WEEK 5 — Oct. 2-3

Vaqueros' fast start stings Monte Vista
All 8 games decided by double-digit margins

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (10-3-09) — Acquiring or given great field position in the first half, El Capitan scored on its first four possessions to steal a 27-13 victory from Monte Vista on Friday night (Oct. 2).

“Obviously that (field position) makes a big difference,” El Capitan coach RON BURNER said. “We were able to capitalize on those opportunities, and that was the ballgame.”

In spoiling Monte Vista’s homecoming and a huge game by Monarchs quarterback MAURICE PAYNE, El Capitan (2-3) snapped a three-game losing streak, while Monte Vista (1-4) has now lost three in a row.

Depending on your perspective and jersey colors, it was either a bundle of big plays by the Vaqueros or a bunch of blown plays by the Monarchs that gave El Capitan a 27-0 first-half lead.

“We played as bad as we could have played in the first half and made as many mistakes as we could have,” Monte Vista coach PAGE CULVER said. “I don’t have an adjective to adequately describe how bad that was. Catastrophic?”

It started with El Capitan's ROBERT CRAIGHEAD returning the opening kickoff 32-yards to the 50-yard line. Ten plays later, senior MARK SCHARFENBERG scored on a quarterback sneak from 1 yard out for a 7-0 lead.

To finish Monte Vista’s ensuing possession, a high snap allowed El Capitan to tackle Monarchs punter ALEX ROSSELL for a 14-yard loss and take over possession at the 12-yard line.

Three plays later, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Craighead pulled in a high pass from Scharfenberg at the 3 and bulled into the end zone for a 19-yard scoring play. Scharfenberg then found MARQUISE HAWKINS in the end zone for the 2-point conversion, giving the Vaqueros a 21-0 lead.

A high snap allowed El Capitan's JAKE BURTON to block Rossell’s next attempted punt, and DILLIAN SCHLOTTER recovered the loose ball on the 5-yard line. Two plays later, it was 27-0 as Burkett scored his fourth touchdown of the season.

Asked to describe the first half, Burkett said, “That’s gold. That’s just El Cap football. That’s our ‘A’ game.”

Scharfenberg was 9-of-12 for 108 yards in the first half en route to a 15-for-24 performance for 172 yards, with one TD and two interceptions.

“Mark had a good game,” Burner said. “He’s a senior playing his first season as a varsity starter. He’s got to cram his junior year and senior year into one year, and he’s learning. He’s getting better every week.”

Craighead finished with four receptions for 87 yards and the nice TD catch-and-run.

“He’s a big target,” Scharfenberg said. “It’s hard to miss him. He’s always open, and he’s got some big paws.”

“He’s a great athlete,” Burner said. “I’d go to him all the time, too.”

“He’s an interesting kid,” Culver said. “He has those special qualities, and some nights, like this one, he shines.”

All totaled, Monte Vista had 316 yards and 15 first downs to El Capitan's 249 yards and 13 first downs.

“We played hard in the second half,” Culver said. “That was a much better effort than the first half.”

Monte Vista's SHERVIN IRANIHA caught 9 passes for 69 yards, giving him 20 receptions for the season.

With stars RYAN LINDLEY and TANNER RUST under center the past five years, El Capitan was widely known as an offensive juggernaut. Now, it’s a defense allowing only 11.6 points per game that is setting the tone for the Vaqueros.

“I think people are respecting our defense a lot more these days,” said BUBBA PROUTY, who had a key interception in the fourth quarter. “Teams have to game-plan against our defense a little more now. They had so much to worry about with our offense the past few years. Now, they have to worry about our defense.”

Burner agreed, saying the intensity and experience of second-year defensive coordinator JUDD HULBERT is having a remarkable effect on the defensive unit.

“I don’t like to worry about defense,” Burner said. “I let Judd do that, and he’s doing a great job. He brings an intensity with him and a style we like.”

RYAN McBURNEY also had an interception for the Vaqueros.

Monte Vista got interceptions from ANDREAS SANCHEZ and GILBERT BATES.

But the Highlanders may have paid a hefty price, as sophomore quarterback JAKE REED was injured in the opening moments of the game. Reed hobbled off the field with a knee injury.

“He twisted a knee and is scheduled for an MRI on Saturday,” said Helix coach TROY STARR. “It doesn’t look good but you never know until we get a medical report. I guess you could say he’s day-to-day. Fortunately we have a bye next week so it will give him extra time to heal. Hopefully it’s not too serious.”

Sophomore JIMMY PRUITT took over for Reed and did a solid job, passing for two touchdowns and scoring two himself.

“Our backup quarterback was shaky at the start but our players rallied around him,” Starr noted.

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Pruitt completed 7 of 12 passes for 118 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to CAMERON LEE and a 72-yard scoring strike to AUSTIN GONZALEZ to make it 28-0 at halftime.

Pruitt scored both of Helix’ 2nd half touchdowns on runs of 4 and 43 yards.

Sophomore running back CHRIS HUNTER led the Helix ground game with 109 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.

Starr focused on his defense.

AKIDA CUNNINGHAM had four sacks and GARY THOMPSON had two for the Highlanders as El Cajon Valley quarterback ALEX HANN was sacked eight times for 56 yards in losses.

A standout every game has been sophomore safety KACY SMITH, the Highlanders’ leading tackler for the first half of the season. Smith also contributed to the scoring as he blocked a punt and carried it the final yard into the endzone, staking the Highlanders to a 21-0 first quarter lead.

Smith also had an interception and a dozen tackles.

Hann completed 15 of 28 passes for 170 yards, including scoring strikes of 23 yards to JIMMY TRAYLOR and 43 yards to PATRICK JOHNSON in the 4th quarter.

“It was a tough one tonight,” said El Cajon Valley coach DANNY GOODRICH. “Helix is really good. They are a young and talented team. Their program is where we all aspire to be. We got good pressure on their quarterback when they tried to throw.”

AJ WHITE led the Braves with 55 yards on 12 rushes. He also caught two passes for 20 yards.

Johnson led the Braves’ receivers with 6 catches for 77 yards.

“He’s been awesome in practice for us,” Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE said. “Colin would see a lot more playing time on some teams. But here he’s behind two guys with excellent speed — ALEX PERLIN and JAKE WRAGG. But he certainly is going to rotate in when those guys need a breather.”

Perlin scored three touchdowns against Santana, two on first quarter rushes of 27 and 16 yards. A quarter later Perlin reeled in a 15-yard scoring pass from quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE.

Then it was Martin’s turn.

“This was my best high school game ever,” Martin said. “It was exciting – my line gave me a lot of holes to run through.”

Despite averaging 25 yards per carry Martin was not in awe.

“I’m not real fast, I mean I don’t have sprinter speed like some guys on our team,” he said. “I try to look at myself as being quick and shifty. You know I really wasn’t nervous out there, but I was pumped up. I was relaxed and I did what I knew I can do.”

Steele Canyon’s JOSEPH CISNEROS accounted for the Cougars’ other TD on a 23-yard run to close out the 1st half with the Cougars leading 35-0.

Perlin finished with 105 yards on just seven carries. Wragg chipped in 57 yards on seven carries.

“This was a fun game for us because a lot of guys that don’t usually get to play, got to play,” coach Boemke said.

It was the longest of nights for Santana, however. The Sultans played without quarterback ZACH BREIDT, who suffered a bruised collarbone during the waning minutes of Wednesday night’s practice.

“When we came out Friday for pre-game warm-ups, there was Breidt, warming up,” Gross said. “I said did you get a release from your doctor or your parents. He said “no.” There was no way I was going to play that kid under those circumstances.”

That’s a major loss for Santana (2-3) considering Breidt figures in almost every play. He averages 217 yards total offense and has had a hand in 12 touchdowns.

Gross expects him back next week when the Sultans host Madison.

The Sultans were limited to 78 yards in the game.

“We were in survival mode all night,” Gross concluded.

Senior running back DERALL HUNTER made his intentions known all night as he rushed for 132 yards and 3 touchdowns on 18 carries. He also caught a 63-yard scoring pass from quarterback BRANDON RAMOS to help Mount Miguel take a 42-7 lead in the 3rd quarter.

It was a special night for Hunter, who established two Mount Miguel career scoring records – points (212) and touchdowns (35) – at the Foothillers’ expense.

In the exuberance of the Mount Miguel faithful, it was announced that Hunter had also captured the career rushing record. NOT TRUE.

For the record Hunter’s rushing total stands at 2,718 yards at the moment. Of course, the season is not even half over and the Matadors are 3-1 with six regular season games remaining and a solid chance of making the playoffs. So the career rushing record will likely land in Hunter’s lap as long as he stays healthy.

“I knew about the records going into this game because everybody kept talking about them,” Hunter said. “But that’s not what I had on my mind. After that loss to Serra (last week) all I could think about was getting a ‘W’ and getting our momentum going again.”

Hunter couldn’t help but admit that he was proud of putting his name at the top of two categories in the Mount Miguel record book.

“I don’t slack – I work hard in practice as much as I do in the games,” he said. “I didn’t run any harder this week to get the records than I do in any other week. I just try to run strong and stay healthy.”

Although Grossmont was never really in the game, the Foothillers did get two touchdown passes from quarterback TYLER MUTTER and a 65-yard scoring dash by RONNIE DODD. Dodd led the Foothillers with 133 all-purpose yards.

Mutter completed 8 of 16 passes for 139 yards, including touchdown passes to DESEAN WATERS and DIMITRI SCOTT.

It didn't help when West Hills' MICHAEL SCALES returned the opening kickoff 33 yards to the Wolf Pack 43-yard line. The visitors promptly marched to the Norsemen 17-yard line, led by senior running back NICK McDANIEL, following several key blocks by junior guard NINO LARUSSA. The drive stalled there, however, as Valhalla defenders SHANE PENNIX, DAVID BELL and LEONARD PANNEK imitated a brick wall, forcing a 34-yard field goal attempt that just missed splitting the uprights.

Taking over on their 20, the Norsemen artillery crew went to work. After a 7-yard run by THOMAS KITZMILLER, Thomas launched a 39-yard pass to MATT SWANGER for a first down at the Wolf Pack 34-yard line. Quickly reloading, Thomas shot off another bomb, this time to wide receiver MIKE BAZZI for a 34-yard touchdown. NICK GIANDONI supplied the PAT, giving Valhalla the early lead, 7-0, mid-way through the first quarter.

After West Hills' first possession, Valhalla 's defense did not allow the visitors another first down for the rest of the half. Valhalla 's offense was another story. Thomas hit NINO MALLORY for a 14-yard TD pass with 53 seconds remaining in the initial period, but Giandoni's PAT attempt bounced off the upright, making the score 13-0.

The first play of the second quarter turned the game into a rout. Pennix batted a pass to Valhalla defensive tackle ANTHONY TOMA, who took the interception to the endzone for a 29-yard touchdown. Giandoni's kick was true; it was 20-0 only 11 seconds into the second stanza.

The rout turned into a major disaster for the Santee lads on the ensuing kickoff when Valhalla linebacker ALEJANDRO SAVIN forced a fumble that was recovered by his teammate ANDREW QUARTUCCIO at the West Hills 42-yard line. Five plays later, Thomas found JAMES LEIGHTON wide open in the endzone for a 24-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 27-0 following the PAT, at the 10:11 mark before halftime.

To start the second half, Thomas brought out the long-range guns when he rifled the ball to JEVON HASTEN for a 68-yard touchdown pass, the longest of the season for Arizona State-bound Thomas, and increasing Valhalla 's lead to 34-0, with 10:47 remaining in the third quarter. Senior running back TRAIVONNE BROWN (9 carries for 86 yards) added a 19-yard TD run up the middle, widening the score to 41-0, with 47 seconds left in the third period.

Pennix started off the 4th quarter with a bang, returning an interception for a 17-yard touchdown only 10 seconds into the last quarter. After Giandoni connected again on the PAT attempt, Valhalla led 48-0.

Through three periods of play, Valhalla 's defense limited West Hills to 87 yards of total offense. The Wolf Pack did put together a 16-play drive that took up most of the 4th quarter, when quarterback ADRIAN MARAZITI scored on a 1-yard run; KYLE VELOVICH's kick was good, ending the scoring at 48-7.

Thomas played less than 3 quarters, but threw for 297 yards and 4 TDs, completing 16 of 24 passes with one interception.

Valhalla amassed 435 yards total offense, with seven different players scoring touchdowns, while its defense held West Hills to 173 yards total offense.

Hoping for a fast start, West Hills took the opening kickoff and drove downfield but missed a field goal.

“After West Hills’ first drive our defense put the clamps on their offense,” Sutton said.

“The way we stacked our schedule was that every week the competition was going to get tougher,” DeWitt said. “So far that’s panned out.”

After falling behind 7-0 early in the 2nd quarter the Eagles scored 38 unanswered points to roll their record to 3-1.

FRANTZ LAROQUE led a potent ground game for the Eagles, stacking up 129 yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 carries.

FREDDY HALTON chipped in with 62 yards on 12 carries.

This is no one-dimensional effort for Granite Hills as CORY LOCKMAN completed 11 of 16 passes for 220 yards and a pair of TDs.

Not surprisingly, Laroque was on the scoring end of one of Lockman’s tosses, covering 37 yards to give Granite Hills a 38-7 advantage in the 4th quarter.

“It’s always tough coming off a bye week,” said DeWitt. “We were sluggish at first but we got things together in the 2nd quarter. We did a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Our defense really stepped up tonight. Central has a pretty good offense and our defense kept them under control.

Senior BRIAN CARROLL, a two-way starter, led the Eagles with 3 receptions for 51 yards and totaled 117 all-purpose yards on the night.

“One of our goals was to have a winning record going into league, and we have accomplished that,” added DeWitt. “The kids were really excited after the game. They are starting to believe in themselves.”

GARRET CAMPBELL, coming off a season-opening game injury, contributed with 67 yards rushing, 61 yards passing and returned the second half kickoff 88 yards for a score to add to the defending league champions surge.

But Foothills also played some defense, CODY LEWIS, SAM MARTIN and AJ "Thunder Midget" HOFFMAN all had interceptions leading to points by the offense.

ROBERT KAKOS led the Knight defense with 8 tackles, 2 assists and 2 sacks. Lewis had 3 tackles 3 assists and one pick.

Offensive line coach SCOT WOLFE made critical adjustments with Foothills’ line splits and the Knights’ began attacking the Patriots with a scissor trap, which was good for 4 touchdowns.

“Left tackle Lewis made a suggestion at halftime based on their end play and it too contributed to our success running the ball so well in the second half,” said Foothills Christian coach STEVE PERDUE. “We also received outstanding line play by LUKE VAN NORTWICK, who has been sidelined most of the last year and a half with a bad back. It was great to get him going.”

“Our defense spent an hour and 40 minutes on team defense when we returned from Pine Valley retreat at noon yesterday,” said Perdue. (Assistant coach) THOM LUBIC made some great game time adjustments after the first quarter and our kids, tired from an odd week and at least 4 kids playing sick, responded to the Lubic adjustments.”

“All in all it was not pretty,” added Perdue, “but we did enough things well to finally get our first win.”

Foothills Christian is only 1-3 overall, but unbeaten where it counts most.

Sat., Oct. 3

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OTAY RANCH 30, CHRISTIAN 7 — The visiting Mustangs raced to a 24-0 halftime lead, then pushed the margin to 30 before the Patriots connected for a cosmetic score in the final moments of Saturday's (Oct. 3) non-league contest at Valley Stadium.

The decision begs the question: What is Christian doing playing a SDCIF Division I school with six times greater student enrollment? Conversely, what was Otay Ranch thinking when scheduling the Division V Patriots?

Nevertheless, there was little surprise when the deeper, stronger visitors from the South Bay marched 80 and 79 yards on their first two drives to quickly jump to a 14-0 advantage. Mustangs running back Ernie Hicks led a ground attack by gaining 122 of the team's 364 rushing yards. Meanwhile, quarterback Juan Leary ran 15 times for 121 yards, and completed 5-of-9 passses for 57 yards and a touchdown.

"No doubt, they were the better team," noted Patriots coach MATT OLIVER. "But this will make us a better team."

Despite the margin, Oliver was still pleased with the effort.

"We played good defense all game, even though they got a good push from their offensive line in the first half," added the coach. "And I'm sure glad we brought TYRONE SAULS along -- he made almost every tackle for us tonight."

Sauls, who has yet to play at 100 percent health all season, was among the tacklers on more than 20 stops in the contest.

But the Patriots, even though it was just a moral victory, was pleased by out-scoring Otay Ranch in the second half, 7-6, and that the Mustangs re-inserted much of their starting offense, including Hicks, for their lone score of the second half.

Christian (3-2) finished the season by splitting four games against South Bay opposition, soundly downing Mar Vista (21-0) and Sweetwater (29-14), while getting nipped by Olympian (21-17).

For Otay Ranch (1-3-1), the triumph was its first of the season following a narrow 2-point setback to Grossmont to open the campaign, then a 21-21 tie with Rancho Buena Vista before falling to Helix, 26-14, last week.

"We're trying build a team bond, so it doesn't matter who we play – we only try to worry about ourselves," said Mustangs strong safety Jonathan Bajet, a team captain. "We're a young team, so we're just trying to take things one step at a time."

Added Hicks, "We're just trying to do whatever we need to for a win. This was our first one, so it doesn't matter who we play. It will also get us ready for our league opener (next week against Bonita Vista)."

The Pats lone score came with 2:03 remaining.

Following a 22-yard runback of an interception by cornerback MARTIN RUIZ, Christian quarterback SHANE DILLON was able to turn a pair of Mustangs cornerbacks around.

The first resulted in a pass interference call along the left sideline to gain a 1st-and-goal at the Otay Ranch 8. The next was a high lob to the right side, where WILL MARTIN out-leaped a defender for a 5-yard TD reception.

The Mustangs also feature Niall Wilkinson, who is among the San Diego Section's top placekickers. He easily converted a 49-yard field goal for a 17-0 lead in the second quarter, then boomed almost every kickoff for a touchback. Later, Wilkinson was just short on a 56-yard field goal attempt.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (9-30-09) — Here is a series that can’t get any closer. That is, the Mount Miguel Matadors (2-1) and the visiting Grossmont Foothillers (2-1) have split 44 games over the years and there have been 3 ties.

It could be that close again when these teams clash on Friday (Oct. 2) at Mount Miguel at 7 p.m.

“In the loss to Serra, we had our worst game,” said Matadors coach TOM KARLO. “They beat us in every phase, but they really hurt us in special teams.”

In its first two victories Mount Miguel led Morse 21-0 at halftime and West Hills 21-0 at the break. Against Serra the Matadors trailed 14-10 at intermission.

“I’m not sure that our kids knew how to react after being behind against Serra after we had sizeable leads in our first two games,” Karlo noted.

Mount Miguel’s victory ticket is East County rushing leader DERALL HUNTER, who has slashed his way for 578 yards and 8 touchdowns on 58 carries.

Grossmont’s ace is versatile DESEAN WATERS, who has amassed 622 all-purpose yards – 8 yards fewer than Hunter – and 48 points (same as Hunter). Hunter may have the bigger burden as he’s a quality defensive back who rarely leaves the field.

“We’re making a lot of adjustments this week,” said Grossmont coach RON MURPHY. “We’ve got to be able to get the ball to (tight end) BRETT ETHERTON more than we have in the past.”

One of the struggles for Grossmont has been the inconsistent passing of TYLER MUTTER, who has served up eight interceptions in three games this season after throwing only 8 in 12 games a year ago.

The way things are going in East County anybody can win, no matter who has what, but the pick here is ... Mount Miguel 28-17.

It could turn into a real scoring fest, a free-for-all. That should thrill the Granite Hills crowd which saw the Eagles stumble to the finish line with a 1-9 record a year ago.

“This will be the first home game we’ve had when our kids have been in school,” DeWitt said. “We’ve had a taste of success and we’re excited about the season.”

The Eagles look to running backs FRANTZ LAROQUE (28-243, TD) and FREDDY HALTON (28-148, 2 TDs) to carry the ground attack, but the top weapon may be junior quarterback CORY LOCKMAN (6-3, 215).

Playing only sparingly in a reserve role, Lockman has completed 12 of 19 passes for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Central Union is led by senior running back Charly Moreno, who scored a school record 5 touchdowns while rushing for 157 yards on 24 carries as the Spartans edged Santana 37-29 last week in the desert.

The Spartans J.T. Adams, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound senior signal-caller has connected on 45 of 81 passes for 660 yards and four TDs through four games this season.

This is the first meeting between these teams and it certainly could go either way, but we give the nod to... Granite Hills 25-21.

EL CAJON VALLEY (1-2) at No. 10 HELIX (3-1), 7 – Some games were never meant to be played. Take this battle between two of the oldest members of the Grossmont Conference. Helix swung open its doors in 1951 and El Cajon Valley did so in 1955. But this series has been one-sided from the opening kickoff.

El Cajon Valley’s last win over the Highlanders was 21-14 when former Arizona State standout and NFL quarterback MARK MALONE was at the helm.

The Highlanders have won 12 in a row from the Braves and own an all-time mark of 29-2-1. They have met only once in the past 23 years, Helix rolling to a 55-0 victory in 1999.

This meeting on Friday (Oct. 2) might not be as lopsided as in past years considering Helix is laden with underclassmen and the Braves do have some quality skill performers.

“They are a huge favorite and we know that,” El Cajon Valley coach DANNY GOODRICH said. “On our end we tried to find another game this week, but could not do that. To be honest I know we will be mentally prepared. We want our kids to be confident going into this game with no worries and nothing to lose.

Quarterback ALEX HANN (258 ypg, 9 TDs) leads the Braves, who also look for another big game from running back AJ WHITE (25-175, TD vs. Granite Hills).

Helix’ cast of characters seem to rotate every week. The mainstay is quarterback JAKE REED (203.3 ypg, 10 TDs).

For the Braves this is more a game of survival.

“Once we start (Grossmont North) League play we should have everybody healthy and everyone eligible (in two weeks),” Goodrich said.

None the less, the pick is... Helix 42-14.

EL CAPITAN (1-3) at MONTE VISTA (1-3), 7 – Two traditionally strong teams find themselves in scramble mode. That’s what makes this such a pivotal game if either side has hopes of contending for a league championship.

Perhaps a homecoming crowd will help Monte Vista break loose. In three of their four games, the Monarchs have scored seven points or less. All three resulted in losses.

“Neither of our teams can score, so this should be decided by defense and whoever makes the fewest mistakes,” said Monte Vista coach PAGE CULVER.

These teams have one common opponent this season – Point Loma. The Monarchs scored only on defense in a 14-6 loss and El Capitan tripped all over itself in a 9-7 loss to the Pointers. Two blocked field goals and a 4th-down fumble at Point Loma spelled doom for the Lakeside gang.

El Capitan coach RON BURNER believes this a possible turn-around game for his squad.

“This is a chance for us to gain some momentum and right the ship a little,” Burner said. “But we can’t expect them to lay down and let us run over them. They are looking to break out too.”

El Capitan’s defense has been stingy all season, but the Vaqueros’ offense is just beginning to get off the floor. QB MARK SCHARFENBERG is starting to hit his mark and definitely has some quality receivers in TYLER MASON, BRANDON SANCHEZ and 6-foot-5 tight end ROBERT CRAIGHEAD.

Monte Vista’s chances hover around versatile QB-RB MAURICE PAYNE and RB-LB SHAMAR BARNES.

These teams haven’t collided since 2001 when Monte Vista prevailed 31-7. No question this is the toughest game of the week to pick... El Capitan 14-12

SANTANA (2-2) at STEELE CANYON (1-2), 7 – Scoring has been no problem for the Santana Sultans. Heck, the Santee fellas are averaging better than 28 points per game. Problem is this same team is surrendering 26 points per outing.

Unless Santana’s defense buckles down, Steele Canyon’s steamroller speed may have a field day with ALEX PERLIN, CODY SIMPSON and quarterback BRAD BOEHMKE armed to shred the Sultans.

Double-threat ZACH BREIDT is Santana’s offensive maestro. The junior quarterback is averaging 217 yards total offense and has had a hand in a dozen Sultans’ touchdowns. Sophomore tight end T.D. GROSS is East County’s leading receiver with 20 catches for 159 yards.

This is the first meeting between these East County teams and not by choice.

“This is not a game we wanted to play, but they’re (the District) forcing me to play it,” said Santana’s DAVE GROSS, who’s Sultans are a Division IV member opposing Division III Steele Canyon. “We already have enough problems with guys being banged up and another 10 or so with the flu.”

Steele Canyon was hammered by Cathedral Catholic 27-7 (a game they led 7-6 heading into the fourth quarter), rebounded to whip West Hills 48-28 and then succumbed to Eastlake 38-13.

“We need a win real bad,” said Steele Canyon coach RON BOEHMKE. “So we’ve spent this week going back to fundamentals. We’ve missed too many tackles, too many blocks – generally played a sloppy game against Eastlake , which is a very good team.”

Look for the Cougars to balance their ledger this week... Steele Canyon 43-13.

WEST HILLS (2-2) at VALHALLA (2-2), 7 – The Valhalla Norsemen want to establish themselves among the San Diego CIF elite. But it’s time to start making a move to proving themselves worthy of such a lofty ranking.

When the Wolf Pack arrives at Rancho San Diego for Friday’s (Oct. 2) showdown history will certainly be on West Hills’ side. The Pack has won eight in a row over the Norsemen. Ironically the last time Valhalla won was 21-7 when now Valhalla head coach STEVE SUTTON was the leader of the Wolf Pack.

So really, how good is Valhalla ? The Norsemen have a Division I quarterback in Arizona State-bound PETE THOMAS (68-115, 848 yards, 10 TDs passing, and 3 TDs rushing). He has a horde of receivers paced by NINO MALLORY (17-164, 2 TDs) and JAMES LEIGHTON (14-160, 2 TDs).

On the defensive side Valhalla looks to defensive lineman SHANE PENNIX, linebacker GREG GOULDING and lineman/defensive back KWEISHI BROWN.

West Hills will count on junior quarterback GARY ISAACSON (23-32, 432 yards, 7 TDs) and running back NICK McDANIEL (52-258, 3 TDs) to set the tone for its offense.

At this point in the season players are suffering injuries weekly. The loss of 3-year offensive right tackle TAYLOR PHIPPS for the season with a knee injury made a major hole in Valhalla’s offensive line.

“That’s a big loss for us – really hurt us,” Sutton said.

Hoping to fill the gap is junior offensive tackle JOHN CORTES, whose brother currently is a freshman at the University of Buffalo.

Despite playing with one wing down Valhalla doesn’t figure to stumble... Valhalla 30-21.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-0, 0-3) at MIDWAY BAPTIST (0-0, 1-2), 7 – The defending champion Southern League Foothills Christian Knights have taken a physical beating in the preseason, but still may have enough oomph to knock off the Patriots in their circuit opener Friday night (Oct. 2).

Foothills flattened Midway 42-6 a year ago, but neither team is playing championship football at the moment.

That may change in a hurry.

“We’re all healthy now – 27 guys in uniform – we’re ready to repeat,” Knights coach STEVE PERDUE... Foothills Christian 28-6.

OTAY RANCH (0-3-1) vs. CHRISTIAN (3-1) at Granite Hills, 7 — A team much better than their record, the Mustangs have been beaten by two East County squads – Grossmont (16-14 and Helix 26-14) – already this year. Colorado Monarch also pasted the Mustangs 35-14, but Otay Ranch did escape Rancho Buena Vista with a 21-21 tie.

Mustangs QB Juan Leary can run and shoot with the best of them. It’s just a matter of Christian making sure nobody else gets into the act.

The Patriots are riddled with injuries, but have plenty of punch in guys like RB-DE TYRONE SAULS and RB-LB MALCOM MURPHY, which should make this a head knocker of an encounter. Upset Special of the Week... Otay Ranch 23-17.