West Plains powers past Canyon in the Boss Bowl

The “Boss Bowl” lived up to its billing Friday night at Happy State Bank Stadium, where the West Plains Wolves showcased just how explosive their offense can be in a 39-10 victory over rival Canyon in the District 2-4A Division I opener. Though the score looks lopsided, this one had all the ingredients of a classic rivalry matchup—physical play, emotional swings, and a trophy that means a lot on both sides.

This game, played annually for the “Boss Hog Trophy,” came with a dramatic backdrop. Just days before kickoff, Canyon ISD announced the removal of head coach Todd Winfrey and promoted offensive coordinator and Canyon alum Matt Lovorn to interim head coach. It was Lovorn’s first time leading a team in four years since guiding Stratford to the 2021 UIL Class 2A Division II state championship. Despite the turmoil, his players responded with heart and grit.

Canyon’s game plan was clear—control the clock and keep West Plains’ high-powered offense off the field. For most of the first half, it worked. Quarterback Brox Hacker and running back Austin Turner ran behind a physical offensive line that chewed up clock and moved the chains. But costly short-yardage mistakes derailed promising drives, and the Eagles couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most.

West Plains, meanwhile, wasted no time flexing its offensive firepower. On their very first snap, quarterback Reid Macon hit running back Slade Russell on a quick screen, and the junior did the rest—cutting upfield and sprinting 18 yards to the end zone for a 7-3 lead. After Canyon answered with a second-quarter field goal, Macon went back to the screen game, this time connecting with Kaden Hooker for a 29-yard touchdown to make it 13-3.

Canyon clawed back late in the first half with a Turner touchdown, cutting the lead to 13-10. But the Wolves responded in lightning fashion. Macon led a quick-strike drive capped by his own six-yard sweep into the end zone, pushing the margin to 19-10 at halftime. From there, it was all Wolves.

West Plains’ balanced attack proved too much in the second half. Russell added two more touchdowns to finish with three scores on the night, racking up 129 yards on just 11 carries. Macon was sharp and efficient, completing 10-of-15 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns while adding one on the ground. His favorite target, Kane White-Tinsley, had a monster game with four catches for 145 yards and a score, while Hooker chipped in 50 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, linebacker Cash Lofton was everywhere, piling up 21 tackles, including two for loss. Bentley Chandler added 15 tackles as the Wolves stifled Canyon’s rushing attack in the second half.

For Canyon, Turner led the charge with 91 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Hacker added 98 tough yards on the ground. The Eagles may have fallen short on the scoreboard, but under Lovorn’s leadership, they showed the kind of fight that could turn their season around.

As for West Plains, the Wolves keep the Boss Hog Trophy for the third straight year—and with an offense firing on all cylinders, they’ve made it clear they’re the team to beat in District 2-4A.