Steele Canyon makes statement with win at RBV
- Updated: September 19, 2015
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
VISTA (9-19-15) — Steele Canyon spoiled Rancho Buena Vista’s homecoming, and at the same time proved that it’s better than its 2-2 record.
A 65-yard run for the game-winning touchdown by Cougars quarterback THOMAS FISHBURNE late in the fourth quarter staked Steele Canyon to a 29-24 victory over the Longhorns.
Steele Canyon’s MIKEL OLIVER ambushed an RBV running back in the backfield and ripped the ball from his grasp, sending it to the turf. ANTHONY HOWARD picked it up and ran for a 90-yard fumble return for a touchdown to give the Cougars a 10-0 lead. He also returned an interception for 40 yards.
Corner back NY JOHNSON collected a Cougar-high 12 tackles, while linebacker Oliver provided 8 stops, including one sack.
Not to be overlooked was linebacker WAYNE BARELA who recorded 6 tackles.
And injury-riddled Steele Canyon defensive front caused Cougars coach SCOTT LONGERBONE to call on inexperienced replacements. It proved to be a successful move.
The defensive forward wall – noseguard SEAN McCANN, defensive ends JACOB YODER and ELVIN HORMIZ (1 sack) – made an impact in their first varsity start.
Rancho Buena Vista running back Dominic Taylor had an incredible night, rushing for 428 yards in the loss, including three touchdowns.
PIERRE ALEXANDER had a 67-yard run around left end on a mid-direction play that resulted in a TD to make it 23-18 Cougars. Alexander was the second man through on the handoff, which gave him just enough room to the short side to get to the sideline for an easy foot race.
Alexander finished with 11 carries for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Steele Canyon was led up front by linemen JOEY METZ, JUSTIN NAM, KYREE WOODS and CALEB O’GORMAN.
Steele Canyon led 10-3 at the half and late in the third quarter field general THOMAS FISHBURNE, who completed 9 of 22 passes for 121 yards, connected with Alexander to make it 17-9.
Fishburne accounted for 208 yards total offense, while Alexander finished with 119 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11 carries.
However, Rancho Buena Vista eventually led 18-17 with 10:48 left to play following a Longhorns’ field goal.
Taylor had a 48-yard score that gave the Longhorns a 24-23 lead with 8:50 left in the game.
“We’re one play away from being 3-1,” said Longerbone.
