Football: San Juan Hills 29, Canyon 16

There's something to be said for San Juan Hills' victory over Canyon on Thursday night. In remaining unbeaten, the Stallions beat a team coached by the man who guided Orange Lutheran to prominence, Jim Kunau. No doubt, the San Juan coaching staff was pumped for this game.

Score: San Juan Hills 29, Canyon 16

Key Stats: Senior Jacob Gibson completed 19 of 30 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns for San Juan Hills.

Pivotal Moment: Canyon was driving for a touchdown on its opening possession when Ian Hickey intercepted a pass at the goal line. San Juan Hills then drove 15 plays for a touchdown and 8-0 lead on Gibson’s 35-yard scoring pass to Matt Mucerino and subsequent pass to Curren Lapes on the two-point conversion.

Quotable: “Jacob showed some toughness and made some good throws under pressure,” SJC coach Aaron Flowers told the Orange County Register.

Records: San Juan Hills (2-0), Canyon (0-2)

Notes: As pivotal as Hickey’s interception was in the first quarter, the Stallions answered host Canyon’s game-tying score with a TD late in the first half when Gibson passed 6 yards to Mucerino with 2:09 to go. It was a good momentum shift for SJC. … The Stallions put the game away in the fourth; holding a 21-16 lead, Mike Miscione scored from 3 yards with 1:58 remaining. … Gibson threw TD passes of 35, 6 and 13 yards, the latter to Jordon Pape to open the fourth quarter and open a 21-8 lead. … Gibson was sacked five times.  … San Juan Hills plays host to Lakewood Artesia next Thursday; the Pioneers (1-0) are hosting Los Angeles Jordan tonight.