GOLDEN VALLEY FAR OUTCLASSED BY CANYON.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON

I don't care which side you're on, it's hard to put a positive spin on Canyon High's 90-0 football victory Friday over Golden Valley.

It was an utter embarrassment, not just for Golden Valley but for Canyon, too, and both must live with the humiliation.

Just glancing at the score, Golden Valley looks like a pathetic wimp, and Canyon looks like the neighborhood bully.

But in retrospect, was there any way this thing wasn't going to get out of hand?

In fairness to Canyon -- a high-powered defending Southern Section Div. II champion that started the season ranked No. 2 in California -- the Cowboys did their best not to rub it in -- and this isn't hearsay because I was there.

They ran simple plays, they didn't play dirty, and coach Harry Welch insisted a running clock be used in the second half.

In fairness to Golden Valley -- which has seniors for the first time and has yet to win a game this season -- the Grizzlies simply never had a chance with the players they have.

They were smaller, weaker, less skilled -- and probably scared half to death.

It was 70-0 at halftime, and Welch, who has won a lot of games during his 18-year career -- including four section championships -- was as bewildered as anyone.

``I'd never been a part of anything like this before,'' Welch said. ``We could have punted on first down or purposely fumbled or purposely thrown interceptions, but I thought that would have been insulting to Golden Valley.

``Even some of my players came up to me during the game and asked me what they should do. I just told them to play hard but be respectful.''

In the second half, Canyon didn't run a single play outside the tackles, and every player on the team got into the game.

``That was the good part because we have guys who've been working hard in practice for eight months and it was nice to see them out there on the field,'' Canyon receiver Mark Urbina said. ``I've got good friends on this team who work hard every day in practice but had never got a chance to play.''

Golden Valley offensive lineman Dean Woolum said he just tried to stay in the moment and to not dwell on the score.

``I was mostly concerned with the player in front of me, so I just tried to take care of my blocks, do my job and hit my hardest,'' Woolum said. ``Our team morale? We're learning and we've just got to let this game go and put it behind us. It's history. It's done.

``Monday, we'll go back to practice and give 100 percent. Yes, the odds are against us big-time but I've accepted it. It's fine by me. I'm just going to go out there and keep playing.''

There is a growing concern among Golden Valley parents that it's unfair for the Grizzlies to be in the powerful Foothill League so soon, especially in light of the football program's decreasing numbers, from 125 last year to about 70 -- even though there are four grades this season for the first time.

``We have no business being in the Foothill League, and whoever decided in the beginning to put us there made a very big mistake,'' said Golden Valley booster vice president Robert Speers, father of lineman Joe Speers. ``The kids are paying the price.

``They're getting better, but with this schedule they don't have a chance to catch their breath. It's just not right.''

Speers said a Canyon parent came to Golden Valley's practice on Saturday and apologized.

``Most of the Golden Valley parents who have been around for all three years are absolutely numb,'' Speers said. ``We're not in the denial stage anymore. We're just numb.''

There are no magic words or easy solutions that are going to soothe Golden Valley as the sun sets on what may remain for many years the most one-sided football loss in area history.

But there will be better times ahead. After all, Hart, which leads the area with eight section titles, went 0-8 in its first season.

Welch, 61, has been around long enough not to dwell on Friday's outcome -- and that goes for both teams.

``The day will come when other teams will fear the Grizzlies,'' Welch said.

Welch didn't feel the need to set a timetable. No one should. But the sooner the better.

It hasn't been a particularly productive football season for Foothill League kickers, though Canyon's Christopher Chapman and Valencia's Ricky Drake have risen above the crowd.

Chapman has four field goals, including a game-winning 33-yarder with five seconds left to defeat Crespi of Encino 38-35 on Oct. 6. He also has 18 touchbacks on 35 kickoffs.

Drake has one field goal and has totaled 35 touchbacks on 43 kickoffs -- a rate of 88 percent.

Canyon defensive back Kenny Shanahan, a high-profile impact transfer from Stockdale of Bakersfield, is expected to recover from an ankle injury suffered in the first half against Golden Valley. He didn't return after rolling his ankle, but should heal in time for Canyon's next game Nov. 3 against Saugus after a bye week.

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Photo:

Valencia kicker Ricky Drake works on his form during practice. Drake is one of the most productive kickers on this year's team.

David Crane/Staff Photographer