The Canutillo Eagles came into Fridays matchup against Ysleta Indians riding a five game win streak. The Indians, who last week snapped a two game slide against Hanks, were looking to the Eagles to a halt at Hutchins Stadium. Most importantly this was the second district game for both teams.
The game started off slow for both teams as both offenses struggled to find their respective rhythms early on. Each defense held their opponents to short offensive possessions until the Eagles were able to get going with a long drive. In the closing minutes of the first quarter, LJ Martin put the Eagles up with a 3yd run for a touchdown. After the extra point, Canutillo would lead 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
A potential Ysleta touchdown was waved off by the officials early in the second quarter that resulted in a turnover on downs. Canutillo capitalized on the opportunity. A few plays later, Martin found the end zone again on a 56 yd run to extend their lead 14-0.
The Indians closed out a successful drive of their own on a 3yd quarterback sneak by Damian Contreras to narrow the lead by seven. The Eagle quickly answered back on the games longest run of the night by Tony Ayala with a 68yd td run. The Eagles would go into halftime up 21-7.
After a brief delay with the stadium clock, Canutillo would score early in the third on a 45yd td run by Martin to open up the Eagles led to 28-7. On the ensuing Ysleta possession, Contreras would be intercepted by Canutillo linebacker Jesus Caramillo whom ran in back for a touchdown for a 35-7 lead with 9:16 to go in the third.
With the Eagles defense forcing the Indians to punt on their next possession, their special teams got on the scoreboard as well. Lorenzo Areola ran the ball back 65 yards for a punt return touchdown. After the missed extra point, Canutillo would lead 41-7 with 8:36 to go. Unable to get any momentum going, Ysleta found themselves deep in their own end zone and punting the ball back to Canutillo.
On a bad snap over the punters head, the Eagles would get the games last two points to put them up 43-7. The rest of the third quarter and fourth quarter bared no more points for either team.
The Indians look to bounce back next week at Horizon while Canutillo looks to extend their six game win streak to seven against Hanks at home.
Henry Reyna Reporting