SOUTHERN SECTION ROUNDUP : Canyon Routs Burroughs to Gain Playoff Berth

With a playoff berth on the line, Canyon High overwhelmed visiting Ridgecrest Burroughs, 41-0, Friday night in a Golden League game. The win earned the Cowboys a trip to the Southern Section Division I playoffs, the 10th year in a row Canyon has qualified for postseason play under Coach Harry Welch.

The victory, coupled with Quartz Hill’s upset of Antelope Valley, allowed Canyon (6-3-1, 3-2 in league play) to finish tied for third with Saugus in the Golden League.

Canyon, which has not lost to Burroughs since 1977, scored three times in the first eight minutes. Ed Williams scored on a one-yard run on Canyon’s first possession, and eight seconds later, Chad Brown intercepted a pass on Burroughs’ first play from scrimmage, returning it 21 yards for a touchdown.

Canyon forced a Burroughs punt, then drove 64 yards in four plays, Williams scoring from the three. Matt George’s kick gave Canyon a 21-0 lead with four minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Canyon sacked Todd Mather five times and limited Burroughs (4-6, 1-4) to 24 rushing yards and 109 yards overall.