Cannon Game 2026

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This Friday night will play host to the next chapter in the historic “Cannon Game” rivalry.

Whether you are a part of Colt Nation or Eagle Empire, the recent level of competitiveness between these two schools can’t be denied.  

For five straight seasons, the cannon has swapped hands between the booster clubs at midfield.

In 2024, the Eagles reclaimed the prized possession with a rushing touchdown scored by Justus Freeman with under a minute to play in regulation to take the lead.  

In 2025, former Colts QB Caeden Herrera found tight end Landen Cordova with no time remaining to cut the lead to one.  Coach Goddard made the decision to go for 2 and the win, and it was the right one.  Herrera found Senior WR Namon Robinson for a successful two point try.

Last minute victories, back and forth wins, all describe how close this rivalry has been in recent years.  As it should be!

This Year’s Matchup

Friday night’s battle seems no different, with each team coming into this game with a lot of confidence.

East (5-1, 4-0) has not lost since week 0, and have won four straight games by 30 points or more.

They have relied on a consistent rushing attack and swarming defense.  

Senior QB Dolphka Lewis leads the way with 618 rushing yards and 10 scores.  His backfield complement Logan Trujillo has added an additional 478 rushing yards with 9 touchdowns on the ground (1 Receiving as well).  When passing the ball, the Eagles have spread it around, with 11 different players recording a reception.  Marcus Tafoya leads the team with 13 receptions, 99 yards, and a score.

Defensively, East is led in tackling by Logan Trujillo (63 tackles), Justin Robles (48 tackles) and Dylan Cooper (41 tackles).  This is an opportunistic group that has forced 16 turnovers through 6 games.

While East looks to run the football, South has welcomed a different approach.

The Colts (4-2, 3-1) are pass heavy, and orchestrated by JR QB MJ Molina.  Molina leads all of 3A with 1502 passing yards and 17 Passing TDs (1 Rushing).  His top receivers are Israel Allen (560 yards, 8 TDs) and Brandon Norris (483 yards, 4 TDs).  Not to be forgotten is tight end Landen Cordova (250 yards, 3 TDs) who will line up at multiple positions.

The South defense has played well lately, only allowing 7 total points the past two weeks.  Cordova (72 tackles) and Allen (59 tackles) lead the way on this side of the ball as well, but underclassmen have also been contributing.  Sophomore linebacker Roger Krummel (50 tackles) and freshman Joey Pisciotta (48 tackles) have quickly adapted to the varsity level.

Keys to the Game

Like most big matchups, both teams will need to take care of the football and eliminate mental mistakes.  While the stakes are higher in this one, staying focused on the task at hand is key.

The chess match in this one will be fun to watch.  If East sells out to stop the Colts aerial attack, can Julio Araujo for South get the ground game going? If South loads the box against East, can a senior WR like Isaiah Ortega or Jorden Cunningham make an explosive play or two for the Eagles?

One underlying factor in this battle is the kicking game.  Dylan Cooper has been a 4 year kicker for East, knocking down all 4 of his field goal attempts this season.  South struggled mightily last week, missing 4 of 6 extra point attempts.  Every point matters in this one, so look for both teams to emphasize executing on all scoring plays.

These teams know each other all too well.  Relying on strengths while keeping one another honest with counters and wrinkles will be exciting to watch!

Game Information

This rivalry game will take place this Friday, October 2nd at 7 pm.  Tickets will be sold all week at each respective school, and online.

At the time of writing, we are unsure who will be streaming the game, but those options will be shared on our social media pages once we find out.

Enjoy the game and all the festivities that come with rivalry week!