WEEK 13 — CIF PLAYOFFS, Quarterfinals

© East County Sports.com
RAMONA (11-28-09) — Steele Canyon High running back ALEX PERLIN, who scored five touchdowns in a stellar 220-yard rushing performance, might have made his biggest contribution on defense during Friday's (Nov. 27) San Diego CIF Division III quarterfinals.

While the defense limited the Bulldogs to just a single touchdown in each half, Perlin then shined on offense with touchdowns jaunts of 76, 13, 2, 70 and 5 yards, powering Steele Canyon (8-3-1) into the semifinals after thumping the Dawgs, 49-14.

For the Cougars, it was their amazing 6th postseason victory on the road – three on the mountain against Ramona (2004, 2008-09) – in 10 tries in school history. Steele Canyon advances to meet Point Loma in Friday’s (Dec. 4) SDCIF semifinals, most likely at Mesa College.

The contest changed early on a pair of mistakes by Ramona quarterback Erik Ernst.

First, Ernst led a game-opening drive to within inches of the Steele Canyon goal line, only to fumble a snap which was recovered by Cougars linebacker BRANDON WATSON.

On the next series, as Perlin smacked into Ernst from the blind side (mild concussion), his pass was intercepted and returned 37 yards by TAYLOR MISHLER.

BRAD BOEHMKE, on the first snap following the turnover, then tossed a 40-yard TD strike to CODY SIMPSON on a deep-left pattern and the Cougars were on their way.

"After they made a couple of mistakes, we took it down the field and capitalized," noted Boehmke, the Cougars quarterback (7-12-0, 125 yards). "Then Alex ran all over the place – he's just hard to stop."

Running behind the left side of the line, featuring tackle FERENCE KACSINTA, guard VALIN KATTOULA and center RYAN SCURLOCK, Perlin broke a 7-7 tie with a pair of scores over the final 5 minutes of the first half. Included was the go-ahead score for 76 yards on a pitchout to the left side.

Following the hole created by his linemen, Perlin received downfield blocks from BLAKE BUSBY and KYLE SAGER to spring him unfettered to the end zone.

"We don't need to hold our blocks too long because of Alex," said Sager, the tight end. "He gets by us so quickly, then comes away with six points."

Perlin later scored on the team's first three possessions of the second half, when he collected 129 of his 220 yards on 16 total carries before the reserves took over for the final six minutes.

His 70-yarder also came on the first play following a Ramona score, featuring a dramatic cutback to spin around the Dawgs' free safety at the 30 to make it 35-14.

"Losing that fumble on our first series set the tone for the game," said Ramona coach Damon Baldwin. "We gave up too many big plays."

Meanwhile, the Cougars defense forced several mistakes, leading to a pair of interceptions by defensive back TEDDY COTHRON. In addition, Watson and BENJAMIN GOSSMEYER registered sacks.

"Watching Alex play is amazing – and he plays both ways," noted Gossmeyer, a sophomore outside linebacker. "When this team plays together like tonight, we're unstoppable."

Linebackers DWAYNE MITCHELL and EASTON SIMMONS ranked among the team's leading tacklers.

"Once we knew they couldn't throw the ball, the D-line handled their men and the linebackers filled the holes," noted Mitchell.

Steele Canyon gained 452 yards in total offense. Included were 327 on the ground, with JAKE WRAGG contributing 49 yards on 9 carries.

"Like we've done all season, 'stay low, be fast, be mean,'" said Kacsinta, a senior. "When we concentrate, but keep our intensity and technique, we can keep moving the ball downfield."

Ramona, which fell in the playoffs by a combined total of just four points over the past three seasons – including 24-23 to Steele Canyon last season – received scoring runs of 40 and 34 yards by Ryan Morgan (23 carries, 213 yards).

Recent SDCIF setbacks for the Dawgs (8-3) all came in heart-breakers to Grossmont Conference foes.

In 2006, Valhalla scored a touchdown and two-point conversion with 19 seconds left in the game for a 25-24 victory. In 2007, Mount Miguel did the same thing, but with just 2 seconds remaining, in a 29-27 decision, followed by the Cougars' 1-point victory last season.

HELIX 24, VALHALLA 20 – Helix coach TROY STARR keeps talking about “Wait ‘til next year.”

Considering the sophomore-laden Highlanders (8-4) have won back-to-back playoff games, why wait at all. OK, call it a test run for the future. Realistically Starr’s shuffling of his youthful talent has put Helix in the Final Four of the San Diego CIF Division II playoffs.

Helix registered a stunning 24-20 upset of No. 2 seed and host Valhalla in Friday’s (Nov. 27) quarterfinals.

So green are the Highlanders’ future stars that helped execute the knockout of Valhalla (8-3), that their names are not even listed in the game program.

Take one – sophomore quarterback BRANDON LEWIS, who passed for 128 yards, including what proved to be a game-winning 6-yard TD pass to SAM MEREDITH in the 4th quarter. Furthermore, Lewis, who was making his first varsity start, scored on a 4-yard run with 6:52 left in the first half.

“I wasn’t nervous,” said Lewis. “You can’t be scared in a situation like that because if you are, the whole team is going to be worried. I knew I could do the job. So I just stepped in and was ready to go.”

Take two – So was sophomore running back DARRION HANCOCK, who rushed for 125 yards on 21 carries, including a 12-yard TD run to give Helix a 7-0 lead in the 1st quarter.

Valhalla fought back and tied the game on a 9-yard pass from PETE THOMAS to JAMES LEIGHTON to close the 1st quarter at 7-7.

As the first quarter drew to a close, Lewis completed a screen pass to junior tight end SAM MEREDITH, who rumbled 18 yards for a first down at the Scotties' 45-yard line. Lewis culminated the nine-play drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. After the successful PAT, Helix led 14-7, with 6:52 remaining till intermission.

When senior running back TRAIVONNE BROWN ran the ensuing kickoff back 50 yards to midfield, Thomas directed the Norsemen to paydirt in just five plays, including an 18-yard reception by MATT SWANGER after the ball deflected off the fingertips of leaping teammate NINO MALLORY, to the Helix 25-yard line. Three plays later, Traivonne Brown scampered 19 yards for a touchdown. Although Thomas' PAT kick appeared to go between the uprights, it was ruled wide-right and the Scotties clung to a 14-13 lead that held up to the close of the 1st half.

Following the second half kickoff, Valhalla started at its 26-yard line, where Thomas quickly connected with Leighton for an 18-yard gain near midfield. A personal foul penalty advanced the ball to the Helix 33-yard line, but the drive fizzled and the Highlanders took over on downs. On 3rd and 7, Lewis threw a shovel pass to Hancock for a 14-yard gain to the Helix 42.

Three plays later, CAMERON LEE hauled in a Lewis pass for a 38-yard gain to the Norsemen 14-yard line. Once again, Valhalla 's defense stiffened and the Scotties settled for a 28-yard field goal from Sabin, increasing its lead to 17-13, with 2:03 left in the third quarter.

After the ensuing kickoff, Valhalla miscues led to a Helix score. Starting on their 28, a bad snap resulted in an 18-yard loss, forcing Valhalla to punt. The punt was partially blocked, giving the Highlanders possession on the Valhalla 20-yard line with less than a minute to play in the third quarter. A 13-yard run by Hancock got Helix knockin' on the door at the Valhalla 7-yard line as the period expired.

On the first play of the 4th quarter, Lewis threw a fade pass to 6-foot-4 Meredith in the endzone for a touchdown, extending the Helix lead to 24-13, just 5 seconds into the last quarter.

Valhalla didn't waste any time getting back into the game. Traivonne Brown burst through the middle and turned on the afterburners for a 67-yard touchdown run. Thomas' kick was good and the scoring gap was narrowed to 24-20 with 10:20 left in the game.

Thomas completed 10-of-16 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown. He ended his high school career with 7,505 passing yards and 60 touchdowns. Traivonne Brown carried the ball 9 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, SHANE PENNIX had 12 solo tackles, two for losses, and a 12-yard sack. KWEISHI BROWN also registered a dozen tackles.

Thomas summarized the Norsemen’s season, which obviously ended on a disappointing note.

“Sure we’re unhappy the way things ended tonight,” he said. “But we had two of the best seasons in Valhalla history by going to the Q (Qualcomm) last year and winning our first league championship this year.”

In the last two weeks, Starr has spoken of a brewing quarterback controversy among Lewis, Reed and JIMMY PRUITT.

“Starr has no favorites, whatsoever,” said Lewis. “So we’ll see who works the hardest when everybody’s healthy.”

For the moment, Lewis figures to start in Friday’s (Dec. 4) semifinals at Scripps Ranch.

Mount Miguel had more than twice the number of plays, more than twice the number of first downs, 1/10 the amount of penalty yards and 77 more total yards against Point Loma. DERALL HUNTER rushed for 176 yards to give him 2,090 for the season. A.J. STANFORD threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, plus he rushed for two TDs.

Point Loma essentially had seven big plays, but that was enough to steal a 42-35 victory from the Matadors in the CIF-San Diego Section Division III quarterfinals Friday night (Nov. 27) at Mesa College.

With the win, the third-seeded Pointers (8-3) advanced to the semifinals, where they will play Steele Canyon (8-3-1) next Friday (Dec. 4). Mount Miguel finished 8-3-1, a marked improvement over the past several years, but this loss will sting for awhile.

“Too many mistakes,” coach TOM KARLO said. “We just didn’t play well enough to win.

“I just think at the end of the day, we needed to make one more play. Just one more.”

The Matadors never got that chance.

Out of time outs and trying to stop the clock on a second-and-10 setting from the Point Loma 32-yard line, Stanford tried to spike the ball with about 10 seconds left to play. He bobbled the snap initially, but picked up the ball on one bounce. Then he looked to have successfully spiked the second attempt, but the referee ruled it a fumble. Point Loma recovered. Game over.

“I spiked it,” Stanford insisted afterward. “At first I fumbled, but I picked it back up and spiked it. I guess (the officials) didn’t see it that way.

“It was a good game. They have a good offense. We have a good offense. Both of us have good defenses. It could have gone either way.”

The difference was the big plays turned in by Point Loma.

The Pointers scored on the first play of the game, a 61-yard catch-and-run by Davis Collejon off a 15-yard out pattern pass from Keegan Fitzgerald.

They went up 14-0 early in the second quarter when Stanford was sacked by Christian Hayward, who also knocked the ball out of Stanford’s hand. Johnny-on-the-spot Jordan Sparkman scooped up the loose ball and raced 34 yards for a Pointers touchdown.

On the ensuing series, Hunter ran the first play for 37 yards, and Stanford connected with BRYANT MITCHELL on a 24-yard completion to set up a 1-yard TD sneak by Stanford. Five minutes later, Stanford hit HOSEA TATE in stride for a 22-yard TD pass to tie the game 14-14.

Mount Miguel took its first lead, 21-14, on its first possession of the second half as Stanford connected with Mitchell on a 14-yard TD pass.

But four plays later, the Matadors were trailing 28-21.

Leslie Rogers took Point Loma’s first play of the second half up the middle for a 68-yard touchdown run. Then on the next play, Stanford was sacked by Sean Stipena, who stripped the ball out of Stanford’s hand, and Johnny-on-the-spot Sparkman scooped it up again and returned it 23 yards to the 1-yard line.

Fitzgerald needed two tries but his second QB sneak put the Pointers up 28-21.

Mount Miguel answered with a 10-play, 80-yard scoring drive as Stanford tallied on a 25-yard keeper with 2:45 left in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Hunter raced 41 yards into the end zone to give Mount Miguel a 35-28 lead.

Four plays into their next drive, the Pointers were whistled for holding and faced a first-and-21 from their own 29-yard line. Two plays later, the game was tied again. Morris Matthews took a sweep around right end for a 66-yard pickup, and Rogers scored on a 15-yard run up the middle.

Mount Miguel went three-and-out on its next possession, and one play later, Rogers raced 56 yards for the Pointers’ winning touchdown.

Rogers, who has committed to a scholarship offer from Fresno State, finished with 171 yards and three TDs on 14 carries. He had missed five games this season with a blood clot. Last year in a 20-14 quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Cathedral Catholic, he tore the ACL in his right knee.

“It was a little rocky at first, but it opened up as the game progressed,” said Rogers, who had only five carries and 17 yards in the first half.

Karlo could only shake his head when he heard the game stats read to him:

• Mount Miguel ran 73 plays to the Pointers’ 36.
• Mount Miguel had 22 first downs to the Pointers’ 10.
• Mount Miguel had 10 penalty yards to the Pointers’ 100.
• Mount Miguel had 420 total yards to the Pointers’ 343.

No doubt, that is a painful review.

Stanford was 13-of-28 passing with eight balls going to Mitchell for 143 yards. Punter JOAQUIN IBARRA also completed a 16-yard pass to Stanford on a nice fake play in the fourth quarter that set up Hunter’s 41-yard TD.

Needing 86 yards to reach 2,000, Hunter surpassed the milestone on that play.

Meanwhile, Matadors placekicker Jorge Medina finished the season with 71 points, equaling the most by a Grossmont Conference kicker this decade. His 53-for-54 PAT accuracy is the best during the same span.

CHRISTIAN 51, HORIZON 35 – Christian head coach MATT OLIVER, a defensive guru, was almost in shock by the flow of Friday’s (Nov. 27) SDCIF Division V quarterfinal game against Horizon (3-9) at Granite Hills.

“We came here expecting to play an 11-man game, and an 8-man game broke out,” Oliver said philosophically. “We spotted them 14 points before our fans could even get out of their cars and find a seat.”

And that’s how the 1st quarter ended – with Horizon leading 14-0.

Remember now, Christian won the regular season Coastal League game between the two 21-7 at Horizon.

“Were we shocked? You bet we were shocked,” Oliver said. “I think this is one of the disadvantages of having beaten a team and then having to play them a second time. We know what they do; they know what we do.”

The Patriots (7-4) came to their senses in the 2nd quarter when they scored 31 points to take a 10-point halftime lead.

STEVEN PITTS, who rushed for a game-high 153 yards on 18 carries, scored on runs of 31 and 25 yards in the pivotal 2nd period.

Quarterback ERICK ALLEN scored the first of his three touchdowns in that 12 minute segment.

“It’s difficult to score 51 points when all you’re doing is running the ball,” said Christian offensive coordinator MIKE MITCHELL.

And run the Patriots did – nine players contributed to the 342 yard total, which was achieved on 52 carries.

TYRONE SAULS, who like Pitts doubles on defense, charged for 91 yards on 11 carries.

MALCOLM MURPHY, who scored the first Christian touchdown, finished with 57 yards on 11 carries.

“It’s always hard to beat a team the second time in the same season,” Mitchell said. “It was just good old fashioned pound the ball up the middle. There was nothing tricky about it.”

In addition to his three scoring runs and 18 yards rushing on 6 carries, Allen completed 3 of 5 passes for 43 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown strike to SHANE DILLON.

On the defensive side, middle linebacker Sauls racked up a dozen tackles and KYLE HARRIS intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

Christian’s long-range kicker MICHAEL GRUBER contributed 10 points, including a 36-yard field goal.

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 27, EL CAPITAN 6 – The last team to beat Cathedral Catholic in the San Diego CIF Division III playoffs was El Capitan. That was in 2006 when the Vaqueros prevailed, 52-28 in the Division III quarterfinals.

Since then, the Dons have posted eight consecutive playoff wins while claiming two section crowns and a state title. Now 10-1, Cathedral has won 31 of its last 32 games.

The Dons danced to a 13-0 first quarter lead and maintained that advantage through the opening half. By the time Grossmont North League champion El Capitan (7-5) found the end zone, they were in a 20-0 hole.

"There's a reason that team has only lost one game in the last three years," said El Capitan coach RON BURNER.

An interception and subsequent 66-yard return by JAMES GALLIVAN set up the Vaqueros’ only score of the night in the third quarter. It was Gallivan’s East County-leading 9th interception.

El Capitan used a “Flea-Flicker” for the scoring play. Quarterback MARK SCHARFENBERG took the center snap and pitched the ball to slotback ROBERT CRAIGHEAD. As Craighead cut back on an apparent sweep, he pulled up to pass the ball to Scharfenberg, who was wide open and continued on to complete a 14-yard jaunt to the end zone.

Offensively, it was a long night for El Capitan which produced only 127 yards. The passing sputtered miserably, as four Vaqueros combined for six completions in 18 attempts for 46 yards. Half of the completions went to Craighead for 27 yards. Scharfenberg was intercepted three times.

BRANDON SANCHEZ led the Vaqueros ground game with 25 yards on 11 carries.

The Dons' defense is playing equally effective. The Dons limited the Vaqueros to just 91 yards of total offense.

The Dons wasted little time jumping ahead, as they marched 55 yards on six plays on their first possession. The scoring drive was capped off with a 15-yard touchdown reception by Chance Early from quarterback Max Brewer.

That matchup wasn’t likely going to happen, though since Mission Hills was seeded 4th and need a gargantuan upset of top-seeded Oceanside. The other side of the bracket was depleted of seeded teams thanks to Helix knocking out Valhalla and Scripps Ranch eliminating No. 3 Lincoln in the quarterfinals.

What Mission Hills (9-2) did do is advance, grinding up visiting Grossmont (6-6) in Friday’s (Nov. 27) quarterfinals.

For one of the few times in weeks, Grossmont quarterback TYLER MUTTER was knocked around. Although the senior signal-caller had been virtually untouched over the past six week, the Grizzlies sacked him four times (for losses totaling 20 yards). Mutter, did, however, account for the Foothillers only touchdown with a 1-yard sneak in the final four minutes.

Overall, Mutter completed 13 of 25 passes for 194 yards. He suffered two interceptions.

BRETT ETHERTON hauled in five passes for 64 yards, while DIMITRI SCOTT grabbed three passes for 66 yards for Grossmont.

DESEAN WATERS was a focus of Mission Hills’ attention and thus was limited to 61 yards rushing (on 16 carries). Waters also caught three passes for 30 yards.

“They made a lot of big plays and we were unable to make any,” said Grossmont coach RON MURPHY, whose Foothillers saw their four-game winning streak end.

Senior Chad Dobbins rushed for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 13 carries to pace Mission Hills.

Although Murphy was obviously not happy how the season ended, by the same token he could see a bright future for the Foothillers.

“We’re an improved team over last year,” he said, “and I know we have a good team coming back.”

Taking on one of the Coastal League kingpins – The Bishop’s School – the Knights (7-5) proved they could hang with one of Division V’s better teams.

In fact, they took a 7-0 lead on a 2-yard run by CALEB GARDNER and led 7-3 at halftime.

Quite a contrast from last year’s quarterfinals when Christian clubbed the Knights 77-24.

The Bishop’s (7-4) gained the boost it needed on a series of key third-and-long runs, two of which resulted in touchdowns by quarterback Alex Fisher.

“I know we won time of possession, but they made more big plays,” Foothills Christian coach STEVE PERDUE said. “Overall, defensively, we played real well except for a few of those big third down plays.”

Senior GARRETT CAMPBELL, playing his final game at Foothills Christian, was limited to 182 total yards and was denied entrance to the end zone. He also missed two field goals.

Campbell completed only 9 of 21 passes for 75 yards. He also had 10 tackles, two more than Gardner, who rushed for 51 yards on 10 carries. RYAN EDMISTON also had 8 tackles.

ZACH CUMMINGS led the Knights with five receptions for 49 yards. Freshman SPENCER GEORGE rushed for 34 yards on 12 carries and caught 3 passes for 23 yards.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (11-25-09) — It’s not like Steele Canyon coach RON BOEHMKE would call it a lucky penny in that his Cougars are ticketed to face off against the Ramona Bulldogs in Friday’s (Nov. 27) San Diego CIF Division III quarterfinals in North County.

He has to be excited about the fact that his Cougars have always been a competitive team in road playoff games. Better yet, Steele Canyon has booted the Bulldogs in post-season contests 42-15 in 2004 and 24-23 last year.

“I don’t know what it is, but our kids just love playing on the road,” Boehmke said. “I’m not exactly sure why – whether it’s the color of our uniforms or what. But getting on that bus and traveling somewhere seems to fire our kids up even more.”

Steele Canyon (7-3-1) will need every advantage it can get against the Bulldogs (8-2). In comparing common opponents, Ramona edged Valhalla 37-31 and smashed San Marcos 51-7. On the flip side the Cougars clipped San Marcos 28-20 but fell to Valhalla 14-7.

“We don’t talk about that because it doesn’t really mean much at this point in the season,” Boehmke said. “For some reason our kids always play well in a small town atmosphere like Ramona. They like the excitement – the electricity – that comes from games like that. It’s fun football.”

Steele Canyon ’s “fun” is generated by running backs ALEX PERLIN (169 carries, 1222 yards, 15 TDs) and junior JAKE WRAGG (109-672, 4 TDs). Perlin is also a sterling outside linebacker, while Wragg is coming off a two-game hiatus due to injury.

“It’s good to have both of our running backs healthy and ready to go,” said Boehmke. “I like our schemes on both sides of the ball. We’re playing as well as we have at any point of the season right now.”

Ramona relies on their running back tandem of Ryan Morgan (219, 1409, 15 TDs) and Tyler Jackson (132-747, 17 TDs) to put the bite in the Bulldogs’ offense.

This should be one of the best match-ups of the night. But we’re giving the edge to... Steele Canyon 17-14.

MOUNT MIGUEL vs. POINT LOMA, at Mesa College, 7 – This is an odd matchup considering these teams meet no more than one time per decade. At least that’s been the pattern since 1973.

In the three previous get-togethers – all in the San Diego CIF playoffs – Mount Miguel has gained a 2-1 edge. The Pointers, however, claimed a 24-8 victory when they last collided in 1995.

Mount Miguel’s centerpiece is senior DERALL HUNTER. The 5-10, 181-pound Hunter needs only 86 yards to become the 6th Grossmont Conference running back in history to reach the 2,000 yard rushing barrier in a single season. Considering he’s averaging 174 yards per game this season, that goal should be easily achievable.

Going into the game against the Pointers Hunter has rushed for 3,927 yards on 598 carries. If he has his usual solid game, he will become the 6th Grossmont Conference running back to break the 4,000 yard rushing plateau in a career.

No question that Hunter is not the biggest or the fastest running back ever to play in East County. But his legacy will allow him to run with the Inland’s all-time elite – and yes, that includes REGGIE BUSH.

Hunter has 194 points to his credit this season, which ties him for 3rd in East County scoring annals. He’s tied for second with Valhalla ’s GAREN DEMERY and trails only Bush of the New Orleans Saints in career scoring.

As flashy as Hunter has been all season, the Matadors will need another strong effort from senior southpaw quarterback A.J. STANFORD if they want to dull the Pointers. Stanford is a double threat (1,803 yards, 13 TDs) as he can run as well as pass.

Mount Miguel (8-2-1) has a giant offensive line anchored by TYRONE IAULUALO (6-0, 308), DAVID CARRILLO (6-1, 290) and BRAXTON FALANIKO (6-2, 288).

On the defensive side, outside linebacker KHAALID ABDULLAH is the kingpin. Another plus the Matadors have going for themselves is kicker JORGE MEDINA, who has missed only two kicks while scoring 66 points. Six of those on-target boots are field goals.

Point Loma (7-3) counts on running back LESLIE ROGERS (6-2, 185), who after an early season injury, has rushed for 459 yards and 2 touchdowns on 80 carries in four games.

The Matadors and Pointers have common opponents in El Capitan and Hoover. The Pointers pulled off a sweep, edging the Vaqueros 9-7 and hammering Hoover 56-10. Mount Miguel also executed a sweep of the Vaqueros and Cardinals, winning 27-15 and 45-14, respectively.

This may be the best game of the quarterfinals, but the pick here is … Mount Miguel 21-18.

EL CAPITAN at CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC, 7 – The defense has been there from the opening whistle for the El Capitan Vaqueros. But gradually the offense has come of age and that makes the Lakeside 11 a viable playoff contender.

Against most teams, that is. But the Vaqueros (7-4), who have won five in a row, will need to play a perfect game if they expect to knock off top-seeded Cathedral (9-1) in Friday’s (Nov. 27) San Diego CIF Division III quarterfinal in North County.

Cathedral Catholic is one point shy of being undefeated, losing a midseason decision to Lincoln 22-21. That setback snapped the Dons 26-game winning streak. A bitter defeat indeed, but the Dons still have a remarkable record of 30 wins in their last 31 starts.

The key here is Jonny Martin, who was injured against Patrick Henry. He’s availability is questionable. He has not played since Oct. 30.

Since Martin was sidelined, the Dons have edge St. Augustine 17-14 and Scripps Ranch 55-14. Jordan Lance and Derek Thomas picked up the pace on the ground and QB Max Brewer has opened the passing game.

El Capitan looks is solid defensively, allowing a smidgeon more than 10 points per game. JAMES GALLIVAN (8 interceptions), DOMINIC PROUTY (7 interceptions), ANTHONY LIMA and RYAN McBURNEY form East County ’s best secondary. Linebackers DILLIAN SCHLOTTER, JT WILDES, DANIEL WADE and DAKOTA FURR are aggressive linebackers, while JAKE BURTON, COLE DAVIDSON and ALLEN THOMAS anchor the front.

Vaqueros senior quarterback MARK SCHARFENBERG is coming off his finest game as he was 14-for-16 for 176 yards and three TDs in El Capitan ’s 35-10 romp over Brawley in the first round of the playoffs. Running MATT BURKETT and receiver TYLER MASON and BROOKS NOBLE have also been major contributors.

Although Cathedral Catholic has been under three names (University and USDHS) in the past, the series between these teams is deadlocked at 2-2. The Vaqueros won the last meeting 52-28 in the 2006 section playoffs. They will be hard pressed to repeat that blowout... Cathedral Catholic 24-14.

“I’ve coached against (Mission Hills coach) Chris Hauser in the past and I know how tough his teams can be,” said Murphy, who has guided the Foothillers (6-5) to four consecutive victories. “We are going to be in for a battle.”

The Grizzlies own an impressive 31-28 win over the Escondido Cougars and all-time rushing leader Ricky Seale. In that game Seale rushed for 168 and 4 TDs on 26 carries and the Cougars still came up short.

Grossmont must receive a similar rushing effort from DESEAN WATERS (226 carries, 1392 yards, 17 TDs) to keep in step with the Grizzlies.

Mission Hills (8-2) is loaded offensively, led by 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior quarterback Hunter Moore, who has generated 1,810 total yards and 18 TDs. Running back Chad Dobbins (160-904, 3 TDs) and tight end Dallas Butler (42-665, 6 TDs) are also bona fide threats.

Grossmont quarterback TYLER MUTTER (104-176, 1442, 8 TDs) has played well down the stretch for the Foothillers.

Mission Hills’ only losses have come to Top 10 foes La Costa Canyon (56-7) and Eastlake (40-14)… Mission Hills 33-14.

HELIX at No. 10 VALHALLA, 7 – One thing Helix has going is nobody can figure out who is going to be the quarterback when the Highlanders (7-4) take on Grossmont South League champion Valhalla (8-2) in Friday’s (Nov. 27) SDCIF Division II quarterfinal.

The Highlanders report that starting quarterback JAKE REED suffered a broken foot in last week’s playoff win over Westview. That leaves coach TROY STARR with two options who will be his starting quarterback.

The second-year skipper is leaning toward sophomore BRANDON LEWIS, who came off the bench to lead Helix to an 18-17 comeback victory over the visiting Wolverines a week ago. Of course, sophomore JIMMY PRUITT, who is also a starting corner, could get the call as well.

No question that doesn’t make preparing for the Highlanders any easier for Valhalla, which knocked off Helix 28-14 in a regular season match that led to the Norsemen’s first-ever GSL championship.

When any talk of Valhalla comes up it’s always about quarterback PETE THOMAS, who has already accepted a scholarship to Arizona State University. Earlier this year against Helix, Thomas completed 21 of 31 passes for 246 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown pass to MICHAEL BAZZI.

Not to be overlooked was the rushing of TRAIVONNE BROWN, who gobbled up 132 yards and scored 3 touchdowns on 21 carries against the Highlanders. That gave Valhalla an unusually high 392 total yards against a usually rock solid Helix defense.

That victory was Valhalla’s first over the Highlanders since 1997. Look for the Norsemen to make it two in a row... Valhalla 35-20.

HORIZON vs. CHRISTIAN, at Granite Hills, 7 – When these teams met in the Coastal League opener, the Patriots (6-4) prevailed 28-7.

In that game senior STEVEN PITTS, who was coming off an injury, pounded the Panthers for a season-high 154 yards and 2 TDs on 18 carries. Doubling as a linebacker, Pitts also picked off a Panthers’ pass and returned it 73 yards for a touchdown.

So you can be sure Horizon will keep its eyes on Pitts when these teams lock up in Friday’s (Nov. 27) SDCIF Division III quarterfinal in North County.

Too bad the Panthers will also have to deal with hard-hitting TYRONE SAULS and senior quarterback ERICK ALLEN. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Sauls is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has scored 26 points. He’s also a force at middle linebacker.

Even when the Patriots were blanked by powerful Parker 30-0, Pitts and Sauls hammered out 217 yards rushing between them. They should do even better than that against Horizon (3-8), a team the Patriots have beaten three times in a row... Christian 31-13.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN vs. THE BISHOP'S, at La Jolla, 7 – Most prognosticators don’t give Foothills Christian much chance against any team from the Coastal League. But not so fast.

Coach STEVE PERDUE’s squad (7-4), which scored an impressive 28-8 first round romp over Army-Navy last week, may make Friday’s (Nov. 27) quarterfinal against The Bishop’s (6-4) a lot more interesting than it did a year ago when the Knights were crushed by Christian, 77-24, in the second round of the SDCIF Division V playoffs.

Christian led that one 56-12 by intermission.

Foothills Christian won’t let that happen against The Bishop’s. The East County Knights, who stumbled out of the gate 0-3, are a more polished unit this season. And The Bishop’s has suffered a couple of key injuries.

So what does that mean? A closer game for sure, but the nod goes to... The Bishop’s 27-14.