Helix Highlanders 42 at Valhalla Norsemen 14

Week 9 started with an unexpected turn of events. On Wednesday Helix head coach Troy Starr announced that he would be resigning from the Highlanders at the end of the season.

Just before the game, the Prep Pigskin Report learned that Coach Starr would not be attending Friday’s match up. Helix Executive Director Mike Lewis would be filling in against Valhalla. Lewis noted that Coach Starr had had a family matter that needed to be attended to. Even with the distractions Helix stayed on course, leaving Valhalla with a 42- 14 victory.

Both teams struggled to get the offense going in the first few series series, but the Highlanders striking first. Quarterback Michael Austin going 68 yards on the QB keep to put Helix on the 5 yard line. Austin would finish the work and get the Highlanders on the board. Valhalla’s defense stayed tough including a 12 yard sack of Austin. But when times get tough the Scotties turn to Nathen Stinson. His first big break a 56 yard touchdown to put Helix up 14-0. Valhalla would keep it close. The interception by Dante Carnessale leading to a Phillip Naseh to Josh Mcnish-Heider touchdown and cut the Scotties lead to 7.

But Stinson again, this time with a 60 yard sideline run to put the Helix lead by at 14. Stinson would add another touchdown run in the second half.

Nasah would make two more great passes in the 2nd quarter. First to Jerome Jackson for 51 yards. Then finishing up with the touchdown pass to Connor Chamberlain cutting the Highlander lead to 7 again. That is as close as Valhalla would get.

Once the second half began the Scotties took over. Valhalla couldn’t get the same defensive pressure they had in the first half they also failed to score in the second half.

Coach Starr sending out praise for his coaching staff as he wasn’t able to be there for the win.

PREVIEW

Week 9 brings us to Valhalla High School as the Norseman host the number two ranked Helix.

Valhalla comes into the game with a 6-1 record, their only loss to Otay Ranch to open the season. They are led by senior QB Phillip Naseh who is a dual threat as a mobile passer. Rahshaun Sharpe and Jerome Jackson carrying the ball effectively for the Norseman in last week’s shut out victory against El Capitan.

The Highlanders also only have the one loss on the season. They fell to Chaparral in Week One 23-19. The Scotties Helix’s senior running back Nathan Stinson has been a force this season with eight touchdowns on the year. Another player to watch for is senior Jihad Woods. The Washington State University commit helps lead the defense as they have only allowed on average 10.6 points a game this season.

The power rankings place Valhalla as the top seed in Division Two. Helix sits on the top of Division One/Open. While Helix will be favored Valhalla will look to played spoiler and be the only San Diego team to stay in contention with them.

Highlights can be seen on the Prep Pigskin Report at 10:30pm on Friday.