Canyon builds on its lead, but Saugus fights back

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Just when I thought Saugus was finally going to break through Canyon’s defense, QB Desi Rodriguez threw his second interception of the night. Two possessions later, the Cowboys took advantage of a 49-yard run by Jordan Ferguson to set up an eight-yard TD run by QB Sean Gavin two plays later for a 14-0 lead late in the third quarter.

But just when I thought the game might be out of reach for the Centurions, they showed me why they are considered to have one of the most explosive offenses in Southern California. A brilliant 59-yard kickoff return by Ryan Zirbel after the Canyon TD eventually led to a 10-yard TD pass by Desi Rodriguez. But Saugus missed the extra point (ouch!), so it’s 14-6 at the end of the third quarter.

If Rodriguez can keep the ball away from Canyon defensive magnets like Sean Crane, the Centurions definitely still have a chance in this one.

-- Austin Knoblauch