SPRING VALLEY - Back in April, Maxwell Turner was informed that he needed 1,020 yards to break the all-time record for career rushing yards at Granite Hills. Six months later, Turner etched his name into school history, powering the fifth-ranked Eagles to a 45-30 victory over No. 8 Mount Miguel in a crucial Grossmont Hills League matchup.
"Every game we been tallying up the yards, and it feels good to finally break it," Turner stated after the game.
The senior running back delivered a masterful performance with 27 carries for 271 yards and four touchdowns, breaking the school's all-time record in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, and touchdowns while helping head coach Kellan Cobbs secure his 100th career win. Turner found the end zone three times on the ground (31, 50, and 9 yards) and added a six-yard touchdown reception.
"He's a special player," said Cobbs, whose Eagles (6-2, 2-0 GHL) took control of their destiny in pursuit of a third straight league title. "I think he's the best running back in the county and he was able to showcase that tonight."
After falling behind 3-0 on an early Mount Miguel field goal, the Eagles erupted for 21 second-quarter points. Quarterback Zac Benitez connected with Lewis for a 14-yard score before Turner took over with two touchdowns before halftime.
The Matadors (6-2, 1-1 GHL) stayed within striking distance behind junior quarterback AJ Stowers' impressive four-touchdown passing performance. Stowers completed 25 of 33 passes for 293 yards while spreading the wealth, finding Arrington (32 yards), Williams (22 yards), and Buchanan (5 and 30 yards) for scores.
The game's decisive sequence came in the fourth quarter after Mount Miguel had cut the deficit to 31-24. Brenden Lewis returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown, immediately restoring Granite Hills' two-score advantage. Turner would add his final touchdown late to seal the victory.
"It was a good night, the boys really stepped up. The defense picked us up in the third quarter when the offense was sputtering," Cobbs said. He also praised his special teams for pinning the Matadors' offense at the one and scoring. "I'm proud of our guys, but there's a lot of football left and we have to take care of business next week."
The Eagles' kicking game was also perfect, with Trent Whillock connecting on all six extra points and adding a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter.
Granite Hills continues its league schedule next Thursday at Helix, while Mount Miguel will look to rebound on Friday at Steele Canyon.
No. 1 Lincoln earns Dunn's 100th win in Battle of Titans
In a clash between San Diego Section powerhouses, the top-ranked Lincoln Hornets (6-2, 2-0 Western League) delivered a 27-7 statement victory over No. 2 Cathedral Catholic (6-2, 1-1 WL), making it an unforgettable night for Hornets head coach David Dunn, who secured his 100th career win. The milestone victory further cements Lincoln's position atop the section rankings and adds another chapter to Dunn's remarkable legacy with the program. Aiden Jackson (20 carries for 88 yards) and Junior Curtis (11 carries for 84 yards) found the end zone on the ground. Curtis added a six-yard touchdown pass from Akili Smith Jr., who also found Isaiah Grant for a 17-yarder that put the Hornets up 20-0 in the third quarter.
Scripps Ranch Stays Perfect in Showdown of Unbeatens
The Scripps Ranch Falcons (8-0, 3-0 Eastern League) continued their impressive campaign with a convincing 31-13 victory over University City Centurions (7-1, 1-1 EL), handing the Centurions their first loss of the season. Despite a stellar performance from UC's Xavier Quintanar, who racked up 101 yards and a touchdown on six catches, the Centurions couldn't contain Ryan Stadtherr and a solid Falcons offense. It marked the second straight home game where UC faced an undefeated opponent, but this time they came up short against a Scripps Ranch squad that continues to strengthen their case as a Top 10 team.
No. 4 La Costa Canyon Survives Thriller Against No. 3 Mission Hills
In an instant classic before a packed crowd, the No. 4 La Costa Canyon Mavericks (8-0, 3-0 Avocado League) preserved their perfect season with a thrilling 28-27 victory over the No. 3 Mission Hills Grizzlies (6-2, 2-1 AL), as quarterback Quinn Roth connected with Jackson Maggiore for a four-yard touchdown pass with just 27 seconds remaining. The game featured standout performances from LCC's Coby Herman, who scored twice, including a 90-yard touchdown run, while the Grizzlies showed tremendous resilience throughout the back-and-forth affair, briefly taking a 27-21 lead late in the fourth quarter before LCC's game-winning drive secured their dramatic victory.
These results set up an intriguing final few weeks of regular season play, with implications for playoff seeding and league championships still very much in the balance. Next week's matchups will be crucial as teams jockey for postseason positioning.
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