The Canyon Eagles went into halftime Thursday night staring at an 11-point deficit. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Canyon’s offensive line had taken control of the game.

Behind a punishing ground attack and a defense that tightened up after halftime, the Eagles rallied past previously unbeaten Sanger for a 38-28 victory in their final non-district game.

Canyon improved to 4-1 heading into its open week, while Sanger fell to 4-1.

The Indians wasted little time showing why they entered the night unbeaten. On Sanger’s first offensive play, running back Bola Ogunwuyi broke loose for a 36-yard touchdown and a quick 7-0 advantage.

Ogunwuyi came into the matchup averaging 184 rushing yards per game, and Canyon got an immediate look at just how dangerous he could be.

The Eagles answered.

Canyon leaned on Austin Turner, quarterback Brox Hacker and Tripp Miller to move down the field before Hacker connected with Will Kilgore on a 4-yard touchdown pass. The score tied the game at 7-7 with 8:43 remaining in the first quarter.

Sanger responded with another dose of Ogunwuyi. A 24-yard run helped set up his 6-yard touchdown, putting the Indians back in front 14-7.

Canyon had opportunities to close the gap, but penalties and missed chances in the red zone made life difficult throughout the first half.

The Eagles finally capitalized on a special teams mistake in the second quarter when a snap sailed over the Sanger punter’s head. Canyon took over at the Indians’ 15-yard line and came away with a 26-yard field goal from Burton to make it 14-10.

Sanger delivered another blow before halftime.

Quarterback Austin Martin capped a five-play, 38-yard drive with an 18-yard touchdown run, sending the Indians into the locker room with a 21-10 advantage.

Then came the third quarter — and a completely different Canyon football team.

The Eagles went back to what they do best: getting physical.

Austin Turner ripped off runs of 20, 12 and 6 yards behind Canyon’s veteran offensive line, helping set up Hacker’s 6-yard touchdown run. The extra point trimmed Sanger’s lead to 21-17 with 9:12 remaining in the third.

Canyon’s defense also began taking control.

Asher Cunningham and Jaylyn Keith helped stabilize the secondary, while Levi Turner made an impact in his first game of the season after missing time with an injury suffered during a preseason scrimmage.

More importantly, the Eagles found an answer for Ogunwuyi.

After hurting Canyon early, Sanger’s standout running back had a much tougher time finding room in the second half. Canyon’s defensive front consistently disrupted the Indians and gave the offense repeated opportunities to complete the comeback.

The biggest play came from Hacker.

Facing third-and-7, the Canyon quarterback broke loose for a 51-yard run. Miller finished the drive with an 11-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles their first lead of the night at 24-21.

Canyon wasn’t finished.

The Eagles opened the fourth quarter with another bruising drive. Hacker connected with Aiden Martinez for 11 yards and Austin Turner for 21 before breaking off a 35-yard run of his own.

From the Sanger 1-yard line, Miller powered behind center Bennett Johnson for his second touchdown of the night. Canyon suddenly had a 31-21 lead with 7:11 remaining.

By then, the Eagles had flipped the script completely.

Canyon’s defense forced another three-and-out, highlighted by Gavin Pignataro’s sack of Martin for a 5-yard loss.

The offense responded with the knockout punch.

Austin Turner ripped off runs of 15 and 13 yards, while Hacker added another 25-yard run as Canyon chewed valuable time off the clock. Turner finished the drive by racing 25 yards for a touchdown with 1:46 remaining, stretching the Eagles’ lead to 38-21.

Sanger added a late 4-yard touchdown run from Ogunwuyi, but the outcome had already been decided.

Canyon had turned a 21-10 halftime deficit into a 38-28 victory by dominating the second half on both sides of the football.

For the Eagles, it was the kind of win that can build confidence heading into district play. The offensive line took over when Canyon needed it most, Hacker repeatedly hurt Sanger with his legs, and the defense adjusted after Ogunwuyi’s fast start.

Now Canyon gets a week to rest.

The Eagles will return to the field Oct. 9 when they travel to Hereford for their District 2-4A Division I opener.