2014 Week 11: It’s Helix’ Turn to Scratch Head

A panelist who voted for Helix as the No. 1 team in the UT-San Diego top 10 in the last two polls apparently was dissatisfied and cast his vote for Oceanside this week.

Helix’ 56-10 victory over Grossmont last week seemingly was not impressive enough when compared to Oceanside’s 35-6 win over La Costa Canyon.

Oceanside is 9-0 but had seen first-place votes dwindle from 19 to 16.

Oceanside received 17 of 19 first-place votes in today’s poll, the other two going to Cathedral and Helix.

The Pirates can earn their fourth undefeated regular season since 2004 with a win over crosstown rival El Camino this week.

Cathedral (9-1) is idle, but Helix (8-1) visits El Capitan (9-0) with the Grossmont Hills title on the line, not to mention seedings and division alignments in the playoffs.

The regular seasons ends Friday for most teams.  Saturday will be the biggest day , with announcement of postseason pairings and sites and selection of the top eight teams for the Open division.

The poll vote after Week 10:

*Awarded on 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. NR–Not ranked.

Others receiving votes:  Point Loma, 15; Ramona, 12; Steele Canyon, 3;  La Costa Canyon, The Bishop’s, Hoover, West Hills, Torrey Pines,  2 each; Madison, Fallbrook, Brawley, 1 each.

Nineteen sportswriters, sportscasters, and CIF representatives from throughout San Diego County vote in the weekly poll: John Maffei, Kirk Kenney, UT-San Diego; Terry Monahan, Tom Saxe, Rick Hoff (UT-San Diego correspondents); Bill Dickens (eastcountysports.com); Steve Brand (San Diego Hall of Champions); John Kentera, Ted Mendenhall, Bob Petinak, (The Mighty 1090); Jerry Schniepp (CIF San Diego Section); Rick Willis, Brandon Stone, (KUSI-TV); Bruce Ward (San Diego City Schools); Rick Smith (partletonsports.com); Steve (Biff) Dolan, Rick (Red) Hill (Mountain Country 107.9 FM); Bodie DeSilva (Sandiegopreps.com); Drew Smith (sdcoastalsports.com).