavy pressure from Larceval's relentless pass rush, Thomas connected with Leighton in the endzone, tying the game 7-7 after Thomas kicked the PAT, with 7:53 remaining in the first quarter.

No. 3 ranked Helix (4-1-1, 1-0), which had blanked Valhalla in their previous two meetings, once again had its back to the wall but survived a 28-yard field goal attempt miss by Thomas.

The Highlanders marched 80 yards and 11 plays to take a 14-7 edge. The drive culminated in a 29-yard pass from TY CULVER to TRELAN TAYLOR with 10:56 left in the 2nd quarter.

Van broke through the middle on a 13-yard run with 5:02 remaining before intermission, stretching the Helix lead to 21-7 by halftime.

“As seniors, this was our last homecoming and we wanted to dominate the game,” said Van, who finished with 270 all-purpose yards. “My line is my biggest pride, they just do everything for me.”

Following a shanked Helix punt midway through the third quarter, Valhalla (5-1, 0-1) had a chance to get back in the game. Despite being sacked five times – including three times by Larceval – Thomas and his receivers got the Norsemen down to Highlanders' 6-yard line.

On fourth down, Thomas threw a dart to Swanger in the endzone, but the ball was batted away by the Highlanders’ BRANDON WATSON on what Valhalla felt was pass interference.

The Norsemen had a point, but no yellow hankies reached the ground and Helix took over on downs.

Trailing 28-7 in the 4th quarter Thomas engineered an 11-play drive that resulted in a 6-yard TD pass to SCOTT KURTZ, closing the gap to 28-14, with 7:43 left in the game.

On the kickoff, NICK GIANDONI drilled a hard squib-kick at Helix's front line, hoping to ricochet the ball off one of the defenders. Helix freshman CAMERON LEE made an amazing catch at mid-field, only 10 yards away, seemingly putting the game out of reach and giving Helix excellent field position.

However, Valhalla wasn’t ready to go home yet. Five plays later, Norsemen linebackers TANNER HITT (20 tackles) and KELLEN WILEY stopped the runner on 4th-and-one, giving Valhalla a chance to pull off a miracle finish.

Taking over at their 26 with 4:31 left in the game, the Norsemen quickly got to midfield where the drive stalled.

On 4th-and-11, White hauled in a Thomas pass for a 20-yard gain to the Helix 30-yard line. Paramo then snagged another Thomas throw at the Helix 13-yard line, with 1:40 remaining in the game. Helix's Taylor ended the suspense, however, when he came up with an interception in the endzone, at the 1:19 mark on the game-clock.

Helix' run defense was outstanding, which included sacking Thomas 5 times. Defensive ends LEVINE TOILOLO and ANTHONY ANDERSON harassed Thomas all evening, along with Larceval and Osoimalo.

Despite the pressure, Thomas ended the evening with his best offensive output of the season, connecting on 29 of 40 passes for 346 yards and 2 TDs. He has thrown for 1,594 yards in 6 games this season, with 19 touchdowns.

Santana receiver T.D. Gross (84) leaps between West Hills defenders for the pass reception. (Photos by Susan Cooper Photography)

In Friday’s (Oct. 17) latest renewal, senior running back CHRISTIAN FONSECA scored three touchdowns on runs of 12, 10 and 80 yards to help the visiting Wolf Pack (2-5, 1-0) open up defense of its Grossmont North League title.

Fonseca finished with 177 yards on 18 rushes. ALAN PARKS tacked on 88 rushing yards via nine carries, while quarterback JOE ROBERTS completed 10 of 13 passes for 150 yards and one TD.

“We played our best offensive game of the season tonight,” said second-year West Hills coach CASEY ASH. “We had a big size advantage on the line and we used it to our advantage. Our defense came to life in the 2nd half and broke well on the ball.”

Scoring junkets of 12 and 10 yards by Fonseca staked West Hills to a 14-0 first quarter lead.

“It has been a rough season but we’re 1-0 in league and have a chance for a fresh start,” Ash said. “All we need to do is go on a 4-game winning streak. We’ve got the first one down.”

Santana refused to roll over. In fact the Sultans (3-4, 0-1 GNL) tied the game on scoring runs of 13- and 1-yards by sophomore quarterback ZACH BREIDT along with PAT kicks by JOSH VAN de VRUGT.

That hardly intimidated West Hills, which retaliated with a 48-yard pass from Roberts to CHASE SENTER to regain the lead.

Perhaps the pivotal point in the game came in the final minutes of the first half when LEVI JACOB did a scoop-and-run on a fumble for a 50-yard touchdown scamper to extend the Pack’s lead to 27-14.

Jacob’s scoring return tied him with MATT MOSS (2005) for the second longest in West Hills’ history. NAFTALIE NAHIWAWA holds the record of 96 yards set against Eastlake in 2001.

Ash said, “Jacob told me ‘I saw the pile and then I saw the ball come loose and it was just lying there. So I picked it up and decided to run until they stopped me. Next thing I knew I was in the endzone.’”

Fonseca scored his third touchdown on the first play of the 3rd quarter – an 80-yard dash which is the fourth longest in West Hills history.

Santana tagged on a 10-yard scoring run by Breidt late in the 3rd quarter and neither team scored in the final period. Breidt finished with 256 yards total offense to go along with his three scores.

KRIS KIMMEL caught 6 passes for 64 yards for the Sultans, while TRAVIS REYNOLDS caught 4 passes for 43 yards. CODY CAMPBELL pulled down 3 passes for 40 yards for Santana. But once again Santana struggled running the ball, averaging less than 3 yards on 18 carries.

Ash was particularly proud of the fact that for six years running West Hills again won the Mayor’s Cup trophy – now known as the Jack Dale Cup, so named for its original presenter, then-Mayor of Santee Jack Dale. Mr. Dale attended tonight’s game and presented the trophy to the team.

“This week we got the cup out and shined it up and showed it around school,” said Ash. “It was definitely a motivation.”

In the 15 years since its inception, Santana has won the trophy just three times (1993, 1999, and 2002).

Rushing up the middle is Steele Canyon back Kyle Richards in the Cougars' win over Monte Vista. (Photos by Susan Cooper Photography)

The deciding blows were delivered by the foot of junior kicker MATTHEW BRUDER, who broke a 7-7 tie with a 37-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter, and then split the uprights from 32 yards out early in the 4th period.

The issue was not decided until versatile senior JEBARI ROBINSON intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for the victory-clinching touchdown for the Cougars (3-3, 1-0 GSL).

“It was a defensive battle on both sides,” said Steele Canyon coach RON BOEHMKE. “Our defense played real well. Our offensive game is still in a learning curve.”

That learning curve started with Robinson making his debut at quarterback.

“He is our finest athlete,” said Boehmke. “We have to find ways to keep him involved in all phases of the game.”

Robinson put the Cougars on the scoreboard when he hooked up with ALEX PERLIN on an 11-yard touchdown pass in the 2nd quarter.

That didn’t last for long as Monte Vista’s NICK WILLIAMS scored on a 75-yard run that tied the game at 7-7 as the half ended. He collected 174 yards on 18 carries and picked off a pass.

Perlin finished with 27 carries for 144 yards. The junior running back now has 831 yards on 134 carries.

Monte Vista (3-3, 0-1) saw its three-game winning streak come to an end. But it was a bittersweet setback, as the Monarchs welcomed back senior quarterback MAURICE PAYNE, who shared the QB duties with SHERVIN IRANIHA.

Payne, who split his time between quarterback and receiver, did not have a big night. But Culver expects him to return at quarterback on a full-time basis next week.

Robinson, who hit 4 of 9 passes for 70 yards, shared quarterbacking duties with sophomore BRAD BOEHMKE. Making his varsity debut, Boehmke clicked on 1 of 4 passes.

CHRIS McCOLL, who started the season under center, has since moved out to receiver and caught one 42-yard pass from Robinson against Monte Vista.

JERRAD SCOTT contributed 131 all-purpose running yards for the Monarchs.

Monte Vista suffered a large setback when senior transfer MARK POUVAVE (6-foot-5, 330-pounds), playing in his first game for the Monarchs, went down hard, injuring his hip and was taken by ambulance to an area hospital.

“He was going to be such a key for us, and now we may have lost him,” Culver said.

CIF-San Diego Section rushing leader Charles Thompson (7, left) carries for one of his four touchdowns Friday, pacing undefeated Christian past the Horizon Panthers, 41-12. On only 15 carries, Thompson gained 157 rushing yards. (Photo by Larry Montalbano)

Once again the Patriots looked to their versatile running back CHARLES THOMPSON to provide the spark. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior provided the energy that Christian (7-0, 1-0) sought to dispose of the Panthers with relative ease.

Bottom line is, Christian outscored Horizon 21-0 in the 2nd half to secure its 21st victory in its last 22 games.

Thompson, the San Diego Section’s leading rusher averaging 176 yards per game, bolted for 157 yards on just 15 carries, scoring on runs of 3, 22, 33 and 29 yards. He also had a 61-yard kickoff return that set up a touchdown. Overall, Thompson garnered 243 all-purpose yards.

In what started out to be a close game – the Patriots clinging to a 14-12 advantage midway through the 2nd quarter – turned into a rout when Christian went on a 28-0 scoring binge.

“We played on the gas pedal the whole game,” said Christian coach MATT OLIVER. “We took some chances on special teams.”

Junior JOEL ALESI averaged 40.6 yards on 3 punts, which helped the Patriots pin the Panthers deep in their own territory.

This game was all about Christian’s ground attack, which produced 407 yards on 34 carries. The flock of rushers included MATT FIELDS (6-90), CALEB FARREL (7-79), STEVEN PITTS (2-38, TD), and MIKE FERREIRA (2-37, TD).

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 41, BORREGO SPRINGS 12 – Knights quarterback GARRET CAMPBELL passed for 211 yards and four touchdowns to best the visiting Rams at Junior Seau Field in La Mesa on Friday night (Oct. 17). The victory lifted Foothills Christian (5-1 overall) into a deadlock for first place in the Southern Conference with idle Calvin Christian at 3-0.

“Even though we scored 41 points we were not very sharp,” said Foothills Christian coach STEVE PERDUE. “We had guys in and out of practice ill all week and we just didn’t get any rhythm going.”

Campbell, who completed 9-of-16 passes, connected with ROBERT KAKOS on a 69-yard TD strike on the team's first series, then found CHRIS NIGH on a 22-yard scoring play for a 14-0 lead through the first quarter.

Nigh finished with four receptions for 94 yards, three going for touchdowns. Nigh entered the contest with just two previous catches, although one went for 60 yards against Midway Baptist.

“Chris Nigh had a huge game. Pound for pound this kid is a gamer,” Perdue said.

Meanwhile, MATTISON RUNDLETT rushed for 113 yards and a pair of scores, romping 32 yards for a 21-6 halftime lead, then opening the second half on a 6-yard run to extend the advantage to 28-6.

“Rundlett continues to run the ball very well. And once again our offensive line shined when it had to,” said Perdue.

Borrego Springs (1-5, 1-2) answered on a 69-yard TD sprint by Hector Ledezma, his second of the contest after a 29-yard score to open the second quarter. However, Campbell answered with scoring strikes of 30 and 42 yards to Nigh.

“Borrego played hard and showed us some blitzes we hadn’t seen, which will help us in the long run,” Perdue added.

PREDICTIONS
No home advantage when
El Cap travels to Grossmont

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON – The Grossmont Conference’s North and South league seasons kick off Friday (Oct. 17).

On the Grossmont North side is a showdown between visiting El Capitan (3-3) and Grossmont (2-4) at 7 p.m. The Foothillers are 5-1-1 against the Vaqueros the past seven seasons, but that certainly won’t mean much in the upcoming meeting.

However, when Grossmont decided to make El Capitan its homecoming opponent this week, it probably didn’t do much to excite Foothillers’ first year head coach RON MURPHY.

Historically, homecoming ceremonies usually involve football players, whom the coaches no doubt would rather have in the locker room for halftime discussions.

The visiting team in this series has scored the key decision over the past three meetings. In 2005, when the teams battled to a 23-23 draw at El Capitan, a tie was all that the Foothillers needed to clinch the GNL championship.

In 2006, in a near-complete script flip, it was El Capitan which went to Grossmont to post a 21-14 triumph, clinching both the GNL crown and capping a perfect 10-0 regular season.

Last season, in another role reversal, Grossmont scored a touchdown with 1:17 remaining to shock the Vaqueros 34-31.

And with the teams again returning to Lt. Thomas M. Adams Field, it seems almost natural to look for El Capitan to take a pick'em affair.

Vaqueros quarterback TANNER RUST ranks a mere 13 yards better than the Hillers' TYLER MUTTER in passing yardage. But it's Rust's ability to tuck the ball and run – he is El Cap's leading rusher – which could give Grossmont trouble.

Plus, both schools own common opponents in Steele Canyon and Valhalla.

The Vaqueros earned a narrow split, but the Hillers were blanked by each, although Grossmont impressed by bouncing back to put 54 points on Granite Hills last week. Still, we look toward the ballclub which has been a touch more consistent this season... El Capitan, 28-24.

Elsewhere (All start at 7 p.m.)
Grossmont North League
West Hills (1-5) at Santana (3-3) – A pair of nondescript ballclubs were both making slow and marked progress in September, only to get run over as the leaves started to turn in the back country, although the Sultans did get a little lucky when Hilltop missed a PAT to hand them a 1-point decision.

The advantage may belong to the Wolf Pack, which demonstrated the ability to tackle and slow down teams such as Patrick Henry, Scripps Ranch and Monte Vista. Santana failed to wrap-up against Hilltop, Christian, El Centro-Central or Madison.

Although not that physical, the Wolf Pack defense should be able to finesse its way against the Sultans’ high-octane passing game directed by GNL leader ZACH BREIDT.

To the winner of this crosstown rivalry goes the Santee Mayor’s Trophy. The Wolf Pack has hogged the trophy five years running and 12 of the last 14 years.

However, due to its potent passing game, Santana cannot not be dismissed from the victory circle. The Sultans have the offensive firepower, but give the edge, in the East County Sports' Upset Special, to...West Hills, 17-14.

Grossmont South League
Valhalla (5-0) at No. 3 Helix (3-1-1) – It's highly possible that the Grossmont South may be decided on the opening night of league play.

The Norsemen and Highlanders are considered 1-2 by most observers (including the current East County Sports.com poll), featuring the circuit's top offenses and defenses.

After posting back-to-back shutouts, Valhalla surrendered 27 points to El Capitan last week. The Vaqueros used their passing game to poke holes in the Norsemen defense to overcome a second-half deficit, only to fall by just five points. Unlike the Vaqueros, however, Helix is a ground-oriented team, which may play into the hands of the Norsemen, although team speed favors the Highlanders.

Conversely, few teams have stopped the Scotties, including poor efforts by a pair of North County ballclubs. It's the reason Helix is ranked among the top 10 teams in the CIF-San Diego Section, while the Norsemen are not rated among the coveted 10. Much of that, of course, is based on tradition.

For example, Helix has blanked the Norsemen by a composite 64-0 over the last two years and maintains a 28-3-2 record against Valhalla.

But this is a rejuvenated Valhalla team that is scoring more than 35 points per game.

Although it's tempting to select Valhalla for the vaunted "Upset Special," the revamped Norsemen will need to prove they belong on top before we can honestly give them the nod... Helix, 27-21.

Monte Vista (3-2) at Steele Canyon (2-3) – Riding a 3-game winning streak while utilizing a back-up quarterback, the Monarchs are East County's most improved ballclub among those not expected to do much this season.

Thanks to the work of head coach PAGE CULVER and his staff, you could even now expect a first-division GSL finish by Monte Vista – but to do so will require a victory in Friday’s (Oct. 17) opener against the Cougars.

Culver expects MAURICE PAYNE to see some action at quarterback this week after a three-week hiatus due to injury. But the bulk of the snaps will continue to be taken by sophomore SHERVIN IRANIHA.

Word is Steele Canyon is also making a change at quarterback. JEBARI ROBINSON, the Cougars top receiver, is expected to take over under center. Robinson, who has 12 receptions and also doubles as a starter in the secondary, has thrown only one pass this season.

However, over the past three seasons, the Cougars are one of the few teams to come off a bye and earn a victory each time. In fact, Steele Canyon recently posted a 2-game losing streak going into the bye – just like this season – yet made the adjustments necessary to improve the ballclub and come out the winner.

These teams have split six previous meetings, the Cougars winning the last three. It should be that close again... Monte Vista, 14-10.

Mount Miguel (2-3) at Granite Hills (1-4) – It will be a special night for host Granite Hills as the Eagles are retiring the jerseys numbers of the late JOE ROTH (No. 12), BRIAN GILES (No. 32) and TOMMY VARDELL (No. 34) during halftime ceremonies.

Perhaps, the Eagles should put Giles and Vardell in the lineup as they were in the late 1980s. Obviously, this is fantasy folly.

Both teams are struggling. The Matadors are riding a three-game slide, while Granite Hills is coming off an embarrassing 54-20 loss to Grossmont.

So where do you go to pick a winner? How about last season's pairing.

The Matadors' speed proved to be the undoing of the Eagles. And they should again be able to dispatch enough swiftness to limit Granite Hills running back AARON HARRIS. So in a repeat performance, it'll be another victory for... Mount Miguel, 28-7.

Coastal League
Christian (6-0) vs. Horizon (3-1-1), at Valhalla – This series has wandered throughout San Diego County of late. In 2005, these teams met at Clairemont, followed by stops at Granite Hills, Helix and now Valhalla. Only one thing remains a constant: Horizon's Panthers can't win.

The Patriots posted a 21-7 victory, followed by a 24-24 draw, then an easy 26-0 shutout triumph by Christian. And with Pats spearheaded by running back CHARLES THOMPSON — the San Diego Section rushing leader — history should repeat... Christian, 26-7.

Southern Conference
Borrego Springs (1-4, 1-1) vs. Foothills Christian (4-1, 2-0), at Junior Seau Field – Following an 0-4 start, Borrego Springs broke through with a 46-20 victory over winless Vista-Calvary Christian.

However, the Foothills Christian Knights demonstrated they belong near the top of the Southern Conference following an impressive road victory at Julian.

Besides, Foothills Christian, in just its second-ever 11-man contest last season, handled the Rams easily, 23-8. No reason they can't do that again... Foothills Christian, 32-8.