Getting a read on Hansen’s numbers

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Statistics don’t lie. Chaparral quarterback Tyler Hansen is having a down year.

After throwing 21 touchdown passes while helping his team to the Southern Section Inland Division championship game last season, the Colorado-bound slinger has passed for just four touchdowns in nine games this fall, including a six-game stretch when he didn’t throw any.

Good thing statitics don’t always tell the truth either. (They’re just numbers, silly, they can’t lie or tell the truth)

In his last two games, the most important thus far this season, Hansen has tossed three touchdown passes. He threw two against visiting Temescal Canyon on Saturday night, including a 22-yard game-winner to Ronnie Kuan with 43 seconds, lifting Chaparral to a 24-21 victory that clinched second place in the Southwestern League.

A year ago, Hansen benefited from the presence of running back Talmadge Jackson, who rushed for 2,081 and 24 touchdowns before signing with Oregon. With defenses more focused on Hansen this fall, Chaparral (6-3, 3-1) needed someone to fill Jackson’s void and provide balance. Sophomore Jonathan Diaz has done an admirable job, totaling 873 yards and 15 touchdowns since taking over full time in Week 2.

If only Hansen had caught that two-point conversion against Vista Murrieta, the Pumas would be playing for an outright league title this week.

-- Dan Arritt