Sierra Canyon Plays for State Title

ON TV: Watch Friday's game live on Time Warner Cable, Channel 101 and Channel 700 HD, beginning at 4 p.m.

CARSON—Small-school football does not get any bigger.

Sierra Canyon, Chatsworth’s little team that could, plays Le Grand (12-0) Friday in the CIF State Div. IV Bowl at Home Depot Center. Kickoff is 4 p.m.

It’s the biggest sports spotlight for Sierra Canyon in school history, and though the football program graduated from eight-man to 11-man just three years ago, this is a chance to put the private school with just 272 students on the map.

The Trailblazers (14-0) don’t plan to take lightly such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Le Grand is the best team we’re going to play all year, but we’re looking good,” Sierra Canyon quarterback Tyler Stewart said. “I like being the quarterback at Sierra Canyon. It’s fun.”

Going wire to wire as the top-ranked program in the Div. IV South rankings, Sierra Canyon has won the Alpha League title and the Southern Section East Valley Division title while averaging 46.1 points and winning every game by 10 or more.

It’s been about as perfect as a football season can get, but there is one last step, and it’s a big one. For the first time, Sierra Canyon, 34-5 over the past three seasons, will be playing on television, and a big crowd is expected at massive Home Depot Center, especially toward the end as spectators trickle in for the Div. I final later in the evening.

“We had a goal of getting here, and I feel like we’ve played some great football,” Sierra Canyon Coach Jon Ellinghouse said. “I would be crazy to say there is no pressure, but it’s an incredible honor. The program has come so far in such a short time, and I’m proud. The program is in a good place. It’s a complete joy working here.”

Stewart has passed for 32 touchdowns this season, 90 in his career. If the 6-foot-4 senior can maintain his poise under the spotlight in such high-profile circumstances, Sierra Canyon figures to be in good shape. The Trailblazers are significant favorites, but everyone knows that anything can happen whenever the pressure is revved up.

Some of Sierra Canyon’s other top players are running backs Xavier Menifield and Danny Jordan, lineman Andrew Terry, linebackers William Young and Brian Tucker, defensive back Reggie Prince and kicker Noah Zgrablich.

Le Grand, riding a 21-game winning streak, averages 58 points, so the Div. IV Bowl should be a fun game to watch.

A year ago, Sierra Canyon had a chance to make it to a bowl but lost to nemesis Paraclete in the East Valley final. Last week, Sierra Canyon left no doubt, burying the Spirits 47-14 to win the section title.

“I’m a firm believer that you have to have failure before success means something,” Ellinghouse said. “You have to earn the right. Yes, the loss to Paraclete hurt last year, so that’s just fueled us this season and given us something extra. I knew this was going to be a special year.”

A San Fernando Valley program has never won a state bowl since the series renewed in 2006, so Sierra Canyon has a chance to make history.

“It’s pretty cool,” Ellinghouse said.

Le Grand’s Alex Bucio has passed for 2,344 yards and 40 touchdowns, and Daniel Guizer has rushed for 1,906 yards and scored 38 touchdowns.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

CIF STATE DIV. IV BOWL

Sierra Canyon (14-0) vs. Le Grand (12-0), 4 p.m. at Home Depot Center

SEASON LOGS

SIERRA CANYON  (14-0)

Coach: Jon Ellinghouse

Horizon            W 58-7

Bishop             W 42-7

Village             W 58-13

Tri City             W 55-13

Kilpatrick         W 42-6

Marshall          W 49-16

Camp Hall       W 33-0

Brentwood       W 42-8

Paraclete         W 36-26

Cal Chapel       W 48-0

*D.H.Springs   W 56-21

*Ont. Christian W 38-0

*Bish. Diego    W 42-16

*Paraclete       W 47-14

* denotes playoff game

LE GRAND (12-0)

Coach: Rick Martinez

Tranquility       W 48-7

Livingston        W 42-36

S. Pacific         W 67-0

Ripon Christ.   W 56-34

Denair             W 78-0

Delhi                W 47-3

Waterrford       W 55-7

Turlock Christ.  W 76-6

Gustine            W 71-0

Mariposa Cty    W 56-14

*Rio Vista        W 48-6

*Highlands       W 58-20