There are just two remaining undefeated teams in Grossmont Valley League play through three weeks of competition: the El Capitan Vaqueros and West Hills Wolf Pack.
The teams are not scheduled to meet until the final week of regular season play on Oct. 28. In the meantime, the pressure will be on both teams to remain undefeated in league play until that potentially fateful meeting.
And it’s not going to be easy.
El Capitan discovered that last Friday in a match-up of league unbeatens by shading the host Santana Sultans by a slim 7-0 score.
Sophomore Chance LaChappa scored on a 56-yard pass play from sophomore quarterback Brandt Barker early in the second half for the lone touchdown in the game while the Vaquero defense made it stand up the rest of the way in collectively pitching a shutout.
Senior Dominic Denha recorded an interception and sack for El Capitan which improved to 2-0 in league play, 4-2 overall.
Junior Michael Valenzuela had an interception for Santana, which dropped to 2-1 in league play, 2-5 overall.
The game was memorable not only for its closeness but also for handing El Capitan head coach Ron Burner his 100th career victory.
“I can still remember first one like it was yesterday — it was at Serra, we won big,” Burner said. “It’s been a journey, for sure, but it’s not about me, it’s about former players and coaches as well as current players and coaches who have helped me by trusting in me.
“I am honored to join such an amazing group of coaches in the group and even more select group of coaches who have won 100 at the same school.
“I’m glad to get that out of the way, for sure. We love being 2-0 in league but have to focus on Mount Miguel right now.”
The Vaqueros host the Matadors (1-2 in league, 3-4 overall) on Friday, Oct. 7, in their next gridiron outing while the Sultans travel to Monte Vista (0-2, 1-5).
West Hills, which had a bye, is 2-0 in league play, 4-2 overall. The Wolf Pack hosts El Cajon Valley (2-1, 3-4) on Friday, Oct. 7, before meeting Santana in the teams’ annual Mayor’s Cup rivalry game on Oct. 21.
Extra points
Granite Hills (4-2) had a bye last week. The Eagles (4-2) entered Thursday’s game against the Christian Patriots (3-3) ranked eighth overall in the section, first among Division II teams.
“I think we need to keep developing different sets on defense and continue to polish our run game on the offensive side of the ball,” said Granite Hills coach Kellen Cobbs, now the program’s all-time leader in wins. “We also need to stay healthy. We’re looking forward to playing Christian this week on Thursday. I believe it’s the first time our schools have played.”
