The Canton Golden Bears Modified football team hit the road last night for their season opener against Tupper Lake.
Canton’s defense came out strong in the first quarter, setting the tone early. On Tupper Lake’s opening drive, Connor Hicks and Kullen Buchardt delivered back-to-back tackles for loss. On the very next play, Max TeRiele and Mak Brassard teamed up for a quarterback sack, pushing Tupper even further back.
Landyn Clifford made multiple key tackles on the outside, and Avner Jacobs capped the 10-play defensive stand with a sack of his own. Jacobs continued to be a dominant force throughout the game, notching multiple tackles for loss for the Canton Defense.
Tupper Lake broke the deadlock early in the second quarter, taking advantage of missed tackles on a sideline run that turned into a long touchdown.
Canton responded just before halftime. On the final play of the quarter, Mak Brassard launched a 35-yard deep ball over the middle to Hayden Krepel, who bobbled the ball before securing it in the end zone, as both teams headed into the break.
The third quarter remained a defensive showcase, with both teams trading possessions and neither finding paydirt. Canton’s defense stepped up with sacks from Troy Zuhlsdorf, Kullen Buchardt, and Owen Buffham. Buffham also recovered a key fumble late in the third quarter, setting Canton up with the football to start the fourth.
On third and eight from their own 10 yard line, Brassard connected again with Krepel, who took an out route 80 yards up the sideline, breaking multiple tackles before being tripped up at the Tupper Lake 10. Avner Jacobs finished the drive off with an angry eight yard third down touchdown run up the middle to give Canton the lead.
Tupper Lake responded with a game tying score with about three minutes left, and time ran out before the Bears could mount another scoring drive. The timed period second half finished in a tie with neither team converting their PAT attempt.
Players of the Game:
* Hayden Krepel: 2 receptions for 115 yards, and 1 Receiving TD.
* Avner Jacobs: 5 tackles, 1 sack, 30 rushing yards, and 1 Rushing TD.
* Owen Buffham: 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery.
The Modified Golden Bears return to action this Saturday at 10:00 AM for their home opener against OFA.
