THE BIG GAME GRANITE HILLS-HELIX : Eagles’ Time Has Arrived

Preseason predictions pegged Granite Hills as a team that should probably look toward next year for success in the Grossmont 3-A League.

However, predictions are often wrong, as evidenced by the Eagles’ league standing this season. Granite Hills is not only improving weekly, but is in contention with No. 3 Helix for the league title.

Granite Hills (4-4, 2-0) will play Helix (6-1, 2-0) at 7:30 tonight at Helix High.

Of tonight’s matchup, Helix Coach Jim Arnaiz said, “They’re a team that’s improved quite a bit the last few games against a team that has been playing with a lot of consistency.”

And one thing Granite Hills Coach Jim Mann has been trying to solidify is the offense. Mann said the offense has been “erratic and turning the ball over quite a few times.” But during last week’s 30-19 victory against Mt. Miguel, a team predicted to be Helix’s toughest league competition, the offense settled down under the direction of backup quarterback Steve Brown. Mann started Brown instead of Ryan O’Coyne, who had started every game, because of the offensive mishaps. Mann said Brown will start tonight.

“We’re a better overall team than last year,” Mann said. “We’re a better defensive team but offensively not as strong. We scored more points last year but lost more games.”

Granite Hills has not faced as potent a defense as Helix’s. The Highlanders lead the county, allowing an average of only 2.4 points a game, and their offense ranks fifth, averaging close to 29 points a game.

“We’ll need to stay basic and can’t make too many mistakes against Helix,” Mann said. “They’re a sound defensive ball club overall.”

Said Arnaiz: “We’re ready to go for this game. We think the defense has carried us a long way and we’re No. 1 according to all the statistics. But we’re not dog meat on the offensive side of the ball either. They’ve (the offense) been playing well and keeping it rolling.”

Helix’s offense features running back Jarrett Parr, eighth in the county for rushing, who averages 119 yards a game. He is the Highlanders’ leading scorer with 13 touchdowns. Also leading the offense is junior quarterback Greg Wilbur, 12th in the county in passing, who has completed 29 of 57 passes in five games and averages 121 yards a game.

Arnaiz is concerned about Granite Hills kicker Tom Fordham.

“He’s a real threat,” Arnaiz said. “If they get the ball inside the 30 they will probably get the field goal. Our job will be to watch their field position all night long.”