›› Photos: Canutillo vs. Lakeview football playoffs

›› Live updates Saturday: Del Valle vs. Amarillo Palo Duro High School football playoff

FORT STOCKTON >> For the second straight year, the Canutillo Eagles are headed to the third round of the state football playoffs.

But it wasn't easy. The Eagles, who are ranked No. 10 in the state by the Associated Press in Class 5A, used timely defense and a strong run game to upend San Angelo Lake View, 27-10, at Panther Stadium.

The Eagles have won 11 straight games and are now 11-1 on the season, while the Chiefs end the season 5-7.

Canutillo, which beat Ysleta last week in the bi-district playoffs, will play a strong Azle squad in the next round. Azle beat Burleson, 45-20, on Friday. Canutillo and Azle are scheduled to play at 3 p.m. next Saturday in Midland at Grande Communications Stadium.

"It was a hard-earned win," Canutillo coach Scott Brooks said. "We knew San Angelo Lake View would give us a tough challenge and they did. But our kids made adjustments and our defensive coaches did a good job at halftime of helping them get in good position to do good things in the second half." Just like it has all season, the Canutillo defense came up huge when it mattered most. With the Chiefs down 17-10 early in the fourth quarter and driving deep in Canutillo territory, Eagles senior defensive back Bo Brooks intercepted a Nick Martinez and returned it to the Eagles' 34.

Five plays later, running back Andrew Alarcon scored from 22 yards out to put Canutillo up 24-10. Alarcon also had a 12-yard run on the drive and quarterback Javier Gomez rushed for 24 yards on the drive.

"I hadn't played well up to that point," Brooks said. "I owe it to my teammates for helping me to get in position for that interception. And the offense stepped up big and made huge plays."

The Chiefs, who upset Canyon last week to reach Friday's area round matchup, never threatened again to score. The Eagles picked up another interception later in the fourth quarter by defensive back Frank Gutierrez.

Canutillo kicker Frank Avila added a 39-yard field goal later in the fourth for the final margin. Avila's leg turned out to be a big advantage in the third quarter as well. He nailed a 29-yard field goal against a stiff wind to put the Eagles up 17-10.

"I had to be ready if my name was called and this is the playoffs, so every play is big," Avila said. "This was such a big game for us. It feels great to get the win. We got it done in all phases of the game."

The first half was tightly contested. Gomez gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 1-yard scoring run that capped a 12-play, 61-yard drive. Alarcon had a 25-yard run on the drive, while Ben Galaviz had a 7-yard run.

But the Chiefs responded in the second quarter on a 66-yard scoring run by Anthony Chappa to tie the game at 7. Chappa was a big reason the Chiefs beat Canyon last week. He had over 100 yards rushing in that game.

The Eagles defense helped set up a score in the second quarter. Defensive lineman Joey Barraza recovered a Chiefs fumble at the Lake View 45 and Galaviz scored on a nifty 30-yard run to put the Eagles up 14-7.

The Chiefs made it 14-10 at halftime on a Brandon Lee 37-yard field goal. Canutillo kept the scoring drive alive with a 15-yard personal foul penalty.

"It feels great to win this game and everyone stepped it up tonight," Alarcon said. "Our team has good chemistry and we prepared well for this game. San Angelo Lake View has a really good team and they played well.

"We didn't panic at the half. We made adjustments and came out in the second half ready to play. We'll enjoy this one for a little while and get ready to play next week."

Felix Chávez may be reached at 546-6167.