After the touchdown strike from Anthony Lawrence to Brett Stone that won the game in the final seconds, and after a raucous celebration of beating host Steele Canyon, Grossmont coach Tom Karlo gathered his troops for a debriefing.
“This was, by far, the greatest game—I’ve been coaching 15 years, and I wouldn’t trade this for the world,” Karlo said of Friday night’s 42-35 upset of the Cougars.
A Grossmont alumnus in his first year as head coach, Karlo later gave a nod to his predecessor: “And most of all, guys, I’m sure Coach is very proud of you,” he said, referring to the late Ron Murphy, whose memory has inspired the team.
According to U-T San Diego, junior quarterback Lawrence completed 23 of 40 passes for 214 yards and five touchdowns. East County Sports had picked the Cougars to beat the Hillers by 3 points, even though Grossmont is the No. 10-ranked team in the county.
On Friday, Valhalla (4-3) travels to Grossmont after having beaten West Hills 45-17. Grossmont shares first place in the Grossmont Hills League with Helix Charter High School, which rocked Granite Hills 48-0. The Scotties host the Hillers on Oct. 26.
