Eagles secure playoff spot with shutout over Hereford

The Canyon Eagles punched their ticket to the postseason in emphatic fashion Friday night, dominating Hereford 41-0 at Happy State Bank Stadium. The victory not only marked head coach Matt Lovorn’s second win at the helm, but also guaranteed Canyon (6-3, 2-2) a playoff berth with one district game remaining. For a team that has battled through inconsistency and injury this fall, Friday’s performance felt like a statement of identity at just the right moment.

While playoff qualification was the headline, the on-field execution was just as impressive. Quarterback Brox Hacker turned in one of his strongest outings of the season, showing poise, confidence, and command in the passing game. Hacker completed 10 of 17 throws for 237 yards and three touchdowns, all of which went to wideout Bayler Schilling. Schilling was nearly unstoppable, hauling in six receptions for 188 yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and break coverage with ease.

On the ground, Austin Turner added balance to Canyon’s offensive attack, punching in two rushing touchdowns and consistently keeping the Hereford defense off-balance. The Eagles’ offensive rhythm was complemented by a punishing defensive effort. Canyon swarmed to the ball, tackled in space, and never allowed Hereford (2-7, 1-3) to build momentum. Hereford’s loss sealed their elimination from playoff contention, a tough result for a program that has had moments of competitiveness but couldn’t find consistency this season.

For Canyon, though, the outlook now shifts from survival to opportunity. With one week left in district play, the Eagles can still climb as high as second place and secure the No. 2 playoff seed. If Friday’s performance is any indication, Lovorn’s young squad is peaking at the right time — confident, connected, and ready for what comes next.