Canyon Wins Title but Loses Watkins

Nearly everything went as expected Friday night at Canyon High.

The Cowboys won their fourth straight Golden League title, routing Antelope Valley, 30-6. It was their 34th consecutive win, boosting the league mark to 20-0.

But Canyon also may have suffered its biggest loss of the season.

Quarterback John Watkins, who has passed for more than 1,000 yards this season, broke a bone in his left wrist after Canyon running back Lance Cross landed on him in a third quarter pileup. Watkins was examined at Henry Mayo Hospital in Valencia, and team officials said he will be out for the season.

“It’s really hurting me,” Canyon Coach Harry Welch said. “He’s a beautiful kid and I love him a lot. I gotta tell you, I feel like I just lost a member of my family.”

Said Cross: “I’m bummed out because I’m the guy who landed on him.”

But Cross also had something to feel good about. He rushed for 148 yards, giving him 1,008 yards for the season.

“That’s a goal for most running guys,” Cross said. “It’s a good goal to have and even better to get.”

Canyon scored its last touchdown on a Watkins pass to Derek Rusk. When Watkins left the field, aided by trainers, he raised a clenched fist to his teammates to celebrate the imminent victory and league title.

Ron Lindberg hit a field goal from 25 yards and the Cowboys led at the half, 24-0. The kicker also set a school record Friday night, recording his 37th successful point-after kick this season.

Canyon’s defense applied pressure to Antelope in the first quarter. On Antelope’s first possession, it went just three yards before being forced to punt, setting up the Cowboy’s first score.

Derek Rusk handed Antelope its first scoring opportunity when he fumbled on an Antelope punt. But on the next play, Rusk intercepted a Ron Whipple pass at the Canyon 16.

Watkins then engineered a 14-play drive that ended with Travis Regnolds catching an eight-yard touchdown pass.