Running back Ameer Webb is part of Tustin's triple threat on offense

By ARTIE CASAS and CHRIS TOBOLSKI

OCVarsity.com

Times are changing in the Century League.

El Dorado use to be the king of the hill and untouchable, winning three straight league titles.

All that changed when Canyon defeated the Golden Hawks, 37-27, last week.

"It was a great feeling," Canyon coach Brent McKee said. "There was a lot of relief. The last three years we have finished in second place and they kept us from a league title. It was huge for us."

It was the first Comanches victory over the Hawks in six seasons. There is just one big hurdle standing between the Comanches and their quest for a league championship – Tustin. The teams meet Friday night at 7 at El Modena High. Tustin defeated Brea Olinda, 64-0, last week to start league.

"They've already done the big thing by beating El Dorado," Tustin coach Myron Miller said. "I don't think there is anyone left on their schedule that will beat them, so I think it's really important that we beat them or else they will win the league championship."

McKee said he doesn't want his team to overlook anyone, but agreed the winner of Friday night's game would have the inside track to the title.

"I think that obviously Tustin is the team to beat," McKee said. "If we can beat them, then that makes us the team to beat.

"They are a good team. Every week they look stronger and stronger."

The Tillers formula for success has always been the same: control the ball on offense and limit the big plays on defense.

Tustin's offense is predicated on the run. But the opposition typically has problem stopping the Tillers because they have three guys that are capable handling the pigskin.

Everyone knows about the Tillers star running back Anthony Wilkerson, who appears to be fully recovered from a knee injury that he suffered in week one.

But what makes Wilkerson an effective running back is the presence and leadership of quarterback Taylor Richardson. Ameer Webb's game breaking potential also serves as a nice third option out of the backfield.

"When you have two running backs and a quarterback that can run pretty well it allows you to move the ball pretty comfortably," Tustin coach Myron Miller said. "The big thing is we need to throw the ball a little better if we want to make a real run down the road."

Canyon is aware of the Tillers attack. McKee said there are two keys for his team Friday night.

"First, the offense needs to sustain drives and stay on the field," McKee said. "Tustin runs that Wing T and if we run just three plays, we might not see the ball again for awhile. Second, we need to get the big stops. They like to go for it on fourth downs a lot. We need to get a couple key stops."

The Tillers defense has been the team's backbone of late.

Imposing defensive lineman such as Chris Robinson, Justice Tausaga and Faitele Faafoi have been dominating the line of scrimmage for the Tillers.

The linebackers Wade Minshew and Tiajay Moody are sure tacklers that seem to be in the middle of every play.

"If it doesn't happen with us, I don't think anyone will be able to stop Canyon," Miller said.

The Tillers will face a Canyon team starting all 11 projected starters for the first time this season. Combined with their victory over El Dorado last week, the Comanches are entering as confident as ever.

"It's going to be a very physical game," Canyon's Jay Kirschner said. "They have big guys, but we are physical too. It's going to be a good one."

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