Canley, Alford named Round Table athletes of the week

ORCUTT, Calif. -- Rivalry week was the main topic of discussion on Monday during the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table.

With Friday marking the end of the high school football regular season, several rivalry match-ups are on the schedule.

Several athletic directors and coaches each spoke about the significance this week annually means to players, students and communities.

One player who is all set to take part in one of the rivalry games is Sheldon Canley of Lompoc football.

The sophomore running back is ready to help lead the Braves into their game with arch rival Cabrillo.

Canley goes into the game riding a wave of emotion after earning the Athlete of the Week award.

"It means a lot to me because I'm a sophomore and it means that I'm doing a good job on the field and I'm just looking forward to being a better athlete and getting better every week," said Canley.

On Friday, Canley rushed for a career best 272 yards and scored four touchdowns on just 12 carries in the Braves 48-20 win over San Marcos.

"It was really fun and exciting," Canley said. "The line did their thing helping me get through the holes."

Up next, the Braves host the Conquistadores in the annual "Big Game."

Lompoc has dominated the series in recent years, winning each time since 2008, including the 2011 CIF Northwest Division championship game.

"It's really exciting," said Canley, about playing against Cabrillo. "Those are my friends on the field, but during the game, they're enemies and it's fun to have bragging rights afterwards."

The female Athlete of the Week award was given to Claire Alford of Righetti golf.

The senior fired a personal best 2-under par last Wednesday at Rancho Maria Golf Course to earn her second-straight Mountain League championship.

Alford was unable to attend the meeting.

She was participating in the CIF-CS Division 1 Area Tournament at Cypress Ridge Golf Course.