Game of the Week: Helix Highlanders 68, Grossmont Foothillers 16

The Helix Highlanders came and conquered the Grossmont Foothillers in not only the Prep Pigskin Report’s Game of the Week, but also the annual Battle of the Musket last Friday, October 30th. The final score was 68-16. As the reigning champions of the prestigious musket since 1991, the Highlanders will continue to boast it proudly on their school walls until they play Grossmont again next year. Even though a loss, the Foothillers still rejoiced in Senior Night – with a constant stream of loving senior announcements flowing from the loudspeakers all game long – making it seem like both schools were winning in school pride.

Nate Stinson was Jack-in-the-Box Player of the Game, with two touchdowns running over 50 yards! The Highlanders put points on the clock within seconds of kickoff and not only scored on their first drive, but their second as well. It wasn’t until the second quarter when Grossmont finally retaliated, when Hunter Gaines threw a 57-yard pass to Jaelin Bailey who ran it into the end zone; the Foothillers had points on the board after a good 2-point conversion making it 34-8 Helix.

The last half of the game was dominated by Helix although the Foothillers did accomplish another touchdown/2-point conversion combination. The final score was 68-16, landing Helix 7-1 and Grossmont 7-2 overall in the season.

PREVIEW: Two East County schools separated by less than five miles will go head-to-head when the Helix Highlanders travel to take on the Grossmont Foothillers in the Week 10 Jack in the Box Game of the Week.

The Highlanders (6-1) are looking to keep their 6-game winning streak intact, while the Foothillers (7-1) will look to keep their surprise season going in a positive direction.

While the action on the field will no doubt be entertaining, the big story – and one of the headlines of the 2015 football season – is the recent surprise announcement from Helix head coach Troy Starr that he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the season.  Starr has yet to comment in depth on the details of his decision.

What is known about the Scotties, however, is their talent on the field.  The Helix offense features the playmaking duo of quarterback Michael Austin and Silver Pigskin watch list running back Nathen Stinson, who is coming off a 228-yard, three touchdown performance last week against Valhalla.  The Scotties are led on defense by senior linebacker Jihad Woods.

On the other side, Grossmont features their own talented backfield; junior quarterback Hunter Gaines has thrown for just under 1,800 yards to go along with 19 touchdowns, and senior running back Jake Harr has rushed for 724 yards, averaging just over 90 yards per game to go along with four touchdowns.

Which of these schools will end October with another notch in the victory column?  The only way to find out is to tune in to the Halloween edition of the Prep Pigskin Report, Friday night at 10:30pm on KUSI!