The Valencia Vikings stormed back from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Canyon Cowboys 35-28 in a thrilling Foothill League showdown Friday night.
With the game tied 28-28, Valencia senior quarterback Jake Wallace linked up with playmaking receiver Nick Jones on a 99-yard touchdown strike that proved to be the game winner. Valencia athlete Jay Jay Wilson came up with a huge fumble recovery near the goal line to set up the go ahead score.
Valencia Wins 35-28: Full Game Highlights
Canyon senior quarterback and Colorado commit Cade Apsay balled out for the Cowboys, throwing for two touchdowns and scoring on a keeper. Senior running back Elijah Williams had two touchdowns for Canyon on the night. Canyon built a 21-6 lead in the first half behind the stellar play of Apsay.
The game turned on a big time special teams play by Valencia. Trailing 28-6, Nick Jones returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 28-13 late in the third quarter. The blocked punt unleashed a tidal wave of momentum for the Vikings.
Valencia continued to mount their comeback. On the first play of the final quarter, Wallace hooked up with Jay Jay Wilson on a touchdown strike that cut the gap to 28-20.
Nick Jones: 99 Yard Touchdown Catch (Valencia)
Once again, the Vikings special teams unit stepped up with a big play. A sick punt return by Malik Townsend set Valencia up deep in Canyon territory. Another touchdown pass by Wallace and 2-point catch by Jones tied the game 28-28.
Apsay marched the Cowboys down the field but Canyon coughed up the ball on the 1-yard line setting up the big play from Wallace to Jones. The 99-yard score sent the Valencia crowd into a frenzy. The fact that Nick Jones has yet to land a scholarship offer is a flat out joke. Sticky hands, deceptive speed and a relentless will to win make Jones a valuable addition to any program.
The Valencia and Canyon student sections were jacked up all night and provided both teams with premium support.
Trailing 35-28, Apsay led the Cowboys into Viking territory for a potential game-tying score. However, the VIkings defense stood tall with a game-clinching 4th down stop on a scramble for the end zone by Apsay. With the victory, Valencia improves to 6-2 in lieu of a huge matchup with rival Hart next Friday. Canyon falls to 6-2 and will look to bounce back against West Ranch next week.
It was a classic high school football game featuring two well-coached and talented teams that came down to the wire. Both teams left it all out on the field and provided everyone in attendance with quite a show.
