The varsity football team started off the 2014 district season with a 27–14 defeat over the Dumas Demons Friday. The Eagles will travel to Hereford Oct. 17 to face the herd.

The Eagles trailed in the first half, followed by a slow recovery in the second half, ending the game in a two-touchdown lead. The team is now 1-0 in district and 4-2 the season. Senior quarterback Cade McCallie said the team struggled early in the game.

“We didn’t play our best in the first half, but we came out in the second half with more energy and played better,” McCallie said.

Senior Ty Blevins said the team was not focused in the first half and had to refocus at halftime to come out with the win.

“My thoughts during the first half were we have to be more physical and play even harder to stop the offense,” Blevins said. “The second half I was just playing the game and doing everything I was coached to do. At the end, of course, I was pretty happy to win.”

Blevins said the team was ready to win again after two consecutive losses and also win for the homecoming crowd.

“Whenever it is homecoming, every school wants to win,” Blevins said. “Being the first district game also impacted us. We know we have to win to get us closer to another district championship.”

Blevins said the spirited student body and the supportive community make Canyon different from other schools.

“Every win we get is not only for the team, it’s also for the city of Canyon and the high school as well,” Blevins said. “I am very honored to be a Canyon Eagle.”