Canyon High football won its fourth straight game Friday night, defeating the Simi Valley Pioneers, 48-13, at Simi Valley High School behind 28 unanswered points in the third quarter.
“I’m happy for my kids,” said Canyon coach Rich Gutierrez. “I see them actually perform and execute and get stronger as we go.”
The Cowboys’ second-half surge was led by running back Brian Devereaux, who registered 175 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the third frame.
“We owe it all to the line,” Devereaux said. “The line is working hard for us so we’re going to reward them by putting up points.”
After a scoreless first quarter, Simi Valley took an early 7-0 lead in the second quarter on a 23-yard touchdown run by Alex Olarte. Canyon responded with an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Miles Fallin. The Pioneers blocked the extra point, making the score 7-6 going into the half.
Canyon took its first lead on the second play of the third quarter, as Devereaux ran untouched for a 78-yard touchdown. A 4-yard Devereaux touchdown, a 52-yard fumble recovery touchdown from linebacker Noah Dilley, and a 45-yard Devereaux touchdown gave the Cowboys a 34-7 lead to start the fourth quarter.
Simi Valley began the final quarter with a 2-yard rushing touchdown from running back Luc Moore. Canyon linebacker Cole Manclow registered his second extra point block in as many weeks, leaving the score 34-13. A 44-yard rushing touchdown from Canyon running back Henry Arellano, and a 7-yard touchdown pass from Fallin to receiver Camden Apsay set the final score.
“Last year we had a pretty down year, but we’ve bounced back,” said Arellano, who combined with Devereaux for 375 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on the night. “We have the bye week to prepare for the tough Foothill League. We’re going to do battle.”
Canyon will have a bye week before beginning Foothill League play Oct. 7 against West Ranch at Canyon High School.
