Foothillers Win at Homecoming, Defeating Monte Vista 36-7

With a quick start, the Grossmont High football team remained unbeaten by trouncing Monte Vista 36-7 Friday night in front of a large Homecoming crowd.

Lawson Medeiros took the opening kickoff back 62 yards to set up a Jeff Bowers 11-yard touchdown run and the Foothillers (4-0-1) never trailed. Though multiple penalties hampered their play, the Hillers scored twice in the first quarter, taking a 14-0 lead on a 9-yard run by Lawrence.

The Monarchs answered with a 14-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Eric Owens in the second quarter. Monte Vista (1-5) has lost five straight after a Week 1 win over Serra.

The Hillers upped their lead to 21-7 at intermission on a 21-yard run by Ryan Green before scoring the only 15 points in the second half. Green had two scores on the night, and Walker and Josh Anderson added one apiece. J.T. Barnes kicked a field goal in the third quarter.

"I expected to be 5-0," Grossmont coach Ron Murphy said, "so I'm disappointed that we have four wins and a tie.

"We've had some really good comebacks. I'm cautiously optimistic (about the upcoming league season) but we've made too many mistakes. We will try to get better."

Sophomore quarterback Anthony Lawrence "is learning," Murphy said. "He didn't throw any picks again this week. He's maturing. He's only had five varsity games."

Lawrence, who has played football since he was a third-grader in Pop Warner, said: "We're undefeated, so I feel good. We've got momentum going."

Green, who recovered a fumble in addition to his touchdowns, said his good numbers this season are attributable to his hard work during the summer.

Grossmont opens league play at Valhalla next week while Monte Visita visits crosstown rival Mount Miguel.