Mount Miguel quarterback Ernest Williams threw for 220 yards to help beat Santana. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Bottom line is No. 8-ranked Mount Miguel made more big plays and claimed a 37-23 victory.

“They did what we expected them to do,” said Mount Miguel junior linebacker SONNY SAMOATA. “They ran a lotta crossing patterns and a few screens. It’s exactly the stuff we practiced against.”

Even though it looked as if the Matadors were going to blow the lid off the place when they forced two turnovers in the first four Santana plays resulting in a 10-0 lead, this game was still up for grabs until the waning moments of the third quarter.

“Our kids have a lot of resilience and we know eventually we are going to wear our opponents out,” said Matadors head coach TOM KARLO.

This encounter began at 7:10 p.m. and concluded at 10:23 p.m.

The debut of SHAKA ROBINSON in the Mount Miguel arsenal delivered an immediate impact. The two-way senior transfer from Lincoln, scored on TD passes of 21 and 78 yards from senior southpaw quarterback ERNEST WILLIAMS that staked the Matadors to a 17-6 advantage with 6:21 left in the first quarter.

Williams finished by completing 9 of 20 passes for 220 yards, which included a 41-yard scoring strike to MARVIN HOOD. The senior quarterback also scored the Matadors’ only 2nd half touchdown on a 9-yard run with 8:48 remaining that staked Mount Miguel to a 37-16 lead.

“Our kids are resilient,” Matadors coach TOM KARLO said. “We know if we execute well and play within the structure of our offense and defense, we will prevail.”

Senior running back DERRICK DUNN rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries for the Matadors.

“A lot of that is due to the presence of Robinson, who opens up our game a lot,” Karlo said.

For the record Robinson finished with 4 catches for 134 yards to go along with his two scores. FRANCO LUNA pulled down three passes for 37 yards.

Without a doubt balance was Mount Miguel’s strength. However playing against a team that came in averaging 47.5 points per contest presented a challenge to the Matadors defense.

“It was all about keeping the pressure on their quarterback early,” said Washington-bound lineman MALCOLM JACKSON of the Sultans’ KYLE GASNER. “I can respect the fact how difficult it is to put together an undefeated season. It takes a lot of hard work and I respect them for that. But I didn’t want them to include us in it.”

Mount Miguel’s bull rusher was CORY LITTLETON, last year’s GVL defensive player of the year who finished with 3 sacks and 5 tackles.

“Our game was to pressure the quarterback, keep him nervous in the pocket, and I think we were able to do that,” said Littleton. “I didn’t really notice who was blocking me because I just did what I wanted. They were exactly what we thought they would be and we attacked them accordingly.”

Since both of these teams are in Division IV, Mount Miguel is challenging for a No. 1 seed with Madison and Valley Center.

“This is a big win and not just for the league championship but for a high Division IV playoff seed,” Littleton observed.

Santana, which is also in the running for a Top 4 seed in Division IV, lost the services of center RUBEN ROSAS, who was taken off the field by Santee Fire Department paramedics with 10:05 left in the second quarter. He was moving his arms when he left the field on a stretcher but the extent of his injuries are unknown.

Santana also lost the services of East County all-purpose runner LANDON LOZOYA late in the second quarter due to a pinched nerve and a possible concussion. Prior to his departure Lozoya caught 4 passes for 66 yards. His status is day to day.

Santana appeared to have made it a one possession game on a 13-yard Gasner pass to TYLER WEISS in the left corner of the north end zone at Santee Community Stadium.

However, after much delay Weiss was whistled for offensive pass interference. The Sultans not only lost a touchdown and lost a down on the controversial call, they were saddled with a 4th-and-20 from the Mount Miguel 27. An ensuing incomplete pass killed that drive, which, had the touchdown counted, would have sliced the Matadors’ advantage to 31-22 with the PAT pending and 2:52 left in the third quarter.

Gasner completed 20 of 49 passes for 235 yards while surviving 5 sacks to throw 2 touchdowns.

Weiss caught 5 passes for 30 yards, while TYLER BROWNING pulled down 4 for 79 yards.

Santana kicker BRAD CORNISH connected on three consecutive field goals (33, 30 and 32 yards) for the Sultans, off-setting an early 17-0 Matadors advantage.

March of the Matadors

Fueled by the ground attack of running back Derrick Dunn (1), 8th-ranked Mount Miguel streaked past No. 11 Santana, 37-23, to claim a second straight Grossmont Valley League championship. Attempting to make the tackle is Dalton Pettus (45) of the Sultans. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

GRANITE HILLS 27, GROSSMONT 23 – In a matchup of two Grossmont Hills League competitors seeking their first league win, the Granite Hills Eagles hosted the Grossmont Foothillers on Friday (Oct. 28). This game lived up to the hype as those watching gathered the feeling that whichever team scored last would be the victors, and that is indeed what happened.

Heart, determination, a great mix of runs and passes, a key fourth down conversion that got just enough for the first down, along with a little bit of good fortune resulted in a miraculous catch in the end zone by Eagles receiver C.J. MADY for the game winning touchdown.

The touchdown went for 28 yards and in fact was intended for KYLE NORRIS who was hit by a Grossmont defender just as he touched the ball, causing the ball to propel up into the air and on the way down, Mady came flying into view to catch the ball as it was inches from the ground.

On the final possession, L.J. HOWIE intercepted a Grossmont pass to ultimately put this game, that included four lead changes in the 4th quarter alone, to rest.

Granite Hills (5-3, 1-2 GHL) got the game off to a quick start by scoring on the fourth play of the when quarterback ARATH BLANCO found TAYLOR FLEURY on a 43-yard screen pass. The Blanco-to-Fleury combination would be a sign of things to come.

The Eagles’ next possession came to a quick end and was capped by a punt that was returned for a touchdown for the Foothillers, only to be nullified by a holding penalty.

Santana's Spencer Love (34) turns the corner around thr Matadors' Cory Littleton. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Granite Hills continued attempting to establish a running game, which set up a 21-yard touchdown from Blanco to Fleury. That score put the Eagles up 14-0 with 5:35 left in the 2nd quarter.

The Foothillers (4-3-1, 0-3 GHL) responded rapidly with their backs against the wall. A pass interference call continued the drive on a key third down attempt and allowed Grossmont to maintain possession. The drive was advancing by virtue of the ground, however it was capped off with RYAN GREEN receiving a 12-yard pass from ANTHONY LAWRENCE and put Grossmont on the board.

On the ensuing kick off, the Foothillers’ HAYDEN HERRINGTON jarred the ball loose and forced the first turnover of the game. Grossmont began its drive on the Eagles’ 36-yard line and were able to put another score on the board when LAWSON MEDEIROS hauled in a 4-yard pass from Lawrence.

This was suddenly a close game again as Grossmont was able to score two touchdowns in a 2:10 stretch. The Foothillers were trailing 14-13 due to a head’s up play by Eagles’ senior linebacker JACOB MAZZENGA, who blocked the point after attempt. The score would remain the same as Granite took the lead into the half, however momentum was slightly on the Grossmont side.

In the third quarter, Granite Hills had a six-play drive into Grossmont territory when Ryan Green made another great play for the Foothillers, this time on the defense side of the ball, making an interception in the red zone. That set up the longest drive of the game as the Foothillers continued to feed their workhorse, LAWRENCE WALKER who carried the ball 18 times totaling 106 yards.

The drive came up long in time but short of the end zone and Grossmont had to settle for a 28-yard field goal by kicker J.T. BARNES, giving them their first lead of the game.

Granite Hills answered back by converting on three third-down conversions on the next drive, the last of which resulted in a 19-yard touchdown Blanco pass to Fleury over two Grossmont defenders.

Exactly two minutes later Grossmont responded as Lawrence threw his third touchdown pass of the game to JACOB GRIFFITHS for 23 yards, giving the Foothillers a 23-20 edge with 5:26 left in the game.

After the game, head coach RANDY DeWITT credited the win to playing hard for four quarters and never giving up. He was also proud of his defense for containing a big back and good offense to only 23 points. It was a big win for them and one they really wanted especially after their last home game vs. Steele Canyon.

“It is a good win for us and our guys can leave this game with their heads held high,” said DeWitt.

— Joe Roberts

Granite Hills' Taylor Fleury (2) hauls in this touchdowns pass against Grossmont. The Eagles hung on for a 27-23 decision. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

Grossmont running back Lawrence Walker, pursued by Christian Ortiz (25) and Hugo Perez (73) of Granite Hills. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

STEELE CANYON 41, WEST HILLS 7 – Steele Canyon ’s homecoming game plan was to avoid stumbling before the ultimate quest is reached. That is, crush the Wolf Pack and position themselves for a shot at the league title against the heavily favored Helix Highlanders in two weeks.

Mission accomplished.

The visiting Wolf Pack would go three and out to start Friday’s (Oct. 28) contest. Even without the services of speedster LONNIE TUFF, who rolled an ankle in the previous game, the Cougars were licking their chops. Steele Canyon would score 21 unanswered points before the conclusion of the first quarter to lead the visiting Pack 21-0. ERNIE FLINT scored on a 10-yard run for the Cougars first marker.

This was Cougars junior quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE’s second full start this season, in which he attributed an amazing two touchdown strikes – one to BRANDON HOWARD for 56 yards and one to BRITTEN WRIGHT for 37 yards – through the air on just five plays for 93 yards, in only 5 minutes before the first quarter of play concluded.

“We worked a little more on passing play execution this week in practice.” Andrade explained. “The offensive line was blocking well, and I was reading the defense.”

The Cougars would add another two scores in the second quarter, to put the game out of reach early.

One of the scores would come on a West Hills fumble while in scoring position. CHANCELLER JAMES would scoop it up and head in for a 70-yard score, making it 28-0. Then, with 3:41 left in the 2nd half, MAURICE McNAMARA trotted in for a 5-yard run, leaving the Cougars up 35-0 at the half.

Back-to-back field goals by the Cougars’ DANIEL URIBE (43 yards) and DOMINIC GAGLIARDI (32 yards) in the third quarter concluded Steele Canyon ’s scoring.

The Steele Canyon defense also completed their task, holding leading rusher the Pack’s RYAN WILLIAMS to 35 yards on 10 carries, and limiting aerial acrobat RASHAAN MILLER to only 79 yards passing.

The Wolf Pack would however put a last minute beauty together, scoring with no time left on the clock. ERIC SEABOCH pushed in for a 2-yard score, and let the skunk out of the box. Too little, too late.

“ Steele Canyon is a great football team. We came in here prepared to stop the run, and we had no answers for the passing game, we were caught off guard.” said West Hills coach TAY SNEDDON. “I just told our players not to worry about the score, we are not gonna quit, and we will play hard till the end.”

When offensive linemen, JOHN GORGUIS and MARIO YAKOO were asked what specifically was practiced during the week prior to the game, Yakoo replied, “We work on all phases of the game in preparing for any game. We are looking ahead to play Helix.”

Andrade finished the night with 219 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns while completing 8-for-12 with one interception.

No, it's not Kenny Keys, an All-East County performer for Helix in 2010, it's little brother Kendal Keys (3) with two of his six receptions for the Highlanders in a 42-0 pasting of Valhalla. (Photos by Don De Mars)

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-29-11) — It’s no doubt that Helix absolutely deserves their No. 1 ranking in all of San Diego CIF football. After the opening game 7-point loss to Eastlake the Highlanders have done nothing but blow away the competition and ever since the Scotties have gone onto the field searching for blood.

“We just want to show everybody who’s the best,” junior wideout KENDAL KEYS said. “We knew coming in they were a great team so we worked hard all week in practice and tonight it paid off.”

In non-league schedule against three Top 10 teams in San Diego, while mixing in a powerhouse from L.A., their average score was 45-12. Queue the Grossmont Hills League, where they are hands-down favorites, but beyond that so far it sometimes seems like they are practicing against air.

Over the last two weeks the Highlanders have outscored their league counterparts 104-3 and unluckily for senior quarterback FRANK FOSTER and the rest of the Norsemen Friday (Oct. 28) was no different as Helix put forth another 42-0 victory (the previous one was against Grossmont, just last week).© East County Sports.com/Please reprint w/permission

Foster is one of the most multi-talented QB’s in the county with his ability to both throw the ball all over the field, but to also be able to flaunt his ability rushing just as well, registering 10 rushing touchdowns in just 7 games played.

That being said, the Scotties’ front seven on defense put on a clinic as they allowed Foster no time to make any kind of read in the pocket and forced him to scramble and avoid tacklers left and right before he even got time to make a decision where to throw downfield.

Helix limited Foster to only 18-for-30 for 180 yards and 1 interception. He also rushed 16 times for 24 yards with the majority of those being scrambles under heavy pressure.

For Helix quarterback BRANDON LEWIS and company it was simply “politics as usual.”

DARRION HANCOCK rushed 9 times for 44 yards and 2 scores, while MICHAEL ADKINS added 6 carries for 28 for the Scots.

While the running game wasn’t as boisterous as usual Lewis lit up the Norsemen secondary as he completed 75 percent of his passes on the night, going 15-for-20 for 255 yards and 4 touchdowns. Beyond that he also added 33 yards on 4 carries.

Things looked good for the Norsemen after taming the Scotties to a 3-and-out on their first possession, but on their first play from scrimmage Foster fumbled on what seemed to be a miscommunication play and senior ERNEST SHIPLEY scooped up the ball and rumbled 21 yards to the Norsemen 5-yard line.

Once Lewis hit KACY SMITH for a 6-yard score Helix never looked back.

After a Hancock 8-yard plunge Lewis would find a wide open GARY THOMPSON along the sidelines and he scampered down the sidelines the exact amount as his jersey number totaled…34 yards as the route began.

Lewis hit one of his favorite targets JIMMY PRUITT for a short gain late in the first half as Pruitt was almost as elusive as Tim Tebow in the pocket. About to be tackled on three different occasions by 3 different tacklers he put a spin move on each one to perfection, breaking leg tackles and raced to pay dirt.

Lewis’ best pass on the night was a measly 27-yard gain to Keys, but the connection seemed just right all night. Keys stretched out his entire 6-foot-4 frame to haul in the pass and they finished hooking up with each other 6 times for 86 yards and a score.

“Kendal is just a flat-out baller,” Lewis said. “He’s a quarterback’s best friend cause he fights for the ball and will sacrifice his body to make any catch. All of us work hard every week and now his confidence is through the roof. He’s not just one of the best receivers in the county, he’s one of the best in all of California. Mark my words by the end of his senior year he will be a Division I national recruit.”

With solid protection up front, Christian quarterback Shane Dillon lets it loose. (Photo by Anthony Gentile)

© East County Sports.com
SOLANA BEACH (10-30-11) — There seemed to be a different feeling in the air Saturday (Oct. 29) afternoon. Not only was it homecoming for the host Santa Fe Christian Eagles, but as they faced off against the Christian Patriots everyone in attendance knew it wasn’t just another regular season game.

The winner had an inside track and a huge advantage in claiming this year’s Coastal League crown and the top seed for the CIF Division V playoffs.

You never know what you’re gonna get from this Christian team and on Halloween weekend the similarities between the professional hometown San Diego Chargers were eerily familiar to the Patriots squad that showed up.

On 75 offensive plays they threw the ball 69 percent of the time, just like the old “Air Coryell” days. The more obvious trait though was the horrendous special teams play resembling the 2010 Bolts squad that eventually haunted the Patriots and lead to their demise as they fell to the Eagles, 48-34, at Beauchamp Stadium.

The game started out like “A Nightmare on Elm Street ” for Christian (5-3, 3-1 CL) after three unsuccessful plays led to a punt situation. The snap was a three-hop grounder to the punter and he was swallowed up by a flock of Eagles on the 7-yard line. It took all but one play for them to score and take the early 7-0 lead just 93 seconds into the game.

“We obviously more than anything have to work on our special teams, but eventually putting up 34 on the No. 2 school in the state for small schools is pretty good,” senior captain and quarterback SHANE DILLON stated.

A zone blitz on the Patriots next shot on offense jarred the ball loose, resulting in a turnover when Dillon was hit from his blind side and never saw it coming. The Patriots defense held, but Santa Fe (7-1, 3-0) drove into the end zone for a first quarter 14-0 lead and all the Patriots coaches were questioning if they were in an episode of the “Twilight Zone.”

Christian’s offense then woke up from their bad dreams as Dillon marched the Patriots 11 plays 67 yards downfield, while connecting on 5-of-7 passes on the drive for 56 yards. On the 3-yard line from there he slipped into the end zone on a QB sneak to cut the deficit in half.

Top: Patriots running back Rayvon Owens. Bottom: Christian's offense in the huddle. (Photos by Anthony Gentile) VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

The Eagles marched straight down the field with ease and the Patriots faithful had to sense there was some kind of “Paranormal Activity” going on. Faced with a third-and-one from 4 yards out Christian forced a fumble that was recovered by PHILLIP GEORGE and the once boisterous Eagles crowd went completely silent. One could wonder if they were extras in a new “Dawn of the Dead” sequel.

A 16-play drive that kidnapped 8:13 off the clock faced the Patriots with a fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line with just 11 seconds remaining in the half. They calmly called timeout and then relied on Dillon to take his second sneak of the day in for a touchdown, but a botched snap of the PAT attempt cost Christian a halftime tie.

The halftime homecoming festivities lasted 22 minutes, but it took only 15 seconds for the Eagles to lay another egg on the scoreboard as they took the second half kickoff to the house. Down two scores the Patriots immediately responded with a 78-yard drive as freshman PARIS MILLER rushed in from 13 yards out.

That turned out to be closest the Patriots would ever get as Santa Fe refused to let this be another Cardinals World Series comeback. Once an onside kick attempt went array with the Patriots illegally touching the ball before it went 10 yards, the Eagles soared in just two plays to make it a two possession game and never looked back.

Trailing, the Patriots had no option but to put the ball in the air over and over. Dillon came into the game attempting 191 aerials, but on this day he tried a career-high 52 passes. He completed 29 of those for 390 more yards to add to his San Diego CIF leading total, which also pushed him over the 2,000 yard mark on his senior season.

With four receivers in East County’s Top 14, Christian’s wide outs reaped the benefits. KYLE HARRIS reeled in 6 balls for 128 yards, which was highlighted by a 53-yard fade for a score that Dillon placed perfectly in his lap. JASON GAINES exploded in only his fifth game action this season, collecting 12 receptions for 138 yards and a score.

“He’s such a great receiver. Jason and I have such great chemistry together,” Dillon said of Gaines. “My family took him in when we were in Junior High and I love him as a brother. We even have plans to go to the Haunted Trails tonight dressed up as Riggs and Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon. I would give the world for him to join me at Colorado next year.”

On the defensive side of things RAYVON OWENS had 8 tackles and he also rushed 13 times for 42 yards. TYLER LESLIE accounted for 8 tackles and ZANE COFFMAN chipped in with 7.

These two squads will eventually square off in the Division V playoffs so the last laugh is still up for grabs, but everyone will “Scream” again unless Christian cleans up its special teams situation.

Note: Santa Fe Christian entered the week rated second in Southern California in the CalHiSports.com CIF state bowl game rankings, trailing only undefeated Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth. Christian was listed fourth on the same list.

– Andrew Smith

Vincent Memorial running back Carlos Zuniga gets chased down by a Foothills Christian defender. (Eric Miller photo, courtesy Imperial Valley Press) IV Press story HERE

VINCENT MEMORIAL 13, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 12 – DE’ANDRE BROWN scored a touchdown and a safety for visiting Foothills Christian in Saturday’s (Oct. 29) Manzanita League game played at El Centro Southwest High School.

However, Vincent Memorial of Calexico scored a fourth-quarter touchdown to pull out the victory.

“We played hard and very strong on defense,” said Foothills Christian coach THOM LUBIC.

The Knights (4-4, 0-2 ML) received interceptions from RICKY ADAMS, CHRIS BRUNER and MARK HUNTER.

BEN HOUSLEY also recorded 14 tackles and a pair of sacks for Foothills Christian. Eleven of his stops were of the solo variety.

Adams and Bruner led the special teams with the former averaging 40 yards on five punts. Bruner kicked a 30-yard field goal in the second quarter but missed a potential game-winner from 50 yards out in the final 15 seconds of the game to allow the Scots to barely hold on.

“We had trouble moving the ball in the second half,” said Lubic, whose team totaled 146 yards.

Quarterback KYLE MOBERG completed 9 of 13 passes for 77 yards and rushed for 22 more on five carries.

A.J. HOFFMAN rushed for 25 yards on five carries and finished with 9 tackles.

Undefeated, yet unranked and unloved, Sultans
need to prove its worth vs. No. 8 Mount Miguel

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (10-27-11) — It’s been nearly a decade since a bona fide championship game has been played at Santee Community Stadium.

“There’s no secret what we’re gonna do,” said Matadors coach TOM KARLO. “We’re gonna pressure their quarterback, turn linemen like CORY LITTLETON and MALCOLM JACKSON loose.”

Santana coach DAVE GROSS is aware of the Matadors’ winning streak.

“This is where we want to be,” Gross said. “We want to have a chance to win the league championship.”

To reach the goal that Gross wants to achieve, the focus is on quarterback KYLE GASNER (79-145, 1404 yards, 17 TDs).

Mount Miguel was in a similar position to capture the GVL crown a year ago, but in a favorites role, settled for a co-title with El Capitan after the teams finished in a 14-14 tie. This time, the Matadors will take care of business... Mount Miguel 34-21.

HELIX (6-1, 2-0 GHL) at VALHALLA (5-2, 1-1 GHL) – Without a doubt, this is one of Valhalla’s better teams, but it’s highly unlikely that the Norsemen will impress top-ranked Helix in Friday’s (Oct. 28) clash at Valhalla.

“We don’t back down to anybody,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY. “But Helix is so strong that they don’t back down to anybody either.”

While Helix looks ahead to a possible state championship at the Home Depot Center in December, the Norsemen like to think they could sidetrack the Highlanders’ bid by winning the Grossmont Hills League championship.

“We want to win our last game,” Helix coach TROY STARR said, referring to the San Diego CIF Division II bout at Qualcomm Stadium and a possible state championship game at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

Starr recognizes that Valhalla poses a reputable challenge.

“They’re a dangerous team,” he said. “Their quarterback (FRANK FOSTER) is an outstanding guy who can create frustration both throwing and running. Their skill guys are as good as anybody in the county.”

Helix’s scoring crew isn’t bad either. Running back DARRION HANCOCK has rushed for 645 yards and 12 touchdowns on 71 carries, while MICHAEL ADKINS has rushed 41 times for 395 yards and 6 touchdowns. But that’s only half the picture.

The Highlanders can score through the air, thanks to senior quarterback BRANDON LEWIS, who has completed 104 passes out of 170 attempts for 1533 yards and 18 touchdowns.

“When he’s on, he’s as good as there is in the county,” said Starr.

Helix also welcomes back lineman AMU MILO (5-9, 260), who has the missed the last three games due to an infection.

The key to Valhalla ’s success is senior quarterback FRANK FOSTER (1577 yards, 25 TDs) and wide receiver JEVON HASTEN (19-396, 6 TDs).

Valhalla has beaten Helix only five times in 41 meetings and it doesn’t look like the Norsemen will add to its victory count this year... Helix 34-14.

WEST HILLS (2-5, 1-1 GHL) at STEELE CANYON * (5-2, 2-0 GHL) – The Cougars, who will be celebrating homecoming on Friday (Oct. 28), have their eyes focused on a Grossmont Hills League title showdown against Helix on Thursday (Nov. 10) – the final night of the regular season.

But first things first. Steele Canyon must avoid stumbling against West Hills and Grossmont to set-up that title bout against the Highlanders.

West Hills is coming off an impressive 45-23 romp over Granite Hills, while the Cougars held off Valhalla 17-14 to share the league lead with the Highlanders at the moment.

“Steele Canyon has five JC-type players on both sides of the ball,” Wolf Pack coach TAY SNEDDON said. “They have many weapons and a handful of guys who can score a touchdown every time they touch the ball. On defense they want to get after you.”

Steele Canyon will be playing without leading rusher LONNIE TUFF, who broke his ankle in the victory over Valhalla.

“That definitely affects our offense,” Cougars coach RON BOEHMKE said.

Running backs ERNIE FLINT, LaSHAWN WARE and MAURICE McNAMARA will try to fill the void. Picking up the passing game is junior quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE, who has completed 12 of 26 passes for 251 yards and 3 touchdowns.

“We’re going to have to shift from a run mentality to a pass lead with Andrade,” said Boehmke. “Andrade is showing good downfield vision and he’s only going to get better.”

Those in the trenches who are going to help Andrade get better are UCLA bound tackle MARIO YAKOO (6-4, 320), center AUSTIN BROWN (6-1, 214), junior tackle BYRCE KELLY (6-3, 262), senior tackle COLTON FOSTER (6-0, 261), senior guard GILBERT CISNEROS (5-9, 210) and senior tight ends BEN GOSSMEYER (6-5, 210) and P.J. RUSSELL (6-4, 215).

West Hills looks to quarterback RASHAAN MILLER (990 yards, 11 TDs) and running back RYAN WILLIAMS (55-336, 9 TDs) to lead the offensive charge.

“The key for us is to keep our defense off the field,” Sneddon said. “Even without Tuff they have a lot of weapons.”

Steele Canyon leads the all-time 6-2, including a 42-0 win over the Wolf Pack last yearr. No way will the game turn into a lop-sided rout this time... Steele Canyon 21-7.

GROSSMONT (4-2-1, 0-2 GHL) at GRANITE HILLS (4-3, 0-2 GHL) – No question Friday’s (Oct. 28) game has playoff connotations as neither team figures to challenge for the Grossmont Hills League title.

Granite Hills has not beaten the Foothillers since 2000 when the Eagles prevailed 42-24. Since then the Foothillers have won five meetings by a composite score of 166-58.

Forget about the past, however, because each team has lost its first two GHL encounters.

“Nobody in our league is a cakewalk,” said Granite Hills coach RANDY DeWITT. “We have to pick up a win or two in these last three games if we want to be assured of making the playoffs.”

Grossmont is more or less in the same boat.

“We are finally at full strength,” said Foothillers coach RON MURPHY.

Sophomore quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE continues to improve and ranks third in the Grossmont Conference, averaging 206 yards total offense while passing for 10 touchdowns.

Much of Lawrence ’s success is due to the protection he has received from a relatively young offensive line, which consists of senior center HUNTER ROPER (6-0, 220), junior guards FORREST SNYDER (5-10, 270) and ROCKY RANGEL (6-3, 245), junior tackle HAYDEN HERRINGTON (6-3, 215) and junior tackle ADAM DEAN (5-11, 260).

“It’s been a long time since we’ve won a game but if we can get six wins we should be in good position to make the playoffs,” Murphy said. “We’re shooting for a home game but just getting in the playoffs is the main goal.”

After a 3-0 start Granite Hills has lost three of its last four.

“We’re going back to the basics – basic plays, basic defense,” said DeWitt. “This is gonna be a good battle for us because Grossmont is a big, physical, strong team.

“(Hillers defensive coordinator) BRAD BURTON is going to bring pressure from all kinds of different angles. It’s our job to try to block them so we can get our offense in gear.”

This is another toss-up, but give the edge to... Grossmont 24-21.

EL CAPITAN (1-6, 0-1 GVL) at MONTE VISTA (1-6, 0-1 GVL) – Something has to give here. Not long ago these two teams were battling for league championships, but Friday’s (Oct. 28) Grossmont Valley League encounter is a scramble for gaining pride.

If either team could register a 3-game sweep to close the season they would probably make the playoffs. Anything less and the season’s over.

“That’s our goal, to win these last three and make the playoffs,” said Monte Vista coach PAGE CULVER. “Obviously the last three games decide our future.”

It’s no secret who Monte Vista turns to for leadership – all-purpose runners JAMES SYKES (761 yards, 4 TDs) and ERIC OWENS (65 carries, 382 yards, 4 TDs).

“I think we can run the ball better than they can,” Culver said.

Throwing the ball has been a season-long problem for the Monarchs.

El Capitan has a more balanced offense, led by quarterback JAKE ALVERNAZ (85-143, 1059 yards, 8 TDs). AUSTIN WATSON has shown moments of brilliance running the ball (66-337, 5 TDs).

The key to beating the Vaqueros, however, centers around derailing versatile JOSH MURPHY who has garnered 951 all-purpose yards and scored 53 points.

El Capitan has won the last two meetings in this series by a combined 64-13 score,,,El Capitan 23-14.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (4-3, 0-1 ML) vs. VINCENT MEMORIAL (3-4, 1-2 ML) – Injuries have added up to a lack of offense for the Foothills Christian Knights, who have been blanked in two of their last four games.

Overall, the Knights have lost three of their last four heading into Friday’s (Oct. 28) Manzanita League contest. The good news is the Fighting Scots have dropped three straight by lopsided counts.

The defensive edge goes to Foothills Christian, which has surrendered only 76 points in seven games.

“This is a pivotal game for us,” Foothills coach TOM LUBIC said. “If we can finish 7-3 we make the playoffs.”

Two things are Vincent Memorial strengths. Allen Manriquez (94-750, 7 TDs) spearheads a stout running game and Arturo Reyes has blocked three punts.

The Knights are looking to infuse a sputtering offense. If they do, Saturday's (Oct. 29) winner should be... Foothills Christian 18-13.

CHRISTIAN (5-2, 2-0 CL) at SANTA FE CHRISTIAN (6-1, 2-0), – Not many teams run the Wing-T offense better than the Santa Fe Christian Eagles. The manner in which these Eagles fly makes this more than a ball-control offense. They are averaging 47.8 points over their last four games going into Saturday’s (Oct. 29) duel of Coastal League leaders.

“That’s why they win so many games,” said Christian offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER. “We put 35 points up on them last year (in a 45-35 loss) and they have a lot of new guys on defense this year.”

Junior RAYVON OWENS has stoked up the Patriots running game, rambling for 223 yards and seven touchdowns on 40 carries the past two games. He also doubles as a linebacker.

Of course, the triggerman for Christian is Colorado-bound quarterback SHANE DILLON, who tops East County passers with 1,626 yards while completing better than 64 percent of 191 aerials. He has thrown for 13 touchdowns and rushed for two more.

Four Christian receivers rank among the East County top 14 receiving leaders, including three in the top 10.

“Everybody on both sides knows what we are playing for,” Beezer said. “Our kids are very aware of what we need to do.”

Christian leads the all-time series 12-11 with one tie. This one is a tossup, but give the nod to... Santa Fe Christian 35-28.