The Canutillo Eagles have made history for El Paso-area teams after advancing to the Semi-Finals of the Texas State Playoffs-- going farther than any El Paso 11-man football has ever gone.  Canutillo defeated Everman 17-14 in the Class 5A Division II Regional Final (or the Quarterfinals) to advance to the 5A Division II State Semifinals.

Frank Avila kicked the game-winning 22-yard field goal with 27 seconds remaining to help the Eagles advance and win the Region Championship.  After having defeated Ysleta, San Angel Lake View, Azle, and now Everman, Canutillo will now face Ennis at 6 p.m. Friday, December 12, in Lubbock's Plains Capital Park.  One more win and the Eagles will find themselves in the State Championship Game.

Canutillo got the ball with 5:25 left in the game, tied at 14-14.  The Eagles put together a long drive that both killed the game clock and set up Avila's game-winner.  Everman had one last shot at victory after Michael Boone completed a 40-yard pass to Isaac Fuentes to the Eagles' 28-yard line with six seconds left.  Canutillo's Bo Brooks batted down the Hail Mary  in the end zone to seal the historic victory for the Eagles.

Canutillo dominated the first half of the contest, holding Everman to only 93 yards of offense and led 7-0 at halftime.  Everman, however, tied the game in the third quarter when running back Kierre Crossley took off on the right side for 67-yard score.  The Eagles responded with an 11-play, 73-yard drive to re-take the lead.  The drive ended on a 3-yard Ben Galavis touchdown run.  Running back Joe Gutierrez helped the drive with runs of 30 and 14 yards.

The Bulldogs tied the game up again in the fourth quarter when James Worthy blocked Avila's 45-yard field goal attempt and Leonard Peele picked up the ball and ran 55 yards for the touchdown that made 14-14.  Canutillo's defense was strong throughout the contest, but they dominated the first half the most.  Everman's Crossley-- coming off a 383-yard rushing performance against Eastlake a week ago--  was held to only 39 yards rushing in the first half against the Eagles' vaunted defense.

5A Division II State Semfinals

Friday, December 12

Canutillo (Region 1 Champs, 13-1) vs Ennis Lions (Region 2 Champs, 12-2), 6 pm, Lubbock, Plains Capital Park- Lowrey Field

Cedar Park Timberwolves (Region 4 Champs, 11-3) vs Crosby Cougars (Region 4 Champs, 13-1), 7 pm, Austin, Texas

We will speak again next week on the results of the Canutillo vs Ennis match-up and, if they advance, who the Eagles will be facing for the State title.

 

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