The team earned its first district win Oct. 2. at Ranger Stadium, beating rival Canyon 33-14.

“Our players showed a lot of grit,” Coach Larry Hill said, “not taking injuries as an excuse and bouncing back from a loss with whatever it takes.”

Both teams started off fast, scoring in their first drives. The team took a 7-0 lead on a 18-yard touchdown reception by senior receiver Matt Sandoval from junior quarterback Josh Adkins with 10:13 left in the first quarter.

Canyon answered with a long touchdown drive capped off by a 1-yard run by running back Isaac Lamar.

The team scored again in the first quarter with three minutes remaining, this time on a 33-yard run by Sandoval.

Canyon opened the second quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Rush. Just 13 seconds before halftime, the team regained the lead on a 6-yard pass from Sandoval to receiver Derek Housler.

The second half saw a lot less scoring. The team took control of the game in the fourth quarter, scoring the only two touchdowns of the second half.

The first came with 10:50 left in the game on a 4-yard run by Sandoval. Sandoval scored the last touchdown of the game on a 5-yard run with under three minutes, securing the win for the team.

“I was most pleased with how players stepped up,” Hill said. “The key to the whole game was guys stepping up and performing well in positions they aren’t usually in.”