Canyon Blows By Burroughs, 62-6

As a sign at Canyon High spelled out Friday night, “The Streak Goes On.”

And how.

The Cowboys spotted Burroughs Ridgecrest a 6-0 first-quarter lead, then scored two touchdowns in the next 53 seconds and eight in the first three quarters en route to a 62-6 homecoming rout.

Actually, a couple of streaks ended for the Cowboys on a night when they extended their winning streak to 32 games.

Until Burroughs scored in the first quarter, Canyon (8-0) hadn’t given up a point in 13 quarters. And, following the fourth of Canyon’s five first-half touchdowns, kicker Ron Lindberg was wide to the left on his conversion attempt--ending his school-record streak at 30 straight.

Maybe that’s why Canyon Coach Harry Welch chewed out his team at the half--he asked his players if they’d like to skip the second half and go straight to the homecoming dance--and later complained about a lack of crispness.

“I told them before the game, ‘You’re not ready to play,’ ” Welch said. “But words aren’t good enough. They’ve got to find it within themselves.”

Nobody’s perfect.

And, besides, by the time the game ended, Lindberg and the defense had started new streaks. Burroughs (5-2-1) was shut out in the final three quarters and Lindberg kicked five extra points.

Lindberg saw plenty of action as quarterback John Watkins completed 7 of 12 passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns, tailback Lance Cross carried 17 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns and Randy Austin scored two touchdowns, the first on an 85-yard kickoff return.

Austin’s return followed the Burros’ touchdown, which came at the end of a 30-yard drive after Cross had fumbled on Canyon’s first play.

On Burroughs’ next play, quarterback Steve Burdette had his pass batted into the air by Canyon’s Cary Caulfield to teammate Greg Smith, who returned it 23 yards for a touchdown.

Canyon’s offense had been on the field for one play--Cross’ fumble--and the Cowboys led, 14-6.

The rout was on.

It was 35-6 at the half as Watkins scored one touchdown on a one-yard run and threw for touchdowns of 34 and 23 yards to Austin and Travis Regnolds.

Cross scored twice in the third quarter, the first time on a three-yard run to end a 50-yard drive. He then put together a drive of his own, carrying three times for 75 yards. The touchdown came on a 12-yard run.

Watkins threw for one more touchdown--Chad Ziegler caught his eight-yard pass--before Welch emptied his bench.