Christopher Owen
Student SID

Canyon View holds off Agua Fria

November 15, 2021 by Christopher Owen, Canyon View High School


Canyon View lines up on offense against Agua Fria. (Credit: Legend Nichols/Canyon View Student)

Christopher Owen attends Canyon View High School and is a member of the AIA's Student SID program. 

The Canyon View Jaguars snuck past the Agua Fria Owls 31-30 in the final regular season game for both schools. With the win, Canyon View will advance to the State Playoffs for the first time in school history.

“Our defense played really well. We need some work offensively, but I’m glad we got the win tonight, it was a really good game,” coach Nick Gherts said.

Agua Fria struck first, but wide receiver Demari Colbert returned a kick up the sideline for a 80-yard touchdown which shortened the Owls lead 13-6. Kicker Richard Casten booted home the extra point to make the score 13-7. 

Later in the first half, linebacker Jesse Rocha returned an Owls fumble and ran the ball into the endzone which gave the Jaguars the lead 14-13.

In the second quarter, running back Matthew Flores took a handoff in for a score to extend Canyon View's lead. Another Casten extra point made the score 21-13. At the end of the half, Caden Casner made a field goal and the Jaguars ended the half with a 24-19 lead. 

After an uneventful third quarter, linebacker Keegan Landis, had an impressive play and returned a fumble out to the 30 yard line. Wide reciever Santino Varvel, continued the big runs with a dash through the field to gain 27 yards and a first down. 

Flores scored the final touchdown of the game, tieing the score 30-30. Casten connected on another extra point to give Canyon View the win by just one point over the Owls. 

"It just goes to show, when you have the right coaching staff and the right brotherhood then everything just works together really well,” senior defensive back Walker Foster said.