The game was reminiscent to the Indians' setback against the Cowboys last season, as Burroughs clung to a 7-6 halftime lead before two turnovers led to a 28-13 Canyon win.
It was also similar in the fact that, like last season, Burroughs began league play 0-3 with losses to Valencia, Hart and Canyon -- opponents all ranked in the CIF Southern Section Division II top 10, just as the trio is this year.
Friday's victory for the fourth-ranked Cowboys (7-1, 3-0 in league) was led by standout junior tailback J.J. Diluigi, who plagued the Indians (3-5, 0-5) all night to the tune of 114 yards in 21 carries and four total touchdowns -- three on the ground and one on a reception.
Diluigi's third of the game came after a second-half interception.
On the ensuing play from scrimmage, Burroughs senior quarterback Tony Banuelos, Jr. was picked off for the third time as Canyon defensive back Randy Rigg nabbed his second pick. He returned the offering 26 yards for a score and a 27-7 lead.
The scores came just 17 seconds apart and clearly knocked the wind from Burroughs.
Banuelos, who finished eight of 18 for 70 yards, had brought the Indians to within seven when he hit junior receiver Tyler Bruno, who tallied a game-high eight catches for 57 yards, in the corner of the end zone for a 19-yard scoring grab with 2:58 remaining in the first half.
It marked a half in which both teams, particularly Canyon, misfired on scoring chances.
After the Cowboys scored on their initial two drives, Burroughs' Nick Bryant recovered a fumble and the Indians later held on two fourth-down tries on their own 20 and 35, respectively.
The Indians had their drives halted by an interception, a missed field goal and halftime after their first drive relinquished the half's only punt.
Any Burroughs flirtations with the upset were doused with the second-half onslaught, however, as the Cowboys scored 21 third-quarter points.
Highlights were few for Burroughs, as Thomas Kyle was held to 60 yards rushing in 11 carries and the offense totaled 163 total yards -- just 49 in the second half.
With playoff hopes fading for the Indians, they will face Saugus next week and Burbank in the Big Game Nov. 10. The team will need two league wins to be considered for an at-large postseason berth. "If we win the next two, we feel good about our chances," Knoop said. "Saugus is a rivalry, Burbank's always tough. We can not play three quarters and think we can beat them, though."
