Helix Faces Granite Hills in League Championship

Helix High School battles for the Grossmont Hills League title in a high-stakes local matchup.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football

Helix Faces Granite Hills in League Championship

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Helix High School and Granite Hills met on October 30, 2026, to compete for the Grossmont Hills League football championship. Both teams entered the contest with identical 7-2 records, with Granite Hills riding a 19-game league winning streak.

Why it matters

This championship game highlights the competitive intensity of the Grossmont Hills League, as Helix aims to challenge Granite Hills' dominant run. The matchup serves as a pivotal moment for both teams following their strong performances throughout the 2026 season.

Granite Hills entered the matchup with 19 consecutive league wins, trailing the San Diego Section record of 31. Helix quarterback Thompson recorded 1,419 passing yards this season, while opponent Zac Benitez entered with 10,822 career passing yards.

The players

Helix High School

This educational institution located in La Mesa is well-known for its long-standing athletic programs and historical traditions.

Granite Hills

This school serves as a competitive football rival and maintains a significant winning streak within the Grossmont Hills League.

Zac Benitez

He is the quarterback for Granite Hills who entered the game with over 10,000 career passing yards.

The details

Before the game, Helix students performed the Challenge of the Sword, a 75-year tradition where participants thrust a sword into a bale of hay to honor the school's Scottish heritage. Helix held a 28-21 lead at halftime following a season that began with a 38-6 loss to Santa Fe Christian.

1954 marks the year Dennis Hopper graduated from Helix High School.
1970-1973 was the period when Sweetwater established a record for consecutive league wins.
August 2026 was when Helix opened its football season.
October 30, 2026, was the date Helix and Granite Hills played the championship game.

Season Trajectory

Granite Hills' performance tracks toward the San Diego Section record of 31 consecutive wins, a milestone that remains the gold standard for league dominance. This championship clash serves as a major test for the school to maintain its current momentum against a challenger with a 7-2 record.

Helix's ability to lead 28-21 at halftime against a team on a 19-game win streak suggests a potential shift in the league's competitive balance. The final result will determine the immediate standings for the Grossmont Hills League championship title.

The takeaway

The Challenge of the Sword remains a unique cultural cornerstone that continues to define the school identity after 75 years. This tradition serves as a reminder of how high school sports programs often integrate local history into modern competitive events.