COSTA MESA – Canyon football coach Mike Ogas said he nervously clicked the refresh button Sunday morning as he waited for the playoff brackets to come out.
He breathed a sigh of relief when his team’s name appeared in the CIF-SS Southern Division draw, and the Comanches plan on making the most of their new life.
Jason Harman threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Canyon past Calvary Chapel, 54-15, Thursday in a first-round game at Estancia High.
“We’re taking nothing for granted being an at-large bid,” Ogas said. “We’re excited about our opportunities we’ve been given. The kids have renewed energy, and we’re going to roll with that.”
Canyon (6-5) faces the winner of tonight’s game between second-seeded Katella and Los Amigos in next week’s second round. The Comanches defeated Los Amigos by 24 points in a quarterfinal matchup last year. Katella is undefeated.
The Comanches were semifinalists last year, and Harman wants to take the team further.
“We need to think that we’re the best team,” he said. “Whether we have to do it with the No. 1 seed or an at-large berth, we’re going to win CIF.”
Harman had 244 total yards (48 rushing). Noah White had two receiving touchdowns, and Trace Hobbs caught the third.
Charlie Treanor was the leading rusher for the Comanches with 70 yards and two touchdowns. Cole Nequette added a short-yardage score in the fourth quarter.
The Comanches dominated field position with a stout defense. Christian Araiza had two sacks. Avery Jones added another as Canyon jumped out to a 31-7 halftime lead.
Ogas said the team has “hung its hat on its defense,” and it showed late in the year. The Comanches shut out the potent running game of Brea Olinda in their season finale. Thursday night, they held the Orange Coast League champion Eagles (7-4) to seven points until the final three minutes.
Josh Debernarde caught a 48-yard touchdown from Patrick Glasgow for Calvary Chapel. Debernarde also had a rushing score.
