The drama of which team would capture this year’s Grossmont Valley League championship was taken out early with the El Capitan Vaqueros riding to a perfect 5-0 record.
The Vaqs tied a section record with seven interceptions in last Friday’s league finale, returning four for touchdowns in a 64-0 shutout win over visiting the El Cajon Valley Braves.
Junior Lincoln Walker returned two picks for touchdowns while senior Tyler Easley and sophomore Ryder Powers each had one interception return.
Junior Spencer Chastang scored on a 48-yard kickoff re¬turn while the hosts scored four rushing touchdowns: one each by senior Brady Jorelemon (two carries, 34 yards), senior Ayden Banagas (one carry, 86 yards), junior Brody Copp (one carry, nine yards) and senior Mason Oesterling (one carry, 50 yards).
However, there were still a couple of business ends to finish before the regular season came to a close last Friday: which team would win this year’s Santee Mayor’s Cup trophy and would the Monte Vista Monarchs or Valhalla Norsemen claim the final playoff berth in Division V?
Mayor’s Cup
Senior Ryder Alexander rushed 10 times for 97 yards and scored two touchdowns while senior Edgard Leon scored on a 23-yard run to lead the visiting Wolf Pack to a 38-21 win at Santana to retain the rights to the rivalry trophy.
Senior Brayden Reed also caught an 18-yard scoring pass from junior Anthony Rosolino while senior Marshon Mitchell scored on a fumble return.
Buoyed by the rivalry win, West Hills (5-5) managed to leap over Santana (6-4) to secure the No. 6 seed in the upcoming San Diego Section Division V playoff field.
“We are excited to begin the playoffs and optimistic about our chances to win a CIF championship in D5,” Wolf Pack head coach Casey Ash said. “We finished the regular season with our best performance of the year and claimed the Mayor’s Cup for the 26th time in 35 tries.
“Marshon Mitchell, Kevin White, Joey Hamilton, Christian Parker and Junior Leon lead our team into the playoffs.”
Hamilton gained 106 yards on 15 carries against Santana.
Monarchs roar
A total of 64 teams qualified in this year’s new playoff format and the final berth was up for grabs between Monte Vista and Val-halla in last Friday’s Grossmont Valley League finale.
Monte Vista won 38-21 behind 278 yards and four touchdowns by senior Alex Villanueva, the county rushing leader with 1,862 yards and 30 touchdowns. Junior Rashawn Florence scored on an 85-yard kickoff return.
