Villa Park Puts Away Canyon, 21-0

Villa Park Coach Pat Mahoney saw his share of close games in Century League play last year. All four of his team’s league losses in 1996, including a seven-point setback to Canyon, were decided by a touchdown or less.

That’s one reason why Mahoney was visibly calm after Villa Park’s 21-0 league-opening victory over Canyon Thursday at El Modena High.

Another reason was a balanced offensive attack for the Spartans (3-2-1, 1-0 in league).

Junior tailback Dache Dameron rushed 16 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns, senior fullback Ryan Wann added 103 yards in 14 carries and senior quarterback Matt Jackson was eight of 15 for 111 yards and a touchdown pass.

“I was happy with the win and our execution,” Mahoney said. “I was happy with the balance and our defense did a good job of not giving up too many yards.”

Canyon (0-6, 0-1) had only 85 yards of total offense as quarterback Josh Chelini completed only four of 11 passes for 52 yards. The Comanches, who have been shut out three times this season, have scored only 25 points.

Villa Park built a 14-0 halftime lead on Dameron’s one-yard run and Jackson and Spencer Grace hooked up on a five-yard touchdown pass with 1 minute 17 seconds left in the first half.

Dameron’s touchdown was set up by Wann who had a 24-yard run and a 17-yard pass reception. A 41-yard pass from Jackson to Nate Harris set up the second touchdown.

After Canyon was forced to punt from deep in the end zone, Villa Park got the ball at the Comanche 36. Five plays later, Dameron scored his second touchdown with 10:06 left in the game on a one-yard plunge.