Canyon Perseveres in Victory

It would have been too easy for Canyon to quit.

Although the Comanches faced nothing but disappointment in the first half, Canyon rallied behind its stubborn defense and gritty offense to post a 10-7 victory over Brea Olinda in a nonleague football game Friday at Brea Olinda High.

Canyon’s twin brother combination of quarterback Craig and receiver Chad Scott connected on a six-yard touchdown pass on a third and goal with 6 minutes 6 seconds remaining to put the Comanches (2-0) ahead to stay, 10-7.

Canyon gave up only three second-half first downs to Brea Olinda (0-2) and interceptions by Chad Scott and Andy Kulonis ended two Brea Olinda drives in the second half.

“The kids just battled,” Canyon Coach Bob Hughes said.

Canyon didn’t quit despite numerous mishaps, which included squandering two great scoring chances in the first half.

The Comanches moved inside the Brea Olinda 10 twice, but penalties short-circuited both drives and Canyon came away with no points.

Canyon took the opening kickoff and moved to the Brea Olinda 9, but a holding penalty forced a third and goal from the 22. After Craig Scott completed an 18-yard pass to Chad Scott, Canyon passed up a field-goal attempt.

Brea Olinda’s Eric Albrecht broke up Craig Scott’s pass into the end zone and Brea Olinda took over on downs.

Brea Olinda proceeded to march 96 yards in 15 plays to take a 7-0 lead on a 10-yard touchdown run by Jesse Vargas, who had 84 yards in 13 carries.

Canyon’s second golden opportunity came midway through the second quarter when it moved to Brea Olinda’s six-yard line. But another holding penalty gave Brea Olinda a second and goal at the 21 and two delay-of-game penalties and two incomplete passes later, the Comanches had to punt after holding the ball for 14 plays and 7:01.

Canyon scored its first points on a 36-yard field goal in the third quarter by Scott Walker, culminating a 74-yard, 11-play drive.

Canyon moved the ball with a balanced attack throughout the night.

Running back Kamron Tarkeshian carried the bulk of the load, rushing for 116 yards in 23 carries.

Craig Scott completed 13 of 24 passes for 158 yards and Chad caught eight passes for 85 yards, including the game-winner on a quick slant pattern.

“That’s just something special those two can do together,” Hughes said.