City Game of the Week Preview: Cathedral Catholic vs. Helix

The semifinal rounds of the CIF San Diego Section playoffs will kick off this Friday November 28th. This third round will feature the four best teams from each division. Week 14’s Prep Pigskin Report “City Game of the Week” is an Open Division game, which is a regular season rematch between two of San Diego’s and California’s most talented teams! The Cathedral Catholic Dons (10-1) host the visiting Helix Highlanders (9-2). Both teams are ranked in the top 20 amongst all California CIF football teams. Come join the PPR Redjackets, this Friday November 28th for a 7:00 PM kickoff at Cathedral Catholic High School.

Cathedral Catholic is the 12th ranked Californian CIF team and is riding a dominating 10 game win streak. The Dons lost their first game of the season to Folsom High, who are now currently ranked 8th in the state. Since then, Cathedral has outplayed every opponent they have faced and look to keep rolling towards a CIF State Championship. This well coached and extremely physical team is loaded with next level players.

Quarterback #10 Clayton Dale is the general of the Don’s balanced offensive attack. Dale has close to 1300 yards passing, with 10 passing and 5 rushing touchdowns. He has a multitude of running backs to distribute the ball to. Running backs #25 Adam Eastwood, #36 Currie Thomason, #5 Drew Cowell, and #28 Hogan Irwin selflessly share touches and carries. Eastwood and Thomason lead with 6 rushing touchdowns, Cowell with 4, and Irwin with 3. Cathedral Catholic’s massive and disciplined O-line, is the key to the evenly and effective distribution of the football.

Cathedral Catholic’s defense is anchored by superior linebacker talents. Linebackers #6 Jack Onstott, #8 Tyson Maeva, and #52 Casey Toohill have been suffocating opposing offenses. Onstott leads the team in tackles with 96 and Maeva is not far behind with 80. Toohill is dominant run defender and an exceptional pass rusher. He has 63 tackles, 11 for loss, and 12 total sacks. The Don’s towering and tenacious defensive front, deserves credit for winning the battles up front, to allow these linebackers to make plays.

Helix Highlanders come into this semifinal as the 20th ranked Californian CIF team. The Highlanders are one of the most explosive and dynamic teams in all of California. Loaded with athletic and speedy play makers, Helix has put up 412 points this season and averages close to 38 points a game. They have torched every team they have faced this season, except for two that they suffered one score losses. Their first loss was to Cathedral by 2 points, and the second to El Capitan by 7 points. Both of these teams are still in the hunt this late in the playoffs, showing the caliber of this Helix squad. Helix lights up the scoreboard often and is very hard to contain.

Quarterback #9 Michael Austin and running back #2 Nathan Stinson are lightning fast and are a double edged sword for opposing defenses. Austin not only can beat you with his accurate arm, but can also do it with his legs. He has over 1200 yards passing, 13 passing touchdowns, close to 300 yards rushing, and 4 rushing touchdowns. Helix has one of the most electric and dangerous weapons in their backfield. Stinson has 145 carries, 1365 rushing yards, and averages almost a first down per carry average with 9.4. He is averaging almost 140 yards per game and has scored an impressive 18 touchdowns. These two junior superstars have a combined 35 total touchdowns and account for 60% of their teams points. A nightmare to contain, Austin and Stinson, will guaranteed find the end zone this Friday!

These two titans faced off in Week 3 in a hard fought battle. The Dons came out on top 9 – 7, but either team potentially could have won the game. Cathedral Head Coach Doyle remembers first match up. “They are extremely fast, and a very good football team. We need to bring our best game possible!” Will the Dons be able to contain the dynamic Highlander play makers? Will Helix be able to penetrate the massive and physical Cathedral fronts? This is one of the most anticipated games this season, and could be known as the “2014 San Diego Prep Super bowl”. One of these elite football giants will come out victorious and take the next step towards a California State Title!

This CIF San Diego Section Open Division semifinal kicks off this Friday November 28th at 7:00PM from Cathedral Catholic High School. Come join the Prep Pigskin Report crew, for the “City Game of the Week”! Features and highlights can be seen on KUSI’s PPR starting at 10:30 PM Friday night.