Christian High running back Paris Miller (24) hauls the ball in for the touchdown in Friday's 49-0 pasting of Linfield Christian of Temecula. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
FALLBROOK (9-1-12) — t was a wild debut for first year Mount Miguel head coach SHAUN McDADE Friday (Aug. 31) night in his old stomping grounds in North County, a graduate of Orange Glen High.

“We played hard, did a lot of things well, but still have a lot of things to improve upon,” said McDade, whose Matadors flattened Fallbrook 50-33. “We went up by 23 points and then it got ugly.”

Sounds like a veteran coach. But what about those 50 points, coach?

SHANNON NICKSON rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries to pace the Matadors. He scored on long distance runs of 70 and 60 yards.

His backfield sidekick TONY DOZIER crashed through the Warriors defense for 151 yards and one TD on 22 carries.

Matadors quarterback BRAD MORENO was 8 for 16 for 95 yards through the air. He also delivered a pair of touchdown passes and ran one across himself. Reeling in the scoring passes were ISAIAH FULTON (17 yards) and RUDY CONSTANTINO (15).

Didn’t happen – thanks to Mount Miguel's DEVAUGHN MURRAY, who sealed the game with a 64-yard interception return with 3:26 left to play. Murray ’s surge is the sixth-longest with a theft in Mount Miguel history.

Linebacker SAMMY SAMOATA also had an interception and led the Matadors with 8 tackles. GABRIEL BEAS added 5 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for losses and one sack. JOSH TAUSAGA had 5 tackles and a sack.

Helix' Kendal Keys splits the Eastlake defense on the way to the end zone. (Photo by Philip Brents; Courtesy, Chula Vista Star News)

Helix' Michael Adkins with one of his three touchdowns to topple Eastlake. (Photo by Philip Brents; Courtesy, Chula Vista Star News)

JV Scores Granite Hills 21. Chula Vista 20 Monte Vista 28, Serra 0 Valley Center 21, El Capitan 0 Mira Mesa 33, Valhalla 17 Cathedral 38, Steele Canyon 6 Helix 27, Eastlake 9 West Hills 42, Santana 0 Grossmont 14, Ramona 14, tie Sweetwater 47, ECVHS 0 Christian 43, Linfield Christian 3 Missing: Mount Miguel Frosh Scores Chula Vista 20, Granite Hills 7 Ramona 39, Grossmont 13 Serra 14, Monte Vista 2 Valhalla 21, Mira Mesa 0 Cathedral 24, Steele Canyon 20 Santana 26, West Hills 21 Eastlake 34, Helix 3 Missing: El Capitan, Mount Miguel.

No. 1 HELIX 28, No. 7 EASTLAKE 6 – The much hyped and anticipated rematch between No. 1 Helix and No. 7 Eastlake finally arrived Friday (Aug. 31).

Eastlake packed their stands with fans eagerly anticipating a repeat performance of last year when the Titans dealt Helix their lone loss of the season. And after taking a 6-0 lead on the 2nd drive in the 1st quarter, it seemed as though Eastlake partisans just might get their wish.

Helix had other ideas on their mind. The stout Helix defense kept Eastlake out of the scoring column the rest of the way. Two fumble recoveries and 3 interceptions later, the Highlanders had earned an impressive 28-6 win.

Helix's offense started their run of 28 unanswered points with a 48-yard TD pass from quarterback JOSH HARRIS to senior wideout KENDAL KEYS sprinting down the left side. Keys caught the pass in stride and weaved his way into the end zone for Helix's first score and a 7-6 lead.

Following the first of many defensive stops, the Scotties decided it would be a good idea to get 5-foot-11, 200 pound battering ram MICHAEL ADKINS involved in the game. Adkins had runs of 7, 5 and 11 yards before plunging in from the 2 yard line to finish the drive. Adkins finished with 101 yards rushing on an evening that saw him visit the end zone two more times. At that point Helix led 14-6 at the half.

Helix took the 3rd quarter kick-off and marched 71 yards to paydirt, with Adkins again finishing a punishing series with a 6-yard scamper. With the scoreboard reading 7:45 in the 3rd quarter, Helix now led 21-6. Eastlake did stiffen somewhat on defense holding Helix's offense to four straight fruitless drives.

However on the last full drive, the Highlanders once again unleashed Adkins on Eastlake . Three small gains were punctuated with a 16-yard burst up the gut for the 3rd TD of the night for Adkins and a 28-6 final score for Helix.

Harris finished the night 8 of 14 for 129 yards and a TD, while Keys had 2 catches for 54 yards and a TD.

Not to be outdone or outshined, the Helix defense stifled Eastlake after their lone score. On the ensuing 10 offensive series, Helix forced 5 turnovers and 5 punts. Defensive back JALEN DAVIS had 2 picks while patrolling the secondary and MARQUISSE POWELL added one of his own.

Eastlake didn't help their cause with undisciplined play and multiple penalties.

Considering the match-up of top 10 teams, the rematch from last year, and the hype surrounding everything else associated with week 1; Helix High proved worthy of their lofty ranking. The path to the playoffs gets no easier next week as Helix opens its home schedule with a duel against No.6 Vista.

— MARK MEADOWS

EL CAJON VALLEY 48, SWEETWATER 13 – It was full moon in more ways than one in Friday (Aug. 31) night’s season opener at El Cajon Valley. VIRNEL MOON scored 3 touchdowns – 2 on passes from HAKIM HARRIS – as the Braves riddled the visiting Red Devils.

Moon scored on an 8-yard run and two touchdown passes from Harris, including a 30-yarder.

The Braves spread the scoring wealth around as ANTOINE WHITE rushed for 98 yards on 10 carries for a TD and also returned a fumble 38 yards for a score.

El Cajon Valley’s final score came on a pass from Harris to SADIQ ALMOSAWI.

Braves kicker IRVING VORBON booted field goals of 48 and 38 yards along with going 6-for-6 on PATs. He had two kickoffs for touchbacks and recovered a fumble on a kickoff.

On the defensive side HECTOR MALDONADO had an interception and KARIAR AL-NAIEM administered 2 sacks.

“This is a great opening game for us,” understated El Cajon Valley coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD. “We had a lot good hits flying around the ball.”

The coach also praised the play of RYAN PEET and safety DeSHEA WADE.

“Both of those guys made big hits for us,” said Whitehead.

Here come the defending CIF Division IV runner-up Santana Sultans, (Photo by Frank Price, www.youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

"The Cup," named for Jack E. Dale

The Wolf Pack led 33-7 at halftime and 47-7 going into the final period.

Pack defensive end JORDAN ARNOLD led a tenacious West Hills defense with 5 quarterback sacks. DJ LEWIS and NOAH ORTIZ each intercepted a pass and returned them for touchdowns.

Lewis – a 3-sport letterman – also caught 3 passes for 40 yards.

West Hills senior quarterback RASHAAN MILLER scored 2 touchdowns, including one on a 79-yard run. ERIC SEABOCH, who rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries, tallied the second of his first two touchdowns on a 2-yard run, which gave the Pack a 19-0 lead.

Santana countered with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by TYLER BROWNING, which puts him second on the Sultans all-time record book, trailing only JEFF WOODS (98 yards, 2003).

RYAN BROWNING scored the Sultans final touchdown on a 27-yard run in the final quarter.

KEALAKEHE (Hawai'i) 35, EL CAPITAN 13 – The Waveriders (2-0) had the visiting Vaqueros pinned down from the get-go in Friday’s (Aug. 31) non-league game in the Hawaiian Islands .

Prior to taking the field El Capitan had nine players suffering from the flu, which no doubt cut down their depth. Three more players were knocked out of the game with head injuries by the Riders.

Nonetheless, El Capitan trailed only 20-13 after three quarters against the defending state champion Warriors.

“Honestly I can’t say we played a great game,” Vaqueros coach RON BURNER said. “Sophomore quarterback BRAD CAGLE did a really good job.”

The Vaqueros scored on a 5-yard fumble return by BRAD HOLLEY. AUSTIN WATSON also scored on a 15-yard draw play.

“I’d like to play these guys when we were healthy,” Burner said. “They are definitely a good team which is proved by the fact that they are the defending state champions.”

Bo. 13 MIRA MESA 31, VALHALLA 28 – Pads were poppin’ and helmets were flyin’ at Valhalla Friday night (Aug. 31), as Mira Mesa and the Norsemen played an entertaining game to start the 2012 season.

NEHEMIAH BROWN got fired up early. He took the opening kickoff at the 3-yard line and stormed 44 yards to the Valhalla 47-yard line. Brown must not have been breathing heavy after the kickoff because on the first play from scrimmage he scrambled around the right end, kicked it into overdrive and ran away from the defenders for a 53-yard touchdown.

In only 21 seconds, Brown had touched the ball twice and amassed 97 all purpose yards. EAN HENDRICKSON’s PAT was perfect (4-for-4) and the visiting Marauders were down by 7 before the exhaust pipes on their bus were cooled down.

RAMSEY ROMANO kicked off for the Norsemen 9 yards deep into the endzone. Four of his five kickoffs were touchbacks; the fifth went to the 1-yard line.

Starting at their 20, the visitors advanced to their 45-yard line, but on 3rd-and-7 defensive lineman PHILLIP DIAZ DE LEON flushed the quarterback and linebacker GIUSEPPE CASTANOS harassed him into making a bad throw, forcing a punt.

Later in the 1st quarter, Valhalla put together a 13-play, 77-yard drive culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Romano (17-23-0, 248 yards, 2 TDs) to wide receiver BEN HOWARD. After Hendrickson’s kick, the Norsemen led 14-0.

Mira Mesa scored two TDs in the second quarter, sandwiched around another remarkable feat by fleet-footed Brown. This time quarterback Romano threw a short pass to Brown who once again ran away from the defenders as he galloped 69 yards to paydirt, giving the home team a 21-14 halftime lead.

The two evenly matched teams swapped touchdowns in the third quarter, with JIHAD ELDER scoring his first TD of the new season on a 1-yard run with 35 seconds left in the third session. As the quarter closed, the Norsemen led 28-21.

Mira Mesa scored mid-way through the last quarter with a sustained 13-play drive of their own, ending with an 8-yard TD run up the middle. The game was knotted 28-28 with 7:45 to play. That’s when things got dicey.

Starting at their 24, the Norsemen offense seemed determined to break the tie. Romano hit wide receiver BRIAN MACIAS (9 catches for 123 yards) for a 16-yard reception to the Valhalla 40. Two plays later, Romano showed that in addition to throwing the ball well, and in addition to kicking the stuffing out of the pigskin, he can also motor; he broke free for a 53-yard sprint to the Marauders’ 10-yard line. On the next play, Elder bulled his way to the 2 yard line for an 8 yard gain.

On second down, Romano advanced the ball to the 1-yard line. On third down, Romano sped around the right side for an apparent touchdown, but it was called back because allegedly there was an illegal shift. On the next play and again third down from the 6-yard line, Romano threw a bullet to Macias at the goal line, where he was tackled hard, causing him to land shoulder first on the white paint that is called the goal line.

This apparent touchdown was also nullified, this time by the official spot of the ball, on the one-inch line.

Now, on 4th down, with one inch to go for the lead, Valhalla scored its third apparent touchdown in three successive plays, but, to the Norsemen’s chagrin, another penalty was called – this time for delay of the game because the ball was adjudged snapped too soon. That, coupled with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, backed the Norsemen to their 20-yard line, where they set up for the go-ahead 37-yard field goal; a miscue on the snap short circuited that attempt and Mira Mesa took over on its 30-yard line, with 5:11 remaining in the game.

The Marauders were able to control the ball for nearly five minutes, kicking the go-ahead 33-yard field goal with 23 seconds left in the game.

Valhalla didn’t quit. Starting at their 20-yard line following the kickoff, Romano hooked up with Macias for a 24-yard pass-catch to the Valhalla 44. On the next play Romano connected with slot receiver JOHN TODD for a 6-yard gain with 16 seconds left. Then, Romano threw a bomb deep into Marauder territory that looked like it was going to be a completion near the sideline but at the last instant, the receiver and the defender had some hard contact that had the Valhalla fans in the stands pleading for a pass interference call as the ball fell to the ground.

Christian High defending Zane Coffman (right) applies the sack on Linfield Christian's quarterback in Friday's shutout victory by the host Patriots. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Carrillo completed 10 of 19 passes for 201 yards, including touchdown spirals to PHILLIP GEORGE, KAI ARVAN and TRENT SAULS.

Six Patriots caught passes, led by George who reeled in 3 for 47 yards.

RAYVON OWENS caught a kickoff and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown for Christian. He also rushed for 90 yards and a TD.

“Our two-way offensive lineman TYLER LESLIE was outstanding,” said Patriots coach MATT OLIVER. “Our quarterback, Carrillo, threw really good ball and overall we did pretty good.”

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 12, CALVIN CHRISTIAN 7 – Senior quarterback KYLE MOBERG was sort of a one-man gang as the Knights opened the season with a defensive-engineered victory over Calvin Christian Friday at Junior Seau Field.

After falling behind 7-0, Foothills Christian scored both of its touchdowns in the second quarter. Moberg’s initial scoring burst covered 3 yards and his game-winning dash was for 35 yards.

“Actually defense was our strong suite,” Foothills coach THOM LUBIC said. AARON ROEDELL and IAN KIRKPATRICK each recorded drive-destroying sacks. Moberg picked off a pass and recorded a dozen tackles at safety.

The return of SPENCER GEORGE to the Knights’ backfield was evident as he totaled more than 100 all-purpose yards.

“They were keying on Spencer all night, but he still managed to break tackles and get his share,” Lubic said. “It’s a plus to have him back (from a season ending injury of a year ago).”

SERRA 26, MONTE VISTA 14 —The Monte Vista Monarchs played hard but were set back by costly penalties and 3 turnovers in their 14-26 season opening loss at Serra on Friday (Aug. 31). Serra was also heavily penalized, with 30 fouls committed between both teams. However, it was the timing of the Monarchs penalties that hindered the team.

Serra marched 68 yards in 10 plays to score the game’s first touchdown on a 2- yard pass from Hunter Correll to Kwahmell Archer. The drive was extended by a questionable Monarchs pass interference penalty on a 4th-and-14 incompletion.

Monte Vista ’s JEMEIL JACKSON returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown that was called back after an illegal block in the back penalty.

Serra scored their second touchdown on a 6-play 64-yard drive that was aided by another phantom Monte Vista pass interference penalty, this one on a 4-and-4 from the Monte Vista 12-yard line.

Serra capitalized, scoring 3 plays later on a 4-yard touchdown pass to go up 12-0 at half time.

Monte Vista attempted an ill-fated onside kick to start the second half. Serra took advantage with a 30-yard completion combined with a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, setting up a 2-yard touchdown run to take a 20-0 lead.

Monte Vista answered with a 6 play 72 yard drive that featured Jackson, who scored from 5 yards out, making the score 20-7. Jackson had 66 yards on the scoring driving and was clearly the Monarchs best option on offense, finishing the night with 15 carries for 110 yards.

Monte Vista later fumbled deep in Serra territory midway through the 3rd quarter leading to a short field that Correll converted into his third touchdown pass, giving Serra a 26-7 lead. Monte Vista scored the only points of the 4th quarter capping a 9-play 67-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown sneak by quarterback THOMAS WALKER.

Monte Vista finished with 10 penalties for 128 yards.

Serra finished with 16 penalties but overcame them with supreme quarterbacking from Correll who picked on the Monarchs secondary for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns. His lone interception came at the hands of Monte Vista defensive lineman TORY SANDERS. MESSAI SMALL led the Monarchs defense with 6 tackles. Jackson chipped in with 4 tackles, and Monarchs punter TIM BROWN had an outstanding night averaging 41.2 yards on 4 punts.

“We had hoped to throw the ball more, but we kept breaking down on our protection and dropped a lot of balls,” said Monte Vista coach RON HAMAMOTO. “But we'll get better. We're trying real hard to improve, it's just disappointing . . . we're making too many mistakes.

“After they scored to make it 6-0, we get a big touchdown on a kickoff (return), but we're blocking someone in the back on the 50-yard line. Then we stop them on fourth down at the goal line, but we get a pass interference (penalty). We just killed ourselves.”

“(Nose guard) JOEY JUBA, a senior from Florida, had several solo tackles and a few big hits... even though nose guard usually is blocked by two guys while others make the tackles,” Hamamoto added.

“Our line is really blasting off the ball and doing a great job this year,” he noted.

— DAVID HURST

No. 3 CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 35, No. 10 STEELE CANYON 6 – The Cougars and Dons, both known for running the football, came out throwing in Friday’s (Aug. 31) season opener at Steele Canyon High.

Cathedral quarterback Garrett Bogart threw three touchdowns and ran for a fourth to turn the game into a rout.

The usually run-happy Cougars found no success banging against the Cathedral Catholic defensive wall, although quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE completed 15 of 29 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown.

All of the scoring came in the 1st half. Some might say the Cougars dominated the 2nd half but it might be interpreted that the Cougars were just killing the clock.

The problem for the Cougars was they couldn’t overcome 9 sacks, which usually happens when a team leads with a margin the Dons built.

Bogart led the Dons with 223 yards on 10 of 17 completions. He could have had a lot more if Cathedral had elected to throw every down.

It was clear from the start that Cathedral wanted to shut down Steele Canyon ace running back LONNIE TUFF. The Dons held the senior to 39 yards on 14 carries.

No. 15 CHULA VISTA 35, GRANITE HILLS 12 – A physical Chula Vista team that believed that it should be ranked in the Top 10 pummeled Granite Hills in Friday’s (Aug. 31) opener for both teams.

After a scoreless 1st quarter the Spartans bulled their way to a 35-6 3rd quarter lead.

“They were as big and fast as we thought they were,” said first-year Granite Hills coach KELLAN COBBS. “We played well for the first half, trailed only 14-6.”

The highlights were limited for the Eagles, whose quarterback TYLER HOPPER completed 7 of 10 passes for 61 yards, including an 11-yard TD pass to ARATH BLANCO.

Three other Eagles threw passes and one of them resulted in a touchdown pass from Blanco to JAKE MAZZANGA.

Another high point for Granite Hills is BLAKE DEHAVEN returned 3 kickoffs for 98 yards.

“I thought overall Hopper played well,” Cobbs said.

No. 19 GROSSMONT 28, RAMONA 24 – Grossmont scored three touchdowns in the final period to erase a 24-3 deficit in Friday’s (Aug. 31) season opener in Ramona.

It was the second time in as many openers between these two teams that the Foothillers overcame a 3 touchdown deficit.

Junior quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE was the ringleader, connecting on 14 of 23 passes for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns. BRETT STONE was his leading target, collecting 5 passes for 96 yards including a 22-yard scoring strike.

JEFF BOWERS had 3 grabs for 105 yards. CHRISTIAN BROOKS also had 3 catches, one for a touchdown.

MARLON LAMPART (9-for-29) scored the winning touchdown on a 3-yard run with three minutes to play.

Lawrence finished the game with 275 total yards, 3 touchdowns and a 2-point conversion.

TRENT GALKOSKI returned an interception 51 yards for Grossmont. RYAN GREEN also picked one off for the Hillers.

Hat-poppers

Who says Christian High doesn't play hard-hitting football? Defender Dylan Johnson of the Patriots (in blue) pops the helmet off the Linfield Christian running back (34). (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (8-30-12) — Thoughts of a national championship had been bouncing in the head of the Helix Highlanders before Sept. 3 when the Scotties opened the 2011 season with a 21-14 loss to visiting Eastlake at Jim Arnaiz Field.

A controversial pass interference call in the end zone in the final 67 seconds gave Eastlake the victory in last season’s opener.

The Highlanders, who were ranked No. 2 in the nation – according to MaxPreps – a year ago, are now tabbed No. 1 in the San Diego CIF preseason ratings. The Titans rest at No.7 according to the media.

“The rankings don’t hold a lot of weight,” said head coach TROY STARR. “I know they have us No. 1 but they need to consider that we are missing seven of our eight offensive linemen, and five of our six defensive linemen are gone (to graduation). It’s obvious we have a lot of work to do.

“It’s flattering but I don’t see how people rank us No. 1. The rankings are about the last thing I think about, and that’s always been the case.”

This is not to say that Helix is without ability.

“We have some front line skill guys,” Starr added. “We can hit some home runs, and we certainly will.”

MICHAEL ADKINS is a blue chip running back for the Highlanders and KENDAL KEYS is a double threat as a wide receiver/defensive back. AMU MILO (5-9, 260) is a two-way anchor in the trenches.

Starr says that Eastlake has a similar talent alignment... Helix 28-21.

MIRA MESA at VALHALLA – There is no question that the Norsemen will be stocked with offense. This team is led by quarterback RAMSEY ROMANO and junior receivers JOHN TODD and BEN HOWARD.

“Howard is a smooth receiver,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY. “Todd is a Division I talent kid who has good size (6-foot-6).”

JASON JEFFERSON directs the running game for the Norsemen, while middle linebacker RYAN ERNSBARGER anchors the defense.

The Norsemen have enough skill players to pull off a victory but defense is a question mark... Mira Mesa 28-20.

No. 3 CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC at No. 10 STEELE CANYON – The Cougars are loaded with offensive talent, including quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE. That will hardly intimidate No. 3 ranked Cathedral Catholic, so this should be a high scoring shootout.

The ticket to victory for Steele Canyon is running back LONNIE TUFF.

“He wants the ball in his hands and we want to give it to him,” said Cougars first-year coach SCOTT LONGERBONE. “He’s a ghost and disappears whenever you’re looking for him.”

No question, Tuff is the leader of the Cougars’ 3-point attack.

“Our offensive line did a great job of picking up blitzes in our scrimmage against Olympian,” Longerbone said.

That should no doubt help Tuff break into cover... Steele Canyon 24-21.

No. 19 GROSSMONT at RAMONA – The Foothillers present a new coach in TOM KARLO, who should elevate Grossmont’s passing game. The key to Grossmont’s success hinges around quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE, who was on the bulls-eye in last weekend’s Hilltop scrimmage.

“Anthony was really sharp – hit 10 out of 11 passes,” Karlo said.

The coach said the Foothillers have 59 players on their varsity, which only bolsters four returning offensive linemen. The key receiver for Grossmont is RYAN GREEN, who is coming off an ACL surgery.

“We’re still in the process of gaining stability in our offense,” Karlo added. “We know it’s going to take time and that’s what we’re taking.”

Ramona is tough at home but the nod goes to... Grossmont 21-20.

MOUNT MIGUEL at FALLBROOK – Senior TONY DOZIER is one of the top running backs in East County and figures to take advantage of his experience to enhance Mount Miguel’s ground attack.

The Matadors’ offense is led by quarterback BRAD MORENO.

“We have six or seven guys that may be cleared whenever the CIF decides to do so,” said first-year Mount Miguel coach SHAUN McDADE.

Both of these teams are unknown quantities, but the pick is... Mount Miguel 28-20.

WEST HILLS at SANTANA – It almost seems strange that for the third year Santee rivals Santana and West Hills will open the season in the annual battle for the Jack Dale Cup, formerly the Mayor’s Cup. Games such as this are usually waged near the end of the season. But since the Sultans are in Division IV in the Grossmont Valley League and West Hills is in Division III in the Grossmont Hills League, it doesn’t seem to matter when they play.

Graduation wiped out Santana, which finished second in the San Diego CIF Division IV championship.

The Wolf Pack, on the other hand, returns a bundle of players, which makes it more of a favorite in the Grossmont Hills League.

“We had a good off-season,” said West Hills coach TAY SNEDDON. “Instead of spending a total of eight days working out, we spent four days a week in the weight room.”

The highlight of West Hills’ off-season workout was participation in the Fresno Team Camp. The Wolf Pack is led by quarterback RASHAAN MILLER, running back ERIC SEABOCH and a handful of others.

Not only are the Sultans short-handed in terms of experienced players, injuries have also cut the rosters. First-year Santana coach TIM ESTES is counting on seniors BRANDON PATTERSON and SHELDON PAYNE to try to pick up the slack.

“Our kids saw Santana celebrate winning last year (42-7) and I told them ‘remember what this feels like,’” Sneddon said. “It’s gonna be our turn next year...” West Hills 37-8.

This will mark the Lakesiders second trip to the Pacific Isles in six years. With TANNER RUST at the controls in 2007, El Capitan outslugged King Kekaulike 51-36.

In the season opener for Kailua Kona, fullback David Fangupo (6-2, 348) scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 6-yard run with 7:13 remaining in the third quarter Friday night as Kealakehe rallied past Kailua, 10-3 in the non-league opener.

Lennox Costales, a fleet-footed tailback lined up with the Waveriders’ three-back I-formation, finishing with 97 yards on 23 carries.

“We have seven players down with the flu and one concussion in practice,” said Burner. “This will be a very tough game to say the least. They run a 4-3 defense and both tackles are 325 and 320, a fullback that is 6-2, 348 and a huge O-line. We will have to be very sharp, this is their third game. Playing on natural grass will slow us down.”

El Capitan will look to quarterback JAKE ALVERNAZ and an assortment of running backs to counterpunch the Hawai’ians... Kealakehe 14-13.

MONTE VISTA at SERRA, 6:30 p.m. — Monte Vista has not enjoyed a winning season in the last seven years. Fact is, the Monarchs are 5-25 over the last three campaigns.

So veteran coach RON HAMAMOTO, who has created success at Rancho Bernardo and Lincoln in the past, is facing a major rebuilding job.

For Hamamoto the task may not be as tall as anticipated. Rarely do the Monarchs lack in skill position types and this year is no exception. What makes this club a quick fix is the number of quality linemen to give the skill crew a lift. These teams have split two previous meetings... Monte Vista 14-7.

GRANITE HILLS at No. 15 CHULA VISTA – This has been a pretty even series over the previous 11 meetings, with the Spartans holding a 6-5 lead.

The nod this time will obviously go to host Chula Vista, which returns quarterback Ricky Estevez (1709 yards, 16 TDs). Running back Jevonte Reed, who rushed for 1278 yards with 11 TDs last year, gives the Spartans the balance they’ll need to challenge for the SDCIF Division I championship.

“ Chula Vista is one of the better teams we’ll play,” said first-year Granite Hills coach KELLAN COBBS.

For the Eagles, senior TYLER HOPPER takes over at quarterback to lead a young offense. Safety DOMINIC BANAGA and linebacker JACOB TAUSAUGA are the anchors of the Granite Hills defense.

This has been a close series, with the Spartans holding a 7-6 edge, but the latest renewal will not be close... Chula Vista 35-13.

LINFIELD CHRISTIAN vs. No. 22 CHRISTIAN at Granite Hills – Wholesale losses in the Christian High Patriots lineup could create woes in the San Diego CIF Division V team’s lineup, but not enough to make the club anything less than a contender in the Central League race.

The Pats must absorb the loss of Colorado-bound quarterback SHANE DILLON among other standouts. But running back RAYVON OWENS is among the best in the section and his able of picking up the pace. WR PHILLIP GEORGE is a sure-handed receiver and TRENTON SAULS is a double threat as a RB and LB. TYLER LESLIE is a solid two-way lineman.

The Patriots rolled won last year’s meeting 34-0... The results could be similar this time around... Christian 27-7.

SWEETWATER at EL CAJON VALLEY – Things are looking up for coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD and his Braves, who won only one game a year ago. Quarterback HAKIM HARRIS returns to the huddle and that is a definitely plus. He has a blue-chip receiver in VIRNEL MOON, who features :4.5 speed and a hard-nosed running back in ANTOINE WHITE.

The El Cajon Valley line is anchored by DYLAN AQUAYO and KARIAR AL-NEIEM.

“We are bigger, stronger and faster,” Whitehead said.

Sweetwater leads the all-time series 9-2-1, but the edge here goes to... El Cajon Valley 27-23.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN vs. CALVIN CHRISTIAN at Seau Field – Credit head coach THOM LUBIC for putting together a competitive Foothills Christian football team.

“We’ve spent most of the summer with only five players, so we couldn’t play in the majority of the passing leagues (which require seven players),” Lubic said. “But it’s always been that way here. We seem to always pick up players as the opening day of school nears.”

The Knights figure to field 25 players for Friday (Aug. 31) night’s opener against Calvin Christian, including blue-chip quarterback KYLE MOBERG and hard-nosed running back SPENCER GEORGE...Foothills Christian 20-12.

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE at HORIZON – Sorry, RedHawks fans. We tried contacting the coaching staff four times, but no one responds – do telephones work in the Back Country?

Because of a scheduling conflict with the Chargers, who play home games Nov. 25 against the Baltimore Ravens and Dec. 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the five division title games cannot be played at Qualcomm Stadium.

After several weeks of searching for alternative sites, San Diego Section commissioner Jerry Schniepp announced that all of those games will be played Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Escondido High, which seats approximately 5,000.

Schniepp talked about the possibility of renting portable seating for that weekend. Nothing concrete has come of that as yet.

The Division V and I championship games will be played Nov. 30 at Escondido with the Division IV, III and II games contested the next day on the Cougars' synthetic turf field.

"I know everyone will be disappointed about not playing at Qualcomm,'' Schniepp said. “There just isn't anything we can do about it. We're at the mercy of the NFL schedule makers.

Staging five championship contests in between the Chargers games is not possible, as the natural-grass field could not be repaired in time for the second NFL game.

Schniepp plans to sit down with Escondido officials as well as representatives of the Escondido Police Department, Calvin Christian High as well as San Pasqual High to discuss every aspect of staging the finals at Escondido High School.

Calvin Christian would be used for overflow parking. Fans could be shuttled to the game from nearby high schools.

"In the end, I'm hoping we can make the finals attractive,'' Schniepp said.

Escondido High School refurbished its stadium and football field in 1998.

Repeating on the All-East County first team on offense is Helix quarterback Brandon Lewis (4), and one of his key blockers, Amu Milo (54). (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com)

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (12-13-11) — It should come as little surprise that the state bowl-bound Helix Highlanders have claimed 17 berths on the 2011 All-East County Sports.com football team.

Senior quarterback BRANDON LEWIS and WILLIAM "AMU" MILO of Helix were repeat first-team All-East County Sports.com selections. Same is true for Christian High senior wide receiver KYLE HARRIS.

On the defensive side, Helix linebacker KACY SMITH was selected the East County Sports.com Player of the Year.

Coach of the Year honors went to Santana’s DAVE GROSS for leading the Sultans to an 11-2 finish and a berth in the San Diego CIF Division IV finals at Qualcomm Stadium.

Lewis, who has passed for 2,750 yards and 34 touchdowns this season, shared All-East County Sports.com Offensive Player of the Year honors with Valhalla signal-signal-caller FRANK FOSTER (2,933 total offense and 39 TDs).

Milo established himself as the premier two-way lineman.

Repeat first team picks on the All-East County Sports.com defense from Helix were Milo, senior linebacker GARY THOMPSON, Smith and corner JIMMY PRUITT, along with linemen BEN GOSSMEYER (Steele Canyon) and CORY LITTLETON (Mount Miguel). El Capitan’s JOSH MURPHY was tabbed the top punter for the second year in a row.

Other East County Sports.com offensive award winners included: Grossmont sophomore quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE (Offensive Rookie of the Year) and Christian High junior RAYVON OWENS (Offensive Unsung Hero).

Defensively speaking, junior lineman De’SHAWN TONE (Rookie of the Year) and senior linebacker ANTHONY BUZZELL (Unsung Hero), both of Valhalla also received major awards from the East County Sports.com staff.

East County sweeps all major awards

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (12-14-11) —The All-San Diego Section team, selected by the media, was released, with East County sweeping all of the major awards. Ten players (five on defense and five on offense) were named first team, with KACY SMITH and BRANDON LEWIS tabbed the section Players of the Year. Coach of the Year went to Santana High's DAVE GROSS. Nine more made the second team, too.

CIF Defensive Player of the Year	CIF Offensive Player of the Year
Helix High linebacker Kacy Smith (left) and quarterback Brandon Lewis were named the CIF-San Diego Section players of the year, in voting by the media under the auspices of the San Diego Hall of Champions. (Photos by Neal Williams (left) and Anthony Gentile)
CIF-San Diego Section Coach of the Year
The CIFSDS Coach of the Year for 2011 is Santana High's Dave Gross, who led the Sultans to a berth in the CIF Division IV championship game. A media panel with the Hall of Champions bestowed the honor. (Nathan Price photo, youatplay.com)