Schools
Sierra Canyon Set to Battle Le Grand in CIF Division IV Bowl Game [VIDEO]
Highlights and interviews from Antelope Valley College in Sierra Canyon's 47-14 victory over arch-rival Paraclete. See Coach Ellinghouse, Danny Jordan, Tyler Stewart and William Young.
Breaking News, 3 p.m., Sunday: Sierra Canyon will play Le Grand at the Home Depot Center on Friday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m for the Division IV State Championship.
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Sierra Canyon (14-0) defeated Paraclete 47-14 Saturday night in front of a crowd of about 2,000 in freezing temperatures at Antelope Valley College.
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The Trailblazers hoisted up their first ever CIF trophy by avenging last season's championship lost to Paraclete. The Spirits had previously won eight CIF titles in eight championship appearances before losing last night.
The Trailblazers got out to a quick start when Tyler Stewart connected with Xavier Menifield for a 71-yard bomb on the team's first offensive play.
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"I turned my burners on and got past number 14," said Menifield. “When the ball was in the air, I had to fight for it for my teammates."
Paraclete tied the game at 7-7, and was driving late in the second quarter, but after Brian Tucker's redzone interception, it was all Sierra Canyon from there.
The Trailblazers scored 40 unanswered points beginning with a well-executed two-minute drill culminating with Menifield's second touchdown of the day. Sierra Canyon took a 14-7 lead into the half.
In the second half, Menifield broke free on a 57-yard touchdown run, his third score of the game.
"Xavier did a phenomenal job for us tonight," said Coach Jon Ellinghouse. "He ran the ball hard, and we put some of it on his back and he responded."
Sierra Canyon continued its touchdown party when Danny Jordan found the crease and sprinted 78 yards to give the Trailblazers a 26-7 lead.
"I got to give everything to the linemen," said Jordan. It's a play we've been working on all year. I saw the cutback lane, hit it and the next thing I know, I'm in the endzone.”
Stewart added a 41-yard touchdown scamper to extend the lead to 33-7.
Menifield scored on runs of 35 and 44 to seal the deal.
“I just kept driving my legs and my teammates were making great blocks,” said Menifield. “A month ago, this team knocked me out in the first quarter, so I had to show them I could keep up with them.”
The win means Sierra Canyon will play at the Home Depot Center on Friday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m for the Division IV State Championship.
