Eagles unable to tame the Pack: West Plains defeats Canyon 35-3

Friday night’s postseason showdown between the Canyon ISD rivals at Happy State Bank Stadium carried all the anticipation you’d expect from a matchup built on familiarity, pride, and rising expectations. But once again, the West Plains Wolves reminded everyone why their program has quickly become the power of the district. With a commanding 35–3 win over the Canyon Eagles in the Class 4A Division I region semifinal, the Wolves continued a four-year trend of playoff composure and consistency that belies the youth of their program.

West Plains, now 12–1, set a school record for single-season victories with the win. Canyon, finishing 8–5, became the latest team to discover how well-rounded and battle-tested the Wolves have become. The victory also sets up a massive rematch with Stephenville—fresh off a blowout of Randall—in next week’s region final at Lowrey Field. It’s the same stage where West Plains earned its signature win a year ago.

Despite the final margin, Canyon actually pushed West Plains harder than any playoff opponent so far this postseason. The Wolves controlled the pace and the statistics early, yet led only 14–3 at halftime. Their opening drive, a crisp 75-yard march, suggested a potential rout from the outset. Reid Macon connected with Kaden Hooker for a short touchdown to set the tone, but the offense stalled on two subsequent drives deep in Canyon territory. The Eagles, meanwhile, struggled mightily to generate momentum, producing just 61 yards before halftime. Their lone scoring moment came on a 30-yard field goal that briefly cut the Wolves’ lead to 7–3.

Canyon’s best shot at stability came late in the half when the defense stopped West Plains inside the 10. But an interception on the next series flipped the field, and the Wolves capitalized immediately with a reverse run to take an 11-point lead into the break. Canyon could only wonder how different things might have looked without that miscue.

West Plains emerged from halftime more efficient and more decisive. After a quick defensive stop, Macon delivered a 26-yard touchdown strike to extend the lead to 21–3. From there, the Wolves’ experience and rhythm took over. Macon, a four-year starter, played with his usual steadiness, completing 18 of 26 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. His second scoring connection with Hooker—a 62-yard burst—effectively sealed the matchup and the Wolves’ return trip to the region final.

Canyon tried to salvage momentum in the fourth quarter, driving inside the West Plains 20, but a strip-sack and a 79-yard fumble return by Aiden Green slammed the door. It was the kind of opportunistic, all-phase play that has defined West Plains during its rapid rise.

The Wolves continue to carry themselves like a program accustomed to post season football. Their belief, discipline, and balance have become trademarks despite their brief history. Canyon, for its part, showed resilience under a new head coach navigating midseason transition, and the players never stopped fighting even as the score tilted.

In the end, though, West Plains looked every bit like a contender ready for another heavyweight clash with Stephenville—one step away from another deep postseason run.