YORBA LINDA – Dropping back to pass from his own 5-yard line with under two minutes left in the game and down by a field goal, Canyon quarterback Anthony Marquez must not have felt Yorba Linda defensive lineman Jacob Denissen plowing through the offensive line, steaming toward a safety.
The sack stalled Canyon’s last-ditch comeback attempt, essentially ending the contest and damaging the Comanches’ playoff hopes.
Yorba Linda survived to beat Canyon, 19-14, in a Crestview League game Friday night at Yorba Linda High, increasing its chances to become a playoff qualifier.
“Just make a play,” Yorba Linda coach Jeff Bailey told his defense on Canyon’s last drive. “We actually had a little twist on, and (Denissen) was able to break free.”
The Mustangs (8-2, 2-1) are in second place in league while Canyon (4-6, 1-2) failed to reach a .500 record.
Yorba Linda running back Jayden Webb rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown. His 15-yard score came in the first quarter.
Canyon closed the gap to 17-14 with just over a minute to play in the third quarter after Jesse Laboto, who rushed for 82 yards on 17 carries, punched the ball in the end zone.
Yorba Linda increased its lead to 17-7 earlier in the third quarter on a 39-yard Cameron Carlson field goal.
On its first drive, Yorba Linda quarter back Luke Wilson completed a screen pass to running back Kyle McManus, who scampered 27 yards for a touchdown.
Marquez tossed a 4-yard TD to tight end Christian Downey after a 77-yard drive to close the gap to 14-7 near the end of the first quarter.
