Two east county powerhouses, Valhalla and Grossmont, squared off in the CIF Division 1 championship at Torero stadium. These foes battled their way through the rigorous tests of the highly competitive playoff bracket and met for the fourth time this season on June 6. The Grossmont Foothillers reflected an intense game in front of a rowdy and packed house defeating the Norseman 6-4.
Two east county powerhouses, Valhalla and Grossmont, squared off in the CIF Division 1 championship at Torero stadium. These foes battled their way through the rigorous tests of the highly competitive playoff bracket and met for the fourth time this season on June 6. The Grossmont Foothillers reflected an intense game in front of a rowdy and packed house defeating the Norseman 6-4.
Each team’s starter looked sharp early. Mitch Coombs, a hard throwing lefty, held his opponent to 1 run through 3. His counterpart on the mound, Patrick Weed, matched that effort.
The Norseman got out to an early lead in the bottom half of the first with a leadoff walk by shortstop Houghtby scoring on an RBI single by catcher Hudgins. The Hillers scored in the third with a leadoff single coming around to score on another single by catcher Stratton.
The fourth inning is when the floodgates opened for the Hillers. 1st baseman, Daley singled to right and advanced on a pass ball. Second baseman Henderson then walked allowing outfielders Guerrero and Walker to drive them in with a sacrifice fly and single. Two consecutive singles by left fielder Marlay and shortstop Reed compounded another run and wrapped a 3-run rally.
Norseman then matched the Hillers outburst of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Hudgins, 1st baseman Castanos, and 3rd baseman Henderson reached base by way of two free passes and a HBP. Left fielder Van Antwerp hit into a fielder’s choice to score Hudgins, and designated hitter Crosby scored Castanos on another fielder’s choice.
The next two innings were scoreless, but the Hillers managed two more runs in the top half of the 7th for insurance. The Norseman could have folded, but they fought back in its final frame, scoring one and leaving the tying run on second base and the stadium erupting in cheers and jeers.
Patrick Weed nearly went complete in his final high school start.
“There’s no feeling better than this” he commented and thanked his team for their defensive efforts. Chad Williams the head coach commented on the “momentum shifts” during the game, but believed in his team because they “never quit” during an up and down season.
This is the second consecutive title and the 11th total CIF championship for Grossmont. The game itself reflected the finest high school sports have to offer.
