Canyon Lake football earns big road win against San Antonio East Central

CAPTION: The Canyon Lake Hawks wrap up their pre-district schedule with a road win against San Antonio East Central. Photo by Daniel Clifton

The Canyon Lake Hawks notched a big mark in the win column Friday, Sept. 23, with a 20-10 victory over the Class 6A San Antonio East Central Hornets.

The Hawks (1-3 overall, 0-0 District 13-4A Division I) take the win into their bye week in preparations for the Friday, Oct. 7, district opener against the Marble Falls Mustangs (2-3 overall, 0-0 District 13-4A Division I).

Against the Hornets (2-3 overall, 0-0 District 27-6A), the Hawks found themselves in familiar territory — trailing — after East Central struck first with a field goal in the first quarter. However, the Canyon Lake defense kept the Hornets’ offense contained throughout the game. This, coupled with the Hawks’ offense mustering a number of clock-eating, sustained drives, ensured East Central couldn’t take control of the game at any point.

The Hawks responded with a scoring drive of their own capped off by senior running back Helijah Johnson pounding into the end zone on an 11-yard run. The Hawks’ offensive line did a great job leading the way for Johnson. The point after attempt failed, but the Hawks led 6-3 with 5:25 left in the second quarter.

That’s how the score remained as the two teams went into the half.

In the third quarter, East Central wasted little time adding to their points. On the opening drive of the second half, the Hornets worked their way into Hawks’ territory. Then quarterback Austin Vivier scrambled 43-yards for an East Central touchdown. The point after was good, and with just under two minutes in the third quarter, the Hornets took the lead back, 10-6.

However, it would be the last time the Hornets held the lead.

On the Hawks ensuing drive, starting at their own 30-yard line, Canyon Lakes’ offense mustered one of its clock-consuming drives.

Senior quarterback Hunter Anderson used all the tools at his disposal to move the ball down the field. Facing third-and-13, Anderson connected with senior wide receiver Marshall McConnell for a first down. The Hawks worked their way to the Hornets’ 40-yard line.

Then senior wide receiver Chase Anderson picked up 26 yards on a run giving Canyon Lake a first down on the East Central 14-yard line. Sophomore running back Carter Williams pushed the ball to the Hornets’ one-yard line.

Johnson capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The point after was good, and Canyon Lake led, 13-10, with 5:34 left in the third.

One of the keys to the drives was the veteran offensive line that continued to push defenders back on their heels, open holes and wear down the Hornets’ defensive line.

The Hawks added another score with a drive starting on their own 40-yard line with 1:30 left in the third. Again, Hunter Anderson tapped just about every offensive weapon at his disposal, including his own two legs, to muster a scoring drive.

The Hawks found themselves in fourth-and-2 on the East Central 31-yard line. But Canyon Lake turned to senior Helijah Johnson who picked up three yards and a first down.

The Hawks eventually made their way to the Hornets’ 5-yard line, where Hunter Anderson called his own number and followed a strong push by his offensive line into the end zone. The point after was good, and Canyon Lake went up 20-10 with 8:19 left in the fourth quarter.

Canyon Lake now prepares for the district opener against the Marble Falls Mustangs at Hawks Stadium, 8555 FM 32, in Fischer. Kick off is at 7:30 p.m.