By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (7-12-14) — Four years ago, Grossmont High head coach TOM KARLO took a trip up to the University of Oregon to learn the fast-paced offense that Chip Kelly ran to perfection and kept defenses on their heels by running an up-tempo offense that defenses just couldn't adjust to fast enough.

After watching his Foothillers’ quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE break San Diego CIF records left and right in the meantime, it's no secret to Karlo that the way to defeat that style of play is to keep his offense off the field.

Through three quarters of the 24th annual Alex Spanos All-Star Classic at San Diego Mesa College's Merrill Douglas Stadium, that's exactly what the North squad head coach Tony Corley (San Pasqual) had accomplished.

In fact, the most exciting thing to take place on the field at that point was the Chargers girls’ halftime show as it was a 7-3 game through three quarters, but the South eventually ended the fourth with a fireworks show and claimed their 4th straight victory in the series with a 21-17 win over the North.

“Our coaching staff took this game very seriously,” Karlo said after it was over. “Seeing our kids smiling and taking pictures with each other after a win makes it all worth it when it's all said and done. I'm really proud of our guys. Our defense played phenomenal and made the big plays when we needed them.”

Twelve East County seniors participated in the game and it seemed like the entire dozen played a huge part in the victory. Two of the biggest plays however, were centered around Mount Miguel safety DAVAUGHN MURRAY.

A lazy pass was thrown in his direction on the last play of the third quarter...but it bounced off him and turned into a 65-yard gain by the North, setting up a touchdown.

“My eyes got real big when I saw it coming my way,” he admitted. “I actually started to run before I caught it. Next thing I know I'm chasing down the guy trying to prevent a score.”

He got his redemption late in the fourth quarter on a 4th-and-6 play after he jumped the tight end's route and setup what would be the game-winning score after a 44-yard return.

The eventual South MVP Hunter Correll (Serra) found wide receiver CHRISTIAN BROOKS (Grossmont) for the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard out which he made three defenders at the goal line miss.

“It hasn't really hit me yet that my touchdown won the game for us,” said Brooks who finished the day with 7 catches for 73 yards and the score. “But don't get me wrong, it definitely feels great to win this one.”

North All-Stars   0  3  0 14 – 17
South All-Stars   7  0  0 14 – 21
S-Moore 3 run (McManus kick)
N-FG Tellez 31
N-Williams 14 pass from Tengan (Tellez kick)
S-Martinez 17 pass from Lawrence (McManus kick)
N-Huffman 80 pass from Tengan (Tellez kick)
S-Brooks 8 pass from Correll (McManus kick)

Defensively, JABRION BURNSIDE (Helix) and XAVIER TUITELE (Helix) both dominated their opposition with a sack and another tackle for loss each. However, Grossmont’s KALVIN WATERS ended two series of the North with a pair of fourth down stops with a pair of big plays in the backfield.

“They just kept handing the ball off up the middle with a fake pitch to the outside so I knew it was eventually coming,” Waters said afterward. “Our entire 'D' balled out all game and just did what we do so I knew we could shut them down in the clutch.”

Splitting half the reps with Correll, Lawrence – San Diego CIF's record-setting quarterback – went 9-for-10 with 132 yards passing and 1 TD.

“It was a blast to play with all these guys from different schools,” said the newly USD-bound freshman. “Every guy on our team was so talented it truly felt like an All-Star game and we went out on top.”

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (7-6-14) — Twelve East County graduating seniors will participate in the 24th Annual Alex Spanos All-Star Classic sponsored by California National Guard.

The game will be played Friday (July 11) at San Diego Mesa College's Merrill Douglas Stadium at 7 p.m.

Several NFL alumni have seen their final high school games in the Spanos Classic, including linebacker Donnie Edwards (Chula Vista), safety John Lynch (Torrey Pines), and defensive lineman La’ Roi Glover (Point Loma).

Grossmont’s TOM KARLO will coach the South All-Stars, which includes the Foothillers’ record-breaking quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE.

Other East County standouts include wide receiver CHRISTIAN BROOKS (Grossmont), kicker DANIEL McMANUS (West Hills), defensive back JEMIEL JACKSON (Monte Vista), safety DEVAUGHN MURRAY (Mount Miguel), running back BEN LOMIBAO (Mount Miguel), linebacker JABRION BURNSIDE (Helix), offensive lineman MIRACLE TAUSAGA (Mount Miguel), defensive lineman KALVIN WATERS (Grossmont), offensive lineman JALEN WYATT (Helix), wide receiver-kicker J.T. BARNES (Grossmont), linebacker ISAIAH YOUNG (Helix), defensive lineman XAVIER TUITELE (Helix), defensive back RYAN LARCEVAL (Steele Canyon) and defensive back CHRISTIAN MENO (Grossmont).

In last year’s All-Star fest, the South steamrollered the North 41-7 in a game that was halted with six minutes remaining. The South has won three in a row and 7 of the last 10.

NAU West Coast Classic

Peanut Herrada (left) of West Hills and Jalen Wyatt of Helix represented East County at the West Coast Classic. (NUC Inc. courtesy photo)

© East County Sports.com
TEMECULA (1-6-14) — East County senior football players PEANUT HERRADA of West Hills and JALEN WYATT of Helix participated for Team California in the National Underclassmen All West Coast Football Classic.

The NUC All-West Coast Football Classic features the state of California against the best of the other western states.

The California All-Stars beat the West All-Stars 14-8.

Herrada is a versatile player that performs on both sides of the ball and earned first team All-East County as well as All-Grossmont Hills League first team as a defensive back

Wyatt toiled in the trenches on both sides of the ball, earning first team All-East County and All-Grossmont Hills League first team as well as an offensive lineman.

SDFNC All-Star Game

The American All-Stars (in white) have a sure touchdown until the National's Anthony Alton (5) of Grossmont gets parallel to deflect the ball away. The American Stars still claimed a 33-27 triumph. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

	SDFNL All-Star Game Sat., Dec. 28 At Helix Official Website (rosters/info)
	Valhalla receiver John Tood hauls in the pass for the first touchdown on the afternoon by the American Stars. Another leaping grab by John Tood... (Photos by Linda Byerline) ...including this game-winning score with a mere 0:07 left on the clock. (Photos by linda Byerline) CLICK PHOTO for enlargement
	El Capitan's Thomas Whalen (99) is joined by the Hillers' Anthony Alton (5) for the tackle. Alton also recorded a sack to end the first half of action. (Photo by Linda Byerline)
	Jovon Richardson of Mount Miguel with the TD catch near the end line. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

By Andrew Smith
© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (12-28-13) — When it comes to postseason exhibition games the general rule of thumb is that the defense always has a major advantage because of the short time the offense has spent with each other. However, on Saturday (Dec. 28) afternoon in the 2nd annual San Diego Football Night Lights All-Star Game at Helix's Jim Arnaiz Field, there was just too much firepower to deny the points from piling up.

“Everyone on the field is so athletic it's amazing,” said Grossmont's record-setting quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE. “We only had a week together, but we all became good friends and this whole thing has been a great experience.”

Lawrence paced the National (Red) team to a late game comeback. With two minutes left he found San Marcos' Isiah Hennie from five yards out for his third touchdown pass of the game. However, the birthday boy – Valhalla wide receiver JOHN TODD – blew out the candles with a spectacular 35-yard diving touchdown grab with 7 seconds left to boost the American (White) team to a stunning 33-27 victory in what was deemed an instant classic.

“I knew we had a big play to make,” he stated. “Time was running down and I just had to lay out to make the play.”

Everyone has had at least one lousy birthday they would like to forget, but for Todd, this was one he will remember for the rest of his life. His family planned a big BBQ to celebrate the occasion, but the party might be kicked up a notch after his performance. Not only did he catch the game-winner, but he was also awarded MVP honors with 8 receptions for 217 yards and 4 touchdowns.

“It's just a great feeling right now,” he added. “With the holidays and my family here plus it's the BIG 1-8 it's a perfect way to bring in the New Year.”

When the National team had to punt the ball away with just over a minute and half remaining the game seemed all but over as they trailed 27-26, but with 46 seconds on the clock Serra quarterback Hunter Correll led them down the field 76 yards for the victory, converting two fourth downs along the way, before his beautiful fade throw to Todd to win it.

“I really thought I had overthrown him by about 10 yards,” admitted Correll who finished with 287 yards through the air and has a knack for late game heroics. In Week 10 of the regular season he found Calvin Crockett on a hail mary as time expired to beat Morse on the final play. “John is such a freak of an athlete he reminds me a lot of Calvin so it was a whole lot of fun playing with him.”

Grossmont was the most represented school in the county with five players including Lawrence, JT BARNES, ANTHONY ALTON (1 sack) and CHRISTIAN MENO on one side, but KALVIN WATERS was on the other got and registered a sack on Lawrence.

“I'm not gonna lie it felt pretty good,” he said of taking down his Grossmont High teammate. “I was running my mouth a bunch, but in the end we're all family it was just fun.”

Barnes scored the opening touchdown of the game on a 39-yard touchdown toss from Lawrence where the two improvised and showed they had been playing together for years.

“He's my best friend so it was just fun to come out and play with him one last time,” said Barnes after reeling in 5 catches for 134 yards and one score. “The outcome of the game wasn't too important and there was a ton of us Grossmont guys so it was great to come out here and just have fun playing football.”

For the American team, wide receivers JOVON RICHARDSON (Mount Miguel) had 4 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD and BLAKE DeEHAVEN (Granite Hills) added 2 catches for 15 yards. While on the National team side wide receiver LAWRENCE DICKENS (Steele Canyon) had 5 receptions for 35 yards and running back JESSE BISBAL (Granite Hills) carried the ball five times for 10 yards.

Barnes opened the scoring with a 39-yard touchdown grab from teammate Lawrence. Todd and Correll answered with a pair or TD hookups (12, 58) of their own and Brandon Scales (Mar Vista) added a 7-yard score as the National team built a 20-10 halftime lead, taking advantage of a second quarter without Lawrence on the field.

The second half became a see-saw battle once the section’s all-time passing leader got back onto the field. He found Richardson from 32 yards out and then led an 8-play 50 yard drive leading to one of two Robby Weissenfels (Coronado) field goals to tie things up at 20-20.

Correll then found a wide open Todd for a 74-yard score, but the extra point was missed, leaving the door open for the American team. After a stalled drive and punt, strong safety Zack Harbin (Mission Hills) intercepted a pass and raced 57 yards to the National 6-yard line, leading to the Hennie score and the rest is history.

J.T. Barnes (far left) makes the over-the-shoulder catch then racing to the end zone for a touchdown. (Photos by Linda Byerline).

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (12-27-13) — The San Diego Football Night Lights magazine’s
All-Star game will be held on Saturday (Dec. 28) at 1 p.m. at Helix High School. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students under 18.

East County is well represented on the rosters. Two dozen East County athletes will compete in the contest, including Grossmont’s record-breaking quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE.

Other standouts ticketed to compete are Steele Canyon record-breaking wide receiver LAWRENCE DICKENS and Mount Miguel breakaway threat JOVON RICHARDSON.

Other Inlanders playing in the game include a bevy of all-leaguers:

Grossmont quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE, offensive lineman CIRWIN SALIH (El Cajon Valley), offensive lineman ALEXIS RAMIREZ (Mount Miguel), offensive lineman JOSE SOLIS (El Cajon Valley), tight end-defensive tackle JUSTIN MITCHELL (Granite Hills), tight end NOAH ORTIZ (West Hills), wide receiver JOVON RICHARDSON (Mount Miguel), wide receiver-kickoff return guy BLAKE DeHAVEN (Granite Hills), wide receiver-kicker J.T. BARNES (Grossmont), wide receiver ALAN HARRIS (El Cajon Valley), linebacker SEAN McCARTHY (Steele Canyon), defensive lineman ROBERT DELOZIER (El Capitan), linebacker ANTHONY ALTON (Grossmont), defensive end THOMAS WHALEN (El Capitan) and strong safety CHRISTIAN MENO (Grossmont) will play for the Red All-Stars.

Santana offensive lineman MICHAEL VAN BUREN, wide receiver JOHN TODD (Valhalla), running back JESSE BISBAL (Granite Hills), wide receiver LAWRENCE DICKENS (Steele Canyon), linebacker RYDEN KERR (West Hills), defensive end KALVIN WATERS (Grossmont), defensive end KAIAR AL-NAIEM (El Cajon Valley), cornerback ISAIAH EDWARDS (Valhalla), strong safety RYAN LARCEVAL (Steele Canyon), strong safety OWEN BROWN (Santana) will play for the Blue All-Stars.

Sat., Aug. 31
Non-League
Honolulu-Punahou 10, Helix 6

Thurs., Sept. 5
Non-League
CV-Calvary Christian 21, SD Jewish 20

Fri., Sept. 6
Non-League
Grossmont 56, Escondido 23
El Capitan 44, Mater Dei Catholic 0
Christian 42, Santana 0
Helix 32, Northridge (Utah) 0
Mount Miguel 25, Otay Ranch 15
Foothills Christian 14, Maranatha 7
Madison 35, Valhalla 5
St. Augustine 20, Steele Canyon 12
Montgomery 20, El Cajon Valley 7
West Hills 31, Monte Vista 6
Coronado 35, SD-Soithwest 14
Clairemoint 49, EC-Southwest 15
Hoover 30, University City 7
Crawford 49, Julian 0
La Jolla Country Fay 34, Vincent Memorial 12
Calipatria 53, BorregoSprings 0
Calvin Christian 46, Lutheran 24

Sat., Sept. 7
Non-League
Viewpoint 61, Mountain Empire 0
Classical Acdemy 46, Ocean View Chr. 6

Fri., Sept. 13
Non-League
Helix 21, Cathedral Catholic 16
El Capitan 49, Serra 14
West Hills 27, El Centro-Central 13
Valhalla 24, Monte Vista 14
Christian 66, El Cajon Valley 3
San Ysidro 48, Foothills Christian 13
Granite Hills 49, Patrick Henry 21
Ramona 52, Grossmont 22
Castle Park 28, Santana 7
Vista 8, Steele Canyon 6
Madison 20, Mount Miguel 7 (final score will stand; game ended early, fight)
Coronado 48, Cochrane (Albt.) 28
Montgomery 34, Clairemont 21
Morse 22, University City 13
Crawdord 39, Horizon 23
CV-Calvary Christian 22, Maranatha 0
Mountain Empire 40, Anza-Hamilton 35
Calipatria 36, The Rock 7
Holtville 41, Desert Mirage 0
Vincent Memorial 44, Lutheran 0
Julian 29, Ocean View Christian 0
Tri-Coty Christian df. at Borrego Springs, forfeit

Fri., Sept. 20
Citrus League
Lutheran 33, Foothills Christian 6
Non-League
Christian 35, Ontario Christian 13
El Capitan 49, Valhalla 25
Granite Hills 51, El Centro-Central 29
Helix 42, Mount Miguel 19
Monte Vista 34, Sweetwater 3
Steele Canyon 27, Rancho Buena Vista 23
West Hills 23, Serra 0
Francis Parker 52, Santana 13
El Cajon Valley 51, San Ysidro 34
Mountain Empire 38, SD-Southwest 16
Clairemont 35, Castle Park 0
The Bishop's 20, Coronado 17
Julian 46, Riverside-Sherman Indian 6
Temecula-Rancho Christian 34, CV-Calvary 0
Vincent Memorial 36, Classical Academy 6
Newport Beach-Sage Hills 21, Esacondido Charter 16
El Centro-Southwest 54, Holtville 14
Crawford 43, Maranatha 0
Yuma (Ariz.) 13, Calipatria 8
Bye - Grossmont
Fri., Sept. 27
Non-League
No.11 El Capitan 45, West Hills 26
No.12 Christian 56, The Bishop’s 28
No.13 Grossmont 42, Otay Ranch 7
No.9 Ramona 10, No.3 Helix 6
Monte Vista 29, Kearny 12
Mount Miguel 45, Valhalla 14
Granite Hills 55, El Cajon Valley 10
Mountain Empire 54, Army-Navy 39
Crawford 68, Foothills Christian 0
No.2 Mission Hills 30, No.1 Oceanside 6
University City 35, San Diego HS 21
Mission Bay 41, Clairemont 0
Hilltop 10, Coronado 0
San Ysidro 31, Calipatria 18
Holtville 49, San Luis (Ariz.) 0
Escondido Charter 42, Tri-City Christian 14
Classical 28, Newport Beach-Sage Hill 21
CV-Calvary Christian 28, Calvin Christian 27

Sat., Sept. 28
Non-League
Point Loma 35, Santana 3

Thurs., Oct. 3
Non-League
San Diego Jewish 27, Julian 0

Fri., Oct. 4
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 38, Orange Glen 13
Mount Miguel 38, Poway 3
Monte Vista 28, Patrick Henry 21 (OT)
Grossmont 61, San Diego 6
El Capitan 55, Granite Hills 14
Mission Bay 24, Christian 21
Mar Vista14, Santana 6
Canyon Country-Canyon 28, Steele Canyon 0
La Jolla 27, Coronado 22
Hoover 48, Clairemont 7
Serra 28, University City 14
Classical 25, Calvin Christian 8
Horizon 53, Escondido Charter 22
Holtville 28, Palo Verde Valley 7
Vincent Memorial 43, Borrego Springs 0
Maranatha Christian 18, Lutheran 16

Fri., Oct. 11
Grossmont Hills League
Grossmont 63, Granite Hills 49
Helix 47, Valhalla 10
West Hills 20, Steele Canyon 17
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 46, El Cajon Valley 0
Mount Miguel 42, El Capitan 21
Santana - bye
Central League
Christian 49, Coronado 3
Manzanita League
Mountain Empire 40, Escondido Charter 0
Vincent Memorial 41, Calipatria 0
Crawford 21, Holtville 14
Citrus League
CV-Calvary Christian 22, Boirrego Springs 6
Classical 20, Julian 7
Non-League
La Jolla 63, University City 6

Fri., Oct. 18
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 45, Granite Hills 13
Grossmont 21, Steele Canyon 19
West Hills 32, Valhalla 25
Grossmont Valley League
Santana 35, El Cajon Valley 0
Mount Miguel 35, Monte Vista 12
El Capitan – bye
Citrus League
Borrego Springs 44, Foothills Christian 0
Julian 40, Lutheran 14
Manzanita League
Holtville 33, Mountain Empire 12
Calipatria at Crawford, ccd.

Sat., Oct. 19
Manzanita League
Escondido Charter 29, Vincent Memorial 22
Citrus League
CV-Calvary Chr. 34, Classical Academy 27

Fri., Oct. 25
Grossmont Hills League
Granite Hills 17, Steele Canyon 14
Helix 44, West Hills 7
Grossmont 69, Valhalla 14
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 42, Santana 0
Mount Miguel 62, El Cajon Valley 0
Central League
University City 28, Coronado 18
Citrus League
Classical Academy 54, Foothills Christian 0
Borrego Springs 64, Lutheran 19
CV-Calvary Chr. 16, Julian 10
Manzanita League
Holtville 40, Escondido Charter 18
Crawford 45, Vincent Memorial 0

Sat., Oct. 26
Central League
Christian 49, Clairemont 0
Manzanita League
Mountain Empire df. Calipatria, forfeit

Fri., Nov. 1
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 58, Grossmont 36
Steele Canyon 28, Valhalla 7
West Hills 36, Granite Hills 13
Grossmont Valley League
El Capitan 21, Monte Vista 0
Mount Miguel 53, Santana 0
Central League
Christian 52, University City 3
Citrus League
Foothills Christian 9, Julian 6
CV-Calvary Christian 62, Lutheran 27
Classical Academy 69, Borrego Springs 6
Manzanita League
Crawford 29, Mountain Empire 14
Holtville 54, Vincent Memorial 0
Escondido Charter 27, Calipatria 14

Thurs., Nov. 7
Citrus League
CV-Calvary Christian 56, Foothills Christian 19

Fri., Nov. 8
Grossmont Hills League
Helix 14, Steele Canyon 13
Grossmont 48, West Hills 6
Granite Hills 45, Valhalla 25
Grossmont Valley League
Monte Vista 44, Santana 3
El Capitan 48, El Cajon Valley 7
Non-League
Christian 62, La Jolla Country Day 9
Mission Bay 49, Coronado 13
Central League
University City 10, Clairemont 9
Manzanita League
]Mountain Empire 52, Vincent Memorial 30
Holtville 40, Calipatria 7
Crawford 20, Escondido Charter 0
Citrus League
Classical Academy 66, Lutheran 8
Julian 47, Borrego Springs 24
END REGULAR SEASON