Canyon football started slow in its 2012 season opener, but closed quick by defeating Morningside of Inglewood 49-12 on Thursday night at Harry Welch Stadium.

The Cowboys exited the first quarter in a 0-0 tie, but put up 28 points in the second quarter to build a 28-0 lead at halftime.

Zachary Cuha tied a school record with three interceptions in the game and returned the final one in the fourth quarter with less than three minutes to play 38 yards for a touchdown to set the final score at 49-12.

Cade Apsay, in his varsity debut, was 11-for-16 for 210 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also ran the ball nine times for 34 yards with two touchdowns.

Drew Wolitarsky, in pursuit of the state record for receptions and receiving yards, finished the game with five receptions for 58 yards.

He is now 74 receptions and 555 yards short of Steve Smith’s (Taft High) state record.

Canyon running back Dominic Pennucci ran the ball six times for 89 yards with two touchdowns in his varsity debut.

Daniel Castro ran the ball 10 times for 48 yards with a touchdown.

The game was never in doubt.

The closest Morningside got was when the Monarchs scored on a Gregory Adams 36-yard pass to Taveon Campbell for 36 a touchdown. That brought the score to 35-12.

Canyon plays Clovis West at Buchanan High in Clovis on Sept. 1.