Sierra Canyon is now 11-0 overall
By Jacob H. Pollon
The Sierra Canyon football program’s first time in the Division 1 playoffs got off to a great start after a 37-20 victory against Santa Margarita Friday night in Chatsworth.
Wyatt Becker completed 13 of 18 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Trailblazers (11-0). Becker threw a 48-yard scoring pass to Jae’on Young but also threw two interceptions.
It was Sierra Canyon’s defense that came up big several times stopping scoring threats by the Eagles (5-6).
Ruben Gamboa knocked away a pass from John Gazzaniga on fourth down with 2:40 remaining in the third quarter with the Trailblazers clinging to a 21-14 lead.
Terrell “Choppa” Cooks scored a touchdown from four yards out early in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 27-14.
Santa Margarita had a chance to pull within a score but Trent Mosley was topped a yard from the end zone with 7:39 remaining.
The Eagles had many chances. Santa Margarita was in the red zone several times, recovered a muffed punt, recovered an onside kick and had two interceptions.
Sierra Canyon had a good, balanced offensive attack. Dane Dunn rushed for 113 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. His 10-yard scoring run capped the game with three minutes remaining.
Cooks had 102 yards rushing on 10 carries, including a 28-yard scoring run to open the night.
Sierra Canyon got off to a quick start leading 21-0 on Cooks’ run, Becker’s pass and Dunn’s 3-yard run just 10 minutes into the game.
Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse won his 170th game.
The Trailblazers now face Mater Dei of Santa Ana in the semifinals Nov. 17th.