Countdown to Kickoff: Canyon Eagles

CANYON, Texas (KFDA) - The motto for Canyon athletics is “Play for the C.”

It may sound simple, but the underlying message is play for the team, not for yourself. That is the identify of Eagles football year in and year out.

“It’s not just a school, it’s a lifestyle,” says senior Isaiah Amaya. “We all love to love people. We’re all very kind, compassionate, and we go out of our way to help people.”

The Eagles are bringing back 5 offensive and 6 defensive starters from last season, and whether you are a returner or a fresh face on varsity, the message is the same.

“Do your job, everybody do your job,” says head coach Todd Winfrey.

“If you’re a senior three-year letterman on varsity... if you’re a young sophomore up on varsity... doesn’t matter what grade you are anymore, everybody’s just a player. If you’re on varsity, you’re a Friday night player.”

—  Todd Winfrey / Canyon head football coach

With some new guys in the mix, the seniors used this off-season to bring the younger guys up to speed.

“We have some pretty talented guys and we needed those guys to step up as leaders,” says senior Grant Neeley. “Real athletic, but needed to step up as being a leader.”

“Last year, it was very much ‘We’re gonna support each other,’” says Amaya. “This year it’s, ‘How can we support the younger guys instead of the older guys?’”

The focus may be on the team, but the seniors are as ready as ever for one last ride on the gridiron.

“I’m so excited for it, really excited,” says Neeley. “A lot of the guys are hyped up and ready to roll.”

“I’ve been waiting since last November for this,” says Amaya. “We all get to go dominate this year and we’re gonna lead Canyon amazingly.”

Canyon football schedule

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