Bishop Amat Runs On

With All-CIF receiver Dennis Wyrick sidelined because of a dislocated finger, La Puente Bishop Amat needed its running game to carry most of the offensive load Friday night against Moreno Valley Canyon Springs.

Michael Wagner must have broad shoulders.

The senior Division I prospect ran over the Cougars (0-4), rushing for 162 yards and three touchdowns as the Lancers improved to 5-0 with a 37-7 victory at home.

“I felt I’d have to step it up because we didn’t think the pass would be there,” Wagner said. “The offense executed and the passing game was there.”

It was there because quarterback Chris Rix was unstoppable.

Even without his favorite weapon, Rix never had a pass hit the ground. He completed 10 of 11 passes for 138 yards with a touchdown and an interception in three quarters.

Rix said the loss of Wyrick, who was injured in the opening minutes last week against Antelope Valley, was never a concern because of the depth at receiver.

“We have a lot of good receivers,” Rix said. “We knew we had to step it up, and we did.”

Against Canyon Springs, Rix relied on junior Phillip Urdiales, connecting with him six times for 59 yards. Brett Wiggins had two catches for 91 yards.

In all, the Lancers had 375 yards in total offense, while limiting the Cougars to 190.

Canyon Springs, a Division V team playing its fourth consecutive game against a Division I opponent, was behind, 24-0, at halftime, and appeared to be confused on offense.

The Cougars’ only touchdown came with 3:36 left in the game.

The Lancers, who play in the four-team Del Rey League, get a week off and then play two Catholic schools in other four-team leagues.

The bye week should give Wyrick time to heal, and the coaches expect him back for the next game.