Brea Gets Better, Beats Canyon

Two first-quarter turnovers led to 10 points for Brea Olinda, and the Wildcats went on to an easy 31-6 victory over Canyon in a nonleague football game Saturday at El Modena High.

The Wildcats (2-0) came out with a tough defense, holding the Comanches (0-2) to only 46 yards in the first half en route to a 31-0 halftime lead.

Canyon had 15 plays end in a loss of yardage.

“During practice this week and in last week’s game we weren’t pursuing the ball very well,” said Brea Olinda Coach Jon Looney. “This week I challenged our defense to get to the ball and I was very pleased with the way we swarmed to the ball, leaving Canyon with no room to operate on offense.”

The Brea offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, opening big holes as Justin Sweeter rushed for 101 yards in seven carries, scoring on a 70-yard run at the end of the second quarter. Kenny Washington carried the ball eight times for 72 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown run.

Canyon running back Jerald Harvey finished with 73 yards in 18 carries and kept his team from being shut out with a 12-yard touchdown run with only 27 seconds remaining in the game.

Comanche quarterback Jason Taylor completed 12 of 17 passes for 55 yards and Ben Stuelke rushed for 49 yards in 12 carries.

The Wildcat defense caused a fumble on Canyon’s first possession, which led to a 28-yard field goal by Cory Nicholson. After the next two possessions ended in punts, Mike Salazar intercepted a Jared Bauer pass and returned it 18 yards. One play later, Ryan Fortner scored on a 15-yard run. Fortner rushed for 45 yards in four carries.

Steve Alegria scored on a 10-yard run and ended the game with 15 yards in three carries.

Brea quarterback Brian Woidneck completed two of four pass attempts for 46 yards, including a 37-yard scoring pass to Manny Gutierrez, a sophomore running back who also carried the ball three times for 20 yards.

Canyon received an offensive lift in the second half from wide receiver Daryl Parker, who caught four passes for 28 yards.

Chris McClain caught three passes for 16 yards and teammate Brandon Hall added a nine-yard reception.

Bauer started at quarterback for the Comanches but was relieved by Taylor after completing one of three pass attempts and throwing one interception.

About the only thing Brea did wrong in the game was get penalized 10 times for 75 yards.

“It was an ugly win--a sloppy game--but we’ll take the victory,” said Looney.