Canyon Makes a Stand in 7-5 Victory

Canyon survived two fourth-quarter scares to pull out a 7-5 victory over El Modena in a Century League game Thursday night at El Modena High.

The Comanches (3-5, 2-1) managed only 105 yards, but scored all the points they would need on an 85-yard kickoff return by Darryl Parker in the second quarterfor a 7-3 lead.

After missing a 29-yard field-goal attempt on their first possession, the host Vanguards (1-7, 1-2) scored the game’s first points on a 22-yard field goal by Marcos Chavez.

The teams managed little offense in the third quarter, then Canyon’s defense saved the game with its impressive fourth-quarter stand.

When El Modena drove to a second and goal at the Comanche 1-yard line, the Canyon defense kept the Vanguards out of the end zone on three consecutive plays.

On its next possession, El Modena drove to the 9, but was stymied again by Canyon.

The final points of the game were scored when Comanche punter Ryan Keys stepped out of the end zone for a safety with 34 seconds remaining in the game.

El Modena’s Kevin Brown completed 13 of 31 passes for 182 yards. Eight of the completions went to Jordan Czaykowski, for 109 yards. Keith McPeek added 58 yards in 11 carries.

Canyon running back Gerald Harvey had 55 yards in 18 carries.