In a clash of nationally ranked programs, No. 13 Sierra Canyon showcased why it sits among the elite, dismantling No. 30 Orange Lutheran 41-9 on Friday night in front of more than 1,000 fans.
Orange Lutheran opened the game with promise, capitalizing on an early interception that set them up at the Sierra Canyon 5-yard line. However, the Lancers had to settle for a field goal, and from there the Trailblazers took complete control.
Quarterback Laird Finkel set the tone with a pair of first-quarter touchdown passes, including an 8-yard strike to Brayden Tautolo, while Havon Finney Jr. electrified the crowd with a 65-yard punt return score. By the end of the opening quarter, Sierra Canyon had built a commanding 20-3 lead.
The dominance carried into the second quarter. Jaxsen Stokes powered through the Lancers’ defense for a 16-yard rushing touchdown, and linebacker Kasi Currie added an interception to fuel another scoring drive. The Trailblazers led 27-9 at halftime, with Orange Lutheran’s only touchdown coming off a blocked punt return.
Sierra Canyon’s defense continued to smother OLU in the second half, while Stokes added two more rushing scores from short yardage to put the game away. Turnovers and penalties derailed any chance of a Lancer comeback, as Sierra Canyon pulled ahead 41-9 by the end of the third quarter.
The victory keeps Sierra Canyon perfect at 5-0, with an astonishing scoring margin of 233-16 this season. Orange Lutheran drops to 3-2, struggling against one of California’s most balanced and disciplined teams.
With national eyes watching, Sierra Canyon left little doubt: the Trailblazers are for real, and they’re only gaining momentum as league play approaches.
About the Author
