Eagles outlast Brownwood to setup rematch with West Plains

They may not have generated the headlines of some of the state’s flashier programs, but the Canyon Eagles are proving that substance can matter more than style in November. With Friday’s gritty 31–28 win over Brownwood in Odessa, Canyon punched its ticket to the third round of the playoffs—its deepest push in several seasons—and did it with the kind of poise that travels well in the postseason.

The Eagles (8–4) didn’t dominate every snap, but they delivered when it mattered most. Their offensive engine, junior quarterback Brox Hacker, continued his late-season surge. Hacker didn’t throw often, but when he did, he was borderline flawless, completing 9 of 10 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns. Efficiency was the name of the game, and Hacker delivered it in heavy doses.

But his impact wasn’t limited to the air. Hacker once again showcased his dual-threat ability, carrying the ball 23 times for 148 yards, including Canyon’s lone rushing touchdown. In a game that turned into a back-and-forth shootout, his legs provided the steadying force Canyon needed to sustain drives and keep Brownwood (7–5) chasing.

Of course, every hot quarterback needs a go-to receiver, and Bayler Schilling continued to play that role to perfection. Schilling hauled in five passes for 161 yards and a pair of touchdowns, repeatedly burning the Lions secondary with big-play explosiveness. When Canyon needed a spark, Schilling found space—and Hacker found him.

The Eagles’ defense bent at times but refused to break in the closing minutes, sealing a win that felt as much about attitude as execution. Canyon hasn’t been the loudest team in the bracket, but they’ve been one of the most resilient.

Now comes the matchup everyone in Canyon ISD has been waiting for. With a trip to the region final on the line and bragging rights hanging in the balance, Canyon vs. West Plains under the Friday night lights has all the makings of a classic.