Clutch kicker seals Pioneers’ upset — VIDEO
Cesar Barron-Rodriguez had missed an extra point earlier in the game, and Canyon Springs even elected to go for two after a pair of second-half touchdowns.
But the senior kicker came through in the game’s biggest moments Friday.
Barron-Rodriguez nailed a pair of 30-yard field goals, including one in overtime that gave the Pioneers a 33-30 home win over sixth-ranked Basic.
“It’s the most wonderful thing,” Barron-Rodriguez said. “Kickers dream of this moment. It’s so amazing that I had this opportunity. It just feels great.”
Basic got the ball first in the overtime, and went for it on fourth-and-goal from the Canyon Springs 4. But Aaron McAllister’s fade pass to DeShawn Eagles in the corner of the end zone was incomplete, opening the door for Canyon Springs.
The Pioneers didn’t gain a yard on their first two plays, and quarterback Diamante Burton took a 4-yard loss on third-and-goal, sliding down to center the ball in the middle of the field for Barron-Rodriguez.
While his earlier field goal crept over the crossbar, Barron-Rodriguez left no doubt on his overtime try, driving the ball through the uprights to complete the upset.
“It’s a complete blessing,” Canyon Springs coach Gus McNair said of having a strong kicker. “He works so hard. This team works so hard, and they backed him and they love him.”
Barron-Rodriguez missed an extra point on the team’s first second-half touchdown, and the Pioneers (4-1) went for two after their next two scores, converting the second time to take a 27-23 lead with 10:59 to play.
But Basic (3-1) scored 30 seconds later to take a 30-27 lead, and the Pioneers needed a key kick by Barron-Rodriguez to tie it. His 30-yard attempt spun through the uprights with 5:18 remaining to tie the game at 30.
“The snap was wide on the PAT, but there’s no excuses for that,” Barron-Rodriguez said. “And I’m just very happy that I got my opportunity to get my revenge.”
Basic led 23-7 after Trace Evans’ 1-yard TD run with 10:49 to go in the third quarter. But Canyon Springs didn’t fold, driving 51 yards on the ensuing possession, capped by a 4-yard TD run by Burton to make it 23-13.
After a turnover, the Pioneers drove for another touchdown, this time on a 35-yard run by Burton with 2:07 to go in the third that cut the deficit to 23-19. Burton was able to sneak through a narrow hole and weave through the defense.
After a punt, Canyon Springs quickly drove for another score on a 3-yard run by Burton, and Lord Oroke’s 2-point run made it 27-23 with 10:59 to go.
“We’ve faced adversity,” McNair said. “We’re getting stronger each week. Every time we’re down, they don’t get down on themselves, they fight. These guys are fighters and I’m so proud of them.”
Burton rushed for 73 yards and passed for 144 yards to lead the Pioneers.
McAllister completed 20 of 32 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns for Basic. Frank Harris caught 11 passes for 190 yards and both TDs.
But Canyon Springs was able to harass McAllister, sacking him six times.
“We know Basic can score,” McNair said. “Basic does an excellent job of scoring. But we do an excellent job off playing defense as well. We wanted to restore that mentality of flying to the ball.”
Contact prep sports editor Damon Seiters at 702-380-4587 or dseiters@reviewjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DamonSeiters