JASON GAGNON (87) tackles Canyon quarterback Jacob Munro (16) in the Comanches 30-27 win over Huntington Beach Friday night (Orange County Tribune photo).

First week games for high school football are typically a bit wild and wooly, with plenty of surprises and penalties as players and coaches get used to each other and all the changes that a new season brings.

Friday night’s clash between Canyon and Huntington Beach at Cap Sheue Field was an example of that, with the visiting Comanches getting away with a 30-27 win over the Oilers on their home field.

JAMES STEVENS (3) runs for yardage for Huntington Beach in the Oilers’ 30-27 loss to Canyon Friday night (OC Tribune photo).

It was a back-and-forth contest throughout, with several lead changes. On the first play from scrimmage Jacob Hanson hit Arick McLawyer on a 46-yard play that meant a 6-0 lead, but Huntington Beach failed on a two-point conversion.

Canyon answered with a TD and PAT to take a 7-6 lead, but McLawyer stole the spotlight again, taking a tipped pass for another Oiler score at the 5:42 mark of the first quarter for a 12-7 lead. Another two-point conversion failed, and when Marcus Gracy tallied another score for the visitors, they led 14-12 at the 3:22 mark of the quarter.

But Huntington would regain the lead thanks again to McLawyer. After a short punt gave the Oilers the ball on the Canyon 16-yard-line, the home team drove to the 3-yard line, where the 6-1, 185-lb. junior went off tackle for the score. A kicked extra point put HB on top 19-14 at halftime.

That would be the high-water mark for Brett Brown’s boys, as the visitors pulled out to a 27-19 lead and hung on for the win. Max Meyers kicked three field goals for Canyon, including the game-winner after the Oilers had tied the game at 27-all.

Hanlon finished with 200 yards passing, although he was intercepted five times, most of them in the second half. McLawyer caught five passes for 81 yards.

The orange-and-black will next be in action on Friday, Sept. 1 when they travel to San Clemente to take on the Tritons in another non-league contest.

Pacifica 27, Trabuco Hills 0

Quarterback Ben Jefferson ran for 173 yards and passed for 73 more as the Mariners raced past the Mustangs on the road. Isak Togia scored twice for Pacifica. Rai Sagastume, Jefferson and Togia scored for the visitors from West Garden Grove.

Next up for the M’s will be their home opener against Marina High at Bolsa Grande Stadium on Friday.

Edison 48, Tesoro 47

In an epic struggle in Rancho Santa Margarita, the Chargers rallied from a big deficit to defeat the Titans. Edison fought back from a 27-0 hole in the second quarter and survived a last-minute 37-yard field goal attempt to win the heart-stopper.

Griffin O’Connor, as expected, was the star for the Chargers, throwing for 256 yards and four touchdowns, but nearly as important was the effort of place-kicker Jack Morrell, who kicked two field goals and all six extra points.

Edison will host Oaks Christian next Friday, Sept. 1 at Huntington Beach High.

Garden Grove 16, Santa Ana Valley 0

The Argonauts opened their 2017 campaign with the non-league win over the Falcons Friday night. It was the defense that carried the ball, metaphorically, as T.J. Taufetee had three interceptions – one returned for a touchdown – and blocked a punt.

Brandon Coleman recovered a fumble and tackled a Falcon ball carrier in the end zone for a safety. The lone score by the offense was Jacob Zauzeta’s 13-yard scoring run.

Grove will be on the road against next Friday, visiting Westminster High.

Marina 27, Dana Hills 10

An epic fourth quarter rally lifted the Vikings to the non-league win Friday night at the Westminster High stadium. Trailing 10-6 after three quarters, Marina scored three touchdowns to post the victory.

Ian Green threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns, finding Nathan Pendleton, Blaine Frederich and Brandon Savea for scores.

The Vikes will host Torrance High on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Laguna Beach 48, Bolsa Grande 21

The Matadors won the second half with three unanswered touchdowns, but that wasn’t enough to make up for a 48-0 halftime deficit at the Breakers home field.

Next Friday the Mats will again be on the road, traveling to take on the Cerritos Dons.