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SCHOLARSHIP SEASON

Four more getting their education paid for

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-8-15) — Grossmont High’s linebacker MALIK HAYES has accepted a scholarship to San Jose State, while offensive lineman LOGAN CANDELARIO has accepted a ride to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The Grossmont scholarship list continues with defensive back B.J. GONZALES, who will attend Black Hills State University, NCAA-2 in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Meanwhile defensive lineman CHAZ CADWALADER will be a walk-on at Arizona State University.

Four Cougars playing on the next level

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (6-5-15) — Four Steele Canyon High graduates have latched onto football college scholarships from their 2014 season play.

WILLIE FAIR, a linebacker, will attend NCAA Division II Azusa Pacific University.

ROBERT TEO and JORDAN JOHNSON will check in at NAIA Hastings College in Hastings, Nev.

ROOSEVELT JOHNSON will play for the NAIA Baker University Wildcats in Baldwin City, Kansas.

First set of 2016 scholarships are coming in

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-18-15) — Granite Hills senior-to-be JACOB BURTON, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound lineman, has been offered a scholarship to the University of Arizona.

Burton, if he accepts the Wildcats’ offer, will join former Santana lineman T.D. GROSS at the Tucson campus. Burton’s father, BRAD, who played at San Diego State, and uncle MITCH, who also played football for the Aztecs, offer the youthful Jacob plenty of experience going into his final season of high school football.

Other Scholarship Recruits
A handful of West Hills seniors earned scholarships to the University of Minnesota Crookston. Lineman GARRET MEAD, a first team Grossmont Valley League player who played virtually every snap for the Wolf Pack in 2014 has already accepted a scholarship.

Also earning a scholarship to UMC is linebacker CONNER FINNESTEAD, who played his first three years at West Hills and then transferred to Mater Dei Catholic where he earned All CIF honors.

Versatile PEANUT HERRADA, who red-shirted last year at UMC, joins former West Hills wide receiver ERIC FIEGE on the Crookston campus.

Week 12

Eagles spread wings for playoff win over Henry

By Jim Lindgren
©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (11-15-14) — As talented, fast and multi-dimensional as MICHAEL LEDESMA is for Granite Hills, it’s sometimes hard for him to pick out his favorite highlight from a Friday night football game.

Was it the sparkling 66-yard touchdown run around right end in which he eluded several would-be tacklers, broke free of a couple grasps and raced to the end zone to give the Eagles a 21-point cushion midway through the third quarter?

Or was it the amazing 30-yard touchdown grab in which he dived, stretched and somehow hauled in the improbable completion while skidding toward the end zone sideline that gave the Eagles their first 21-point spread early in the second quarter?

In the fourth quarter, there also was an 8-yard TD scamper and a relatively ho-hum 2-yard scoring sprint, but those were not in the running for “Best of Show” on this Friday night (Nov. 14) when Granite Hills routed Patrick Henry, 55-28, in the first round of the Division III playoffs at Valley Stadium.

His favorite?

“It’s really close between the 70-yarder (66 actually) or the diving catch,” Ledesma said. “If I had to choose … (long pause) … (longer pause) … I don’t know.”

Told by an observer he would eventually choose the 30-yard diving catch, Ledesma conceded, “OK. I’ll go with that one.”

Ledesma’s four-TD night along with another stellar performance by quarterback SETH COLLINS propelled the No. 5-seeded Eagles (8-3) past No. 12 Patrick Henry (5-6) and into a quarterfinal matchup with No. 4 Fallbrook (7-3) next Friday night (Nov. 21) at Fallbrook.

After a drought of 27 years without a postseason win on the field, Granite Hills won two playoff games last year before losing to San Marcos, 28-17, last year in the Division III semifinals.

“We had a lot of confidence all year,” Ledesma said. “I felt in all my heart that we should have won that semifinal game last year. Confidence rolls and flips over.”

Granite Hills wide receiver Michael Ledesma celebrates with quarterback Seth Collins (1) following another touchdown hook-up during Friday night's playoff win by one of the East County's leading - and most spectacular - passing combos. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Granite Hills has now won three in a row after losing three in a row after starting the season 5-0.

Listed as a wide receiver, Ledesma finished with 134 rushing yards and three TDs on only six carries, two catches for 38 yards and a TD and a 35-yard kick return that – on the next play – led to a 48-yard touchdown pass from Collins to a wide-open ROB AGERBEEK that made it 28-6 with 2:47 before halftime.

Collins’ two touchdown passes came on only four attempts, and none of his passes hit the turf. Collins was 3-of-4 passing for 86 yards with one non-consequence interception. More dangerous afoot, he rushed for 133 yards on 14 carries, including a magnificent 51-yard touchdown scramble to open the second half and a 35-13 GH advantage.

“They (Ledesma and Collins) did a good job tonight,” Eagles coach KELLAN COBBS said. “Our offensive line did a great job, getting to the edge on those sweeps.”

Despite giving up 28 points, 352 total yards and 21 first downs, the Eagles defense provided a major boost with two interceptions and significant return yards in the first half.

“Those interceptions and the return game did a good job getting us good field position,” Cobbs said.

RILEY REYES posted his first rushing touchdown on the Eagles’ first possession to make it 7-0, a 4-yard end-around executed to perfection.

After CHASE GANDY intercepted a Henry pass and returned it 29 yards, THOMAS YOUMOG scored five plays later on a 6-yarder to make it 24-0. Early in the second quarter, Reyes’ fourth interception of the season that he returned 40 yards led to Ledesma’s highlight TD catch and a 21-0 lead.

Granite Hills wide receiver Michael Ledesma leaves a trail of ground rubber trying to cut against Patrick Henry defenders Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Ledesma had five TDs against Central, and his four against Henry gives him 23 for the season. Collins now has 17 rushing scores and 12 TD passes.

“They’ve got speed,” Henry coach Mike Martinez said. “That really hurt us tonight.”

The Patriots finally got untracked late in the second quarter, scoring twice in the final 2:56 to make it an intriguing 28-13 game at halftime.

Five plays into the second half, this game was over.

On the third play of the third quarter, Collins scored on a zig-zagging 51-yard run that probably covered 95 yards of real estate to make it 35-13.

After Henry reeled off a nice scoring drive, Ledesma took the Eagles’ second snap for his 66-yarder to go up 41-20.

With a barely missed extra-point attempt, Granite Hills’ scoring line wound up 14-14-13-14 for 55 points. The Eagles’ top mark this year was 56 against El CajonValley, and they also posted 54 against Santana. Granite Hills had beaten Patrick Henry 48-24 in Week 3.

Ledesma’s first score of the fourth quarter made it 48-20. A 15-yard face-mask penalty on the Patriots was tacked onto the ensuing kickoff, and Granite Hills’ SID RODRIGUEZ recovered an onside-kick attempt at the 39-yard line that led to Ledesma’s fourth score with 6:57 left. The 55-20 lead led to a running clock for the remainder of the game, and Granite never ran another play.

The Eagles finished with 445 total yards, including 72 rushing yards from Youmog on 11 carries.

“Honestly, with the way their offense was going, it felt like a closer game,” Cobbs said.

CAMERON ROJAS (three pass defenses), KELLEN GAEIR (batted pass in the backfield), Ledesma and Riley paced the defense.

“It was a good win,” Cobbs said, “Hopefully we can keep it going. Fallbrook is a good team. They run the wing-T (offense) really well.”

Since 1986, Granite Hills had lost 14 straight playoff games on the field – it was rewarded a 2-0 forfeit win against Mt. Carmel in 1997 – before going 2-1 last year and barely missing a chance for their first-ever San Diego Section championship.

The Eagles are 14-21 all-time in the playoffs since Granite Hills opened in 1960.

As for the turnaround in Granite Hills’ postseason fortune, Cobbs stated, “It’s always exciting to win playoff games. Hopefully it will be a more regular thing around here than it’s been in the past.”

WEST HILLS (9-2) 41, IMPERIAL (6-5) 27 – No. 5 seed West Hills upended Imperial in Friday’s (Nov. 14) first round of the San Diego Section Division II playoffs.

West Hills won for the eighth-straight game by shutting down the balanced Tigers' offense 41-24.

TAJ BROOMFIELD scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with about eight minutes left in the first quarter, as West Hills led 7-0 after one.

JACOB SHAW had a 1-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter, which extended the Wolf Pack's lead to 20-7.

DEVON HATHAWAY had a 56-yard scoop-and-score in the first minute of the second half to make it 27-7. Senior JOEY WILSON pressured a receiver who was getting a behind-the-line screen pass that was dropped. Hathaway was the man-on-the-scene to pick up the ball and race down the left side for the touchdown.

Broomfield added a 52-yard scoring reception from quarterback SPENCER MOYER, who hauled in a high pass down the right side with about eight minutes left in the third quarter to make it 34-7.

With seven minutes left in the game, Hathaway scored from 3 yards out to make it 41-20.

West Hills will travel to the desert to face 9-1 Brawley in the quarterfinals Friday (Nov. 21).

El Cajon Valley senior slot Fadi Putrus carries during the Braves' home playoff win over Horizon Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

EL CAJON VALLEY (3-8) 49, HORIZON (5-6) 34 – The Braves were virtually unstoppable on offense, and the El Cajon Valley Sack Exchange came up big during the game's final stanza, as the hosts won in the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

El Cajon Valley jumped out to a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter, but the Panthers came back to tie in the second quarter on a 13-yard quarterback keeper.

The Braves scored a touchdown with under two minutes to go in the first half.

El Cajon Valley forced a fumble in the first quarter and converted the turnover into a touchdown four plays later on a 19-yard score.

The Braves scored on a six-play opening drive, capped by a 9-yard run.

Horizon closed to within 21-20 on a touchdown early in the third quarter, then made a big red-zone stop on fourth down following big-play runs from MATTHEW SHEARIN and MERITON HASANI. Shearin had a 12-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 28-28.

“Shearin had a great game,” said El Cajon Valley coach NORMAN WHITEHEAD. “He played both ways. And Hasani played great as well, finishing with 2 TDs and 141 yards rushing.”

El Cajon Valley's FAAMAMA LAUIFI had an interception off a deflected pass late in the third quarter, while teammate PIETRO ANDERSON had a tackle-for-loss, also near the end of the third quarter. Anderson finished with 13 tackles, 3 sacks and caused a fumble.

Shearin rushed for a short touchdown with 9:03 left in the game.

NICK JONES had a third-down sack in the fourth quarter, setting up a 43-yard TD run by Shearin immediately following the change of possession. Jones had 7 tackles with 3 sacks and a knock-down pass that led to an interception.

The Braves' defense came up big midway through the fourth when Shearin knocked a possible touchdown pass out of the receiver's grasp, then Lauifi and Jones stopped the Panthers' for a tackle-for-loss on fourth down to force a turnover on downs.

“Our O-line was great,” said Whitehead. “Hats off to our OL – CUAUHTEMOC GUTIERREZ, BREYDEN CHESTNUT, STEVE SARKISSIAN, ADEL MORALES, Pietro Anderson and MUHAMAD TAHIR.”

FADI PUTRUS, a senior, had a remarkable 38-yard touchdown run that saw him bounce, spin and get out of the grasp of defenders en route to the end zone.

“Putrus played great – rushed for 58 yards and a score,” Whitehead said. “We rushed for 546 yards. MARTIN PATTI had 7 touchbacks and did a great job punting.”

Late in the game, Jones and Anderson combined for a sack, then Jones got a solo sack on the next play. Anderson would later add another sack on the game's final drive.

Horizon got a touchdown with 2:25 left, but Shearin turned a 3rd-and-6 play into a 61-yard touchdown run with 1:38 left.

El Cajon Valley junior linebacker TAYLER PANNEL finished off the Panthers with a final-drive sack.

 

Grossmont's Tyler Milliken (blue) sacks the Westview quarterback Friday night during the Foothillers' home playoff win Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

GROSSMONT (6-5) 57, WESTVIEW (3-8) 34 – RICKY VALDEZ rushed for three touchdowns for Grossmont, which tallied 582 total yards in the wild home San Diego Section Division I playoff win Friday night (Nov. 14).

CALVIN FARRIS had an 80-yard catch-and-run touchdown pass to A.J. SHAW to get Grossmont on the board after Westview opened up with a 14-0 edge.

Valdez banged off a tackler en route to a 12-yard score, as Grossmont led 37-34.

Grossmont worked a short on-side kick on the left side to perfection when kick KYLE PINEDA beautifully angled a short-bouncer over the front line, allowing junior MARCUS MELERO to easily roundup the free ball.

Grossmont led 44-34 when B.J. GONZALEZ made a diving interception to seemingly seal the win.

Blocking the way for the 5-10, 205-pound senior Valdez were seniors LOGAN CANDELARIO, TRISTON COX, SCOTT FOHRING, MICHAEL BYERLINE and TARIQ BOUTROS

Grossmont will face No. 1-seed La Costa Canyon (5-5) next Friday night.

EL CAMINO (6-5) 31, VALHALLA (4-7) 17 – It was a long bus ride to Oceanside for the Valhalla football team. After being stuck in traffic for more than 2 hours, the Rancho San Diego team finally arrived at El Camino for a first round San Diego Section playoff game Friday evening (Nov. 14), just a short time before the scheduled 7:00 p.m. kickoff.

It was a longer ride home, even though it took much less time, after being on the wrong end of a 31-17 decision. Even though the Norsemen lost the game, they showed coach CHARLES BUSSEY they have talent, desire, and a lot of grit—all good ingredients for next season.

The Norsemen wanted to get off to a fast start with their hurry-up offense. Junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH started with a quick hitter to junior wide receiver KEVIN FRANCIS for an 11-yard gain to the Valhalla 31-yard line. Then junior running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE ripped a 9-yard gain up the middle, followed by a nifty 13-yard dash on an option play around left end into El Camino territory, to the 46-yard line. The drive fizzled after a sack and two incomplete passes, forcing a punt by sophomore JACOB PAAPE.

Valhalla’s defense got off to a good start as well. The Wildcats opened from their 19-yard line following Paape’s punt. On first down, quarterback Sergio Lopez threw a quick pass in the right flats that was dropped by the receiver as he heard junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER’s thundering footsteps closing in; the pass was backwards, officially making it a lateral and not a pass. Baker alertly pursued the ball, as did the would-be-receiver who pounced on the ball as Baker pounced on him for a 12-yard loss. So much for fast starts.

On the next play, Garcia completed a 23-yard pass, just enough for a first down at the El Camino 30-yard line. The home team systematically moved the ball downfield to the Valhalla 25-yard line. On 2nd and 7, Garcia sprinted up the middle, squirted free and cruised into the end zone. The kick was good and the Wildcats led 7-0, with 5:30 left to play in the first quarter.

Late in the first quarter El Camino was on their 35-yard line and called a middle screen pass. Unfortunately, Valhalla’s rather large junior nose guard CHRIS YOHE swatted the ball right to his cohort on the defensive line, ANTHONY HANNA, who picked it off and returned the interception 16 yards to the Wildcats’ 14 yard line, giving the visitors the opportunity to knot the score before the end of the first period. Three successive running plays only netted 2 yards, however, so the Norsemen settled for a Paape 27 yard field goal to open the second quarter, tightening the score to 7-3.

A 40 yard return on the ensuing kickoff gave the home team great field position at their 45 yard line. Six plays later, running back Nick Donaldson scored from 3 yards out, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 14-3, at the 8:44 mark of the second stanza.

Valhalla had good field position to start its next offensive series, at its 42 yard line. Naseh and crew went to work. First, he connected with senior wide receiver SPENCER HENDERSON for a 9 yard gain to the El Camino 49 yard line. Then, after sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON ripped off an 8 yard gain to the EC 41, Naseh found Henderson open again across the middle to the Oceanside team’s 28 yard line.

Two plays later, senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN took off down the left sideline for the end zone; Naseh spotted him and lofted a pass to Coleman’s left side as the receiver entered the end zone. Coleman made a spectacular one-hand catch, and, after Paape (3-3 PAT) split the uprights, Valhalla was back in business, trailing only 14-10 with 6:29 remaining in the first half.

Not to be outdone, El Camino’s offense quickly moved downfield in an attempt to regain a comfortable lead before intermission. Six plays later, the Wildcats had a 1st and goal from the Norsemen 3 yard line. The Wildcats’ coaching staff called for the ever-popular center screen pass on the next play, but junior linebacker TREY SCHIMKE sniffed it out, waited until the last second, and then stuck his big paws up and snatched the ball out of the air before it could find a receiver. Schimke returned the interception 10 yards to the Valhalla 13 yard line, giving the Norsemen a chance to take the lead before the first half ended.

Naseh methodically directed traffic as the Valhalla offense scooted downfield into El Camino territory, following a 20 yard pass from Naseh to Henderson (6 receptions, 94 yards) to the EC 36 yard line. Two plays later, an El Camino defender tipped a pass, which re-routed it to another EC defender, Eric Wilson, who returned the interception 62 yards for another TD, giving the home team a 21-10 halftime lead./

El Camino got the ball to open the second half, but could only manage a 42 yard field goal, adding to its lead, 24-10, with 8:16 remaining in the third quarter.

Valhalla wasn’t intimidated and came roaring back. Facing a 3rd and 15 from his 20, Naseh worked some magic with Henderson, who ran a perfect flag route from right to left; Naseh hit him in full stride across the middle, and, after shaking off one tackler, Henderson motored for 35 yards to the EC 45 yard line.

On the next play, sophomore Johnson showed why he is going to be a force the next two years: he ran right through several would-be tacklers for a 22 yard gain to the EC 23 yard line. Naseh then threw a dart to a diving JAKE BASSETT who gathered it in on his way to the ground for a nice pickup to the Wildcats’ 11 yard line. The drive stalled, however, when the Norsemen were unable to punch it in from the 4 yard line, turning the ball over on downs.

Early in the 4th quarter, disaster struck. Naseh threw a quick hitter to Coleman for a completion at the Norsemen 30 yard line. Coleman managed to break at least one tackle before being dragged to the ground. When he hit the ground, the ball popped out. In a very controversial call, it was ruled a fumble, and, after a 20 yard return to the Valhalla 11 yard line, the home team was back in business – until junior cornerback JORDAN ELLIS picked off an errant pass at the 1 yard line and returned it to the 9 yard line, pumping up the Norsemen sideline.

Once again, the gritty Valhalla offense came to play. Sharpe ripped off a 20 yard run to the Valhalla 32. Then Bassett made another diving, sliding catch on the right sideline for a 34 yard gain to the EC 40 yard line. Some nice runs by Sharpe and Johnson moved the ball to the Wildcats’ 29 yard line. Bassett then capped his high school football career on a high note, as he caught a pass in traffic over the middle and fought his way to the 4 yard line. Two plays later, Johnson bruised his way into the end zone, making it a one-score game, 24-17, with 6:15 left to play.

On the next series, controversy struck again. The Wildcats’ quarterback lofted a pass to the end zone sideline; the receiver came down with the ball, but appeared not to have possession until he stepped out of bounds. Unfortunately for the Norsemen, neither sideline reporters nor the Valhalla fans get to make the calls; it was ruled a touchdown, sealing Valhalla’s fate 34-17, with only 2:55 left in the game.

For Valhalla, Nasseh finished 16-30-1 for 225 yards and one TD. Logan Baker had his customary double-digit tackles. And, keep this in mind. The Norsemen have a lot of returning letterman next year, along with many players from a very good JV squad. They should go deeper into the playoffs next season.

FRANCIS PARKER (6-5) 41, MONTE VISTA (6-5) 21 – Perennial power Francis Parker rolled over Monte Vista in Friday night’s (Nov. 14) Division III of the San Diego Section opening round playoffs.

Both teams came out firing but the Lancers got on the scoreboard first. Monte Vista followed shortly thereafter when TRE OWENS charged for a 6-yard run into the endzone.

The Monarchs would not score again until the third quarter when LEE WADE, JR. raced 5-yards for the TD, then did it again for 10 yards with 3:58 left in the fourth.

Lancers quarterback Khaleel Jenkins threw for four touchdowns and rushed for one. Two of those aerials went to Jordan Genmark-Heath, one to Christian Sourapas and one to Sterling Hayes as Francis Parker advanced to the second round of the playoffs next Friday (Nov. 21).

JOHNNY JONES led the Monarchs’ defense with 8 tackles, while ANDREW CANTY and JOSH CASTANEDA each logged a sack. ANGEL URENA scooped up a loose ball in a fumble recovery.

The game was only tied once at 7-7 before the Lancers took a 20-7 halftime lead. The outcome was never seriously in doubt after that.

POINT LOMA 47, MOUNT MIGUEL (3-8) 35 – Mount Miguel senior star JACOB CASTILLO threw for five touchdowns, but the visiting Matadors couldn't overcome the Pointers at Balboa Stadium.

Matador senior GARY HASKINS was on the receiving end of three of the strikes in the game, as the Matadors tried a furious finish, which saw them tally three touchdowns in the fourth quarter - including two to Haskins. The first touchdown of the fourth quarter between the pair was a 91-yard connection.

Castillo also had a short pass to ANTHONY GILMORE that the speedy junior turned into a 32-yard touchdown, on a designed play that had Gilmore slipping out of the backfield after the linemen let the pass rush through. The game was tied at that point, 14-14, as Haskins caught his first TD pass from 14 yards out earlier in the period to tie the game, 7-7.

However, the Pointers would dominate the third quarter and take a 33-14 lead into halftime.

SDCIF Playoffs – First Round

East County teams poised for first-round success

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (11-13-14) — Three teams in East County have earned first round byes into the 2014 San Diego CIF Playoffs – SteeleCanyon (Div. I), El Capitan (Div. II) and Christian (Div. III) – and will begin quarterfinal playoff games on Friday (Nov. 21). Helix, in the Open Division, will also begin play in the quarterfinals on Nov. 21.

Following are EastCounty teams who will begin first round play on Friday (Nov. 14).

(12) IMPERIAL (6-4) at (5) WEST HILLS (8-2) – West Hills has never won or even played for a section football championship. But the Wolf Pack has a pretty good shot at advancing in the Division II SDCIF playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) in Santee. West Hills wrapped up its first Grossmont Valley League football championship with a 4-0 record and are riding high . . . West Hills 35-14.

(10) VALHALLA (4-6) at (7) EL CAMINO (5-5) – This ought to be a good one as this Division I SDCIF game is up for grabs. The Norsemen have a better than even chance of tripping up El Camino as they count on linebackers LOGAN BAKER and CADE BAKER on the defense and running JEROME JOHNSON and quarterback PHILLIP NASEH for offense . . . Valhalla 26-22.

(9) WESTVIEW (3-7) at (8) GROSSMONT (5-5) – Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS will lead the Grossmont Foothillers in Division I play in the San Diego CIF first round playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) against visiting Westview. The Foothills have had more than their share of injuries and that could prove costly against the Wolverines . . . Westview 21-20.

(12) MOUNT MIGUEL (3-7) at (5) POINT LOMA (8-2) – Struggling Mount Miguel will have its hands full at Point Loma in Friday’s (Nov. 14) Division I SDCIF first round of the playoffs. The Matadors will count on the running game of ANTHONY GILMORE and quarterback JACOB CARRILLO. Point Loma has plenty of counterpunch . . . Point Loma 28-10.

(9) FRANCIS PARKER (5-5) at (8) MONTE VISTA (6-4) – Only one pass was thrown in the Division IV CIF showdown last year but it was good enough for a touchdwn and to give the Monarchs the victory. In this year’s rematch the Monarchs will need more firepower to get past Parker this time around . . . Monte Vista 28-13.

(12) PATRICK HENRY (5-5) at (5) GRANITE HILLS (7-3) – Granite Hills has a solid 1-2 punch in SETH COLLINS and MICHAEL LEDESMA that should be the difference in this one in Friday’s (Nov. 14) SDCIF Division III playoffs. The Eagles beat the Patriots 48-24 in the third game of the season. Now it’s a matter of playing defense for the Eagles . . . Granite Hills 31-28.

(9) HORIZON (5-5) at (8) EL CAJON VALLEY (2-8) – Some might not believe that El Cajon Valley, which only had 2 wins in 10 games, might qualify for the SDCIF Division IV playoffs. But the Braves managed to battle their way into the postseason against Horizon, and get a home game to boot . . . El Cajon Valley 7-6.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 115-20 (.852)

Week 10

Helix senior wide receiver Dashawn Keirsey, Jr., makes a catch in the end zone, wresting the ball away from Valhalla junior defensive back Dashawn Kinneston for a 24-yard touchdown in the Highlanders' win over the visiting Norsemen in La Mesa on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

Vaqueros set stage for East County showdown after dispatching Matadors

©EastCountySports.com
SPRING VALLEY (11-1-14) — About the best Mount Miguel (3-5, 0-4) could have hoped to do in their contest with El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) was to play spoiler, since the Vaqueros are tied for first place with Helix (8-1, 4-0) with one regular Grossmont Hills League game remaining. However, that didn’t happen.

The Vaqueros were on top of their game as they defeated Mount Miguel 34-14 in Friday night’s (Oct. 31) Halloween showdown to spoil the Matadors Homecoming festivities.

El Capitan’s D.J. SMITH got the Vaqueros on the scoreboard with 140 yards rushing on 17 carries for 3 touchdowns. But he wasn’t finished there, as he caught 4 passes from quarterback BRAD CAGLE for 53 yards and a touchdown.

ISAIAH CAPOOCIA recorded a 90-yard kickoff return for a score for El Cap, while kicker TAKOTA CURA was 4-for-5 on PAT kicks.

In the 1st quarter Mount Miguel’s CHRISTIAN GARCIA returned an interception for 45 yards and a score to tie the game at 7-all.

The score at halftime was 27-7 in the Vaqueros’ favor.

Mount Miguel would score in the 3rd quarter as quarterback JACOB CASTILLO hit KIKO BORJA for a 52-yard gain and a touchdown.

ENRIQUE KELLER was 2-for-2 on PAT kicks for the Matadors.

The Foothillers' Domonique Gueverra passed up this defender and several others for more yardage during Grossmont's loss at Helix Friday night.(photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

HELIX 56, GROSSMONT 10 – The Highlanders stand out as one of the county's top prep football teams, and when they have come across the freeway in the annual haggle for The Musket, Helix has won 34 times to Grossmont’s 12 – the teams have tied twice.

The likelihood of a tie was highly unlikely when the two teams collided Friday night (Oct. 31) in La Mesa in a Grossmont Hills League encounter when they resumed the series.

The Highlanders have not allowed more than 10 points per game since the second game of the season and have allowed only 26 points excluding that first game. They’ve shutout four opponents.

Helix scored a season high against the Foothillers

The biggest showdown in the EastCounty season was spearheaded by Helix’s NATHAN STINSON, who rushed for 217 yards on 16 carries for 3 touchdowns. He also caught 2 passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Receivers DaSHAWN KEIRSEY caught 4 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, while MASON VINYARD caught 2 passes for a TD.

MUGEN BLUE ran for 75 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown, and MICHAEL AUSTIN ran for 70 yards on 4 carries and a TD.

Quarterback Austin finished 11 for 20 passing for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns.

MATTHAIS LAYTON was 8-for-8 on PAT kicks.

The last time Grossmont defeated Helix was in 1991 by a score of 28-14.

For the Foothillers, junior KYLE PINEDA kicked a 29-yard field goal in the 1st quarter. Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run; Pineda’s PAT was good.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh attempts a pass against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

VALHALLA 25, STEELE CANYON 24 – The old Norse gods Odin and Thor were smiling down on their boys at Valhalla Friday evening (Oct. 31), when they dialed up some mischief to help the Rancho San Diego school reclaim the Jamacha Helmet from Steele Canyon.

The first half was all SteeleCanyon. The Cougars had a comfortable 24-7 halftime lead, but, as the third quarter commenced, so did the rain, just enough to rain on Steele’s parade.

Following the second half kickoff, the Cougars had good field position at their 37-yard line, and in two plays moved to their 46. On 3rd and 1, however, big CHRIS YOHE and TREY SCHIMKE smothered the ball carrier for a 1-yard loss, forcing a punt. Valhalla’s offense quickly put it in gear when, on first down from their own 35-yard line, junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH connected over the middle with a streaking SKLYLAR COLEMAN for a 28-yard gain to the Cougars’ 38-yard line. A pass interference penalty advanced the pigskin to the Steele 25 and a first down.

The Cougars blitzed but Naseh slipped a screen pass to sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON for a 19-yard gain to the 6-yard line. Naseh threw a dart to senior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS for an apparent touchdown, but the eagle-eyed refs spotted the ball at the 1. Johnson bulled his way into the end zone on the next play; the PAT attempt was barely wide right, so the home team trailed 24-13, with 8:46 remaining in the third quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, DEREK TYLER had a nice 42-yard return to the Valhalla 46-yard line, giving the Cougars a spark to regain their momentum. A 9-yard run on first down was promising. On the next play, however, Valhalla junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER sacked the quarterback for a 4-yard loss.

Steele Canyon junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON tossed a couple of short passes that advanced the ball to the Valhalla 28-yard line. On 4th and 3, Wood-Anderson found a wide open receiver, but that pesky rain caused the ball to slip through the receiver’s fingers, killing the drive.

The 4th period opened with Steele poised to strike at the Valhalla 14-yard line. Wood-Anderson threw a shot to the end zone for what looked like a sure touchdown, but at the last second, Valhalla linebacker LUCAS WALZ stuck his hand in and batted the ball to his teammate, J.J. MEIER, who intercepted the pass and returned it 32 yards to the Valhalla 30-yard line.

This time, Odin and Thor must have been snoozing, because on 3rd and 1 from the Valhalla 39-yard line, Cougars defensive lineman EDWARD DELGADO, anticipating a center-screen pass, read it perfectly, picked the errant throw and lumbered 12 yards to the Norsemen 23-yard line, giving his offense a golden opportunity to extend The Cougars’ lead. Unfortunately, on first down the ball squirted out of the running back’s hands and into those owned by Valhalla defensive tackle Yohe.

The tide was turning in favor of the Valhalla. On first down, Johnson rumbled 23 yards to midfield. Then, a quick pass to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (5 receptions for 89 yards) and a screen pass to Johnson advanced the ball to the Steele 39-yard line. On the next play, Steele defensive back NY JOHNSON picked off an errant pass at the Valhalla 10-yard line, thwarting the Norsemen’s attempt to narrow the gap.

Although the rain had stopped, the ball was still wet, as the Steele Canyon ball carrier discovered on the very next play when the ball flew out of his hands and directly into the rushing defense. Norsemen linebacker DANIEL BENDER scooped up the ball and carried it unmolested into the end zone for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, but Valhalla had cut the deficit to 24-19, with 10:06 left in the game.

Valhalla junior end Daniel Bender (32) harasses a pass attempt against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

To the men of Steele, the rain drops must have felt like they were made of Kryptonite, for, on the ensuing kickoff, the ball plopped from the receiver’s hands and was recovered by Valhalla special teamer JARED SULLIVAN at the Cougars’ 46-yard line. The home team took advantage of their good fortune, aided by a pass interference call against Steele.

On 1st and 10 from the Cougars’ 28-yard line, Naseh burst through the middle of the line for a 6-yard gain to the Steele 22. On the next play, left tackle MICHAEL RIVERA and center LIAM CLINGAN made a huge hole for Johnson who scampered 20 yards to the 2-yard line. It took four tries, but Johnson pushed across the goal line on 4th down for a 1 yard go-ahead TD, 25-24 (the 2 point PAT failed), with 6:25 remaining in the game.

The visitors were not ready to pack it in. Starting at their 41-yard line, an offside penalty against Valhalla on 3rd and 10 gave the Cougars a burst. With it now 3rd and 5 from their 46, Wood-Anderson dropped back to pass and was flushed from the pocket by junior linebacker CADE BAKER. The quarterback made some nifty moves and managed to pick up 5 yards on a busted play for a much needed first down at the Valhalla 49-yard line.

After Valhalla defensive back DASHAWN KINISTON stuffed the runner for a 3-yard loss, Wood-Anderson threw a deep spiral down the right sideline to JAVANTE WOFFORD for a whopping 43-yard gain to the Valhalla 9-yard line.

The drive stalled at the 6 yard line with just over 2 minutes left in the game. The confident Cougars trotted out their field goal team for a chip-shot kick that would allow them to re-take the lead. Kicker ALEXANDER RAYA had already kicked a 44-yard field goal in the first half. But, stuff happens. Whether mischief from above or otherwise, Valhalla’s Schimke broke through the line and blocked the field goal, enabling the Norsemen to hang on to their hard-fought 25-24 victory.

Back in the first quarter, things weren’t going Valhalla’s way, even after Meier picked off his first of two interceptions early in the first quarter. Three plays later, Valhalla running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE motored 16 yards to the Steele 43-yard line when an alert defender stripped the ball. It was picked up by SEAN McCRANE, who returned it 57 yards for the first score of the game. Following Raya’s kick, the Cougars led 7-0, only 2:06 into the contest.

Late in the first period, Raya kicked the aforementioned 44-yard field goal, making it 10-0 after one quarter. Valhalla’s Johnson scored a TD from 2 yards out just 20 seconds into the second stanza; placekicker JACOB PAAPE’s kick was good; Valhalla appeared to crawl back into the game 10-7 with 11:40 to play before intermission.

That’s when the game appeared to get out of hand. Wood-Anderson threw two tight spiral TD passes in the second quarter, the first a 31-yarder to junior wide receiver AVERY TUCK and the next a 24-yard TD pass to senior wide receiver JORDAN JOHNSON.

For Valhalla, Naseh completed 18 of 31 passes with 2 interceptions and 203 yards in the air. Johnson rushed 23 times for 130 yards and snagged 3 passes for 32 yards. Frazier had 5 receptions for 89 yards.

WEST HILLS 53, SANTANA 11 – Injury-plagued Santana battled gamely Friday night (Oct. 31) in a Grossmont Valley League game, but was no match for West Hills, who at the moment is in a tie for the league lead with Monte Vista. The best Santana could hope for was to play spoiler, but even that was out of reach.
West Hills scored three times before Santana could get on the board. JACOB SHAW scored on a 7-yard gain, TAJ BROOMFIELD scored on a 9-yard pass from Wolf Pack quarterback SPENCER MOYER, and DEVON HATHAWAY took a pass from Moyer for a 50-yard gain and a score.

On Shaw's TD run, the back dashed between defenders, getting the block from GARRETT MEAD for the open path.

Just before intermission JACOB HAMPSON blasted a 27-yard field goal to give the Sultans 3 points.

The 3rd quarter was all West Hills as Moyer hit RAPHY CARR for a 65-yard gain and a score just 34 seconds into the second half, Shaw ran for a 3-yard touchdown and WILL PETTY scored on a 24-yard run.

A Santana back carries during the Sultans' loss to visiting West Hills Friday night in the battle for The Mayor's Trophy in Santee. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Santana rallied in the 4th quarter as quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ ran for a 17-yard gain and a TD. The Sultans finished off with a 2-point conversion pass from Gutierrez to ADAM CHILDRESS.

Santana got an early turnover in the game, but West Hills controlled the first half.

Leading 26-3, the Wolf Pack held the hosts after a modest Sultans drive into West Hills territory was halted by a sack and fourth-down defended pass. West Hills took over at their own 36.

The Wolf Pack's Broomfield hauled in 34-yard pass at Santana 3, then Shaw banged his way into the end zone for a score at 6:05 of third to make it 33-3 Wolf Pack.

The Wolf Pack forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kick off. From the 24, Petty sweept his way to a score at 5:47 for a 40-3 lead.

Carr deflected a pass to himself in the secondary for a interception at the Santana 22. He knocked the pass slightly in the air and caught it on a forward dive. DEVON HATHAWAY added a 3-yard run for a score at 3:20 of third to make it 47-3.

West Hills got a TD pass on third down from QB KIAN AHMADIAN to JOSEPH WILSON for a 75-yard score. ALFONSO GREGG also had 5-yd TD run for the Wolf Pack in third. The Pack linemen were led by junior DOMINIC TUFI, senior JOSE ESTRADA and junior RICHARD IMBIMBO.

Junior Moyer threw a pair of TDs in second quarter, including the 50-yarder to a wide-open Hathaway, who caught the easy pass and sprinted the final 30 yards for the score.

Granite Hills junior running back Lyden Franklin surveys the situation during a first-quarter carry Friday night against El Cajon Valley. (EastCountySports.com photo)

GRANITE HILLS 56, EL CAJON VALLEY 14 – Eagles' quarterback SETH COLLINS was too tough to stop for the Braves.

CHASE GANDY recorded an interception for Granite Hills on the first play from scrimmage, then Collins turned in a couple of mad-scramble type runs, then a play-fake keeper around the right end for an easy jaunt into the end zone for a touchdown just 42 seconds into the game.

The Braves got an early boost of confidence when they got a sack of the talented Granite Hills dual-threat QB near midfield, but then Granite Hills turned to LYDEN FRANKLIN for a couple of first-down runs, then a short scoring pass from a scrambling Collins to RYAN ROJ, giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead at 6:37 of the first quarter.

After the Eagles forced a three-and-out, they capitalized on a short field with a gadget play, as a double-reverse ended with Raj throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass to JAKE MORGAN.

The Braves were punting again when the attempt resulted in a safety, as a team of Eagles got in quickly for a block through the back of the end zone, increasing the lead to 23-0 with 2:54 left in the first.

Granite Hills senior defender Nick Lucatuorto corrals Braves' superback Matthew Shearin Friday night in the battle of Madison Ave. rivals. (EastCountySports.com photo)

El Cajon Valley appeared to have another bother of Collins after he threw a deep incompletion following a scramble, but a roughness penalty on the Braves' erased the effort.

Collins then followed up the break by scrambling again for another touchdown, this time from 13 yards out, still with 1:08 left in the first quarter.

Granite Hills led 43-0 at halftime.

El Cajon Valley’s MATTHEW SHEARIN scored on a 25-yard run in the 3rd quarter and scored on a 64 yard run in the 4th. MARTIN PATTI’s PAT kicks were good both times.
Franklin raced for a 19 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter for Granite Hills, and JARROD WEISHAN closed out the Eagles’ scoring with a 10 yard run in the final period.

CHRISTIAN 42, UNIVERSITY CITY 6 – ADRIAN PETTY went 66 yards for the game's opening touchdown, as Christian led 7-0 with 9:42 left in the first quarter. Petty would score three more times before halftime and the undefeated Patriots won the Central League championship.

Petty added touchdown runs of 10, 80 and 8 yards before intermission, and the Patriots returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns in the second quarter, as sophomore ETHAN CONTRERAS returned one for 26 yards and senior WILLIAM HAIL returned his 20 yards. Petty had 138 yards rushing in the first half, as Christian led 42-0 at halftime and a running clock was used in the second half.

As good as Petty was getting to - and around - the corner, he got plenty of help up front from junior NATE CAZARES, sophomore JON STEIN and senior MATTHEW CARILLO.

CODY KIRWAN also paced the Patriots’ defense with a sack.

CLASSICAL ACADEMY 27, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7 - Foothills Christian turned in one of its best defensive quarters of the season on Thursday (Oct. 30), shutting out Classical Academy in the first quarter, as the game remained tied.

Classical Academy would score three touchdowns in the second quarter, however, and took a 27-0 lead in the third before the Knights answered with their score, which came in the third quarter.

The Caimans clinched the Pacific League championship with the victory.

Fearless Forecaster

Knights host league-leading Classical Academy Thursday night

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (10-30-14) — This week’s contest will begin a day earlier, on Thursday (Oct. 30) when Foothills Christian (0-8, 0-2) host Classical Academy (7-1, 3-0) at Seau Field at 7 p.m.

CLASSICAL ACADEMY (7-1, 3-0) vs. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-8, 0-2) at Seau Field, 7 – Classical Academy is one win away from locking up the Pacific League championship in one of their final two games. All that’s left is for the Knights is to play spoiler . . . Classical Academy 40-12.

GROSSMONT (4-4, 1-2) at HELIX (7-1, 3-0), 7 – No. 1 ranked Helix is 2 points short of being undefeated, losing only to Cathedral 9-7. In the battle with visiting Grossmont on Friday (Oct. 31) the Highlanders figure to lock up the Grossmont Hills League championship along with the fabled Musket trophy. Helix has held the Musket 33 years, with Grossmont winning it 12 times, and the teams tying twice.

MICHAEL AUSTIN will handle the Helix quarterbacking duties. He has completed 64 of 104 passes for 964 yards and 8 TDs. NATHAN STINSON has rushed for 1036 yards on 105 carries for 14 TDs. Receiver DaSHAWN KIERSEY has caught 15 passes for 324 yards and 2 TDs.

For Grossmont, quarterback CALVIN FARRIS in six games has completed 86 of 183 passes for 1506 yards and 17 TDs. ALIJAH AVANT, one of his favorite targets, is 21-for-370 and 3 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 255 yards on 20 carries for 3 TDs.

The nod here goes to . . . Helix 38-0.

EL CAPITAN (8-0, 3-0) at MOUNT MIGUEL* (3-4, 0-3), 7 – Mount Miguel is pinning its plans for a victory on the momentum of a Homecoming crowd as they entertain undefeated El Capitan in Grossmont Hills League action in Spring Valley. This will be the first meeting of these two teams, coming about as a result of the league realignment.

Helix's Mugan Blue is brought down by Valhalla defenders, including Daniel Bender (32). (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

El Capitan will count on quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who has completed 91 of 149 passes for 1463 yards and 11 touchdowns. Receivers ISAIAH CAPOOCIA (41 catches for 619 yards, 10 TDs) and JOEY LaCHAPPA (19 catches for 326 yards, 2 TDs) are prime targets. Running back D.J. SMITH has rushed for 600 yards on 84 carries and 10 TDs.

Quarterback JACOB CASTILLO (78-147, 1075 yds, 12 TDs) will lead Mount Miguel, while receivers CHRISTIAN GARCIA (3 carries, 111 yards, 2 TDs) and JAYVON JONES (29 catches for 403 yards) will be two of his targets. Running back ANTHONY GILMORE has rushed for 489 yards on 83 carries for 5 touchdowns.

Mount Miguel would dearly love to unseat the Vaqueros, but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 32-23.

STEELE CANYON (6-2, 1-2) at VALHALLA (3-5, 1-2), 7 – Steele Canyon will visit Valhalla in the battle for the Jamacha Helmet Friday night (Oct. 31) in Grossmont Hills League action.

Steele Canyon quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (56-119, 1016 yds, 8 TDs) will guide the Cougars. Receiver DEREK TYLER (17-429, 3 TDs) is one of his favorite targets, along with ROOSEVELT JOHNSON (21-369, 2 TDs). Rusher PIERRE ALEXANDER has carried 36 times for 333 yards and 3 TDs.

Valhalla is led by quarterback PHILLIP NASEH (94-170, 1242 yds, 8 TDs) along with rusher JEROME JOHNSON (130-648, 7 TDs) and receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (34-433, 3 TDs). The defense is headed by East County leader LOGAN BAKER (87 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception) and CADE BAKER (83 tackles).

Steele Canyon has an excellent shot at an upset, but don’t bet on it . . . Steele Canyon 31-27.

CHRISTIAN (8-0, 2-0) at UNIVERSITY CITY (5-3, 2-0), 6:30 – Nobody puts up points faster than the Christian High Patriots. If offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER is on top of his game, University City will be in for a long night Friday (Oct. 31).

Even though the two are tied for first in the Central League, the Patriots are pumping out 54.1 points per game.

Patriots leading rusher ADRIAN PETTY has amassed 1075 yards on 80 carries for 15 TDs for an average of 134.4 ypg. Quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH has passed for 1995 yards for 23 TDs and averages 249.4 ypg. Receiver NICK SEXTON has caught 36 passes for 600 yards and 6 TDs, while TREVOR HOWELL has grabbed 34 aerials for 466 yards and 8 TDs, and CHAD HUMPHRIES is 19 for 437 and 8 TDs. Patriots’ defender JOEY MORONES has 30 tackles and a sack, while JON STINES has 3 sacks.

On paper this one should be a battle for the title. In reality, though, it should be a runaway. Give the nod to . . . Christian 37-7.

GRANITE HILLS (5-3, 0-2) at EL CAJON VALLEY (2-6, 0-3), 7 – In another one of the longtime rivalries, Granite Hills will travel to El Cajon Valley Friday night (Oct. 31) in Grossmont Valley League action for the Battle of Madison Avenue (formerly known as the Golden Feather).

Eagles double-threat quarterback SETH COLLINS (33-71, 541 yds, 6 TDs) has also carried the ball 66 times for 361 yards and 10 TD. MICHAEL LEDESMA has rushed for 56 times for 326 yards and 7 TDs. As a receiver he also has made 14 catches for 325 yards and 5 TDs. RILEY REYES leads the Eagles defense with 73 tackles, 3 sacks, a fumble recovery and 2 interceptions.

El Cajon Valley’s MATTHEW SHEARIN leads EastCounty in rushing with 123 carries for 1199 yards and 15 touchdowns. MERITON HASANI has rushed for 373 yards on 90 carries for the Braves.

This one could be a high-scoring affair when all is said and done. Some of the best players in the GVL will be on the field . . . Granite Hills 38-23.

WEST HILLS (6-2, 2-0) at SANTANA (4-4, 1-1), 7 – A West Hills victory over archrival Santana Friday (Oct. 31) will put the Wolf Pack in position to vie for a Grossmont Valley League championship. This contest is known as a battle for the Jack Dale Cup (formerly the Mayor’s Cup).

West Hills running back JACOB SHAW has carried the ball 144 times for 792 yards and 9 TDs. Quarterback SPENCER MOYER is 78-140 passing for 1341 yards for 13 touchdowns to lead the Pack. Receiver RAPHY CARR has caught 46 passes for 826 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Santana quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ has completed 79-of-136 passes for 991 yards and 7 TDs. HINA ALIU has logged 35 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and one interception. TANNER KVEDERIS has made 5 sacks. ZACH LEWIS, who has amassed 361 yards on 75 carries for 8 TDs is reportedly sidelined with a broken collar bone.

This will no doubt have an impact on the outcome of the game . . . West Hills 28-20.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 4-2 (.667)
Season record: 101-18 (.849)

Lee Wade Jr. carries against West Hills during the Monarchs' league-deciding showdown Friday night in Santee. (EastCountySports.com)

Fearless Forecaster – Week 12
SDCIF Playoffs – First Round

East County teams likely poised for first-round success

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON (11-13-14) — Three teams in East County have earned first round byes into the 2014 San Diego CIF Playoffs – SteeleCanyon (Div. I), El Capitan (Div. II) and Christian (Div. III) – and will begin quarterfinal playoff games on Friday (Nov. 21). Helix, in the Open Division, will also begin play in the quarterfinals on Nov. 21.

Following are East County teams who will begin first round play on Friday (Nov. 14).

(12) IMPERIAL (6-4) at (5) WEST HILLS (8-2) – West Hills has never won or even played for a section football championship. But the Wolf Pack has a pretty good shot at advancing in the Division II SDCIF playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) in Santee. West Hills wrapped up its first Grossmont Valley League football championship with a 4-0 record and are riding high . . . West Hills 35-14.

(10) VALHALLA (4-6) at (7) EL CAMINO (5-5) – This ought to be a good one as this Division I SDCIF game is up for grabs. The Norsemen have a better than even chance of tripping up El Camino as they count on linebackers LOGAN BAKER and CADE BAKER on the defense and running JEROME JOHNSON and quarterback PHILLIP NASEH for offense . . . Valhalla 26-22.

(9) WESTVIEW (3-7) at (8) GROSSMONT (5-5) – Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS will lead the Grossmont Foothillers in Division I play in the San Diego CIF first round playoffs Friday night (Nov. 14) against visiting Westview. The Foothills have had more than their share of injuries and that could prove costly against the Wolverines . . . Westview 21-20.

(12) MOUNT MIGUEL (3-7) at (5) POINT LOMA (8-2) – Struggling Mount Miguel will have its hands full at Point Loma in Friday’s (Nov. 14) Division I SDCIF first round of the playoffs. The Matadors will count on the running game of ANTHONY GILMORE and quarterback JACOB CARRILLO. Point Loma has plenty of counterpunch . . . Point Loma 28-10.

(9) FRANCIS PARKER (5-5) at (8) MONTE VISTA (6-4) – Only one pass was thrown in the Division IV CIF showdown last year but it was good enough for a touchdown and to give the Monarchs the victory. In this year’s rematch the Monarchs will need more firepower to get past Parker this time around . . . Monte Vista 28-13.

(12) PATRICK HENRY (5-5) at (5) GRANITE HILLS (7-3) – Granite Hills has a solid 1-2 punch in SETH COLLINS and MICHAEL LEDESMA that should be the difference in this one in Friday’s (Nov. 14) SDCIF Division III playoffs. The Eagles beat the Patriots 48-24 in the third game of the season. Now it’s a matter of playing defense for the Eagles . . . Granite Hills 31-28.

(9) HORIZON (5-5) at (8) EL CAJON VALLEY (2-8) – Some might not believe that El Cajon Valley, which only had 2 wins in 10 games, might qualify for the SDCIF
Division IV playoffs. But the Braves managed to battle their way into the postseason against Horizon, and get a home game to boot . . . El Cajon Valley 7-6.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 115-20 (.852)

 

Week 11

Vaqueros roundup title
El Capitan controls second half to cap perfect regular season; West Hills wins Valley League championship

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (11-8-14) — Some might call it a shock, but others realize that the Helix Highlanders finally met their match in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) encounter with the El Capitan Vaqueros, who upended the Highlanders 24-17 in front of a capacity crowd in the final Grossmont Hills League regular season game.

Helix drew first blood when JIHAD WOODS pushed his way through a pack of defenders to score the first touchdown of the game.

NATHAN STINSON followed with a 7-yard TD of his own in the final seconds of the first quarter to boost the Helix score to 14-0.

The second quarter was a different story.

The Vaqueros pulled out every option, starting with the pint-size bearded Vaqueros mascot – complete with black cowboy hat and boots to match.

With 5:36 left in the second quarter, senior wide receiver SAM MELERO raced to the endzone on a 20-yard pass from Vaqueros quarterback BRAD CAGLE.

With just over a minute remaining in the first half ZACH CAGLE grabbed a 10-yard pass from his brother BRAD CAGLE and chalked up a TD to tie the game at 14-all.

The clock was showing 0:10.1 as Helix kicker MATTHIAS LAYTON booted a 25-yard field goal to move the Highlanders ahead 17-14.

In the third quarter Vaqueros’ TAKOTA CURO converted a 33-yard field goal to re-tie the game at 17-apiece. That’s all the scoring either team would show in that stanza.

The fourth quarter saw the El Capitan running back D.J. SMITH plow one in from 3 yards out to log the final winning score for the Vaqueros with 9:28 remaining.

Curo was 3-for-3 on PATs, plus his field goal, to lend his foot to the victory.

“It can’t get a whole lot closer than it was in this game,” said an exultant Vaqueros coach, RON BURNER, whose Vaqueros won their 10th straight victory.

Monte Vista's Xavier Wade jumps to try and deflect the eventual completion to West Hills' Jacob Shaw (34) from quarterback Spencer Moyer. (EastCountySports.com photo)

WEST HILLS 21, MONTE VISTA 13 – The last time RON HAMAMOTO coached in a meaningful game at West Hills, his club partied like it was 1999.

Then guiding Rancho Bernardo, it was 1999 when Hamamoto and the Broncos whipped the Wolf Pack 71-48 in a playoff game behind a San Diego Section-record 698 rushing yards.

Friday night … was a different tune.

Now at the helm of Monte Vista, Hamamoto and the Monarchs recorded a “Princely” 393 rushing yards, but West Hills came up with more big plays to secure a 21-13 victory that gave the Wolf Pack their first league championship since 2007.

West Hills senior running back JACOB SHAW rushed for 143 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the Wolf Pack (8-2, 4-0) to their seventh straight victory and the Grossmont Valley League title by beating Monte Vista (6-4, 3-1) in a winner-take-all showdown on the blue “Smurf” turf at West Hills.

“It feels amazing,” said Shaw of the Wolf Pack’s improbable run at the league crown. “You can’t have too big of a head at the beginning of the season, but we felt all the hard work we put in would pay off.”

Pay off it did.

Shaw scored West Hills’ first two touchdowns on runs of 4 and 12 yards, then TAJ BROMMFIELD turned a short pass from SPENCER MOYER into a 46-yard touchdown reception to turn a 1-point game into a 21-13 lead with 6:14 left to play.

Monte Vista drove 49 yards in 13 plays on its ensuing last possession, but the potential game-tying try ended with an interception by WILL PETTY at the 10-yard line with 1:10 left.

Shaw then rushed for 10 yards and DEVON HATHAWAY (three carries, 82 yards) reeled off 23 yards before the Wolf Pack took a couple of kneel-downs to wrap up a league title that had eluded CASEY ASH in his 3-year stint as West Hills’ head coach from 2008-2010.

“We won nine in a row when I played here,” said Ash, a 1996 graduate of West Hills. “But I don’t know if I’ve ever been around seven in a row as a coach.”

Moving the chains consistently with 21 first downs, West Hills rolled up 422 total yards. Moyer completed 14 of 24 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown and – remarkably – his first interception of the season in 176 attempts.

His first pick came in the end zone as Monte Vista’s CHARLES WEST corralled the errant toss to salvage a 7-7 tie just before halftime.

After a Senior Night halftime presentation, West Hills took charge with a 10-play, 91-yard scoring drive that Shaw capped with runs of 16, 28 and 12 yards to go up 14-7.

Monte Vista, however, answered with a 13-play, 80-yard scoring drive when LEE WADE Jr. tallied his second touchdown with a 10-yard bolt around right end with 1:58 to play in the third quarter. The PAT kick attempt went wide left, leaving the ‘Pack ahead 14-13.

To start the fourth quarter, West Hills’ SKYLER PEYTON sacked Moyer for a 6-yard loss, and the Wolf Pack began their final scoring drive, an 8-play, 71-yard jaunt that culminated in Moyer’s TD pass to Broomfield.

Monte Vista’s last drive started well with 13- and 19-yard rushed by Wade, but it ended with Petty’s INT at the 10-yard line.

That play essentially set a couple of school records for West Hills, which allowed zero pass completions and obviously zero passing yards to go with interceptions by Petty and Hathaway.

“They run the ball so well, we needed to make sure they didn’t get anything through the air,” Ash said. “We told our defense before the game they have to allow no completions.”

Seriously … no completions. That they did!

“If we could have just completed a couple passes, we’d have won this league,” said Hamamoto, who is in his third year as head coach at Monte Vista after super-successful campaigns at USDHS, Rancho Bernardo and Lincoln.

“I tip my hat to them. They did everything they needed to do to win.”

The Monarchs’ 393 rushing yards were largely a sum of Wade’s career-best 239 yards on 21 carries, while JORDAN JOHNSON added 133 yards on 22 attempts.

Wade now has 1,264 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and Johnson has 1,296 yards.

“I think eventually the run game wore them down a little bit,” said Shaw, who topped the millennium mark and now sits at 1,102 yards with 13 TDs.
With a 4-yard TD run by Shaw, West Hills took a 7-0 lead with 5:13 left in the second quarter to cap a 44-yard drive after Esteban Flores recovered a fumble.

Monte Vista knotted the score at 7-7 a minute later Wade followed a few great blocks and blasted 40 yards for a touchdown.

This was the first league contest between these schools since the Grossmont Conference split into two leagues after the 1991 season. Monte Vista leads the overall series 13-5.

But with the win, West Hills improved its chances of a bye in the first round of the Division II playoffs, while Monte Vista will likely be on the road in the first round of the Division III postseason.

“With the way we run the ball, I don’t think anybody’s going to be real happy to see us,” Hamamoto said.

West Hills has never won or even played for a section championship. Monte Vista lost to Sweetwater 7-0 in last year’s Division IV title game in search of its third section crown.

— Jim Lindgren

Christian High star Adrian Petty carries for a first down on a third-and-8 run from inside the 5. Petty had over 300 yards rushing midway through the third quarter Friday night, as the Patriots led 42-7 at halftime. The Patriots went on for the victory in the regular season finale. (EastCountySports.com photo)

CHRISTIAN 49, SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 7 – Christian’s ADRIAN PETTY got to play a little more than usual this week. It showed in his statistics.

SCORES

Fri., Nov. 7 Grossmont Hills League El Capitan 24, Helix 17 Grossmont 56, Valhalla 21 Steele Canyon 34, Mount Miguel 20 Grossmont Valley League West Hills 21, Monte Vista 13 Granite Hills 54, Santana 7 Central League Christian 49, Santa Fe Christian 7 Non-League University City 35, El Cajon Valley 7 Thurs., Nov. 6 Pacific League Escondido Charter 46, Foothills Christian 3

Petty, a junior running back, rushed for over 360 yards on just 17 carries - and had a 92-yard touchdown run called back on a holding penalty with a four-touchdown lead against one of the least penalized teams in the county in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) regular season nonleague finale.

Petty had an 80-yard touchdown run on the last play of the first quarter, as the Eagles were able to counter the Patriots for one period, which actually extended the playing time into the third quarter for most of the starters.

Petty had a touchdown run of 65 yards midway through the second quarter, and added a 44-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.

While Petty was the offensive star, it was J.D. PARKER that shined brightest for the Christian defense.

Parker had a highlight-reel diving interception of an option pass by a reversing end. Then, he had a short-field pick-six to close out the first half.

After Petty had his long TD run called back, he immediately answered with a 35-yard run on third-and-long backed up inside the 10. Christian would convert the drive into a score when DAVID TODD JEREMIAH threw a completion to junior BRANDON HESTER to the 19. That set up another completion to Hester for a first-and-goal, then Christian cashed in on a touchdown run by CHAD HUMPHRIES off left end with 15.5 seconds left in the first half, making the Patriots' lead 35-7.

Humphries also had a 30-yard touchdown jaunt when he caught a delayed crossing pattern from Jeremiah, then bashed, slashed and wrestled away from a leg tackle inside the 5 to get into the end zone.

Christian's fullback JOEY MARONES opened the scoring with a touchdown reception early in the first quarter, as he caught a dump-off pass following a blitz, and raced the 13 yards into the end zone, getting a final block from lineman WILLIAM HAIL. Patriot linemen LAITHE ISENMANN and NATE CAZARES were there to lead the way for Petty's big night. CODY KIRWAN has a first-half sack for the Patriots.

U-T SAN DIEGO SPORTSWRITERS/SPORTSCASTERS PREP FOOTBALL POLL (through 11-10-14)

TEAM;RECORD;POINTS;LW (First-place votes in parenthesis) Points awarded on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis 1 / Oceanside (18) / 10-0 / 189 / 1 2 / Cathedral (1) / 9-1 / 167 / 2 3 / El Capitan / 10-0 / 152 / 4 4 / Mission Hills / 8-2 / 127 / 5 5 / Helix / 8-2 / 121 / 3 6 / Eastlake / 7-3 / 66 / 7 7 / Rancho Bernardo / 8-2 / 48 / 10 8 / Christian / 10-0 / 47 / 8 9 / Sweetwater / 10-0 / 39 / 9 10 / San Marcos / 9-1 / 31 / 6 Others receiving votes: Madison 18, Ramona 15, Bishop’s 10, Hoover 5, Torrey Pines 4, Steele Canyon 3, West Hills 2, Bonita Vista 1.

SAN DIEGO CIF Power Rankings and Standings

Visit SDSCIF for the latest official section power rankings in all current season varsity sports cifsds power rankings Visit SDSCIF for league standings in all current season varsity sports League Standings

STEELE CANYON 34, MOUNT MIGUEL 20 – Steele Canyon’s PIERRE ALEXANDER, a junior running back, rushed for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) last game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season and had a 65-yard score in the fourth quarter, to help the Cougars pull away to the home win in an exciting second half.

Steele Canyon quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON rushed for a 1-yard touchdown to open the scoring following DEREK TYLER's 79-yard kickoff return. That tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. Later, the veteran QB threw a 59-yard touchdown to ROOSEVELT JOHNSON in the third quarter. Johnson caught a short pass over the middle, then raced through what was left of the defense to put the Cougars ahead, 19-13.

Junior back MALCOM ANDERS added a 2-yard touchdown score behind his lineman CALEB OGORMAN, a sophomore, in the third quarter, which gave the Cougars a 27-20 lead with 48.5 seconds left in the third quarter.

Alexander's first long TD put SteeleCanyon ahead 13-7 in the first quarter.

Mount Miguel got a great hookup in the third quarter on a long pass from JACOB CASTILLO on a 27-yard touchdown pass to CHRISTIAN GARCIA which tied the game, 13-13, in the third quarter. The duo would hook up for another beautiful medium-long pass to the right side against coverage, that Garcia hauled in then danced around his cover man for a score which would give the Matadors a 20-19 lead.

GROSSMONT 56, VALHALLA 21 – Fresh from their stirring victory over Steele Canyon last week, and eager to earn a home-field game in next week’s

playoffs, the Norsemen arrived at Grossmont Friday evening (Nov. 7), fresh and ready to go in the final game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season.

Alas, the Senior Night adulations for the Foothillers’ outgoing cheerleaders and football players carried on for nearly a half-hour past the normal 7 p.m. kickoff.

That delay seemed to take the wind out of Valhalla’s sails. Of course, Grossmont’s relentless offensive attack might have had something to do with smashing the Norsemen defense into submission as well in a 56-21 rout. After the dust settled, Grossmont will be hosting its playoff game next week while the Norsemen put on their travelin’ boots.

Valhalla’s defense did look good – for one play. Following the opening kickoff, Grossmont started on its 26-yard line. On first down, Valhalla linebacker DANIEL BENDER leveled the runner for a 1-yard loss. On second down, the receiver dropped an accurate pass from junior quarterback CALVIN FARRIS, setting up a third and long. No problem. Farris threw a dart to senior wide receiver HUNTER REINER for a 16-yard first down at the Hillers’ 40 yard-line.

A few plays later Farris connected with junior wide receiver KYLE PINEDA for a 15-yard gain to the Valhalla 47. On second down, Farris found senior wide receiver AJ SHAW wide open down the middle for a 45-yard pass-catch. Pineda, who also serves as the kicker, booted the PAT through the uprights and Grossmont led 7-0, only 2 minutes into the game.

A few minutes later, the potent Grossmont offense got the ball back after Valhalla’s JACOB PAAPE punted to the Hillers’ 10 yard-line, where it was fielded by the Hillers' return man, who had a nifty, shake and bake 29-yard return to the Foothillers’ 39-yard line. Seven plays later, junior running back MATTHEW LILLIARD pounded into the end zone from the 1-yard-line. Once again, Pineda (8-8 PAT) cleared the goal posts, giving the Foothillers a 14-0 lead with 4:41 left in the first quarter.

Early in the second period, the Hillers were looking to extend their lead, marching swiftly down the field. On second and goal from the Norsemen 5-yard-line, Farris eyeballed an open receiver in the end zone and zinged the ball to him. Unfortunately, Valhalla linebacker TREY SCHIMKE leapt into the air in front of the receiver, intercepted the ball and returned it 25 yards to the Valhalla 24-yard line.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh is tackled by Jake Lopez (5) of Grossmont during their encounter Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

Energized, the Norsemen put it in gear and started their own march, assisted by a Grossmont pass-interference call on 3rd and 12 from the Valhalla 22-yard-line. A 15-yard completion from Valhalla junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH to senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN put the ball at the Hillers’ 44-yard line. On third down, senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER ran a precise post route and Naseh hit him in full-stride for a 44-yard TD. Paape’s kick was true and Valhalla was back in the game, trailing 14-7, with 7:28 remaining in the first half.

It took only 1:02 to wipe out Valhalla’s resurgence, when Lilliard broke at least 4 tackles on his way to a 44-yard touchdown run, padding Grossmont’s lead, 21-7, with 6:25 left until intermission.

The teams traded interceptions on the next two series; Grossmont’s BJ GONZALES picked off Naseh at the Grossmont 42-yard-line. Three plays later, Valhalla’s DASHAWN KINISTON swiped a Farris pass at the Grossmont 45 and returned it to the 17-yard line, giving the Norsemen great field position, but the Norsemen were unable to capitalize when Naseh, under extreme pressure, threw an incomplete pass on 4th down.

Six plays later, Lilliard capped a 91-yard drive by rumbling into the end zone from 5 yards out, upping the score to 28-7 just 50 seconds before halftime.
In the 3rd quarter, Valhalla narrowed the gap to 28-14 when Naseh lasered the ball to senior wide receiver SPENCER HENDERSON (6 receptions, 77 yards) for a 35-yard touchdown pass with 8:18 remaining in the third period.

Grossmont answered shortly thereafter when senior defensive back DAVID MAKAJ intercepted Naseh and returned it 18 yards for another Grossmont TD, making it 35-14, at the 5:49 mark in the third quarter. Lilliard increased the shellacking to 42-14 with a 3-yard run near the end of the penultimate period.

Early in the 4th quarter, Valhalla’s sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON scored from 9 yards out, but a minute later quarterback Ferris loped into the end zone on a 9-yard TD run, ringing the bell 42-21 with 10:07 remaining in the game. Less than a minute later, Lilliard raced 7 yards into the end zone for his 5th TD of the game, finalizing the score at 56-21.

Grossmont amassed 521 yards of total offense and limited Valhalla to 279 yards. Farris was 16-26-2 in the passing department, with 243 yards and 1 TD. For Valhalla, Naseh was 18-30-2, 202 yards and 2 TDs.

GRANITE HILLS 54, SANTANA 7 – SETH COLLINS rushed for two touchdowns in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) Grossmont Valley League last regular game of the season and threw for another in the second quarter, as the Eagles built a 42-7 lead by halftime.

Collins had TD runs of 66 and 12 yards, then junior THOMAS YOUMOG had a 7-yard run to put the Eagles ahead, 21-0, in the first. Collins’ long run was one of his typical keepers that has kept defenders chasing him all season.

The Sultans only score would make it a contest in the first when quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ and ADAM CHILDRESS had their familiar hookup – this time for a long 85-yard score, to make it 21-7. Gutierrez had plenty of time to wait for Childress to run by his defender around the 40-yard line down the left side, where he hauled in the heave and won the footrace for the bomb.

Junior LYDEN FRANKLIN turned in a 67-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to put the Eagles back up by three scores at the end of the first quarter. KALVIN SANDERS and VICTOR GARCIA did the work up front, as the Eagles pulled right to set the play.

Granite Hills' MICHAEL LEDESMA caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Collins, then had a 58-yard punt return, which set up his own 1-yard score before halftime. Ledesma got behind his defender on the 31-yard reception, as Collins rolled right away from pressure from Santana's MATT HOMAN

Santana's NOAH JACKSON had an interception in the end zone in the second quarter.

RYAN ROJ, a junior, got playing time at quarterback in the second half, and he did his best Collins impersonation with a 12-yard touchdown run.

UNIVERSITY CITY 35, EL CAJONVALLEY 7 – MATTHEW SHEARIN carried the ball 29 times for the visiting Braves’ only touchdown in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) season-ending non-league contest.

El Cajon Valley registered 2 interceptions, one by THOMAS NARAVETTE and one by TYSON SMITH.

Braves quarterback MERITON HASANI completed 3 of 8 passes.

ESCONDIDO CHARTER 46, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 3 – Escondido Charter picked up a season-ending Pacific League victory over Foothills Christian on Thursday (Nov. 6). No other information was provided about the game.

Fearless Forecaster

Helix, El Capitan, West Hills, Monte Vista on brink of Grossmont league titles

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com

LAKESIDE (11-6-14) — This is a classic duel where these two Top 10 teams from the Grossmont Conference will collide for the Grossmont Hills League championship for the first time ever.

El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) has had a perfect season so far. But that probably won’t mean a whole lot to the Helix Highlanders (8-1, 4-0) when they take on the Vaqueros Friday (Nov. 7) in Lakeside.

This game is one of the biggest encounters that should draw a huge crowd. That’s been the case in the past, when the Highlanders won eight in a row.

Running off the field without a loss is undoubtedly a feat to be proud of. But the Highlanders don’t intend to let the Vaqueros get away with that kind of escape.

No. 3 Helix has surrendered an average of 6.2 ppg all season, while No. 4 El Capitan is allowing 12 ppg.

The key to the Highlanders’ victories has been East County’s leading rusher, NATHAN STINSON, who has run for 1253 yards on 121 carries for 17 touchdowns. Helix quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN has passed for 1122 yards 75 of 124 completions with 11 TDs.

El Capitan, on the other hand, has been led by quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who has passed for 1747 yards on 110-183 completions and 16 touchdowns. Receiver ISAIAH CAPOOCIA has caught 47 passes for 743 yards and 12 TDS. D.J. SMITH has rushed for 894 yards on 124 carries and 14 TDs.

This is a tough one but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 22-21.

MONTE VISTA (6-3, 3-0) at WEST HILLS (7-2, 3-0), 7 – In a game of survival for the Grossmont Valley League championship, Monte Vista will travel to East Santee Friday night (Nov. 7) to tackle West Hills in the regular season finale.

Monte Vista is led by running backs JORDAN JOHNSON (1163 yards on 122 carries, 9 TDs) and LEE WADE, Jr. (1025 yards, 114 carries, 14 TDs). AUSTIN CAOLE (543 yards, 28-92 completions, 6 TDs) handles the quarterbacking duties for the Monarchs.

The Wolf Pack will count on running back JACOB SHAW (959 yards, 158 carries, 11 TDs), quarterback SPENCER MOYER (1549, 87-152, 16 TDs) and receivers RAPHY CARR (49 catches, 917 yards, 6 TDs) and TAJ BROOMFIELD (27 catches, 362 and 3 TDs).

With the championship on the line, this game basically turns into a flip side, and the nod goes to . . . West Hills 21-20.

SANTA FE CHRISTIAN (5-4, 3-1) vs. CHRISTIAN (9-0, 3-0) at Granite Hills, 4 – The Patriots are about one TD away from completing a perfect 10-0 season. It’s no fluke that Christian has rolled over its opponents, both in the Central League and non-league.

The Patriots are “proud that we’ve allowed only one turnover (an interception) and one lost punt,” said offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

Christian is averaging 199 yards rushing and 112 passing. The Patriots are led by hard charging ADRIAN PETTY (87-1252, 19 TDs, 156.5 ypg), and quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH (136-190, 2092, 23 TDs, 23.7 ypg).

The receiving corps are led by NICK SEXTON (38-646, 6 TDs), Utah Valley bound shortstop TREVOR HOWELL (35-469, 4 TDs), and CHAD HUMPHRIES (20-468, 8 TDs). The Christian defense is headed by JOEY MORONES (44 tackles and a sack).

The Patriots own the offense and certainly won’t stumble against Santa Fe Christian . . . Christian 37-14.

VALHALLA (4-5, 2-2) at GROSSMONT (4-5, 1-3), 7 – The playoffs are well within reach of both teams as they face off Friday night (Nov. 7) in a Grossmont Hills League finale.

East County leading quarterback CALVIN FARRIS directs the Foothillers 1640 yards on 101-218 completions and 17 TDs. Receivers ALIJAH AVANT (370 yards on 21 carries, 3 TDs) and HUNTER REINER (697, 59 carries, 8 TDs) are favorite targets. Grossmont’s defense is headed by JACOB DENSON (60 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries), MALIK HAYES (50 tackles and a sack) and CHAZ CADWALADER (48 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery) among others.

The Norsemen’s offense is directed by quarterback PHILLIP NASEH (1571 yards on 125-229 passes, 9 touchdowns). He’ll be looking for receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (44 catches for 570 yards and 4 TDs). Running back JEROME JOHNSON has amassed 782 yards on 154 carries and 10 touchdowns.

The Foothillers always seem to come up with the offense, but they’re going to need plenty to beat the Norsemen . . . Grossmont 27-17.

SANTANA (4-5, 1-2) at GRANITE HILLS (6-3, 1-2), 7 – This Grossmont Valley League game has playoff connotations. The injury-plagued Sultans of Santana have a shot at finishing at 5-5, but that’ll be hard to grind out because Granite Hills doesn’t appear ready to roll over in the GVL.

Granite Hills counts on double threat quarterback SETH COLLINS, who has rushed for 629 yards on 72 carries and 11 touchdowns, while also completing 44 of 93 passes for 691 yards and 9 TDs. MICHAEL LEDESMA has rushed for 398 yards on 66 carries for 9 TDs for the Eagles.

Don’t look for the Eagles to fall . . . Granite Hills 37-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (3-6, 0-4) at STEELE CANYON (6-3, 1-3), 7 – It’s been a rugged season for Mount Miguel, which has lost six of nine contests this season and all four of its Grossmont Hills League games. The struggling Matadors will have their hands full against Steele Canyon. Running back ANTHONY GILMORE has rushed 889 yards on 83 carries with 5 touchdowns to lead Mount Miguel.

The Cougars need a victory to earn a prominent spot in the playoffs. Quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (78-147, 1163, 10 TDs) will lead the Cougars’ attack against the Matadors. His top target is receiver JORDAN JOHNSON (14-220, 2 TDs). On defense for the Cougars WILLIE FAIR has 88 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions.

Look for the Cougars to continue Mount Miguel’s losing skid . . . Steele Canyon 19-13.

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-7, 0-4) at UNIVERSITY CITY (5-4, 2-1), 6:30 – The Braves have eyes on their third win of the season as they visit University City in a 6:30 p.m. non-league game Friday evening.

This is a chance to play spoiler for the Braves, who could take a giant step toward the post-season if they can sidestep the Centurions.

El Cajon Valley’s chances hinge on MATTHEW SHEARIN, who is headed for the Ivy League, and who has rushed for an East County high 135 carries for 1366 yards and 17 touchdowns (151.8 ypg) . . . El Cajon Valley 37-27.

Thurs., Nov. 6
FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-9, 0-3) vs. Escondido Charter (1-8, 1-2) at Orange Glen, 7 – Foothills Christian gets one more chance when the Knights close the regular season against Escondido Charter in a Pacific League finale. . . Escondido Charter 27-7.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 108-19 (.850)

 

Valhalla sophomore running back Jerome Johnson dives for the go-ahead touchdown on a fourth down-and-goal play during the fourth quarter of the Norsemen's come-from-behind home win over Steele Canyon Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

Week 10

Vaqueros set stage for East County showdown after dispatching Matadors

©EastCountySports.com
SPRING VALLEY (1-1-14) — About the best Mount Miguel (3-5, 0-4) could have hoped to do in their contest with El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) was to play spoiler, since the Vaqueros are tied for first place with Helix (8-1, 4-0) with one regular Grossmont Hills League game remaining. However, that didn’t happen.

The Vaqueros were on top of their game as they defeated Mount Miguel 34-14 in Friday night’s (Oct. 31) Halloween showdown to spoil the Matadors Homecoming festivities.

El Capitan’s D.J. SMITH got the Vaqueros on the scoreboard with 140 yards rushing on 17 carries for 3 touchdowns. But he wasn’t finished there, as he caught 4 passes from quarterback BRAD CAGLE for 53 yards and a touchdown.

ISAIAH CAPOOCIA recorded a 90-yard kickoff return for a score for El Cap, while kicker TAKOTA CURA was 4-for-5 on PAT kicks.

In the 1st quarter Mount Miguel’s CHRISTIAN GARCIA returned an interception for 45 yards and a score to tie the game at 7-all.

The score at halftime was 27-7 in the Vaqueros’ favor.

Mount Miguel would score in the 3rd quarter as quarterback JACOB CASTILLO hit KIKO BORJA for a 52-yard gain and a touchdown.

ENRIQUE KELLER was 2-for-2 on PAT kicks for the Matadors.

The Foothillers' Domonique Gueverra passed up this defender and several others for more yardage during Grossmont's loss at Helix Friday night.(photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

HELIX 56, GROSSMONT 10 – The Highlanders stand out as one of the county's top prep football teams, and when they have come across the freeway in the annual haggle for The Musket, Helix has won 34 times to Grossmont’s 12 – the teams have tied twice.

The likelihood of a tie was highly unlikely when the two teams collided Friday night (Oct. 31) in La Mesa in a Grossmont Hills League encounter when they resumed the series.

The Highlanders have not allowed more than 10 points per game since the second game of the season and have allowed only 26 points excluding that first game. They’ve shutout four opponents.

Helix scored a season high against the Foothillers

The biggest showdown in the EastCounty season was spearheaded by Helix’s NATHAN STINSON, who rushed for 217 yards on 16 carries for 3 touchdowns. He also caught 2 passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Receivers DaSHAWN KEIRSEY caught 4 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, while MASON VINYARD caught 2 passes for a TD.

MUGEN BLUE ran for 75 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown, and MICHAEL AUSTIN ran for 70 yards on 4 carries and a TD.

Quarterback Austin finished 11 for 20 passing for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns.

MATTHAIS LAYTON was 8-for-8 on PAT kicks.

The last time Grossmont defeated Helix was in 1991 by a score of 28-14.

For the Foothillers, junior KYLE PINEDA kicked a 29-yard field goal in the 1st quarter. Quarterback CALVIN FARRIS scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run; Pineda’s PAT was good.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh attempts a pass against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

VALHALLA 25, STEELE CANYON 24 – The old Norse gods Odin and Thor were smiling down on their boys at Valhalla Friday evening (Oct. 31), when they dialed up some mischief to help the Rancho San Diego school reclaim the Jamacha Helmet from Steele Canyon.

The first half was all SteeleCanyon. The Cougars had a comfortable 24-7 halftime lead, but, as the third quarter commenced, so did the rain, just enough to rain on Steele’s parade.

Following the second half kickoff, the Cougars had good field position at their 37-yard line, and in two plays moved to their 46. On 3rd and 1, however, big CHRIS YOHE and TREY SCHIMKE smothered the ball carrier for a 1-yard loss, forcing a punt. Valhalla’s offense quickly put it in gear when, on first down from their own 35-yard line, junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH connected over the middle with a streaking SKLYLAR COLEMAN for a 28-yard gain to the Cougars’ 38-yard line. A pass interference penalty advanced the pigskin to the Steele 25 and a first down.

The Cougars blitzed but Naseh slipped a screen pass to sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON for a 19-yard gain to the 6-yard line. Naseh threw a dart to senior wide receiver JOSEPH THOMAS for an apparent touchdown, but the eagle-eyed refs spotted the ball at the 1. Johnson bulled his way into the end zone on the next play; the PAT attempt was barely wide right, so the home team trailed 24-13, with 8:46 remaining in the third quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, DEREK TYLER had a nice 42-yard return to the Valhalla 46-yard line, giving the Cougars a spark to regain their momentum. A 9-yard run on first down was promising. On the next play, however, Valhalla junior linebacker LOGAN BAKER sacked the quarterback for a 4-yard loss.

Steele Canyon junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON tossed a couple of short passes that advanced the ball to the Valhalla 28-yard line. On 4th and 3, Wood-Anderson found a wide open receiver, but that pesky rain caused the ball to slip through the receiver’s fingers, killing the drive.

The 4th period opened with Steele poised to strike at the Valhalla 14-yard line. Wood-Anderson threw a shot to the end zone for what looked like a sure touchdown, but at the last second, Valhalla linebacker LUCAS WALZ stuck his hand in and batted the ball to his teammate, J.J. MEIER, who intercepted the pass and returned it 32 yards to the Valhalla 30-yard line.

This time, Odin and Thor must have been snoozing, because on 3rd and 1 from the Valhalla 39-yard line, Cougars defensive lineman EDWARD DELGADO, anticipating a center-screen pass, read it perfectly, picked the errant throw and lumbered 12 yards to the Norsemen 23-yard line, giving his offense a golden opportunity to extend The Cougars’ lead. Unfortunately, on first down the ball squirted out of the running back’s hands and into those owned by Valhalla defensive tackle Yohe.

The tide was turning in favor of the Valhalla. On first down, Johnson rumbled 23 yards to midfield. Then, a quick pass to senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (5 receptions for 89 yards) and a screen pass to Johnson advanced the ball to the Steele 39-yard line. On the next play, Steele defensive back NY JOHNSON picked off an errant pass at the Valhalla 10-yard line, thwarting the Norsemen’s attempt to narrow the gap.

Although the rain had stopped, the ball was still wet, as the Steele Canyon ball carrier discovered on the very next play when the ball flew out of his hands and directly into the rushing defense. Norsemen linebacker DANIEL BENDER scooped up the ball and carried it unmolested into the end zone for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, but Valhalla had cut the deficit to 24-19, with 10:06 left in the game.

Valhalla junior end Daniel Bender (32) harasses a pass attempt against Steele Canyon on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

To the men of Steele, the rain drops must have felt like they were made of Kryptonite, for, on the ensuing kickoff, the ball plopped from the receiver’s hands and was recovered by Valhalla special teamer JARED SULLIVAN at the Cougars’ 46-yard line. The home team took advantage of their good fortune, aided by a pass interference call against Steele.

On 1st and 10 from the Cougars’ 28-yard line, Naseh burst through the middle of the line for a 6-yard gain to the Steele 22. On the next play, left tackle MICHAEL RIVERA and center LIAM CLINGAN made a huge hole for Johnson who scampered 20 yards to the 2-yard line. It took four tries, but Johnson pushed across the goal line on 4th down for a 1 yard go-ahead TD, 25-24 (the 2 point PAT failed), with 6:25 remaining in the game.

The visitors were not ready to pack it in. Starting at their 41-yard line, an offside penalty against Valhalla on 3rd and 10 gave the Cougars a burst. With it now 3rd and 5 from their 46, Wood-Anderson dropped back to pass and was flushed from the pocket by junior linebacker CADE BAKER. The quarterback made some nifty moves and managed to pick up 5 yards on a busted play for a much needed first down at the Valhalla 49-yard line.

After Valhalla defensive back DASHAWN KINISTON stuffed the runner for a 3-yard loss, Wood-Anderson threw a deep spiral down the right sideline to JAVANTE WOFFORD for a whopping 43-yard gain to the Valhalla 9-yard line.

The drive stalled at the 6 yard line with just over 2 minutes left in the game. The confident Cougars trotted out their field goal team for a chip-shot kick that would allow them to re-take the lead. Kicker ALEXANDER RAYA had already kicked a 44-yard field goal in the first half. But, stuff happens. Whether mischief from above or otherwise, Valhalla’s Schimke broke through the line and blocked the field goal, enabling the Norsemen to hang on to their hard-fought 25-24 victory.

Back in the first quarter, things weren’t going Valhalla’s way, even after Meier picked off his first of two interceptions early in the first quarter. Three plays later, Valhalla running back RAHSHAUN SHARPE motored 16 yards to the Steele 43-yard line when an alert defender stripped the ball. It was picked up by SEAN McCRANE, who returned it 57 yards for the first score of the game. Following Raya’s kick, the Cougars led 7-0, only 2:06 into the contest.

Late in the first period, Raya kicked the aforementioned 44-yard field goal, making it 10-0 after one quarter. Valhalla’s Johnson scored a TD from 2 yards out just 20 seconds into the second stanza; placekicker JACOB PAAPE’s kick was good; Valhalla appeared to crawl back into the game 10-7 with 11:40 to play before intermission.

That’s when the game appeared to get out of hand. Wood-Anderson threw two tight spiral TD passes in the second quarter, the first a 31-yarder to junior wide receiver AVERY TUCK and the next a 24-yard TD pass to senior wide receiver JORDAN JOHNSON.

For Valhalla, Naseh completed 18 of 31 passes with 2 interceptions and 203 yards in the air. Johnson rushed 23 times for 130 yards and snagged 3 passes for 32 yards. Frazier had 5 receptions for 89 yards.

WEST HILLS 53, SANTANA 11 – Injury-plagued Santana battled gamely Friday night (Oct. 31) in a Grossmont Valley League game, but was no match for West Hills, who at the moment is in a tie for the league lead with Monte Vista. The best Santana could hope for was to play spoiler, but even that was out of reach.
West Hills scored three times before Santana could get on the board. JACOB SHAW scored on a 7-yard gain, TAJ BROOMFIELD scored on a 9-yard pass from Wolf Pack quarterback SPENCER MOYER, and DEVON HATHAWAY took a pass from Moyer for a 50-yard gain and a score.

On Shaw's TD run, the back dashed between defenders, getting the block from GARRETT MEAD for the open path.

Just before intermission JACOB HAMPSON blasted a 27-yard field goal to give the Sultans 3 points.

The 3rd quarter was all West Hills as Moyer hit RAPHY CARR for a 65-yard gain and a score just 34 seconds into the second half, Shaw ran for a 3-yard touchdown and WILL PETTY scored on a 24-yard run.

A Santana back carries during the Sultans' loss to visiting West Hills Friday night in the battle for The Mayor's Trophy in Santee. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Santana rallied in the 4th quarter as quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ ran for a 17-yard gain and a TD. The Sultans finished off with a 2-point conversion pass from Gutierrez to ADAM CHILDRESS.

Santana got an early turnover in the game, but West Hills controlled the first half.

Leading 26-3, the Wolf Pack held the hosts after a modest Sultans drive into West Hills territory was halted by a sack and fourth-down defended pass. West Hills took over at their own 36.

The Wolf Pack's Broomfield hauled in 34-yard pass at Santana 3, then Shaw banged his way into the end zone for a score at 6:05 of third to make it 33-3 Wolf Pack.

The Wolf Pack forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kick off. From the 24, Petty sweept his way to a score at 5:47 for a 40-3 lead.

Carr deflected a pass to himself in the secondary for a interception at the Santana 22. He knocked the pass slightly in the air and caught it on a forward dive. DEVON HATHAWAY added a 3-yard run for a score at 3:20 of third to make it 47-3.

West Hills got a TD pass on third down from QB KIAN AHMADIAN to JOSEPH WILSON for a 75-yard score. ALFONSO GREGG also had 5-yd TD run for the Wolf Pack in third. The Pack linemen were led by junior DOMINIC TUFI, senior JOSE ESTRADA and junior RICHARD IMBIMBO.

Junior Moyer threw a pair of TDs in second quarter, including the 50-yarder to a wide-open Hathaway, who caught the easy pass and sprinted the final 30 yards for the score.

Granite Hills junior running back Lyden Franklin surveys the situation during a first-quarter carry Friday night against El Cajon Valley. (EastCountySports.com photo)

GRANITE HILLS 56, EL CAJON VALLEY 14 – Eagles' quarterback SETH COLLINS was too tough to stop for the Braves.

CHASE GANDY recorded an interception for Granite Hills on the first play from scrimmage, then Collins turned in a couple of mad-scramble type runs, then a play-fake keeper around the right end for an easy jaunt into the end zone for a touchdown just 42 seconds into the game.

The Braves got an early boost of confidence when they got a sack of the talented Granite Hills dual-threat QB near midfield, but then Granite Hills turned to LYDEN FRANKLIN for a couple of first-down runs, then a short scoring pass from a scrambling Collins to RYAN ROJ, giving the Eagles a 14-0 lead at 6:37 of the first quarter.

After the Eagles forced a three-and-out, they capitalized on a short field with a gadget play, as a double-reverse ended with Raj throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass to JAKE MORGAN.

The Braves were punting again when the attempt resulted in a safety, as a team of Eagles got in quickly for a block through the back of the end zone, increasing the lead to 23-0 with 2:54 left in the first.

El Cajon Valley appeared to have another bother of Collins after he threw a deep incompletion following a scramble, but a roughness penalty on the Braves' erased the effort.

Collins then followed up the break by scrambling again for another touchdown, this time from 13 yards out, still with 1:08 left in the first quarter.

Granite Hills led 43-0 at halftime.

El Cajon Valley’s MATTHEW SHEARIN scored on a 25-yard run in the 3rd quarter and scored on a 64 yard run in the 4th. MARTIN PATTI’s PAT kicks were good both times.
Franklin raced for a 19 yard touchdown in the 4th quarter for Granite Hills, and JARROD WEISHAN closed out the Eagles’ scoring with a 10 yard run in the final period.

CHRISTIAN 42, UNIVERSITY CITY 6 – ADRIAN PETTY went 66 yards for the game's opening touchdown, as Christian led 7-0 with 9:42 left in the first quarter. Petty would score three more times before halftime and the undefeated Patriots won the Central League championship.

Petty added touchdown runs of 10, 80 and 8 yards before intermission, and the Patriots returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns in the second quarter, as sophomore ETHAN CONTRERAS returned one for 26 yards and senior WILLIAM HAIL returned his 20 yards. Petty had 138 yards rushing in the first half, as Christian led 42-0 at halftime and a running clock was used in the second half.

As good as Petty was getting to - and around - the corner, he got plenty of help up front from junior NATE CAZARES, sophomore JON STEIN and senior MATTHEW CARILLO.

CODY KIRWAN also paced the Patriots’ defense with a sack.

CLASSICAL ACADEMY 27, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7 - Foothills Christian turned in one of its best defensive quarters of the season on Thursday (Oct. 30), shutting out Classical Academy in the first quarter, as the game remained tied.

Classical Academy would score three touchdowns in the second quarter, however, and took a 27-0 lead in the third before the Knights answered with their score, which came in the third quarter.

The Caimans clinched the Pacific League championship with the victory. Foothills closes out the season on Thursday, Nov. 6 versus Esconsido Charter at Orange Glen at 7 p.m.

 

Helix senior wide receiver Dashawn Keirsey, Jr., makes a catch in the end zone, wresting the ball away from Valhalla junior defensive back Dashawn Kinneston for a 24-yard touchdown in the Highlanders' win over the visiting Norsemen in La Mesa on Friday night. (photo courtesy dondemarsphotography.com)

Week 11

Vaqueros roundup title
El Capitan controls second half to cap perfect regular season; West Hills wins Valley League championship

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com
LAKESIDE (11-8-14) — Some might call it a shock, but others realize that the Helix Highlanders finally met their match in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) encounter with the El Capitan Vaqueros, who upended the Highlanders 24-17 in front of a capacity crowd in the final Grossmont Hills League regular season game.

Helix drew first blood when JIHAD WOODS pushed his way through a pack of defenders to score the first touchdown of the game.

NATHAN STINSON followed with a 7-yard TD of his own in the final seconds of the first quarter to boost the Helix score to 14-0.

The second quarter was a different story.

El Capitan running back D.J. Smith carried during the first half of the Vaqueros' win over visiting Helix Friday night at Wendell Cutting Field. (EastCountySports.com photo)

The Vaqueros pulled out every option, starting with the pint-size bearded Vaqueros mascot – complete with black cowboy hat and boots to match.

With 5:36 left in the second quarter, senior wide receiver SAM MELERO raced to the endzone on a 20-yard pass from Vaqueros quarterback BRAD CAGLE.

With just over a minute remaining in the first half ZACH CAGLE grabbed a 10-yard pass from his brother BRAD CAGLE and chalked up a TD to tie the game at 14-all.

The clock was showing 0:10.1 as Helix kicker MATTHIAS LAYTON booted a 25-yard field goal to move the Highlanders ahead 17-14.

In the third quarter Vaqueros’ TAKOTA CURO converted a 33-yard field goal to re-tie the game at 17-apiece. That’s all the scoring either team would show in that stanza.

The fourth quarter saw the El Capitan running back D.J. SMITH plow one in from 3 yards out to log the final winning score for the Vaqueros with 9:28 remaining.

Curo was 3-for-3 on PATs, plus his field goal, to lend his foot to the victory.

“It can’t get a whole lot closer than it was in this game,” said an exultant Vaqueros coach, RON BURNER, whose Vaqueros won their 10th straight victory.

Monte Vista's Xavier Wade jumps to try and deflect the eventual completion to West Hills' Jacob Shaw (34) from quarterback Spencer Moyer. (EastCountySports.com photo)

WEST HILLS 21, MONTE VISTA 13 – The last time RON HAMAMOTO coached in a meaningful game at West Hills, his club partied like it was 1999.

Then guiding Rancho Bernardo, it was 1999 when Hamamoto and the Broncos whipped the Wolf Pack 71-48 in a playoff game behind a San Diego Section-record 698 rushing yards.

Friday night … was a different tune.

Now at the helm of Monte Vista, Hamamoto and the Monarchs recorded a “Princely” 393 rushing yards, but West Hills came up with more big plays to secure a 21-13 victory that gave the Wolf Pack their first league championship since 2007.

West Hills senior running back JACOB SHAW rushed for 143 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead the Wolf Pack (8-2, 4-0) to their seventh straight victory and the Grossmont Valley League title by beating Monte Vista (6-4, 3-1) in a winner-take-all showdown on the blue “Smurf” turf at West Hills.

“It feels amazing,” said Shaw of the Wolf Pack’s improbable run at the league crown. “You can’t have too big of a head at the beginning of the season, but we felt all the hard work we put in would pay off.”

Pay off it did.

Shaw scored West Hills’ first two touchdowns on runs of 4 and 12 yards, then TAJ BROMMFIELD turned a short pass from SPENCER MOYER into a 46-yard touchdown reception to turn a 1-point game into a 21-13 lead with 6:14 left to play.

Monte Vista drove 49 yards in 13 plays on its ensuing last possession, but the potential game-tying try ended with an interception by WILL PETTY at the 10-yard line with 1:10 left.

Shaw then rushed for 10 yards and DEVON HATHAWAY (three carries, 82 yards) reeled off 23 yards before the Wolf Pack took a couple of kneel-downs to wrap up a league title that had eluded CASEY ASH in his 3-year stint as West Hills’ head coach from 2008-2010.

“We won nine in a row when I played here,” said Ash, a 1996 graduate of West Hills. “But I don’t know if I’ve ever been around seven in a row as a coach.”

Moving the chains consistently with 21 first downs, West Hills rolled up 422 total yards. Moyer completed 14 of 24 passes for 189 yards with a touchdown and – remarkably – his first interception of the season in 176 attempts.

His first pick came in the end zone as Monte Vista’s CHARLES WEST corralled the errant toss to salvage a 7-7 tie just before halftime.

After a Senior Night halftime presentation, West Hills took charge with a 10-play, 91-yard scoring drive that Shaw capped with runs of 16, 28 and 12 yards to go up 14-7.

Monte Vista, however, answered with a 13-play, 80-yard scoring drive when LEE WADE Jr. tallied his second touchdown with a 10-yard bolt around right end with 1:58 to play in the third quarter. The PAT kick attempt went wide left, leaving the ‘Pack ahead 14-13.

To start the fourth quarter, West Hills’ SKYLER PEYTON sacked Moyer for a 6-yard loss, and the Wolf Pack began their final scoring drive, an 8-play, 71-yard jaunt that culminated in Moyer’s TD pass to Broomfield.

Monte Vista’s last drive started well with 13- and 19-yard rushed by Wade, but it ended with Petty’s INT at the 10-yard line.

That play essentially set a couple of school records for West Hills, which allowed zero pass completions and obviously zero passing yards to go with interceptions by Petty and Hathaway.

“They run the ball so well, we needed to make sure they didn’t get anything through the air,” Ash said. “We told our defense before the game they have to allow no completions.”

Seriously … no completions. That they did!

“If we could have just completed a couple passes, we’d have won this league,” said Hamamoto, who is in his third year as head coach at Monte Vista after super-successful campaigns at USDHS, Rancho Bernardo and Lincoln.

“I tip my hat to them. They did everything they needed to do to win.”

The Monarchs’ 393 rushing yards were largely a sum of Wade’s career-best 239 yards on 21 carries, while JORDAN JOHNSON added 133 yards on 22 attempts.

Wade now has 1,264 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and Johnson has 1,296 yards.

“I think eventually the run game wore them down a little bit,” said Shaw, who topped the millennium mark and now sits at 1,102 yards with 13 TDs.
With a 4-yard TD run by Shaw, West Hills took a 7-0 lead with 5:13 left in the second quarter to cap a 44-yard drive after Esteban Flores recovered a fumble.

Monte Vista knotted the score at 7-7 a minute later Wade followed a few great blocks and blasted 40 yards for a touchdown.

This was the first league contest between these schools since the Grossmont Conference split into two leagues after the 1991 season. Monte Vista leads the overall series 13-5.

But with the win, West Hills improved its chances of a bye in the first round of the Division II playoffs, while Monte Vista will likely be on the road in the first round of the Division III postseason.

“With the way we run the ball, I don’t think anybody’s going to be real happy to see us,” Hamamoto said.

West Hills has never won or even played for a section championship. Monte Vista lost to Sweetwater 7-0 in last year’s Division IV title game in search of its third section crown.

— Jim Lindgren

Christian High star Adrian Petty carries for a first down on a third-and-8 run from inside the 5. Petty had over 300 yards rushing midway through the third quarter Friday night, as the Patriots led 42-7 at halftime. The Patriots went on for the victory in the regular season finale. (EastCountySports.com photo)

CHRISTIAN 49, SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 7 – Christian’s ADRIAN PETTY got to play a little more than usual this week. It showed in his statistics.

Petty, a junior running back, rushed for over 360 yards on just 17 carries - and had a 92-yard touchdown run called back on a holding penalty with a four-touchdown lead against one of the least penalized teams in the county in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) regular season nonleague finale.

Petty had an 80-yard touchdown run on the last play of the first quarter, as the Eagles were able to counter the Patriots for one period, which actually extended the playing time into the third quarter for most of the starters.

Petty had a touchdown run of 65 yards midway through the second quarter, and added a 44-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.

While Petty was the offensive star, it was J.D. PARKER that shined brightest for the Christian defense.

Parker had a highlight-reel diving interception of an option pass by a reversing end. Then, he had a short-field pick-six to close out the first half.

After Petty had his long TD run called back, he immediately answered with a 35-yard run on third-and-long backed up inside the 10. Christian would convert the drive into a score when DAVID TODD JEREMIAH threw a completion to junior BRANDON HESTER to the 19. That set up another completion to Hester for a first-and-goal, then Christian cashed in on a touchdown run by CHAD HUMPHRIES off left end with 15.5 seconds left in the first half, making the Patriots' lead 35-7.

Humphries also had a 30-yard touchdown jaunt when he caught a delayed crossing pattern from Jeremiah, then bashed, slashed and wrestled away from a leg tackle inside the 5 to get into the end zone.

Christian's fullback JOEY MARONES opened the scoring with a touchdown reception early in the first quarter, as he caught a dump-off pass following a blitz, and raced the 13 yards into the end zone, getting a final block from lineman WILLIAM HAIL.

JV/Frosh scores

Junior Varsity Friday, Nov. 7 Helix 23, El Capitan 0 Grossmont 24, Valhalla 21 Mount Miguel 37, Steele Canyon 31 Only scores reported Freshmen Thursday, Nov 6 Grossmont 40, Valhalla 21 (Foothillers win Hills League) Helix 33, El Capitan 7 Monte Vista 48, West Hills 21 Mount Miguel 22, Steele Canyon 15 University City def. El Cajon Valley, no score reported Only scores reported

Patriot linemen LAITHE ISENMANN and NATE CAZARES were there to lead the way for Petty's big night. CODY KIRWAN has a first-half sack for the Patriots.

STEELE CANYON 34, MOUNT MIGUEL 20 – Steele Canyon’s PIERRE ALEXANDER, a junior running back, rushed for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) last game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season and had a 65-yard score in the fourth quarter, to help the Cougars pull away to the home win in an exciting second half.

Steele Canyon quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON rushed for a 1-yard touchdown to open the scoring following DEREK TYLER's 79-yard kickoff return. That tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. Later, the veteran QB threw a 59-yard touchdown to ROOSEVELT JOHNSON in the third quarter. Johnson caught a short pass over the middle, then raced through what was left of the defense to put the Cougars ahead, 19-13.

Junior back MALCOM ANDERS added a 2-yard touchdown score behind his lineman CALEB OGORMAN, a sophomore, in the third quarter, which gave the Cougars a 27-20 lead with 48.5 seconds left in the third quarter.

Alexander's first long TD put SteeleCanyon ahead 13-7 in the first quarter.

Mount Miguel got a great hookup in the third quarter on a long pass from JACOB CASTILLO on a 27-yard touchdown pass to CHRISTIAN GARCIA which tied the game, 13-13, in the third quarter. The duo would hook up for another beautiful medium-long pass to the right side against coverage, that Garcia hauled in then danced around his cover man for a score which would give the Matadors a 20-19 lead.

GROSSMONT 56, VALHALLA 21 – Fresh from their stirring victory over Steele Canyon last week, and eager to earn a home-field game in next week’s

playoffs, the Norsemen arrived at Grossmont Friday evening (Nov. 7), fresh and ready to go in the final game of the Grossmont Hills League regular season.

Alas, the Senior Night adulations for the Foothillers’ outgoing cheerleaders and football players carried on for nearly a half-hour past the normal 7 p.m. kickoff.

That delay seemed to take the wind out of Valhalla’s sails. Of course, Grossmont’s relentless offensive attack might have had something to do with smashing the Norsemen defense into submission as well in a 56-21 rout. After the dust settled, Grossmont will be hosting its playoff game next week while the Norsemen put on their travelin’ boots.

Valhalla’s defense did look good – for one play. Following the opening kickoff, Grossmont started on its 26-yard line. On first down, Valhalla linebacker DANIEL BENDER leveled the runner for a 1-yard loss. On second down, the receiver dropped an accurate pass from junior quarterback CALVIN FARRIS, setting up a third and long. No problem. Farris threw a dart to senior wide receiver HUNTER REINER for a 16-yard first down at the Hillers’ 40 yard-line.

A few plays later Farris connected with junior wide receiver KYLE PINEDA for a 15-yard gain to the Valhalla 47. On second down, Farris found senior wide receiver AJ SHAW wide open down the middle for a 45-yard pass-catch. Pineda, who also serves as the kicker, booted the PAT through the uprights and Grossmont led 7-0, only 2 minutes into the game.

Valhalla quarterback Phillip Naseh is tackled by Jake Lopez (5) of Grossmont during their encounter Friday night. (photo courtesy Linda Byerline) For more coverage click here http://photosbylb.zenfolio.com/f167182419

A few minutes later, the potent Grossmont offense got the ball back after Valhalla’s JACOB PAAPE punted to the Hillers’ 10 yard-line, where it was fielded by the Hillers' return man, who had a nifty, shake and bake 29-yard return to the Foothillers’ 39-yard line. Seven plays later, junior running back MATTHEW LILLIARD pounded into the end zone from the 1-yard-line. Once again, Pineda (8-8 PAT) cleared the goal posts, giving the Foothillers a 14-0 lead with 4:41 left in the first quarter.

Early in the second period, the Hillers were looking to extend their lead, marching swiftly down the field. On second and goal from the Norsemen 5-yard-line, Farris eyeballed an open receiver in the end zone and zinged the ball to him. Unfortunately, Valhalla linebacker TREY SCHIMKE leapt into the air in front of the receiver, intercepted the ball and returned it 25 yards to the Valhalla 24-yard line.

Energized, the Norsemen put it in gear and started their own march, assisted by a Grossmont pass-interference call on 3rd and 12 from the Valhalla 22-yard-line. A 15-yard completion from Valhalla junior quarterback PHILLIP NASEH to senior wide receiver SKYLAR COLEMAN put the ball at the Hillers’ 44-yard line. On third down, senior wide receiver JULIUS FRAZIER ran a precise post route and Naseh hit him in full-stride for a 44-yard TD. Paape’s kick was true and Valhalla was back in the game, trailing 14-7, with 7:28 remaining in the first half.

It took only 1:02 to wipe out Valhalla’s resurgence, when Lilliard broke at least 4 tackles on his way to a 44-yard touchdown run, padding Grossmont’s lead, 21-7, with 6:25 left until intermission.

The teams traded interceptions on the next two series; Grossmont’s BJ GONZALES picked off Naseh at the Grossmont 42-yard-line. Three plays later, Valhalla’s DASHAWN KINISTON swiped a Farris pass at the Grossmont 45 and returned it to the 17-yard line, giving the Norsemen great field position, but the Norsemen were unable to capitalize when Naseh, under extreme pressure, threw an incomplete pass on 4th down.

Six plays later, Lilliard capped a 91-yard drive by rumbling into the end zone from 5 yards out, upping the score to 28-7 just 50 seconds before halftime.
In the 3rd quarter, Valhalla narrowed the gap to 28-14 when Naseh lasered the ball to senior wide receiver SPENCER HENDERSON (6 receptions, 77 yards) for a 35-yard touchdown pass with 8:18 remaining in the third period.

Grossmont answered shortly thereafter when senior defensive back DAVID MAKAJ intercepted Naseh and returned it 18 yards for another Grossmont TD, making it 35-14, at the 5:49 mark in the third quarter. Lilliard increased the shellacking to 42-14 with a 3-yard run near the end of the penultimate period.

Early in the 4th quarter, Valhalla’s sophomore running back JEROME JOHNSON scored from 9 yards out, but a minute later quarterback Ferris loped into the end zone on a 9-yard TD run, ringing the bell 42-21 with 10:07 remaining in the game. Less than a minute later, Lilliard raced 7 yards into the end zone for his 5th TD of the game, finalizing the score at 56-21.

Grossmont amassed 521 yards of total offense and limited Valhalla to 279 yards. Farris was 16-26-2 in the passing department, with 243 yards and 1 TD. For Valhalla, Naseh was 18-30-2, 202 yards and 2 TDs.

GRANITE HILLS 54, SANTANA 7 – SETH COLLINS rushed for two touchdowns in the first quarter of Friday night’s (Nov. 7) Grossmont Valley League last regular game of the season and threw for another in the second quarter, as the Eagles built a 42-7 lead by halftime.

Collins had TD runs of 66 and 12 yards, then junior THOMAS YOUMOG had a 7-yard run to put the Eagles ahead, 21-0, in the first. Collins’ long run was one of his typical keepers that has kept defenders chasing him all season.

The Sultans only score would make it a contest in the first when quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ and ADAM CHILDRESS had their familiar hookup – this time for a long 85-yard score, to make it 21-7. Gutierrez had plenty of time to wait for Childress to run by his defender around the 40-yard line down the left side, where he hauled in the heave and won the footrace for the bomb.

Junior LYDEN FRANKLIN turned in a 67-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to put the Eagles back up by three scores at the end of the first quarter. KALVIN SANDERS and VICTOR GARCIA did the work up front, as the Eagles pulled right to set the play.

Granite Hills' MICHAEL LEDESMA caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Collins, then had a 58-yard punt return, which set up his own 1-yard score before halftime. Ledesma got behind his defender on the 31-yard reception, as Collins rolled right away from pressure from Santana's MATT HOMAN

Santana's NOAH JACKSON had an interception in the end zone in the second quarter.

RYAN ROJ, a junior, got playing time at quarterback in the second half, and he did his best Collins impersonation with a 12-yard touchdown run.

UNIVERSITY CITY 35, EL CAJONVALLEY 7 – MATTHEW SHEARIN carried the ball 29 times for the visiting Braves’ only touchdown in Friday night’s (Nov. 7) season-ending non-league contest.

El Cajon Valley registered 2 interceptions, one by THOMAS NARAVETTE and one by TYSON SMITH.

Braves quarterback MERITON HASANI completed 3 of 8 passes.

ESCONDIDO CHARTER 46, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 3 – Escondido Charter picked up a season-ending Pacific League victory over Foothills Christian on Thursday (Nov. 6). No other information was provided about the game.

Senior Zach Cagle (22) and the El Capitan Vaqueros host the Helix Highlanders in a winner-take-all Grossmont Hills League showdown in Lakeside Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

Fearless Forecaster

Helix, El Capitan, West Hills, Monte Vista on brink of Grossmont league titles

By Bill Dickens
©EastCountySports.com

LAKESIDE (11-6-14) — This is a classic duel where these two Top 10 teams from the Grossmont Conference will collide for the Grossmont Hills League championship for the first time ever.

El Capitan (9-0, 4-0) has had a perfect season so far. But that probably won’t mean a whole lot to the Helix Highlanders (8-1, 4-0) when they take on the Vaqueros Friday (Nov. 7) in Lakeside.

This game is one of the biggest encounters that should draw a huge crowd. That’s been the case in the past, when the Highlanders won eight in a row.

Running off the field without a loss is undoubtedly a feat to be proud of. But the Highlanders don’t intend to let the Vaqueros get away with that kind of escape.

No. 3 Helix has surrendered an average of 6.2 ppg all season, while No. 4 El Capitan is allowing 12 ppg.

The key to the Highlanders’ victories has been East County’s leading rusher, NATHAN STINSON, who has run for 1253 yards on 121 carries for 17 touchdowns. Helix quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN has passed for 1122 yards 75 of 124 completions with 11 TDs.

El Capitan, on the other hand, has been led by quarterback BRAD CAGLE, who has passed for 1747 yards on 110-183 completions and 16 touchdowns. Receiver ISAIAH CAPOOCIA has caught 47 passes for 743 yards and 12 TDS. D.J. SMITH has rushed for 894 yards on 124 carries and 14 TDs.

This is a tough one but the nod goes to . . . El Capitan 22-21.

MONTE VISTA (6-3, 3-0) at WEST HILLS (7-2, 3-0), 7 – In a game of survival for the Grossmont Valley League championship, Monte Vista will travel to East Santee Friday night (Nov. 7) to tackle West Hills in the regular season finale.

Monte Vista is led by running backs JORDAN JOHNSON (1163 yards on 122 carries, 9 TDs) and LEE WADE, Jr. (1025 yards, 114 carries, 14 TDs). AUSTIN CAOLE (543 yards, 28-92 completions, 6 TDs) handles the quarterbacking duties for the Monarchs.

The Wolf Pack will count on running back JACOB SHAW (959 yards, 158 carries, 11 TDs), quarterback SPENCER MOYER (1549, 87-152, 16 TDs) and receivers RAPHY CARR (49 catches, 917 yards, 6 TDs) and TAJ BROOMFIELD (27 catches, 362 and 3 TDs).

With the championship on the line, this game basically turns into a flip side, and the nod goes to . . . West Hills 21-20.

SANTA FE CHRISTIAN (5-4, 3-1) vs. CHRISTIAN (9-0, 3-0) at Granite Hills, 4 – The Patriots are about one TD away from completing a perfect 10-0 season. It’s no fluke that Christian has rolled over its opponents, both in the Central League and non-league.

The Patriots are “proud that we’ve allowed only one turnover (an interception) and one lost punt,” said offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

Christian is averaging 199 yards rushing and 112 passing. The Patriots are led by hard charging ADRIAN PETTY (87-1252, 19 TDs, 156.5 ypg), and quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH (136-190, 2092, 23 TDs, 23.7 ypg).

The receiving corps are led by NICK SEXTON (38-646, 6 TDs), Utah Valley bound shortstop TREVOR HOWELL (35-469, 4 TDs), and CHAD HUMPHRIES (20-468, 8 TDs). The Christian defense is headed by JOEY MORONES (44 tackles and a sack).

The Patriots own the offense and certainly won’t stumble against Santa Fe Christian . . . Christian 37-14.

VALHALLA (4-5, 2-2) at GROSSMONT (4-5, 1-3), 7 – The playoffs are well within reach of both teams as they face off Friday night (Nov. 7) in a Grossmont Hills League finale.

East County leading quarterback CALVIN FARRIS directs the Foothillers 1640 yards on 101-218 completions and 17 TDs. Receivers ALIJAH AVANT (370 yards on 21 carries, 3 TDs) and HUNTER REINER (697, 59 carries, 8 TDs) are favorite targets. Grossmont’s defense is headed by JACOB DENSON (60 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries), MALIK HAYES (50 tackles and a sack) and CHAZ CADWALADER (48 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery) among others.

The Norsemen’s offense is directed by quarterback PHILLIP NASEH (1571 yards on 125-229 passes, 9 touchdowns). He’ll be looking for receiver JULIUS FRAZIER (44 catches for 570 yards and 4 TDs). Running back JEROME JOHNSON has amassed 782 yards on 154 carries and 10 touchdowns.

The Foothillers always seem to come up with the offense, but they’re going to need plenty to beat the Norsemen . . . Grossmont 27-17.

SANTANA (4-5, 1-2) at GRANITE HILLS (6-3, 1-2), 7 – This Grossmont Valley League game has playoff connotations. The injury-plagued Sultans of Santana have a shot at finishing at 5-5, but that’ll be hard to grind out because Granite Hills doesn’t appear ready to roll over in the GVL.

Granite Hills counts on double threat quarterback SETH COLLINS, who has rushed for 629 yards on 72 carries and 11 touchdowns, while also completing 44 of 93 passes for 691 yards and 9 TDs. MICHAEL LEDESMA has rushed for 398 yards on 66 carries for 9 TDs for the Eagles.

Don’t look for the Eagles to fall . . . Granite Hills 37-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (3-6, 0-4) at STEELE CANYON (6-3, 1-3), 7 – It’s been a rugged season for Mount Miguel, which has lost six of nine contests this season and all four of its Grossmont Hills League games. The struggling Matadors will have their hands full against Steele Canyon. Running back ANTHONY GILMORE has rushed 889 yards on 83 carries with 5 touchdowns to lead Mount Miguel.

The Cougars need a victory to earn a prominent spot in the playoffs. Quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON (78-147, 1163, 10 TDs) will lead the Cougars’ attack against the Matadors. His top target is receiver JORDAN JOHNSON (14-220, 2 TDs). On defense for the Cougars WILLIE FAIR has 88 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions.

Look for the Cougars to continue Mount Miguel’s losing skid . . . Steele Canyon 19-13.

EL CAJON VALLEY (2-7, 0-4) at UNIVERSITY CITY (5-4, 2-1), 6:30 – The Braves have eyes on their third win of the season as they visit University City in a 6:30 p.m. non-league game Friday evening.

This is a chance to play spoiler for the Braves, who could take a giant step toward the post-season if they can sidestep the Centurions.

El Cajon Valley’s chances hinge on MATTHEW SHEARIN, who is headed for the Ivy League, and who has rushed for an East County high 135 carries for 1366 yards and 17 touchdowns (151.8 ypg) . . . El Cajon Valley 37-27.

Thurs., Nov. 6
FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-9, 0-3) vs. Escondido Charter (1-8, 1-2) at Orange Glen, 7 – Foothills Christian gets one more chance when the Knights close the regular season against Escondido Charter in a Pacific League finale. . . Escondido Charter 27-7.

Fearless Forecaster’s Record
Last week: 7-1 (.875)
Season record: 108-19 (.850)

JV/Frosh scores

Junior Varsity Friday, Nov. 7 Helix 23, El Capitan 0 Grossmont 24, Valhalla 21 Mount Miguel 37, Steele Canyon 31 Only scores reported Freshmen Thursday, Nov 6 Grossmont 40, Valhalla 21 (Foothillers win Hills League) Helix 33, El Capitan 7 Monte Vista 48, West Hills 21 Mount Miguel 22, Steele Canyon 15 University City def. El Cajon Valley, no score reported Only scores reported

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JV/Frosh scores

Junior Varsity Friday, Oct. 31 Helix 28, Grossmont 14 Steele Canyon 26, Valhalla 24 El Capitan 21, Mount Miguel 21 Only scores reported Freshmen Thursday, Oct. 30 Santana 28, West Hills 21 Grossmont 21, Helix 3 Valhalla 28, Steele Canyon 14 El Capitan 27, Mount Miguel 14 Only scores reported

 

WEEK 4

Highlanders Dealt Revenge by the Dons

©EastCountySports.com
SAN DIEGO (9-20-14) — After Helix scored on its first drive of the game, Cathedral Catholic seemingly controlled the clock and field position for the remainder of Friday night’s (Sept.) non-league game, dealing the Highlanders a stunning 9-7 blow.

The Dons got what would be the game's decisive score with about nine minutes left in the second quarter when Cathedral Catholic's Choyce Bostian had a 19-yard pass completion for a touchdown to Kai Walter.

Walter broke underneath from his tight end spot on the left side, and was uncovered at about the 2-yard line when he hauled in the easy toss from Bostian.

Helix’s NATHAN STINSON had 15 carries for 95 yards, including a 36-yard run on the Scotties' scoring drive, when he cut back against the blocking of his massive line, then shot out to the right sideline past midfield, outsprinting all but one CC defender, getting knocked out inside the 25.

The Highlanders had a six-play, 62-yard scoring drive following a long Cathedral march that resulted in an opening field goal by Tim Semenza from 19 yards out. JIHAD WOODS capped the drive with a 3-yard scoring scrum.

In the fourth quarter, Helix's Woods stripped a ball from a Cathedral back, to give the Scots the ball almost near midfield, but Helix would be intercepted on the next play, when an intended pass went through the hands of a receiver and was deflected off a player's leg, and the ball easily landed in the hands of a Dons defensive man.

Helix had a 48-yard field-goal attempt blocked with 4:27 remaining in the game. The Dons picked up a fourth-down conversion with 1:36 to go to force the kneel-down and end the game.

Helix's strong defensive night was led by DASHAWN KIERSEY, SEFA TAUANUU, FORREST HANLON, EZEKIEL NOA, TYLER CLANTON, SCOTT YOUNG and MEKHI STEVENSON.

It takes five La Jolla Vikings to bring down West Hills' 5-foot-7, 152-pound powerhouse senior slot-man Raphy Carr during the Wolf Pack's non-league win over La Jolla Friday night. (EastCountySports.com photo)

WEST HILLS 26, LA JOLLA 24 – West Hills snapped a two-game losing streak against the high-scoring Vikings in Friday night’s (Sept. 19) non-league game.
This game was sealed by Wolf Pack senior receiver WILL PETTY.

The Pack got a 19-yard TD reception by JUSTIN HANCOCK with 1:44 left in the game from QB SPENCER MOYER to rally the host Wolf Pack after the Vikings had erased a two-touchdown halftime deficit.

Hancock, lined up on the left, took a quick, but slightly-delayed inside route pass from Moyer. He caught the ball wide open just inside the 10, and easily had the end zone.

West Hills got an interception by Petty to seal the late win for the Wolf Pack, as the Vikings' last-ditch drive was cut short. Wolf Pack senior defensive back RAPHY CARR had an 80-yard touchdown catch-and-run and two interceptions in the first half for a 20-10 halftime advantage.

On the Pack's game-deciding drive, Moyer completed passes for pair of conversions for first downs, as West Hills moved into La Jolla territory to the 44 with 5:40 left. Running back JACOB SHAW rumbled for a first down on fourth-and-a long three to extend the winning march.

West Hills senior receiver Devon Hathaway is brought down by La Jolla defenders Friday night in Santee. 9-19-14 (EastCountySports.com photo)

On the West Hills series before the decisive score, Moyer threw a 3rd-and -18 completion to Carr, plus a penalty took the ball down to the La Jolla 11-yard line. But a Pack near-TD run resulted in a touchback when the ball was stripped and fumbled just before the pylon.

The Vikes' earlier converted a 45-yard pass to Carlton O'Neal from QB Collin Rugg on fourth down – their second fourth-down conversion of the series, then the next play was a 15-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Levenson. The PAT was good with 2:16 left in third, closing the West Hills lead to 20-17.

LJ converted a fourth down late to extend their final drive with under a minute remaining. Then, on 3rd-and-3, Vikings picked up another first down before Petty's interception. West Hills needed to down the ball to end the contest.

The Vikings got a 38-yard TD pass to O'Neal with 8:55 left as the receiver got open down field behind the defense for a 24-20 lead with 8:55 left.

West Hills didn't look sharp executing the offense in the second half until their scoring drive, as they were bogged down by penalties, as well as a drive which resulted in a missed field goal attempt.

TAJ BROOMFIELD, a junior, also had a first-half interception for the Wolf Pack.

Shaw had a 35-yard run for West Hills in the first half, taking the Pack down to the 11, where Moyer found tight end AUSTIN ESTRADA for an 11-yard score, making it 13-3 West Hills. Shaw opened the scoring for the Wolf Pack wtih a 6-yard score, erasing an early 3-0 La Jolla advantage.

Carr's second interception of the first half came in the Vikings' end zone, as he picked off the La Jolla scoring threat just before intermission. On his 80-yard score in the second quarter, Carr caught a short screen to the left behind the line of scrimmage, as the play was started with a fake-inside-handoff to the right.

That left the 5-foot-7, 152-pounder with a bevy of pull-back blockers, including linemen DOMINIC TUFI, GARRETT MEAD, JOSE ESTRADA and OSCAR MORALES, leaving a wide-open ocean of blue turf down the middle of the field, as he jaunted alone to the end zone, giving West Hills the 20-10 halftime lead.

Christian junior running back Adrian Petty runs to familiar daylight against Ontario Christian Friday night. (photo by Ruth Mims)

CHRISTIAN 55, ONTARIO CHRISTIAN 7 – Patriots junior running back ADRIAN PETTY ran over Ontario Christian all night, and sometimes it was even by accident.

Petty started the night with a couple of 20-yard-plus runs, and ended the night going 99 yards for a touchdown because the Patriots couldn't take a knee without allowing a safety.

JOEY MORONES had Christian's first touchdown on a 5-yard run, then Petty picked up his first score on a 15-yard toss for a 13-0 advantage.

Senior captain TREVOR HOWELL and quarterback DAVID TODD JEREMIAH teamed up on an 80-yard pass-and-run, giving Christian a 20-0 lead. The duo would combine again for another TD connection, while Morones also added another touchdown run.

Just before halftime, the Knights were headed in for a possible score when the Patriots forced a fumble at the 1, recovering for a turnover.

That set the stage for Petty's record-tying, 99-yard run. Christian was content to take a knee and head into halftime, but after one down, found themselves backed up well inside the 1. Instead of giving up the two points in the first half, Petty tried to bash into the line, but got through and busted all the way down the field for a 41-0 lead.

With seven minutes left in the third quarter, a running clock was used for the remainder of the game.

Petty took it to the house one more time – this one from 40 yards, then CHAD HUMPHRIES added a 25-yard score after Ontario Christian had scored on a TD pass.

Foothillers players celebrate... again, during Grossmont's record-setting win over Hilltop Friday night. (photo by Linda Byerline)

GROSSMONT 75, HILLTOP 22 – Coach TOM KARLO’s Foothillers barged in front 41-14 at halftime and never looked back in Friday’s (Sept. 19) non-league action.

The triggerman for the Foothillers was running back ALIJAH AVANT, who led the Grossmont scoring parade of 75 points – a Grossmont Conference record as well as a school record – which included 712 yards total offense.

JAKE HARR averaged 110 yards rushing and a touchdown. DEION MICKENS also scored a pair of touchdowns on 104 yards for the Foothillers.

GRANITE HILLS 44, CENTRAL UNION 22 – Having outscored their opponents by 100 points in their first 3 games, the Granite Hills High Eagles (4-0) took one of the hottest offenses in the section into the desert to tackle Central Union (1-2) in equally hot temperatures.

When the dust settled, Granite Hills was headed West with a 44-22 victory. Red hot QB SETH COLLINS figured to have the biggest influence on the outcome of the game. That happened, but not in a way anyone saw coming. On the 5th play of the opening drive, Collins was hit late out of bounds on the Central sideline. A melee ensued and the result was the ejection of Collins.

What do you do when you lose your starting QB? You ring up MICHAEL LEDESMA. The wideout slipped into the Eagles shotgun and ran the host Spartans right into the ground.

Ledesma scored 5 touchdowns on runs of 1, 10, 15, 12 and 6 yards. "I never thought I'd score 5 rushing TD's tonight," stated Ledesma. "But our coaches dialed up some really nice plays and I have the option of changing out of the play if I need to."

But don't let the final score fool you. This was a competitive game deep into the 4th quarter.

Granite got the scoring started with an 8-play 60 yard drive to start the game. All 8 plays were on the ground with Collins and Ledesma sharing the duties with THOMAS YOUMON. Ledesma had the 1 yard plunge for the TD.

With the Eagles up 7-0, the home standing Spartans showed they weren't going down without a fight. They countered with a 6-play 95 yard drive that ended with a 55 yard touchdown pass from QB Pete Sanchez.

Granite contributed to the Central cause when on a 4th down from their own 20, Granite Hills snapped the ball out of the end zone for a safety. Central up 9-7, with 3:50 left in the 1st quarter.

On the ensuing free kick, the Spartans turned up the heat on the Eagles. QB Angel Ramirez shook free and weaved his way for 44 yards to paydirt, and the Eagles found themselves down 16-7 in a hostile environment.

"When we fell behind early I just told our guys to stay the course," said head coach KELLAN COBBS. "I reminded them that we had scored 21 or more points every 4th quarter so far, so we weren't out of it."

THOMAS YOUMOG and Ledesma handled the heavy lifting on the next Granite Hills scoring drive. Literally alternating runs Youmog (15 carries- 78 yards) had 4 carries for 20 yards on the drive while Ledesma (25 for 144, 5 Tds) added 37 yards including the final 10 yards for the score.

The final minute of the first half and the opening drive of the 2nd half might have been the most pivotal section of the game. Up 16-14, Central lined up for a questionable 49 yard field goal with 47 seconds left in the half. The Eagles not only blocked the kick, but managed to use a short field for a 40 yard BRYCE STRICKLAND field goal and a 17-16 halftime lead.

Although Central received the 2nd half kickoff, their drive stalled at their own 40 yard line. Mysteriously, the Spartans decided to go on 4th down and 2. They didn't convert and the Eagles drove 40 yards in 7 plays and scored again with Ledesma's 3rd TD run of 15 yards.

"We were a little surprised when they went for it that early in the game," Cobbs stated. "We used it as motivation for our boys and it kind of fired us up a little."

Clearly momentum had changed and Granite Hills had moved itself into great field position again. But up 24-16 on the Spartan 36 yard line, Granite coughed up the ball and the pesky Spartans returned the fumble 64 yards to pull within 2 points. 24-22.

That was as close as the Spartans would get.

After a failed 2-pt conversion, Granite Hills would again lean on Ledesma. He added TD runs of 12 and 6 yards to close out the scoring on offense.

"Coach came up to me and said I needed to step up as a leader and he was confident I could handle it," Ledesma said. "I knew we have been strong in the second half, so we just kept after it."

With Central grasping for straws in the waning seconds of the game, Granite put a punctuation mark on the night on the final play of the game. Linebacker KELLEN GAEIR intercepted and returned the final pass of the game for a touchdown and the final score of 44-22.

The Granite Hills rushing corps finished with 45 rushes for 248 yards and 5 touchdowns. Coach Cobbs also had strong praise for his offensive line.

"Wow, our line really came together tonight," said Cobbs. "They are very young and inexperienced. But they are very talented."

— Mark Meadows

MONTE VISTA 31, MOUNT MIGUEL 28 – The battle for Spring Valley couldn’t get much closer as the Monarchs took the encounter to the final seconds.

The Monarchs had to scramble for the victory, however, which balanced their record at 2-2.

Monte Vista claimed a prideful win that ended up less than a yard from the goal line, which sent the crowd spilling onto the field.

This was a wild one as the teams traded scores all night. The Monarchs tucked the victory away on a 27-yard field goal by MATTHEW GOFIGAN with 2:20 remaining.

Monte Vista took a 20-10 halftime lead. But the game was not decided until the final seconds.

Mount Miguel’s ANTOINNE HAMILTON scored 2 touchdowns for the Matadors.

Steele Canyon's Riley Jones carries against Rancho Buena Vista Friday night. The Cougars easily won the non-league contest. (EastCountySports.com photo)

STEELE CANYON 41, RANCHO BUENA VISTA 0 – The Longhorns were under attack from Steele Canyon's unheralded defense from the get-go, as the host Cougars piled up a four-touchdown lead by halftime.

The Cougars are 4-0 to open the season for the first time in school history (since 2006), according to coach SCOTT LONGERBONE. The Cougars have won 4 in a row in 2005 and 2006, but not to open the season.

But the stats got even better as the Cougars defense limited the Longhorns to 21 yards during Friday night’s (Sept. 19) romp over RBV, and also racked up 7 sacks.

Seniors EDWARD DELGADO and WILLIE FAIR, had a pair of sacks, as RBV managed a first down, but a series of minus-yardage plays on the 'Horns opening drive.

The Cougars went on a relatively easy march on the game's first drive. A 24-yard TD run by RILEY JONES made it 7-0.

Jones had a 21-yard TD run with 2:18 left in the first quarter, as the senior dashed off left tackle, cut to the numbers at the 10, hopping out of the grasp of a would-be tackler before the goal. The score was set up by a great deep-fade 32-yard completion from QB DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON to ROOSEVELT JOHNSON to land the Cougars close to the red zone.

Two more Steele Canyon sacks, including one by Jones, on RBV's first drive of the second quarter forced a turnover on downs with 7:44 left before halftime.

The Cougars recovered an on-side kick, then Wood-Anderson had another deep pass completion to inside the 10. PIERRE ALEXANDER ran a sweep to the right on the next play, crashing just inside the pylon, for a 20-0 lead. The PAT failed.?

Later in the second, Wood-Anderson threw a long pass to the opposite hash down the right side, hitting senior ISAIAH WEBB in stride for a seemingly easy 33-yard score, making it 27-0 at intermission.

In the third, Wood-Anderson added a 15-yard touchdown run.

In the fourth quarter, Wood-Anderson's capable backup, JOE CALIFANO came in to the game to wrap up for SC, and he hit receiver DEREK TYLER, who made a jumping, one-handed catch between two defenders, then cut back against another man to get clear for the final few yards for the score.

It was a big night for the Cougars' up front on the offensive line, as MARVIN CALDWELL, KYREE WOODS, CALEB OGORMAN, JEREMIAH ZAMPETTI, JOEY METZ and JOE DELUCA manhandled the visitors from the North County.

EL CAPITAN 42, SERRA 0 – It wasn’t so much a complete domination of the Serra Conquistadors, but more just Serra committing errors, one after another throughout the night as the El Capitan Vaqueros shutout Serra 42-0.

The second quarter really told the story for the entire game. One can look at the teams’ starting positions to figure it all out. El Capitan had an average starting position in the quarter at the Serra 24-yard line. Meanwhile, the Q-Dogs’ starting position was their own 17. The Vaqueros scored 28 points in the quarter.

“We were a little sloppy early in the game,” Vaqueros coach RON BURNER said. “But the defense took over and we played our style of football. We stayed on our blocks and that opened running allies for our running backs.”

For the game, El Capitan outgained Serra 212 yards to 73. BRAD CAGLE had a subpar passing night, 10-for-23 for 136 yards and 4 touchdowns. JOEY LaCHAPPA (5-60-1), ISAIAH CAPOOCIA (3-60-2) and FRANCIS LIMA (2-16-1) were the only Vaqueros to catch passes.

The No. 3 ranked Vaqueros were playing with a running clock by halftime with a comfortable lead, and went on to polish off a 42-0 victory.

FRANCIS PARKER 28, SANTANA 14 - Missing some of their key ingredients the Sultans (2-2) stumbled for the second straight year to the Lancers. ZACH LEWIS returned a blocked punt 31 yards for a touchdown with less than a minute remaining in the first half to trim the Parker lead to 14-7, but they gave one right back as the Lancers scored with :05 seconds left before intermission.

"They were very big up front and we had a really hard time moving them," said Parker head coach John Morrison of the all-sophomore defensive line that had to make an emergency start for the Sultans."We really just wanted to keep the ball out of their hands once we got that halftime lead and luckily it worked out for us."

FRANK GUTIERREZ was 16-of-27 for 174 yards, but was sacked four times in the loss. He also scored on a 1-yd quarterback sneak to go along with 45 yards on 11 carries.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 46, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 6 - The Knights trailed 26-6 at one point in the non-league loss to Chula Vista Calvary Christian Academy Friday night (Sept. 19).

After starting quarterback WYATT BASSON was injured in last week’s game, back-up quarterback DANIEL HOFFMAN lofted a 35-yard scoring pass to TAYLOR BANKHEAD for the Knights' only score of the game.

“In the first quarter it took us awhile to get going,” said first year Knights’ coach REY LYYJOKI.

Junior Varsity
Friday, Sept 19
Grossmont 20, Hilltop 13
El Capitan 26, Serra 21
La Jolla 28, West Hills 16
Santana 42, Francis Parker 6
Only scores reported

Frosh scores
Thursday, Sept. 25
Helix 22, Cathedral Catholic 8
El Capitan 26, Serra 0
Hilltop 24, Grossmont 21
Rancho Buena Vista 24, Steele Canyon 6
Santana 33, Crawford 16
Only scores reported

2014 FEARLESS FORECASTER
Week 4

Highlanders, Dons features one of county's top regular-season matchups
Top-rated Helix travels to meet fifth-ranked Cathedral

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (9-18-14) — Helix, the No. 1 ranked team in the state as well as in the San Diego Section, have motored past two of the top-ranked teams in the state.

The Highlanders (2-0), who play one of the top schedules in Southern California, will travel to Cathedral Catholic (2-1) on Friday (Sept. 19) to face the Dons at 7 p.m.

The key to Helix’s success is speedy running back NATHAN STINSON, who has rushed for 228 yards on 33 carries for 2 TDs, to carry the load for the Highlanders. If Helix can find an edge it will be quarterback MICHAEL AUSTIN, who has rushed for 14 carries for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Highlanders continue their drive for a state title and don’t figure to stumble . . . Helix 24-14.

EL CAPITAN (3-0) at SERRA (0-3), 6:30 – In spite of their undefeated stance, there are those who doubt whether El Capitan is as good as their 3-0 record.

Don’t doubt it. This team is a good one. The Vaqueros have a balanced attack led by quarterback BRAD CAGLE. Hard-nosed D.J. SMITH leads the ground game along with slotback ISAIAH CAPOOCIA.

El Capitan leads the all-time series between these two teams 4-2 with two of those wins coming in CIF playoffs. In 2012 Serra beat the Vaqueros 55-49 in double overtime.

But it won’t go that way this time. It should be a blowout . . . El Capitan 42-14.

CHRISTIAN (3-0) vs. ONTARIO CHRISTIAN (1-2) at Granite Hills, 7 – No. 10 ranked Christian, which is No. 1 ranked in the state in their division, is probably one of the highest scoring teams in the county, as the Patriots are averaging 56.3 points per game, according to Christian High offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER.

This should be a wild scoring affair as the Ontario Christian Knights are averaging 36.3 ppg.

However, the Patriots have more weapons than the Knights.

Christian transfer ADRIAN PETTY, who is averaging 147.2 yards per game, leads East County in rushing. “He’s such a versatile player,” noted Beezer. “He can run the option and he throws the ball accurately.”

By the end of this Friday night’s (Sept. 19) this high-scoring decision will belong to . . . Christian 42-27.

GRANITE HILLS (3-0) at El Centro-CENTRAL UNION (1-1), 7 – The Granite Hills Eagles are averaging 44.7 ppg. The Eagles will test the desert heat Friday night (Sept. 19) against the Spartans to find out just how good they really are.

Perhaps one of the most underrated teams in the section, the undefeated Eagles haven’t taken a step back in their first three games and don’t figure to do so this week.

Versatile quarterback SETH COLLINS can do it all. He has passed for 18 of 36 aerials for 391 yards for 5 touchdowns and rushed for 349 yards on 30 carries and 7 more touchdowns.

When it comes to playing the Eagles it’s all about offense. The upcoming part of the season will create the biggest part of the challenge.

The Eagles have begun the march to challenge for a league championship . . . Granite Hills 33-7.

RANCHO BUENA VISTA (1-2) at STEELE CANYON (3-0), 7 – This will be the second time these two teams meet. In 2013 Steele Canyon prevailed over the Longhorns 27-23.

Cougars junior quarterback DOMINICK WOOD-ANDERSON returned from the DL to lead his team to an impressive victory over Vista last week, as kicker ALEX RAYA nailed three field goals for Steele Canyon while ROSEVELT JOHNSON, MALCOM ANDERS and PIERRE ALEXANDER all scored touchdowns for the Cougars.

Steele Canyon senior linebacker WILLIE FAIR made a dramatic play on the ball as he leaped into the air a week ago and came down with his first interception of the year.

Look for a repeat this week, as the nod goes to . . . Steele Canyon 14-12.

HILLTOP (1-1) at *GROSSMONT (1-2), 7 – The injury-riddled Foothillers hope that a Homecoming crowd will give them a lift that they need after losing two of their first three games.

Perhaps the biggest advantage for Grossmont is the Foothillers have won 8 of 9 meetings against Hilltop entering Friday night’s (Sept. 19) kickoff.

Grossmont’s jumbled offense has to create confusion for the visiting Lancers due to a bucketful of injuries. The Foothillers are led by hard-nosed running back JAKE HARR, who has piled up 394 yards on 49 carries for 4 touchdowns.

Will that be enough to turn back the Lancers? Just for history’s sake . . . Grossmont 27-21.

MOUNT MIGUEL (2-1) at MONTE VISTA (1-2), 7 – These two teams will collide for the mythical Spring Valley championship, and perhaps more importantly for bragging rights in Friday night’s (Sept. 19) encounter. The Matadors lead the all-time series 31-22. Both teams lost last week.

LEE WADE rushed 17 times for 101 yards and a touchdown for Monte Vista against Valhalla, while Monarchs quarterback AUSTIN CAOLE sprinted 14 yards for another.

ANTHONY GILMORE rushed for 121 yards on 21 carries to lead the Matadors against Otay Ranch. Down 9-0 early in the third quarter against the Mustangs, Matadors quarterback JACOB CASTILLO connected with JAY-VON JONES for a 16-yard touchdown pass.

Give this one to . . . Mount Miguel 23-20.

SANTANA (2-1) at FRANCIS PARKER (2-1), 7 – The only time these teams have played was in 2013, when the Lancers slugged the Sultans 52-13. The rematch should be closer but the results will likely be similar. In a battle that turned into a physical scrum, Castle Park scored 13 points in the final quarter a week ago to deal the Sultans their first setback.

The Santana defense did a superior job of making a 23-yard field goal by JACOB HAMPSON stand up for three periods. Quarterback FRANKIE GUTIERREZ completed 15 of 24 passes for 207 yards while surviving 5 sacks. DAKOTA HARP was the Sultans leading receiver with 88 yards on 4 catches.

The Sultans will have a difficult time extending their record above .500 . . . Francis Parker 29-8.

LA JOLLA (1-2) at WEST HILLS (1-2), 7 – The joust between La Jolla and West Hills on Friday (Sept. 19) could turn into a scoring fest. The Vikings have scored 161 points compared to the Wolf Pack’s 62.

Break out the abacus for this one as neither team figures to put the brakes on the other. JACOB SHAW averaged 120 yards and scored 3 touchdowns to carry the
Wolf Pack offense. Not to be overlooked was the passing of SPENCER MOYER, who connected on 19 of 39 passes for 393 yards and 3 touchdowns to spike the Pack’s aerial game a week ago. Versatile RAPHY CARR caught 13 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown for West Hills.

Given that West Hills plays a better game of defense, the nod goes to . . . West Hills 26-22.

CV-CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ( 0-1) vs. FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN (0-2), Seau Field, 7 – It figures to be a long season for the Foothills Christian Knights, who have been crunched 91-14 after three starts.

On the defensive side the Knights haven’t done a whole lot better, having been shutout in two of their three games . . . Foothills Christian 12-7.

Fearless Forecaster’ Record
Last week: 7-2 (.778)
Season record: 23-7 (.767)

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