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Canutillo Wins Bi-district Championship
Undefeated Eagles in Championship Hunt for Third Time in Four Years
Posted on 11/15/2016
This is the image for the news article titled Undefeated Eagles in Championship  Hunt for Third Time in Four YearsThe undefeated, district champion, Canutillo football team is back in the playoffs for the third time in four years. After winning the district 2-5A crown, the Eagles defeated Burges 33-26 in the first round bi-district playoff game last Friday.

Hall of fame coach, Scott Brooks is no stranger to the post season. His Eagles reached the third round of the state playoffs in 2013 and made it all the way to the Class 5A state semifinals in 2014 – where no other El Paso team has ever gone. After a 5-5 season last year, Coach Brooks said this team’s undefeated record is a big accomplishment.

“We’re really excited to be back in the playoffs. It’s a good experience for the kids,” Brooks said. “It’s the best record and the first time in 26 years of coaching, I’ve had a team get to the playoffs undefeated.”

Canutillo (11-0) advances to face Abilene Cooper (7-4) in the area round of the playoffs Friday, November 18, 6:30 PM MST at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland. Brooks said that the Cougars are a good, strong ball club. Their losses came to top teams in the state, so to win at this level, the kids need to work hard and they need a little luck.

“This team believes in each other and in the team concept. There are not a lot of superstars on the team. They are a complete, self-motivated team who takes care of each other and takes care in the classroom.”

The Eagles are led by senior quarterback Danny Alvarez and senior safety and receiver Joseph Paz. As leaders they know how to motivate the team.

“No one else thought we’d make it this far undefeated,” Alvarez said. “Having each other’s back, we can go farther. We increased our strength and improved our team’s chemistry and bond with our attendance during the summer workouts. We are going to be prepared this weekend.”

Paz says he does his best to encourage his teammates.

“We got here with a lot of hard work and we will do what it takes to win in the playoffs,” he said. “This team is a family for each other. Win or lose, all that matters is that we will play our hearts out till the end.”