Canyon looks to avoid three-game skid against San Marcos

San Marcos’ growth over the last two season can be seen in its previous two games against the Canyon Cougars.

Then-sophomore running back Jamon Johnson’s three touchdowns helped the Rattlers edge out the Cougars in 2016, 27-20. The next year, the San Marcos defense held Canyon to the same amount of points, as the offense exploded for another 12 points.

The Cougars will look to avoid a three-game skid this season by relying on the experience of senior Zavier Perez. The quarterback completed six of his 13 passes for 64 yards and ran for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Rattlers in 2016, but did not play in the 2017 game against San Marcos.

Perez’s top playmakers will be junior running back Seth Haney, who ran for 717 yards and three touchdowns on 152 carries last season, and junior wide receiver Callon Farr, who caught 56 balls for 512.

On defense, Canyon will need cornerback Vance McKay and linebacker Cole Seely to lead a young defense with just four returning starters. The juniors combined for 59 total tackles last year, with 4.5 going for a loss from Seely.

Another bright spot for the Cougars will be senior Jacob Martinez, who serves as the team’s punter and kicker. Martinez was named first-team all-district after averaging 35.7 yards per punt and connecting on 19 PAT’s and six field goals.

The Rattlers host Canyon in the regular-season finale on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Toyota Rattler Stadium.