MILPITAS, CA. - Milpitas routed Homestead 62-28 on Friday night and advanced to the semifinals of the CCS Division I playoffs behind a big night from senior running back Squally Canada.
Canada rushed for 276 yards and five touchdowns on just 13 carries for the Trojans (9-2, 6-1). What’s more impressive is that all of his touchdowns were scored in the first half, as Canada didn’t play in the second half due to Milpitas’ big lead. Even for him, this was a standout night considering that he is averaging “only” 132.6 yards per game this season.
“He’s been a great player for us,” said Milpitas head coach Kelly King. “He’s played varsity since he was a freshman. He’s a great guy and has multiple scholarship offers.”
Indeed, the Trojans will surely miss his production next season. Canada outscored the entire Homestead team by himself, and helped Milpitas seize a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
After their leading receiver Tre Hartley got the Trojans on the board, Canada scored on back-to-back possessions. Then, Trevion Greene’s leaping 25-yard touchdown reception gave Milpitas a four-touchdown lead.
The onslaught continued in the second quarter as Homestead (8-2, 4-1) could not get anything going offensively. For Milpitas, the Squally Canada show continued. He ran the ball into the end zone three times in the quarter, his most impressive being a 47-yard scamper down the right sideline, eluding several defenders before crossing the goal line.
A running clock was used throughout the second half with Milpitas carrying a 48-7 lead. Homestead managed to get some offense going in the fourth quarter, but it was much too little too late to prolong their season, which ends with a loss in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, the Trojans are off to the semifinals, where they will face Piedmont Hills next Friday. This will be a marquee matchup between the No. 2 seed (Milpitas) and the No. 3 seed (Piedmont Hills) in Division I, and King knows it.
“You’ve got to win to get to the next round,” he said. “It was a big win, but we’re going to get ready for next week.”
