Big stops and early scores lift Randall past Canyon 14-7

In a rivalry already known for producing its share of drama, Friday night’s matchup between the Canyon Eagles and Randall Raiders lived up to the billing as the “GOAT” game in Canyon ISD lore. With playoff seeding on the line and a packed Happy State Bank Stadium buzzing with energy, both teams delivered a hard-hitting, emotional battle that came down to defense, grit, and timely execution. In the end, the Randall Raiders walked away with a 14-7 victory, securing the No. 2 seed out of District 2-4A Division I and punching their ticket to the postseason with momentum at their backs.

This game was never going to be about flashy offense. These two teams are built around physicality, discipline, and pride—traits that become amplified when familiar opponents line up across from each other. But Randall head coach Dan Sherwood faced adversity right away. Starting quarterback Braylen Preciado, who had taken over signal-calling duties recently, was injured on the very first play of the game. In a move that could have easily shaken a lesser team, Sherwood turned to senior Kaison Benton, who began the year at quarterback before transitioning to receiver.

Benton didn’t just fill in—he led.

With poise and determination, Benton guided the Raiders to all 14 of their points in the first quarter, establishing control early. The opening score came after a quick defensive stop forced an Eagle punt. Randall marched 61 yards over eight plays, finishing with junior running back Drayden Ray punching it in from three yards out. Kicker Jacob Avalos drilled the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Another strong defensive stand gave Randall the ball back, and Benton made his most important pass of the night. Rolling out and reading the defense calmly, he connected with Jevin Gallegos in the end zone for another three-yard score, pushing the lead to 14-0. At that point, Randall looked firmly in command.

But rivalry games rarely follow an easy script.

Canyon’s defense tightened up in the second quarter and refused to let the deficit grow. Meanwhile, the Eagle offense leaned on the punishing ground attack of Austin Turner, who churned out 131 tough yards on 26 carries. Canyon kept fighting, and quarterback Brox Hacker finally broke through early in the fourth quarter with a 29-yard touchdown run that injected life back into the Eagle sideline.

However, the Randall defense had the final word. Led by senior linebacker Drayven Patton’s standout 14-tackle performance and fellow senior Garrett Splitt’s nine tackles, the Raiders stood tall when it mattered most. Every tackle felt heavier in the final minutes, every yard contested, every snap holding postseason stakes.

Randall now heads to the playoffs at 8-2 and battle-tested. Canyon, finishing 6-4 and claiming the district’s fourth seed, will look to regroup and respond with the same heart they showed late Friday night.

If this game taught us anything, it’s that rivalries define seasons—and this one was no exception.