Canyon High needed no luck Friday night to defeat San Gorgonio, 36-28, in the first round of CIF-Southern Section Division 6 playoffs. The Cowboys just needed to rely on their quarterback.
The Cowboys were able to take the lead over San Gorgonio after quarterback Shawn Gallagher on a keeper to go up 7-6 in the first quarter. Gallagher played defense stopper late in the game, returning an interception 47 yards for a touchdown to lead 29-22 in the third quarter.
The Cowboys (6-5) received help from senior running back Taylor Tepesano, who finished with two scores.
The Cowboys will play at home next Saturday against Mira Costa in the second round.
Golden Valley 15, Nipomo 2
The Golden Valley football team didn’t let a three-hour drive dampened its hopes of a CIF-Southern Section Division 6 championship, as the Grizzlies defeated Nipomo of 15-2 for the first win of this year’s playoff race.
The Grizzlies (6-5) were led by senior receiver Jalin Lewis, who registered Golden Valley’s two touchdown scores.
Lewis scored in the first quarter, then added a 61-yard reception touchdown to extend the Grizzlies lead to 12-0 in the second quarter.
After that, the Grizzlies played keep away with Nipomo, holding them to no touchdowns.
Nipomo’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter, after Grizzlies interception led to a safety.
Golden Valley will host Fountain Valley next Friday in the second round.
Santa Clarita Christian 48, Hamilton 17
If Friday’s 48-17 win over Hamilton is any indication, Santa Clarita Christian is not throwing away its shot of a championship trophy.
The Cardinals (11-0) were able to go up 13-0 early in the first quarter, following a pair of touchdown tosses from quarterback Blake Kirshner to receivers Carson Schwesinger and Kade Kalinske, respectively.
Kirshner later added a 68-yard and 36-yard touchdown throws to Blaike Orth to go up 35-10 before halftime.
Kirshner finished the game with seven touchdowns. Orth scored on three of Kirshner touchdowns and Kalinske registered three touchdowns.
The win keeps SCCS in playoffs. The Cardinals play Santa Clara of Oxnard next week.
