In Massena on a cold Monday evening, Canton 29, Massena 16
The Golden Bears played their last game in Massena at Mike Nicholas Field, Monday Night under the lights. The Bears started off on defense, making an impressive stop on the Raiders first offensive possession. After the turnover on downs, Sophomore Captain Hayden Towle rushed for 15 yards and the first Golden Bear Touchdown! The two-point conversion was secured by Sophomore standout Daniel Richardson. The Bears were up 8-0 with 5 minutes left in the first quarter of play.
The Bears defense forced the Raiders to punt on their next offensive possession. Towle would capture multiple first downs on the ground for the Bears offense, leading to another Golden Bears touchdown! Sophomore Captain Parker Hurlbut snagged the two-point conversion. Bears up 16-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Daniel O’Neill forced and recovered a fumble for the Bears defense, giving the offense the ball back with good field position. Next, Quarterback Landon Perry lasered a ball to Hurlbut for a 40-yard pick up and was tackled at the Raiders one yard line. Next, Towle carried 3 defenders with him as he fought his way into the endzone, Touchdown Bears! Sophomore Ty Galusha hit the crossbar on the extra-point attempt. The Bears go into halftime leading 22-0.
In the beginning of the third quarter, Perry connected to a wide-open Richardson for a 60-yards touchdown! Galusha capitalized on the extra point attempt. The score at the end of the third quarter was 29-0 Bears.
The Raiders would not go down without a fight as they scored two quick touchdowns back-to-back making the score 29-16 in the middle of the fourth quarter. Freshman Logan Stiles captured an interception for the Bears defense securing the 29-16 Final.
Hayden Towle finished with 3 touchdowns and 250 rushing yards. Landon Perry tallied 150 yards in the air and 1 touchdown. Daniel Richardson snatched 1 touchdown. The defense was led by John Gidney who secured 12 tackles, TJ O’Brien secured 10 tackles. Parker Hurlbut, Ayden Ashlaw, Asias Frison, Murphy Burke shared 7 tackles.
The Junior Varsity Football team showed resiliency, discipline, and character as they finished their season 6-3. The Bears secure the #2 Spot in the section behind the undefeated Gouverneur Wildcats.
“It was a great win this week for the team. In our last week of practice, we focused on minimizing the mistakes that we had been making all year.” Said Sophomore Captain Hayden Towle. “We marched down the field and made huge stops on defense helping us gain momentum throughout the game. It was a great season for the boys, we learned lots of things and I am excited for what we have to offer in years to come.”
“Great win to cap off a huge season for our team to put us at 6-3 and give us the #2 spot in the section.” mentioned Sophomore Captain Parker Hurlbut. “We’ve improved so much since last year and throughout the season and proved ourselves to the doubters. This season has been amazing, and I wouldn’t have wanted to go through it with anyone else. I can’t wait for next season and to see the 9th graders continue to dominate.”
Offensive Coordinator/ Assistant Head Coach, Jake Fenlong: “A great way to end a very successful season for the Canton Bears JV Program. The effort and camaraderie these young men displayed was truly amazing to be a part of, and I think that it’s only going to get better in future years.”
Lineman Specialist/Special teams Coordinator, Josh Duck: “A phenomenal win, to cap off a tremendous season for the Canton Bears. The group of guys this year displayed heart, dedication, and passion for the game. I could not be prouder of these young men. I am pumped to see what’s on the horizon.”
Head Coach/ Defensive Coordinator, Rico Dobbs: “Words can’t describe how proud I am of these young men. We overcame setbacks all season, stuck together during the hard times and grew together as a family. These guys started to find a way, instead of an excuse, and it showed with the way they played. I am grateful for our coaching staff and the varsity coaching staff that supported us every game. We are building something here and the future is bright.”