Grossmont linebacker Dan Jacobs (right) gets the low-down to tackle Marcus Taylor of Escondido in a 30-6 romp by the unbeaten Foothillers. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

By Andrew Smith
Special to East County Sports
LA JOLLA (9-9-12) — It was a match up of two teams that are mirror images of each other at La Jolla High on Saturday (Sept. 8) night. Both Monte Vista and The Bishop's rely heavily on the ground game and misdirection to keep their opponents guessing, but the final outcome was decided by a wild card.

The Monarchs (1-1) only collected one win the previous season, but the rushing attack of JAMEIL JACKSON (16 car, 93 yds, 3 TD) and ERIC COLLINS (20 car, 95 yds, 1 TD) proved to be too much to handle, rooking the Knights in their home opener, 33-12.

Early in the third quarter, The Bishop's William Nahm found Mike Hinkley for a 16-yard scoring strike through the air to make it a 20-12 contest, but continuing mistakes eventually proclaimed checkmate as the 22-man roster started to wear down in the end.

“We just can't seem to put together a full game yet and that has to change if we are going to be successful,” Hinkley fumed. “Last week we started slow and this week we ended slow. “We need to go harder in practice so we can turn this ship around.”

After the Knights (0-2) couldn't convert on a field goal, Monte Vista's TIM BROWN picked off his second pass of the day – their next possession – and took it 31 yards for the score to thwart any attempt of a comeback.

“Once the ball was in the air I just had to fight for it,” the senior said after compiling 57 yards on two interception returns. “All I could think was I have to go get this right now for our team.”

The Monarchs played mistake-free and as a team rushed 50 times for 230 yards, beating the Knights at their own game. They also kept sophomore sensation Bulla Graft somewhat in check, allowing him only 120 yards on 13 carries – which may seem like a lot – but keeping the shifty back under 10 yards a carry is actually a good thing for opposing coaches.

“We had way too many mistakes last week and knew that had to change,” Monarchs junior Jackson stated. “We've been practicing hard all week on our defensive back play and my boy Tim Brown is a game-changer. That's all I can say. It feels great to come out of here with the win tonight.”

Valhalla's Benjamin Howard registered four TD receptions against Madison, establishing a school record and equalling an all-time East County mark. (Photo by Don DeMars)

East County Record Book TD Receptions, Single Game

TDs Player, School Opponent,Date 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Benjamin Howard, Valhalla Phillip Cook, El Capitan A.J. Conti, El Capitan Nick Swift, Granite Hills Willy James, West Hills Dowey Dorough, Mount Mig. Steve Swain, Grossmont Allan Durden, Helix Allan Durden, Helix* Mike Ortega, Granite Hills Larry Olson, Grossmont Larry Forster, Santana Madison, 2012 Santana, 2007 St. Aug., 2006 Santana, 1996 USDHS, 1994 Valhalla, 1982 Monte Vista, 1981 Mount Mig., 1980 Mount Mig., 1980 ECVHS, 1971 Vista, 1971 ECVHS, 1968 *CIF Championship game

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-8-12) — While the Valhalla High offense continues to roll up the points (70 in two games), the Norsemen’s tackling unit almost gets hidden in the fray.

Led by BRANDON “Spencer” HAVIRD, who rolled up 11 tackles, 4 pass break-ups and an interception, the Norsemen clipped visiting Madison, 42-28, in Friday night’s (Sept. 7) non-league game.

“Our defense was soft last week (in a 38-28 loss to Mira Mesa),” Havird said. “But our defensive line dug in this week and that gave our linebackers and secondary a chance to succeed.”

But this was hardly a game of defense as the two teams scored 70 points in a game won by Valhalla 42-28.

Norsemen senior quarterback RAMSEY ROMANO threw a school-record five touchdown passes – 4 of which went to BENJAMIN HOWARD. He scored on strikes of 24, 10, 71 and 55 yards. BRYAN MACIAS gathered in a 5-yard pass for a score.

“We’ve been playing together for seven years,” Howard said of his friendship with Romano. “He makes it really easy for me because he has such great reads. He does a good job of looking off the defender before he throws the ball.”

“I got so many good leads that it made it easy for me to make that many touchdowns,” Howard added.

Valhalla (1-1) put the game away midway through the 4th quarter when Howard grabbed a 55-yard scoring pass from Romano.

“We were able to beat them deep all night,” Howard noted.

“My receivers always seem to find an opening,” said Romano. “And JIHAD (ELDER) was able to put his head down and run over people. You can’t ask for a better offense than we had tonight."
 

Grossmont quarterback Anthony Lawrence avoids the Escondido pass rush for a 14 yard pick-up. (Photos by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Early Hillers stop leads to inspirational win By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (9-8-12) — The defensive unit of the Grossmont Foothillers wasn’t going to allow one early mistake to ruin its ambition to honor their late coach. On the third snap of Friday's (Sept. 7) game, Escondido High quarterback Mitch Bertram raced 62 yards on an option-keeper. It gave the Cougars a 1st-and-goal and a chance to claim the early lead. "We weren't going to let them score," said Hillers linebacker DAN JACOBS. "We were playing for Coach (RON) MURPHY." A goal-line stand coupled with a missed chip-shot field goal turned the tide toward Grossmont, which raced to a 30-6 triumph in their first home game at Lt. Thomas M. Adams Memorial Field since Murphy passed during the offseason. "It's all about heart; it's all about effort," said Jacobs, who sacked Bertram twice to lead the defense. "We knew we could believe – knowing it in your head and your heart, just like Coach Murphy always told us." It's well known that Grossmont's players are working hard for two coaches – Murphy, and his replacement TOM KARLO. And by (heavenly) coincidence, a pregame ceremony remembered Murphy with a moment of silence, then Karlo was honored as the county's first coach of the week for 2012 by the San Diego Chargers for an opening night come-from-behind 28-24 triumph at Ramona. "This is all for Coach Murphy; this whole season is for him," added linebacker HAYDEN HERRINGTON. "It's been emotional, but everything we do is dedicated to him." "I kiss my helmet and I kiss my 'R.M.' sticker for him." The early stop by the defense was followed by a 17-point outburst by the Hillers' offense in the second quarter to seize control. Meanwhile, the special teams unit converted three fields -- boots of 29, 27 and 37 yards by J.T. Barnes -- blocked an Escondido field goal, and recovered the ball when the Cougars punter simply dropped the ball. It was one of six unforced fumbles by Escondido (1-1). "We kept shooting ourselves in the foot with mistakes," Cougars head coach Steve Bridges said. "We would either make the wrong read or miss a block." "One of my assistant coaches thought we left 28 points on the field." Escondido rolled up 332 yards in total offense, but its lone score came after Grossmont posted a 20-0 lead. Grossmont needed just 5:55 to put 17 points on the scoreboard in the second quarter. An 11-play, 76-yard drive was capped with a 2-yard touchdown pass by quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE (15-for-25, 109 yards), finding Barnes over the middle behind a linebacker. A fumble recovery at midfield by Herrington set-up Barnes' first field goal to make it 10-0. Three plays later, Escondido dropped the snap out of the shotgun formation, with the ball getting poked and tapped back for a 23-yard loss before getting scooped by MARCUS FLISHER. Although he was tripped after a 6-yard runback just seven yards shy of a score, MARLON LAMPART was able to reach the end zone on a 1-yard plunge. Escondido finally scored with 2:22 left in the third quarter when receiver J.C. Hernandez raced along the right sideline to haul in a 38-yard 38 pass from Bartram. However, Grossmont's JOSH ANDERSON countered with a 17-yard TD rush in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. Barnes later added his final field goal, finishing the contest with 12 points, going 3-for-3 on both PATs and field goals. JEFF BOWERS led the Hillers with four receptions for 33 yards. On the ground, Lambert rushed 12 times for 51 yards. For Escondido , Bertram garnered a game-high 135 yards, but was corraled to minus-3 yards in the second half after bursting to 89 yards in the first period.

Grossmont running back Marcus Flisher bursts through a hole opened by Logan Candelano (75), among others, to defeat visiting Escondido, 30-6.

In Friday’s (Sept. 7) contest with Montgomery he made 9 tackles, recorded a safety, returned a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown and two big hits and a pair of sacks.

“He had an unbelievable game,” said Braves coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD. “He’s being recruited by Northern Arizona University , New Mexico State and San Jose State .”

ANTOINE WHITE led the Braves ground game with 108 yards on 20 carries and one touchdown.

VIRNEL MOON caught a TD pass from quarterback HAKIM HARRIS, who also scored once on a 5-yard run.

El Cajon Valley’s defense came up with 3 sacks, including 2 by KARIER AL-NAIEM and one by HECTOR MALDONADO.

EL CAPITAN 28, GRANITE HILLS 21 – Granite Hills and El Capitan dropped their opening games of the season by a combined point total of 70-25. With Granite Hills traveling into Lakeside Friday night (Sept. 7), both teams had two things on their mind: an early season identity... and a win.

El Capitan tried to steal the momentum right off the bat. With the Eagles back to receive the opening kick-off, El Capitan opted for the on-sides kick. Although Granite Hills recovered at their own 47, they could muster only 3 yards to midfield.

Vaquero head coach RON BURNER explained his strategy.

"Our opponents’ average starting position in the first game was the 45-yard line, so we thought maybe we could get a quick momentum lift," he said.

While Granite couldn't muster a 1st down in its first possession, El Capitan moved the ball from their own 30 to the Eagles 13-yard line in 11 plays on their first series.

Vaqueros sophomore quarterbacks BRAD CAGLE was 5 of 6 for 31 yards and JAKE ALVERNAZ had 4 touches for 27 yards on the drive. But with 4th and 8 on
the 13, the Vaqueros elected to forego the field goal. One yard later, it was Granite Hills ball.

Granite Hills went backwards in it's second drive and following a 41-yard punt and 10-yard return, El Capitan set up shop on the Eagles 40-yard line. Two plays later on 3rd and 12, Cagle dialed up his favorite play.

"We send multiple receivers on streak routes and when the safety commits, I go to the one-on-one coverage,” Cagle said."

Alvernaz was his favorite target and streak he did – 42 yards later Alvernaz and the Vaqueros were in the end zone. Following the PAT, the Vaqueros led 7-0.

The Eagles again faltered on their 3rd drive. After a short punt, the Vaqueros seemed poised to take command of the game early in the 2nd quarter. But on 3rd and 11 from their own 46, Granite Hills defensive back MICHAEL LADESMA introduced himself to the crowd. Ladesma stepped in front of a Cagle throw at the Granite 40-yard line and returned the interception 45 yards to the El Capitan .

Just 15. 5 plays later Eagles junior running back CODY ARCHER punched in from the 1-yard line for a TD. With 9:12 left in the half, Granite and El Capitan were knotted at 7-7.

The Vaqueros answer came 35 seconds later. Starting from their own 35, wideout DILLON RETTIG got loose down the right sideline for a 60-yard catch and run that ended on the Eagles 5-yard line. Bulldozer fullback DJ SMITH finished the drive with a 2-yard run and El Capitan once again had the lead,
14-7.

Coach Burner had high praise for his young QB, "Cagle is inexperienced, but has a lot of poise. We felt comfortable going down the field and taking our shots early.”

The two squads exchanged field position for the next four possessions, and it seemed as though El Capitan would enjoy a 14-7 halftime lead. But facing a 4th and 8 on their own 48-yard line, a low snap on the punt allowed Granite Hills to take over on downs at the El Cap 37.

The Eagles seem to sputter, but on 3rd and 10 from the 37, the Vaqueros were flagged for pass interference. Granite Hills had new life at the Vaquero 22-yard line as senior quarterback TYLER HOPPER and wide receiver JOSH LONGBREAK made El Capitan pay the price. With 13.1 seconds left in the half, they hooked up for 20 yards and a 14-14 halftime score.

Sensing a momentum switch right before the half, Granite Hills decided to pounce on El Capitan to start the 3rd quarter. It backfired. A failed on-sides kick led to a Vaqueros score only 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter. Four different Vaqueros handled the ball, highlighted by a 25-yard burst by Cagle.

However, on 2nd and 7 from the 8-yard line, Vaqueros running back AUSTIN WATSON found the end zone and El Capitan was quickly up 21-14.

On Granite Hills first series of the 2nd half, Hopper had to leave the game with an
undisclosed injury. Junior quarterback CHRIS MEREDITH took over and the offense struggled over the next three possessions.

El Capitan’s third possession of the 2nd half saw Cagle dump a short pass to
SCOTT ROOT. Root broke tackles and Granite Hills heart with a 54-yard jaunt into the end zone.

Or so it seemed.

Down 28-14, Meredith and the Eagles answered with a fierce rally starting at their own 12-yard line. A reverse-pass with Longbreak taking a hand-off and flipping to ARATH BLANCO, who found JUSTIN MITCHELL downfield for 24 yards and a first down. Meredith then hooked up with Longbreak for 14 yards.
Out of nowhere, JACOB MAZZENGA emerged for catches of 16, 15, and 10 yards. With 1st and goal at the 3, the Eagles finally punched it in with Meredith doing the honors... 2:08 left in the game and El Capitan ’s lead had slipped to 28-21.

But Granite's on-sides kick was recovered at the El Capitan 46-yard line. On 3rd and 3, with the game on the line, the Vaqueros put their faith in Root. They were rewarded. Root moved the chains and sealed the victory for El Capitan 28-21.

Cagle finished with 225 yards passing and 2 TD'S. He also added 27 yards on the ground. Root had 81 yards receiving and a TD, while Alvernaz had 71 yards
and a TD. Rettig finished with 61 yards on two catches.

— MARK MEADOWS

OTAY RANCH 37, MOUNT MIGUEL 12 – Mount Miguel’s BRAD MORENO missed the first two weeks of football training camp in August while playing baseball for Lemon Grove in the Senior Little League World Series in Bangor , Maine . While that didn’t seem to bother the junior quarterback in the Matadors’ opening-game romp of Fallbrook last week, a couple of untimely errors cost him dearly against Otay Ranch.

Overall, the Mustangs took advantage of five Mount Miguel turnovers in swiping a 37-12 upset victory in the Matadors’ home opener on Friday night (Sept. 7).

It was not as though Moreno played poorly – he threw for 144 yards and a touchdown, hitting on 13-of-23 attempts – but two plays proved costly.

“He was just trying to make a play,” Mount Miguel first year head coach SHAUN McDADE said. “When you have an athlete like ( Moreno ), he was trying to make something happen. Sometimes it doesn’t work out. He’s young. He’ll learn.”

With Otay Ranch holding a 7-0 advantage, Mount Miguel appeared ready to even the score midway through the second quarter. A 42-yard run by senior TONY DOZIER set up a first-and-goal at the 3-yard line. On third-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Moreno rolled out to pass, but no one appeared open. Defenders charging, Moreno attempted to flick a short pass to running back SHANNON NICKSON behind the line of scrimmage.

The ball was tipped and intercepted by Otay linebacker Jeremy Gula, who returned it 39 yards to midfield.

“It was going to be 7-7, and that changed the momentum,” McDade said.

With 1:40 left in the first half, and Otay Ranch holding a 14-0 advantage, Moreno was about to be sacked when he attempted to pitch the ball backward to an awaiting back. Again, Gula was there to sour the attempt. His fumble recovery at the 19-yard line quickly led to another touchdown and a 20-0 Otay Ranch lead 29 seconds before intermission.

Moreno was intercepted a second time on the second play of the second half.

McDade subbed sophomore JACOB CASTILLO at quarterback, and he guided the Matadors to within 20-6 late in the third quarter, tossing a 3-yard touchdown pass to JOVON RICHARDSON.

But the Mustangs answered quickly with a 9-play, 89-yard scoring to go up 27-6 with 9:59 to play in the game. The Mount Miguel defense had actually forced a 3-and-out punt situation, but a bad snap forced Mustangs punter Chris Martin to run the ball, and he turned that into a 7-yard pickup and a first down.

Five plays later, Otay junior quarterback Kyle Hawkins lofted a perfect, over-the-top pass to Quentin Bell for a 36-yard TD.

Two plays later, Castillo fumbled, and Otay Ranch’s Rasheed Farha returned it to the 18-yard line. A 40-yard field goal by Andres Burgoin just cleared the uprights, and the Mustangs had a 30-6 lead.

With Moreno back in on the next series, the Matadors drove 65-yards in six plays to make it 30-12. Moreno completed passes of 15 yards, 23 yards and finally 14 yards to RUDY CONSTANTINO for the score.

But proof that this was not ever going to be Mount Miguel ’s night, the Mustangs’ Martin scooped up an ensuing onside kick and raced untouched 51 yards to the end zone for the final score with 6:20 left.

“Turnovers, turnovers and big plays,” McDade explained, “I think we tried to play outside of ourselves, trying to make a big play instead of sticking with what we do best and staying within our game plan.”

In just his second game as a head coach, McDade has now experienced both extremes. Everything seemed to fall into place in his debut last week in a 50-33 romp over Fallbrook that was 33-13 at halftime.

In that game, Nickson rushed for 201 yards and two TDs on 12 carries. Against Otay Ranch, he carried four times for minus-20 yards and a costly fumble. His biggest gain was 2 yards, and he sustained a minor leg injury on a second-half kickoff return.

Against Fallbrook, fullback TONY DOZIER rushed for 151 yards and a TD on 22 attempts. Against Otay, he gained 68 on 12 carries – 42 yards coming on one run.

Against Fallbrook, Moreno threw for 95 yards with two TDs and was 8-for-16 passing, similar to his batting average while leading Lemon Grove to a runner-up finish to Guatemala in the Senior Little League World Series in mid-August.

Frustrating as the game was, McDade and the Matadors can look back on some highlights as they prepare to play No. 10-ranked Madison (1-1) next Friday (Sept.14).

Receiver RASHAD HARPER caught five passes for 78 yards, and Richardson added four receptions for 46 yards. JALEN WALKER posted two sacks, and AUGUSTIN BALTAZAR had a 39-yard interception return. Despite the lopsided score and unfavorable field position, the Matadors defense only allowed 99 yards rushing and 137 passing.

The bulk of Otay’s rushing was done by Anthony Williams Jr., who rushed for 85 yards and two TDs on 21 carries. His father, Anthony Williams, was a standout for Mount Miguel in the late 1980s.

“I thought defense, for the most part, they played hard,” McDade said. “Offensively, we put the defense in some bad spots. That’s tough to overcome.”

While McDade’s hope is that this will be the Matadors’ sloppiest game, Otay Ranch (2-0) deserves credit for playing well and taking advantage of all the turnovers.

“They played hard,” McDade said. “There’s no doubt it. They’ve got a good defense, and they’re a quality team.

“It was kind of eye-opening for us. It’s the first time we’ve had to face any adversities as a team.”

No. 1 HELIX 43, No. 9 VISTA 7 – The age old question remains – Will East County prep football ever get the respect they believe they deserve?

Just ask the state champion CIF defending champion Helix Highlanders. This crew is off a 2-0 start and now has won 15 games in succession.

The Highlanders were off and running, so to speak, as halfback MICHAEL ADKINS would set the tempo in a hurry on a 13-yard scamper for 6 points with 9:55 remaining in the first quarter. Kicker MARCUS NORRIS would add the first of five PAT’s on the night to put the Highlanders ahead 7-0.

The Highlander defense would also stand tall, not allowing a first down in the first half. Helix defensive back JALEN DAVIS grabbed an interception to boot.

The visiting Panthers from Vista High had no answer for the high octane Helix offense led by quarterback JOSH HARRIS, who finished with 16-for-23 passing for 302 yards and a pair of touchdown passes.

Vista also found itself backpedaling on the constant as the Highlanders

defense was stuffing the run and Panthers quarterback Anthony Padloff was under constant duress the whole evening.

Penalties would give the visitors an outside shot of beating the defending champs as Helix would finish the night with 4 penalties for 55 yards, two to help the Panthers’ only scoring drive with 7:30 left in the third quarter, which cut Helix’ lead to 28-7.

In reality it was all Highlanders football for the duration of the game, as the visiting crowd was left in awe of this superior foe.

Speed-wheeling Adkins would finish yet another spectacular outing on the ground, with 20 carries for 124 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a humble smile. Adkins has now scored 6 touchdowns in two games.

“Our offensive line continues to improve, so I was able to complete my mission, hitting the holes and gaining yardage,” said Adkins. “We wanted to create a balance of run and pass against this tougher opponent.”

This Helix team is one to be reckoned with and with a well-rounded team could be headed to another SDCIF championship and possibly more.

— DAVID DICKENS

No. 19 CHRISTIAN 49, SANTANA 26 – Patriots junior quarterback MICHAEL CARRILLO completed 11 of 30 passes for 283 yards and 4 touchdowns as Christian smashed visiting Santana in Friday’s (Sept. 7) contest at Granite Hills High.

“We’re a big play team,” said Patriots coach MATT OLIVER. “We’re not gonna drive the ball down the field so we’re hoping that our skill people will score long distance. But I have to say one thing, it’s nice to score this many points in a game.”

The Patriots scored on passes from Carrillo of 38 yards to ZANE COFFMAN, 62 yards and 16 yards to PHILLIP GEORGE, and 51 yards to KAI ARVAN.

RAYVON OWENS rushed for 104 yards on 12 carries for 2 touchdowns and Carrillo rushed for a 2-yard touchdown.

MASON POWELL was 7-for7 on PATs for the Pats, which extends his season streak to 14 in a row.

Sultans quarterback GABE KRUSE fired 3 touchdown passes of 93 yards to TYLER BROWNING in the losing effort for a Santana unit that led 26-25 with a quarter to play.

PETER FRAMCHEK intercepted a pass and ran for 31 yards and DYLAN ENGLISH booted a 35 field goal for the Sultans.

No. 10 ST. AUGUSTINE 27, No. 15 STEELE CANYON 21 – Steele Canyon head coach SCOTT LONGERBONE is banking on his tough early season schedule paying dividends down the line. After a tough blowout loss last week to Cathedral Catholic, the Steele Canyon Cougars fell 27-21 at home to the St. Augustine Saints.

“The kids are starting to come together, we just have to finish things off,” Longerbone said. “We made some mistakes, but playing this tough schedule, playing these teams, they are going to capitalize on mistakes.”

The Cougars struck first as quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE dropped a beautiful 40-yard pass into the hands of LAWRENCE DICKENS to put Steele Canyon up 6-0 in the first quarter. However, the Cougars left some points on the field with their second possession ending in a missed field goal and the following possession ending with an incomplete pass in the end zone on 4th down from the St. Augustine 13-yard line.

The Saints marched into the end zone on an 11-play 87-yard drive to make the score 7-6 after a short touchdown run by Tyler Herberger.

Steele Canyon answered with a 47-yard kickoff return by BRANDON HOWARD, followed by a masterful 11-play 49-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by RICKY FRANCIS. Andrade hit Dickens for the 2-point conversion and with 1:15 left in the 1st half, the Cougars looked to be going to the locker room with a 14-7 lead.

But the Saints bounced back with a fast-paced 5-play 75-yard drive that ended with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Jojo Hudson to Frank Burcher. The extra point was no good and the Cougars clung to a one point halftime lead.

“There were times in the game where I could have done a better job with timeouts, just to stop their momentum,” pointed out Longerbone.

The Steele Canyon defense forced a quick 3 and out to start the 2nd half. The offense then went 54 yards in 6 plays with Andrade finding Francis on a 13-yard screen pass for a touchdown. COREY NATHAN’s extra point made the score 21-13.

Then St. Augustine tight end Patrick Dixon went to work with some clutch catches on a 7-play 68-yard drive, culminating in a 26-yard touchdown catch. With the tying 2-point conversion the teams were tied at 21-21 heading into the 4th quarter.

St. Augustine scored the only points of the 4th quarter on an 8-play 68-yard drive capped off by a short touchdown run by Herburger.

Steele Canyon was again poised to answer with an impressive drive that came to an abrupt end as Dickens seemed destined for pay dirt on a sweep only to be stripped of the football at the 8-yard line. The ball rolled out the back of the end zone ending the Cougars last threat to score.

Punter ZACH VANCE pinned the Saints deep in their own territory with a well executed 60-yard punt that was downed at the Saints 5-yard line by DANIEL HERNANDEZ. But the Saints offense ran out the clock and sent the Cougars to 0-2.

Dickens was the Cougars offensive standout with 3 catches for 86 yards, 3 carries for 24 yards, and 1 completion for 30 yards on a halfback pass. JONATHAN GAUTHIER led the Cougar defense with 6 tackles. ISAIAH WALKER notched a sack and ISAIAH EDWARDS registered 3 pass deflections for a game defense that just didn’t have an answer for Dixon in the second half.

“Coach Sanchez (Saints Coach) does a great job and when they see an opportunity they capitalize on it,” said Longerbone. “I need to clean up some things coaching wise. We’re very close to being a good football team, we just have to get it together.”

— DAVID HURST

WEST HILLS 45, KEARNY 6 – The Wolf Pack is proving that it is ready to contend for the Grossmont Hills League championship as Friday night (Sept. 7) they posted their second straight win.

ERIC SEABOCH scored on runs of 12, 5 and 21 yards as West Hills overcame a 6-0 deficit to turn the game into a rout.

Seaboch galloped for 140 yards and 3 scores on 15 carries to spearhead the Wolf Pack. He’s now scored 5 touchdowns for undefeated West Hills.

The Pack turned a 10-6 halftime lead into a blowout over the Komets.

DANIEL McMANUS lofted a 31-yard field goal and was 6-for-6 on PATs for the Pack.

Also scoring for West Hills were PEANUT HERRADA, NOAH YLAGAN and ALEX COPELAND.

West Hills generated almost 300 yards as they ran their record to 2-0.

Nehemiah Brown of Valhalla (right) rushed for 70 yards in a 42-28 triumph over visiting Madison. (Photo by Don DeMars)

SPENCER GEORGE was the main cog in the Knights’ conquest as he rushed for 77 yards on 12 carries, caught one pass for 19 yards and intercepted a pass that led to a touchdown.

Not to be overlooked was Foothills Christian quarterback KYLE MOBERG, who rushed for 121 yards, passed for 67 and scored two touchdowns.

“We just kept wearing them down,” said Knights coach THOM LUBIC. “When we’re healthy we’re a pretty good offensive team. But one of the major improvements of our squad is we’re getting better line play. That, and we’re more healthy than we were a year ago.”

Grossmont High coach Tom Karlo is presented with a check for $1,500 by Darrell Stuckey (25) of the San Diego Chargers as San Diego County's coach of the week following the Foothillers' 28-24 victory at Ramona to open the 2012 season. Members of the Charger Girls joined the ceremony, along with Karlo's son, Chase, in the center holding the check.. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (9-6-12) — Helix High head coach TROY STARR wasn’t sure what to make out of watching films of Vista’s 32-10 loss to Grandview, Colo., in last week’s season opener.

So coach, how do you plan to take on a team that is so unknown.

“We have to work on what we do,” said Starr, whose Highlanders beat Eastlake 28-6 in their opener. “The thing is, we played a clean game – no turnovers.”

The Highlanders also displayed a balanced offense that included 101 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns by MICHAEL ADKINS and 8 of 14 passing by quarterback JOSH HARRIS for a touchdown in the victory over Eastlake.

“Josh was able to manage the game very well,” Starr said. “If we keep playing at this level and improving as we go, we should have a pretty good season.”

The Highlanders can continue to roll against the 9th-ranked Panthers... Helix 28-17.

ESCONDIDO (1-0) at No. 17 GROSSMONT (1-0) – Veteran head coach TOM KARLO was not surprised by the Foothillers’ come-from-behind victory in their season opener.

Hillers quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE completed 14 of 23 passes for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead East County hurlers.

“He’s still gonna get better as he learns our system,” Karlo said of Lawrence. “We had some big plays and that helped us win the game.

“But the player of the game, as far as I’m concerned was (linebacker) TIGRAN GUMUSHYAN, who made the key tackle on a 4th-down play on the 1-yard line in the 3rd quarter.”

Gumushyan finished with 15 tackles, the same as TRENT GALKOSKI, who also had an interception.

Escondido leads the all-time series 5-1 over Grossmont, and the Foothillers are not likely to break the trend... Escondido 20-18.

Granite Hills leads the all-time series 26-17, including last season's 34-20 victory in the teams' first meeting since 2002 when the Vaqueros won 48-0. This game will be a lot closer as both teams are laden with inexperienced players.

Illness continues to plague El Capitan. Even coach RON BURNER has had to fight the flu, strep throat and a chest cold in the last three months, not to mention 12 of his players have suffered with the flu.

Burner would not refer to his team as a “M.A.S.H. unit,” and insisted his squad would be ready to face off against Granite Hills.

“We can’t worry about their problem,” noted Granite Hills’ first-year coach KELLAN COBBS. “They run a 3-3 Stack and we have to take advantage of that.”

On the Granite Hills side, linebackers JAKE MAZZANGA, JORDAN TANNAHILL and DOMINIC BANAGA anchor a defense that’s only going to get better as the season progresses.

El Capitan will test that unit with quarterback JAKE ALVERNAZ and running back AUSTIN WATSON.

El Capitan has won the last three meetings but the nod this time goes to... Granite Hills 21-17.

KEARNY (1-0) at WEST HILLS (1-0) – Make no mistake about it, the West Hills Wolf Pack are a team on the rise.

This is a team that was 7-3 as junior varsity, and 8-2 as freshmen. They’re ready to take off.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” said Pack coach TAY SNEDDON. “We feel like we’re more physical than we were last year and are ready to compete.”

Defensive end JORDAN ARNOLD registered 5 sacks in the Wolf Pack’s 47-14 blowout of city rival Santana in their opener.

“He reacts off the ball extremely quickly,” Sneddon said of Arnold. “When you look at him you don’t think of him as a dynamic pass rusher, but somehow he always gets in there.”

West Hills hopes to avenge last year’s 34-14 loss to the Komets.

On West Hills’ side, the Pack has 55 returning players compared to 33 for Kearny.

“The next four games will have a lot of impact on where we stand in the playoff picture,” Sneddon said.

So this week’s battle against Kearny is a key bout... West Hills 27-21.

OTAY RANCH (1-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL (1-0) – The Matadors unleashed several offensive weapons but first-year coach SHAUN McDADE credited his linebackers – JALEN WALKER, VINCE PINEDA, SONNY SAMOATA and MIRACLE TAUSAGA – for shutting down Fallbrook in their opener.

Mount Miguel scored 33 points in the first half and never looked back.

East County rushing leader SHANNON NICKSON leads with 201 yards and 2 touchdowns to spark the Matadors.

The Matadors have beaten Fallbrook in 4 of 6 meetings and should continue to do so.

The prediction here is... Mount Miguel 28-13.

No. 10 ST. AUGUSTINE (1-0) at No. 15 STEELE CANYON (0-1) – Credit first-year coach SCOTT LONGERBONE for taking on the elite teams in San Diego County. He’ll do it again on Friday (Sept. 7) when the Saints of St. Augustine visit Cougar country.

“I like to schedule quality opponents,” Longerbone said. “And Saints is a Top 10 team.”

Sounds good but this may be a little bit hard to chew. Considering St. Augustine clipped Carlsbad 23-13 last week, the Cougars may be up against the wall as they were in a 35-6 loss to Cathedral Catholic in the opener.

“KODY CLAIRMONT, DALVIN BARNES, ISAIAH WHITE, ANTHONY HERNANDEZ and ANGEL PALMA-VANN anchor the defensive trenches for the Cougars.

“None of them are superstars but they are definitely workhorses,” Longerbone said.

Longerbone is also fond of the work of Cougars linebackers ISAIAH EDWARDS, ALEX WILEY and JORDAN JOHNSON.

“We have a lot of youth on our defense but they’re getting better,” the coach said.
St. Augustine... 28-14.

No. 11 MADISON (1-0) at VALHALLA (0-1) – Quarterback RAMSEY ROMANO and the high powered Norsemen offense should be too much for visiting Madison in Friday’s (Sept. 7) non-league encounter. This is a mystery battle where offense could prevail.

“I don’t want to brag about it but of my five losses as coach here 4 have been by 3 points or less,” said Valhalla coach CHARLES BUSSEY.

The Norsemen have been inconsistent as they gave up 70 plays and only had 48 plays against Mira Mesa.

One of the standouts for the Norsemen was BYRAN MACIAS, who caught 9 passes for 123 yards.

“The thing about Ramsey is he is an unheralded quarterback,” said Bussey. “He can throw the deep ball, which is what he likes to do, but what we want him to do is hit the open receiver – deep or short.”
Madison... 28-24.

MONTGOMERY (0-1) at EL CAJON VALLEY (1-0) – For the first time since 2008 the Braves are looking at a 2-0 start after burying Sweetwater 48-13. In fact, the 2008 unit went 4-0 and this year’s group is capable of matching that start.

“We’ve got a lot of momentum going,” said Braves coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD. “Overall our team has a different mentality. The kids believe when they take the field that they’re going to be successful.”

El Cajon Valley ’s running back ANTOINE WHITE (16 carries, 100 yards, 2 TDs) is the leader of a team loaded with skill position players.

“We are a whole different team than last year,” Whitehead said.

Montgomery lost to Bonita Vista 33-19 in their season opener... El Cajon Valley 35-14.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (1-0) at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN 0-1) – Defense is the name of the game at Foothills Christian. The Knights proved that in a season-opening 12-7 win over Calvin Christian. Maranatha Christian, meanwhile, was slugged by San Pasqual Academy 42-14. That game was decided in the second half as the Dragons turned a 7-0 deficit into a rout.

QB KYLE MOBERG did all the scoring for Foothills Christian in the opener, which means hard-charging running back SPENCER GEORGE will be even more hungry to devour the Eagles.... Foothills Christian 21-8

SANTANA (0-1) vs. CHRISTIAN (1-0) at Granite Hills – This one could get ugly as the defending SDCIF Div. V champion Christian High Patriots are an explosive unit that knows how to play defense. Santana is in a rebuilding mode with a new coach and that creates a learning curve for a year or two.

This year’s Christian unit, which features a handful of weapons, may be better than last year’s... Christian 31-7.

Sat., Sept. 8
MONTE VISTA (0-1) vs. THE BISHOP’S (0-1) at La Jolla High – This should be an interesting encounter as the Monarchs are on the upswing and Bishop’s on the rebound from a series of big time finishes. The Monarchs were nose-to-nose with Serra in a season-opening 26-14 loss, while Bishop’s succumbed to Clairemont 25-21.

Running backs JAMEIL JACKSON and ERIC COLLINS led the Monarchs against the Conquistadors and figure to do the same against the Knights... Monte Vista 20-17.