St. Augustine's late comeback falls short, Helix holds on to win 44-38

SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE - The debate over who's the No. 1 team in the San Diego Section should be over for at least a week after the No. 1 Helix Highlanders (3-1) knocked off the No. 2 St. Augustine Saints (4-1) in front of a packed house at Merrill Douglas Stadium Friday night.

Helix set the tone on defense after Jeremiah Fletcher picked up a fumbled handoff and returned it 25 yards for the opening touchdown.

Following a three-and-out, Delshawn Traylor's 19-yard quarterback keeper to the end zone put the Highlanders up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

As Helix was preparing to extend their lead, Saints defensive lineman Gracen Halton recovered a fumble and returned it to the Scotties' two-yard line, setting up Angelo Peraza's three-yard touchdown pass to Samuel Scaife to put St. Augustine on the board late in the second quarter.

The Highlanders answered right back with a 19-yard touchdown strike from Kamryn Brown to Keionte Scott. The two would connect again for 70 yards to give Helix a commanding 28-7 lead with four minutes left to play in the half.

Both teams exchanged field goals to make it a 31-10 Helix at halftime.

Following another fumble recovery by the Highlanders, Elelyon Noa's 10-yard run for a score increased the Saints' deficit to 38-10, but Byron Cardwell answered back with a 55-yard rush to the end zone, making it 38-17 to end the third quarter.

After a long run by Noa set up Christian Washington's two-yard goal-line dive, the Saints would make it interesting with a 21-0 run, but it was not enough to keep their undefeated streak intact as Helix held on for their second straight signature win.

Top 1o Results (Week 5)

Rank / Team (Record) / Result

#1 Helix (3-1) / Def. #2 St. Augustine 44-38

#2 St. Augustine (4-1) / Loss to #1 Helix 38-44

#3 Cathedral Catholic (4-1) / Def. Eastlake 44-7

#4 Carlsbad (4-1) / Def. San Marcos 28-7

#5 Steele Canyon (4-0) / Def. Otay Ranch 21-14

#6 Torrey Pines (3-2) / Loss to El Camino 25-32

#7 Lincoln (3-1) / Bye

#8 Grossmont (4-0) / Def. Valley View (Moreno Valley, CA) 38-0

#9 Mission Hills (3-2) / Def. Ramona 20-14

#10 La Costa Canyon (2-3) / Loss to Oceanside 13-19 (4OT)