HS FOOT: Canyon is riding high again

Among the teams that have the biggest turnaround this season is Canyon, which has gone from 2-9 last year to 9-1.

The surging Cowboys play host to Palmdale on Friday in the first round of the Northern Divison playoffs, and there has not been this much excitement on campus since coach Harry Welch left in 2006. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

"It's a great reward for all the hard work these boys have done over the past year," said Canyon coach Chris Varner, in his fourth season.

Its only loss of the season to high-powered Valencia, Canyon has an effective one-two punch with quarterback Jonathan Jerozal and running back Darius Rudolph.

Jerozal, a junior who is being recruited by BYU, has completed 62 percent for 2,667 yards and 29 touchdowns, including a 93-yarder.

Rudolph, also a top track sprinter who is the reigning Foothill League champion in the 100 meters, didn't play in the finale against Golden League because of a minor injury, but he is back this week. He has rushed for 1,185 yards and 10 touchdowns, including five performances of 149 yards or more, and he has 13 touchdowns, including a 99-yard kick return.

The Cowboys are favored Friday but could have a tough time in the second round if powerful St. Bonaventure advances as expected. At any rate, Canyon has a good future because Jerozal will be back next season, along with sophomore receiver Drew Wolitarsky, who has had a quite a season with 66 catches for 1,334 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Palmdale has endured its up downs, losing three out of four at one point including two shutouts. But since multi-purpose back David Richards has switched permanently to quarterback, the Falcons have looked a lot better. They've won four in a row, all by 14 points or more.