Parker Price reaches the end zone after covering 82 yards with the punt runback, the difference in Cathedral's 16-9 triumph over top-ranked Helix. (Photo by Bob Davis) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	For Cathedral, Price is right to rally past top-rated Helix Three interceptions, 82-yard punt runback for TD propels Dons By Andrew Smith Special to East County Sports.com CARMEL VALLEY (9-15-12) — Despite triple-digit temperatures around the county, the offenses for both Helix and Cathedral Catholic high schools were ice cold in Friday's (Sept. 14) Top 10 showcase contest. Other Views North County Times So the team with the better defensive performance would come out as winners. And that side was the host Dons, which received three interceptions from Parker Price before he also returned a fourth-quarter punt 82 yards for the go-ahead score to deflate the top-ranked Highlanders, 16-9, at Manchester Stadium. Both teams now stand at 2-1. The 6th-ranked Dons amassed 89 yards in the first half, then just 70 more in the second half. They were also flagged for six penalties equaling 55 yards. Meanwhile, Helix' short-lived offense put up nine points in the first quarter before turning equally glacial. The points came on a 24-yard field goal by MARCUS NORRIS, then Highlanders senior running back MICHAEL ADKINS scampered in from two yards out with 3:28 left in the first quarter to gain a 9-0 lead. Afterwards, it was iceberg season. “This one hurts a lot,” senior defensive lineman AMU MILO said after seeing the Highlanders’ 15-game winning streak come to an end. “We just have to come back Monday and focus on the next game.” Helix's defense was stellar all night, only allowing 152 yards of total offense, including a pair of stop in the red zone. The Dons’ passing game was completely inept, gaining 80 yards while the Helix 'D' held star running back Tony Johnson to just 2.2 yards a carry. But that's where Price came to the rescue. Highlanders quartreback JOSH HARRIS completed just 8-of-23 passes for 80 yards, including Price's three pick, setting up Christian Fanning field goals (31, 32, 42) to the contest at 9-9 early in the fourth quarter. Adkins would actually out-gain the Dons himself, rushing for 171 yards on 27 carries, but when the Scotties were forced into a punting situation with 8:34 remaining, Price made it rain with his back-breaking, 82-yard punt runback for his team's only touchdown. It was the complete turnabout for Cathedral, which allowed a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead slip away to Del Mar Heights Road rival Torrey Pines last week.
	Helix running back Michael Adkins (Photo by Bob Davis) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	Junior Varsity Results West Hills 56, El Centro-Central 13 El Capitan 42, Serra 0 Christian 35, ECVHS 6 Valhalla 33, Morse 14 Grossmont 34, Bonita Vista 14 Cathedral Catholic 21, Helix 13 Patrick Henry 21, Granite Hills 7 El Centro-Central 8, Santana 0 Monte Vista 21, Sweetwater 8 Steele Canyon 28, Temescal 12 Santana 15, Imperial 8 Mount Miguel, NO REPORT Freshmen Results Granite Hills 14, Patrick Henry 14, tie Bonita Vista 50, Grossmont 20 El Centro-Central 40, West Hills 33 Morse 20, Valhalla 6 Helix 12, Cathedral Catholic 6 Monte Vista 28, Sweetwater 6 Temescal Canyon 15, Steele Canyon 12 Missing: El Capitan, Mount Miguel, Santana.

Johnston, an offensive tackle, makes TD grab in final minute to lift Christian past El Cajon Valley
100th career victory for Patriots head coach Oliver

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-15-12) — A senior who started Friday’s (Sept. 14) game at offensive tackle turned out to be the hero as Christian High coach MATT OLIVER celebrated the 100th victory of his 11-year career as the Patriots’ head man.

Three-sport letterman STEPHEN JOHNSTON (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) was forced to change positions when the Patriots’ star lineman TRENT SAULS hobbled off the field with an ankle sprain in the second half.

Johnston, who was wearing No. 55 at the opening kickoff, was suited with jersey No. 5 to make him an eligible receiver. He caught one pass – a 3-yarder from MICHAEL CARRILLO – with 12 seconds remaining for the game winning touchdown, lifting the Patriots (3-0) to a 20-17 victory over host El Cajon Valley (2-1).

“How often have you ever seen an ending like that,” exulted Patriots offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

El Cajon Valley was definitely baffled on the play as No. 5 was never a primary target in the game. Nobody was within 7 yards of Johnston and the big left tackled= hauled the ball in front of the cross bar.

“The play we called for the touchdown is really a great play,” Beezer said. “And the fact that they hadn’t seen No. 5 downfield all game probably confused them.

“Our quarterback faked to the No. 2 hole and we started to pull the guard,” he added. “That caused their linebackers to suck up to stop the run. Honestly, it’s a tough play to stop, no matter whose defense it is.”

Carrillo completed only of 8 of 15 passes for 56 yards. He also scored on a 1-yard run which left the Patriots trailing 17-6 at halftime. In addition he delivered a 2-point conversion pass to PHILLIP GEORGE following the winning touchdown.

The extra points proved to be pivotal as El Cajon Valley pushed the ball down to the Christian 34-yard line with 5 seconds left. Considering the Braves have one of the best kickers in the county in IRVING VORBON, a tie game was clearly a possibility – had the Braves been able to stop the clock.

Since the Braves’ supply of timeouts had been exhausted their only resource was to spike the ball or throw it out of bounds. Somehow the final seconds ticked off before they could get off another snap.

Vorbon, who earlier kicked a 38-yard field goal late in the 2nd quarter, has booted a trio of 3-pointers in three games this season with a long of 48. He’s broken the 50-yard plateau earlier in his career.

RAYVON OWENS led the Patriots’ running game with 24 carries for 120 yards, while PARIS MILLER added 102 yards on 6 carries, including a 68-yard TD gallop in the 3rd quarter.

El Cajon Valley dominated the 1st half. ANTOINE WHITE scored on a 5-yard run following an ANTHONY TY interception, staking the Braves to a 7-0 1st quarter lead.

After Carrillo punched in a quarterback sneak from 1-yard out to make it 7-6, the Braves capitalized on a muffed punt as VIRNEL MOON hauled in a 32-yard scoring strike from HAKIM HARRIS. Harris was 3-for-11 for 75 yards.

Oliver was obviously proud of reaching his latest milestone but was quick to share the praise with his coaches and players – both past and present.

“I’m kinda proud of what we’ve done,” he said.

Patrick Henry quarterback James McCormick (3) is taken down for a sack by Granite Hills' defender Justin Mitchell. The Patriots took a 21-6 decision. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

After snapping a 10-game losing streak last week, the Monarchs delivered a dominating defensive display in shutting out Sweetwater, 17-0, on a sweltering Friday evening (Sept. 14) at Monte Vista.

“We played solid defense, no doubt about it,” said first-year Monte Vista coach RON HAMAMOTO after the Monarchs (2-1) held Sweetwater (0-3) to 33 total yards.

The “D” definitely determined the difference, especially early. On Sweetwater’s third play, linebacker RYAN SHIELDS picked off a short pass at the 3-yard line and waltzed into the end zone for a 7-0 Monarchs lead. The “D” set up a short field after Sweetwater’s next possession to set up a 23-yard field goal by MATT GOFIGAN for a 10-0 lead.

In order, Sweetwater’s first 11 snaps went like this: gain of 2 yards; loss of 4; interception for TD; sack for minus-11; sack for minus-2; rush for minus-2; punt; false start penalty for minus-5; sack for minus-6, incomplete pass; incomplete. The Red Devils had minus-23 yards in the first quarter and 10 total yards at halftime.

“This is the first time we’ve put together a total defensive game,” Hamamoto said. “Anytime you shut out a team and hold them to 33 yards, that’s a great effort. And we scored on defense to start the game.”

The game’s highlight offensive play came with just over 3 minutes left before intermission. JEMEIL JACKSON corralled a short screen pass from THOMAS WALKER and zig-zagged his way along the right sideline for a 67-yard touchdown to make it 17-0.

Monte Vista had six sacks and yielded only 11 yards rushing and 22 passing. SHAWN MORALES had two sacks for minus-17 yards. ERIC COLLINS had two sacks for minus-11 yards. MESSAI SMALL had a sack for minus-11 yards, and Joey Juba had a sack for minus-7 yards.

In addition, Small batted down a pass at the line and forced a fumble. CRISTIAN GONZALEZ also batted down a pass at the line, and Jackson batted away a pass downfield as the Monarchs held the Red Devils to 10 total yards in the first half.

“It was a great team effort,” Small said. “We had to come together as a defense and bring it home for us.”

Morales was especially dominating on defense, and he added a 36-yard run late in the first half.

“Morales has been a nice find for us,” Hamamoto said. “He didn’t play last year and decided to come out his senior year. He’s very valuable for us on defense, but we’re trying to slowly give him the ball more on offense every game. He’s a good football player.”

Following a CIF San Diego Section title in 2003, Monte Vista was 15-43-1 over the past six seasons, including 1-9, 2-8 and 2-8 seasons the past three years.

Under Hamamoto, one of the most successful and respected coaches in the county, the Monarchs are now 2-1 with wins over Bishop’s and Sweetwater and an opening loss to Serra.

“It feels good,” Small said, “but we’re not satisfied. We’ll go back and watch some film and see how we can get better. We’re trying to go somewhere this year. We have to get better, and we will get better.”

As good as the defense was, the offense struggled to move the chains most of the game, particularly in the second half when the Monarchs recorded only two of their 10 first downs.

“Really, you take away that interception TD and the 67-yard screen, the game was really close,” Hamamoto pointed out. “I’m disappointed in our offense. We should have moved the ball better. I should be happy that we’re 2-1, but I’m not.”

Walker completed 5-of-7 passes for 117 yards in the first half but misfired on four passes after intermission. Jackson, who was averaging 101.5 rushing yards coming in, got only 24 on five carries before injuring his shoulder. Collins, averaging 69.0 yards coming in, managed only 33 yards on 10 carries.

“No consistency,” Hamamoto said. “It’s hard to tell. You have to give Sweetwater credit. They’re pretty physical up front.”

Monte Vista’s last shutout was a 33-0 romp over Granite Hills in 2008, and earlier that year the Matadors blanked Grossmont 7-0 in a 5-6 season that marked their last playoff appearance.

WEST HILLS 47, EL CENTRO-CENTRAL 19 – Those who have chosen to overlook West Hills this year had better take a better focus. The Wolf Pack has cut down their first three opponents by a composite score of 139-39.

So is the Pack for real?

“I’m not going to make any predictions,” said West Hills coach TAY SNEDDON. “We like where we are and that’s all I can say about that.”

After building a 33-6 lead over desert power Central, the Pack had to believe it might be a pretty good team.

“Our defense attacked them pretty well,” said Sneddon. “Our defensive line stopped their run and forced the pass.”

He was talking about KEVIN LOPEZ, JORDAN ARNOLD, JUSTIN LEPISI and SEAN OLZANESKI.

“We kept the pressure on their quarterback all night – without blitzing,” Sneddon added. “When you can drop all the guys in the defensive coverage, that further puts the pressure on their passing game.”

JOHNNY ESPINOSA, Lepisi and Arnold were among those stuffing the Spartans.

“You gotta like defense like that,” said Sneddon.

PEANUT HERRADA scored 2 touchdowns as did ERIC SEABOCH to spearhead the West Hills’ offense.

DAVID McMANUS kicked field goals of 28 yards and 31 yards to expand the Wolf Pack advantage.

Valhalla's Nehemiah Brown scores against Morse. (Photo by Don DeMars) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Valhalla’s defense was dominant – for the first three series, stopping the Tigers without a first down. Valhalla ’s offense was also dominant – for the first two series. San Diego Section passing leader RAMSEY ROMANO was red-hot – just like the 100 degree weather.

On the Norsemen’s first offensive play at their 49-yard line, Romano hit wide receiver BEN HOWARD for a 19-yard gain to the Morse 32. Two plays later BRYAN MACIAS caught a 30-yard Romano TD pass for the game’s first score. Romano’s kick gave the visitors a 7-0 lead at the 9:25 mark of the first quarter.

Two plays later, PHILLIP DIAZ DE LEON recovered a Morse fumble on the home team’s 30-yard line, giving Valhalla great field position. Seven seconds later, JOHN TODD cruised into the end zone with Valhalla ’s second 30-yard TD pass/catch. After Romano split the uprights, Valhalla led 14-0 with 8:32 left in the initial period.

Following Romano’s kickoff that sailed past the rear of the end zone, Morse once again was stymied by Valhalla ’s defense, going three-and-out after linebackers JASON JENSEN and RYAN ERNSBARGER stuffed the runner for a 4-yard loss on third down. It looked like the rout was on.

In the second quarter, a Romano to Macias 16-yard pass and Romano’s PAT gave the Norsemen what looked like at the time a comfortable 21-0 lead with 7:07 remaining until halftime.

After the kickoff, Morse, starting at their 20-yard line, put together a methodical 12-play drive and scored its first touchdown of the evening when Lederrick Noel scored on a 2-yard run; the PAT attempt was wide right, and Valhalla led 21-6 at the 2:59 mark before intermission.

Starting at their 30 on the next series, Valhalla quickly drove to the Morse 10-yard line, with a minute left in the half, but a fumble was recovered by the Tigers, keeping the game in reach at intermission.

The second half started out in reverse – Morse scored two quick touchdowns.

After receiving the opening kickoff, Valhalla started at its 35-yard line. On first down, Romano was intercepted for the first time this season, giving Morse good field position at its 47-yard line. Ten plays later, The Tigers scored on a 3-yard run by Alfonso Wilson. SPENCER HAVIRD (19 tackles) stuffed the runner on the PAT attempt and Valhalla still had what looked like a comfortable lead, 21-12 with 7:20 left to play in the 3rd quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, the squib kick was fumbled by a Norsemen player and recovered by Morse at the Valhalla 32. Two plays later, the Tigers scored another TD, this time on a 24-yard scamper by Devyn Comer. This time, Morse quarterback Jamal Anderson made it to the endzone for a 2 point PAT. Now, the Norsemen had a precarious 21-20 lead with 6:23 left in the third stanza.

Later in the third quarter, Romano threw a dart to Howard, who broke free and sprinted for a 43 yard gain to the Morse 32. A few plays later, NEHEMIAH BROWN took a delayed hand-off from Romano after a bad snap and motored up the middle 15 yards for the score. This time, the PAT kick failed and the Norsemen led 27-20, at the 5:49 mark.

Morse scored early in the last quarter on a 38-yard touchdown pass from Anderson to Wilson. Valhalla linebacker SEAN BERNITZ broke up the PAT pass attempt, leaving Valhalla with a squeaky 27-26 lead with 9:38 left to play. The Norsemen turned the ball over on a fumble at midfield on their next series, giving Morse its first opportunity to take the lead – and take the lead they did.

Nine plays and 49-yards later, Anderson scored on a 1-yard plunge. Diaz de Leon and fellow defensive lineman TAYLOR GORZEGNO-MILLS dumped the ball carrier short of the goal line on the PAT attempt, but Morse led 32-27, with only 4:09 left in the game.

Things looked bleak for the Norsemen – for about 30 seconds. That’s how long it took for Romano to connect with KEVIN MILLS for a 71-yard pass-catch TD, electrifying the visiting fans. Romano’s pass to Macias was good for the PAT as Valhalla re-took the lead, 35-32, with 3:46 remaining.

This horse race wasn’t over. Following the ensuing kickoff, Morse started on its 20-yard line. Morse running back Darius Wilson broke several tackles and jetted 71 yards for the go-ahead TD; this time, the PAT run was good, giving Morse a 40-35 lead, with 2:52 for Valhalla to find out if it could finish the race – and finish it did.

JIHAD ELDER found some daylight for an 18-yard run to the Morse 26-yard line. Then Romano saw Macias break free and hit him with a 17-yard pass to the Tigers’ 17-yard line. Romano used his legs to get the ball to the Morse 8-yard line, and then Brown took over, grinding out the remaining 8 yards on three plays, using up the clock, and then bulling his way into the end zone from 1 yard out, with only 12 seconds left in the game and Morse out of timeouts. Romano ran for the 2 point conversion, giving Valhalla a 43-40 win.

Romano finished the evening 19-28-1 for 364 yards and 4 touchdowns.

STEELE CANYON 34, TEMESCAL CANYON 16 – Head coach SCOTT LONGERBONE didn’t want to believe it but had to admit that his ace running back LONNIE TUFF was hobbling at less than full strength Friday night (Sept. 14) as the Cougars faced the Temescal Canyon Titans in Cougar Canyon.

“We’ve got to get Lonnie healthy,” said Longerbone. “He has the kind of burst that you really need to be successful. We weren’t sure we wanted to play him in this game, but when we did he was about 65 percent healthy.”

The coach called upon LASHAWN WARE to pick up the slack – and so he did. Ware bolted for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries – more than filling the gap.

“He’s one of those high GPA kids who is going to play Division III some place, and I know he can,” said Longerbone of Ware.

Ordinarily Ware is a stand-up safety in the Steele Canyon defense, but he only played there 50 percent of the time as he surrendered his position to ISAIAH EDWARDS.

SERRA 55, EL CAPITAN 49 (2 OT) – Vaqueros head coach RON BURNER could not figure out how his team could score 49 points and still come up short.

“When you give up 48 points in the 2nd half you’re probably not going to win,” he said.

This was the case Friday night (Sept. 14) against Serra.

“I can’t count how many things we did wrong, but most of them were centered around our special teams,” said Burner.

El Capitan led 20-7 at halftime.

“We had the game in our hand when we asked our kicker to kick a squib kickoff and he made it an onside kick, which they recovered,” Burner recalled.

It was all downhill after that.

In the losing effort sophomore quarterback BRAD CAGLE threw for 384 yards, completing 28 of 39. The youthful signal-caller also rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

El Capitan receiver SCOTT ROOT snared 12 passes for 193 yards for the Vaqueros, while DILLON RETTIG collected 6 passes for 79 yards.

MADISON 35, MOUNT MIGUEL 31 – Playing without leading running backs TONY DOZIER and SHANNON NICKSON left the Matadors short-handed from the opening kickoff.

Nonetheless Mount Miguel made a battle of it in Friday’s (Sept. 14) non-league battle at Madison .

JACOB CASTILLO fired an 80-yard touchdown pass to JOVAN RICHARDSON and BRAD MORENO delivered a 30-yard scoring pass to the same receiver. Moreno also scored on a 5-yard run. Richardson finished with 7 catches for 143 yards.

Not to be overlooked was BEN LOMIBOA, who had an 80 yards touchdown run.

Linebackers JALEN WALKER, SONNY SAMOATA and JOVAN DAVIS anchored the Mount Miguel defense.

Mount Miguel kicker EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ has converted 10 of 11 PATs and 4 of 4 field goals this season for the Matadors.

Patrick Henry senior running back Lee King. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com)

PATRICK HENRY 21, GRANITE HILLS 6 – The Granite Hills Eagles avoided the shutout in Friday’s night (Sept. 7) non-league contest against the Patrick Henry Patriots when KYLE NORRIS scored on a 2-yard run with 5 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.

That was the first points allowed by Henry (3-0) in three games this season.

“That was a back breaker,” said Eagles first-year coach KELLAN COBBS. “We were right there.”

Until Jabril Clewis made a pick six to put the game in Patrick Henry’s win column.”

The Eagles’ offense was pathetic, to say the least, generating only 118 yards.

On the flip side the Eagles’ coach Cobbs praised the work of sophomore defensive lineman JARRED BRADLEY and corner GRANT HENDERSON.

Grossmont kicker J.T. Barnes (9) converts with the left foot, despite a diving effort for the block by Bonita Vista's Caleb Su (7) in the Hillers' win (Photo by Linda Byerline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

GROSSMONT 48, BONITA VISTA 25 – So what was Grossmont head coach TOM KARLO’S favorite part of his Foothillers' thrashing of Bonita Vista? You would think it was the 392 yards passing and four touchdowns from superstar quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE, or the 27-point, first-quarter explosion by his offense.

“We got every guy in tonight,” said the proud coach.

For the first string to sit in the second half they would have to put in work early and Grossmont took advantage of some key mismatches early and often. Coach Karlo knew that Bonita Vista played without a deep safety and his high-powered offense took advantage.

“We knew they had no deep help and that our slot receivers would be manned up with linebackers,” said wide receiver JEFF BOWERS who burned the Barons defense with 6 catches and 173 yards including an 80-yard touchdown on Grossmont’s 3rd play from scrimmage. “I got hawked last week so I had to finish that long one off,” Bowers said.

His catch wasn’t even Grossmont’s longest. On the 2nd play from scrimmage Lawrence found CHRISTIAN BROOKS for an 87-yard catch and run, giving the Foothillers a 7-0 lead. Brooks’ catch was the third longest in Grossmont history

After Bowers’ long score made it 14-0, Bonita Vista benefitted from a curiously timed failed onside kick from Grossmont. The Barons went 47 yards in 3 plays with running back Caleb Su scoring on a 4-yard run to close the gap to 14-7. Grossmont responded with a more traditional drive of 12 plays for78 yards capped by a Lawrence to Bowers 12-yard touchdown pass.

With the momentum in their favor, Grossmont attempted another surprise onside kick. Bonita Vista seemed to secure it until TRENT GALKOSKI unloaded a vicious hit on the Barons’ return man who lost the football. MELCHOR VALENCIA recovered and the Grossmont offense wasted little time as Lawrence scored on a 28-yard quarterback keeper to give the Foothillers their 27-7 1st quarter lead. The lightning paced 1st quarter gave the Grossmont sideline visions of a “fifty burger.”

However, the pace slowed down in the 2nd quarter as Bonita Vista penetrated deep into Grossmont territory but had to settle for a field goal after a sack by linebacker JUSTIN PEARCE on 3rd and long. MARLON LAMPART returned the ensuing kickoff 30 yards and the Foothillers turned the short field into their lone points of the second quarter on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to Brooks. Brooks finished the game with 3 catches for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Grossmont took the 2nd half kickoff and went 68 yards in 6 plays with Lampart scoring on a dazzling 49-yard run sending the starters to the bench.

Bonita Vista took advantage of Grossmont’s reserves with quarterback Nick Cappos throwing touchdown passes of 23 and 18 yards to close Grossmont’s lead to 41-25 with 3:27 left in the game.

But the Foothillers recovered the final onside kick of the night and drove 35 yards in 4 plays. JOSH ANDERSON scored the final touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run and the entire team was able to savor the 48-25 win.

Lawrence was sharp from beginning to end going 18-28 with 4 touchdowns passing and 1 rushing touchdown. His single game passing yardage of 392 yards is a season high. Lampart led the Foothillers’ rushing attack with 92 yards on only 4 carries. Defensively RYAN GREEN notched 2 interceptions and Galkoski and JUSTIN PEARCE had 6 tackles apiece.

The ballgame was played at Joseph Rindone Stadium at Chula Vista High due to renovations at Southwestern College's DeVore Stadium.

— DAVID HURST

The 2012-13 Grossmont Foothillers varsity cheerleading squad. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

SAN YSIDRO 40, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 16 – When you consider that San Ysidro has 2,400 students and Foothills Christian has 240, it’s no wonder Friday’s (Sept. 14) game turned into a blowout.

Foothills Christian led 9-7 in the first half but could not maintain its advantage.

“When you consider that they outmanned us 10 to 1, we’re lucky to be in the ballgame,” said coach THOM LUBIC, who’s Knights are 2-1.

The Knights scored on a 6-yard run by quarterback SPENCER GEORGE and then tallied on a second, 45-yard pass from to AJ HEDGECOCK.

Foothills Christian’s (2-1) final tally came on a field goal of 32 yards by TYLER CORBIN.

Santana High's offense lines up for a play against Imperial (left). Meanwhile, the Sultans; defense had trouble stopping Tigers running back Mark Benedict (right) in Friday's contest held at Shimamoto-Simpson Stadium. Defending for Santana is linebacker Kevin Brady (46). (Photos by Joselito Villero, courtesy Imperial Valley Press)

The Sultans generated only 4 yards rushing and 124 yards passing as they fell to 0-3 in the heat of the Imperial Valley (reputed to be 108 degrees).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-13-12) — If ever there was a classic career match-up without much hoorah it would be El Cajon Valley vs. Christian in the non-league Battle of Madison Avenue, which will be renewed Friday (Sept. 14) at the Braves’ home field. Both teams come in at 2-0.

Christian junior quarterback MICHAEL CARRILLO has been on the mark in both games (22-of-52, 484 yards and 7 TDs). And running back/linebacker RAYVON OWENS has been a bull in a china shop himself with 21 carries for 131 yards and 3 touchdowns.

ANTOINE WHITE leads the Braves’ offense with 36 carries for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Traditionally, when one thinks of the Battle of Madison Avenue, it's the Braves going against Granite Hills. In this affair, the bottom line is... Christian 35-21.

This one has upset marked all over it, but Helix coach TROY STARR and his staff avoid upsets. The Highlanders have a balanced attack led by quarterback JOSH HARRIS and running back MICHAEL ADKINS.

The Highlanders have a horde of receivers led by KENDAL KEYS, who has reeled in 8 passes for 216 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Never to be overlooked is the Helix defense, which has allowed only 2 touchdowns per game.

Helix has beaten the Dons two of the last three years, including 48-14 last season... Helix 21-14.

EL CENTRO-CENTRAL at No. 19 WEST HILLS – In a battle of undefeated teams the Wolf Pack hopes to go 3-0 for the first time since 2006. West Hills won their first two games – Santana by a score of 47-14 and Kearny 45-6.

Central defeated Kofa, Ariz., and Coachella Valley by a composite 68 -14.

The Wolf Pack has a handful of weapons led by senior quarterback RASHAAN MILLER and running back ERIC SEABOCH, who is averaging 120 yards rushing per game and has scored 5 touchdowns.

These two teams have never met but the nod goes to... West Hills 31-24.

No. 14 GROSSMONT vs. BONITA VISTA, at Chula Vista – The Foothillers have to believe that they can outscore anybody, as proven in their first two wins by a composite score or 58-30.

Junior quarter ANTHONY LAWRENCE is the triggerman for the Hillers as he has completed 31 of 49 passes for 414 yards and 3 touchdowns. Versatile MARLON LAMPART has compiled 241 yards in Grossmont’s first two wins. Not to be overlooked is JEFF BOWERS, who is another member of the Hillers’ multi-talented cast.

Bonita Vista beat Montgomery in the opener 33-19 but lost to Lincoln 40-14 in the second game of the season. The Barons’ senior quarterback Austin Kane has passed for 347 yards on 24-for-39 passing with 3 TDs.

The Foothillers like to think of themselves as contenders for the Grossmont Hills League title, and so far there is no reason to believe they aren’t... Grossmont 21-17.

MOUNT MIGUEL at No. 17 MADISON, 6:30 – If ever there was a game that should be a toss-up this is one of them. The Warhawks looked like Warriors when they knocked off Lincoln 28-17 in their opener, and then found themselves on a full night of back-pedaling against Valhalla ’s superior passing game in 42-28 loss.

So which team is a contender and which team is a pretender?

The Matadors, who blew out Fallbrook 50-33 in their opening round, committed six turnovers against Otay Ranch. That certainly was the difference in a 37-12 losing cause.

Madison and the Matadors have split four previous meetings, but the rubber match goes to... Madison 28-27.

EL CAPITAN at SERRA, 6:30 – It’s hard to figure out where the Vaqueros stand since illness and a trip to the Hawaiian Islands up-ended their schedule. So this is a difficult pick because it’s hard to measure the strength of the Hawaiians.

The Vaqueros look to quarterback BRAD CAGLE (347 yards, 2 TDs) to lead their attack against the Conquistadors. El Capitan also has a quality running back in AUSTIN WATSON, who has rushed for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries.

The Vaqueros have defeated the Conquistadors 3 of the last 4 meetings, including 37-30 last year. However Serra is favored to win their City League... Serra 22-20.

SWEETWATER at MONTE VISTA – The Monarchs snapped a 10-game losing streak as they upended Bishop’s 33-12 and are very capable of making it two wins for the first time since 2008. Fact is, Monte Vista had only a 6-26 record through 2009.

Running back JAMEIL JACKSON, with 203 yards on 31 carries and 4 touchdowns, is the ringleader of the Monte Vista offense, which has been all but extinct in the last few years. His sidekick ERIC COLLINS is averaging 69 yards and has one touchdown to lead the supporting cast.

Senior defensive lineman MESSAI SMALL (6-foot-2, 245 pounds) is the anchor of the Monarchs defense, which should give Monte Vista the edge... Monte Vista 28-6.

SANTANA at IMPERIAL – If Santana hopes to snap a 2-game losing streak it must find a way to stop Imperial running back Royce Freeman, who has rushed for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns on 32 carries in the Tiger’s first two games.

Santana whipped the Tigers twice last year by an 83-39 composite score, but does not appear to have the defense to corral Freeman this season.

Santana does have a blue chip receiver in TYLER BROWNING, who has reeled in 11 passes for 191 yards and 3 touchdowns in the first two games. Sultans quarterback GABE KRUSE is slowly gaining his footing and is the key to Santana’s success.

Naturally the 100-plus degree heat will be a factor that will favor Imperial... Imperial 35-17.

No. 17 VALHALLA at MORSE – The host Morse Tigers are preseason favorites to capture the City League football title. But so far the Tigers have been inconsistent in slugging El Centro Southwest 42-13 and then falling to Ramona 13-12.

The Norsemen gave away an opening day decision to Mira Mesa but turned in a masterful performance in outdueling Madison 42-28 last weekend.

Senior QB RAMSEY ROMANO, who has a baseball scholarship to Michigan , proved he can pitch a football pretty well too. He delivered school-record tying five scoring passes against the Warhawks. Receiver BEN HOWARD tied a Grossmont Conference record with four TD grabs.

Morse is guided by the coach’s son quarterback, Tracy McNair.

Valhalla mauled Morse 52-26 a year ago, but things will be much tighter... Valhalla 28-22.

PATRICK HENRY at GRANITE HILLS – The Eagles will have their hands full Friday night (Sept. 14) against a Patrick Henry unit that has not allowed a single point in the first two weeks while registering 51 markers.

Starting quarterback TYLER HOPPER, who suffered a concussion against El Capitan last week, is questionable for this game. However, backup QB CHRIS MEREDITH is ready to go and has to be considered a factor as he completed 11 of 15 aerials for 95 yards in a relief role so far this season.

If the Eagles have a problem it’s in the running game as they average just slightly more than 50 yards on the ground. Granite Hills is 3-5 all-time against the Patriots, but doesn’t figure to improve its record this time around... Patrick Henry 21-14.

TEMESCAL CANYON at No. 15 STEELE CANYON – Nobody can question whether Steele Canyon plays a rugged preseason schedule. That challenge continues when the Temescal Canyon Titans visit the Cougars’ den on Friday (Sept. 14).

Both of these teams are capable of putting up points, but it’s the unit that plays the best defense that will come out on top. The key question for Steele Canyon is whether running back LONNIE TUFF is able to go for the Cougars.

Look for Temescal Canyon to deal the Cougars their 3rd straight loss... Temescal Canyon 28-20.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN at SAN YSIDRO – Two young squads collide Friday (Sep. 14) in South Bay. Since these teams pit the SDCIF Div. II Cougars and the Div. V Knights this could be a blowout. Don’t bet on it.

East County rushing leader SPENCER GEORGE paces the Knights.

Foothills Christian coach THOM LUBIC does not believe his club will be overmatched by the same 21-0 score of a year ago... Upset Special Foothills Christian 14-13.

The Colours are presented prior to Grossmont High's home opener against Escondido. The Hillers won, 30-6. (Photo by Linda Byerline)