Valencia football claims 8th straight title outright

Valencia High’s Mykael Wright (8) intercepts a pass as Canyon’s Camden Apsay (1) tries to double back for the tackle at Canyon on Friday night. Katharine Lotze/Signal
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Valencia High football retained its position as the dominant force in the Foothill League with a 48-14 victory over Canyon High on Friday night at Canyon.

The win ensured that the Vikings’ eighth straight league title was outright. It was also Valencia’s 27th straight Foothill win.

“You enjoy this night, it’s well deserved” said Valencia coach Larry Muir, whose team finished the regular season 8-2 overall and 5-0 league. “Now it’s on to the postseason.”

PHOTOS: Canyon hosts Valencia in Foothill League finale

The score was tied 7-7 early in the second quarter, when Cowboys quarterback Miles Fallin (26-of-40, 388 yards and two touchdowns) found Jake Gavin on a 57-yard touchdown pass. Valencia responded with a drive that saw running back Moises Haynes do the heavy lifting, and Clayton Pokorny score on a 5-yard plunge.

Canyon High’s Joey Lopez (25) attempts to tackle Valencia’s Brendan Adam (12) during a football game at Canyon on Friday. The Vikings claimed the Foothill League title outright by defeating the Cowboys. It was Valencia’s 27th straight league win. Katharine Lotze/Signal
Canyon High’s Joey Lopez (25) attempts to tackle Valencia’s Brendan Adam (12) during a football game at Canyon on Friday. The Vikings claimed the Foothill League title outright by defeating the Cowboys. It was Valencia’s 27th straight league win. Katharine Lotze/Signal

A scary scene unfolded with 8:02 in the second quarter when Canyon’s Brian Devereaux was transported off the sidelines in an ambulance as a precaution due to an apparent back injury. One play later, Jayvaun Wilson of the Vikings was carted off with an undisclosed injury.

Haynes carried the ball 17 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns, the first of which he procured when play resumed, scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run.

Valencia quarterback Aaron Thomas, who went 11-of-14 for 262 yards and three touchdowns, opened the scoring in the first quarter on an 80-yard bomb to Tim Wiggins, giving the Vikings a lead they never relinquished.

“Ever since I came to Valencia, I wanted to go undefeated in Foothill League,” said Thomas, a first-year starter.  “We achieved it as a team.”

Canyon (4-5, 0-5) kept the game close with 6:38 in the second quarter, needing one play for Fallin to hit Brian Stuart on a 72-yard touchdown to bring the score to 21-14, but the Cowboys allowed 27 unanswered points from then on.

Haynes scored on a 39-yard scamper and Thomas connected with Zion Dunson on a 20-yard TD to make the score 35-14 at halftime.

“I’m proud of my boys. They fought every game,” said Cowboys coach Rich Gutierrez.  “They never quit and that was the best part.”

A 13-yard pass from Thomas to Brendan Adam was the lone touchdown of the second half, followed by two field goals from Anton Xerez-Burgos

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