This past Saturday, the Canton Golden Bears Modified Football team hosted the OFA Blue Devils in a tough, physical matchup that ended in a well-earned 18-0 victory for the Bears. With only a preseason scrimmage at Tupper Lake under their belts, securing a win in their first official game of the season was a major confidence boost for the team.
Canton’s defense came out strong, setting the tone early with an impressive stand to open the game. Max TeRiele led the charge, recording four total tackles, including one for a loss, during OFA’s first 10-play series. Mak Brassard added to the pressure with a big stop behind the line of scrimmage as well. Connor Hicks began his standout day with two tackles in the opening quarter, while Hayden Krepel came up clutch with a key interception to halt the Blue Devils’ first drive.
Offensively, the Bears showed flashes of potential on their opening drive. Avner Jacobs had a 10-yard run, Hayden Krepel added a five-yard carry, and Brassard also connected with Krepel on a 10-yard pass. Despite the momentum, the drive stalled just past midfield, and Canton was unable to capitalize with points.
Canton’s second unit defense picked up right where the first unit had left off. Brendan Todd and Tannyn Rose each had tackles for loss to set the tone early in OFA’s second possession. Rose also recovered a fumble later in the drive, helping shift momentum further in Canton’s favor. Kayden Dyer was all over the field with three tackles, two for loss, while Laden Nolan added three of his own. Miles Coakley notched a key sack, and Hudson Quicke sealed the drive with an interception.
The Bears’ offense came to life on their second possession. On the very first play, Connor Hicks broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run, bursting through the middle before bouncing it outside and racing down the sideline. Gavin Brown followed with a tough 5-yard gain and later recorded a tackle for loss on defense. Hicks wasn’t done, he followed up with a 35-yard dash and then capped the drive with a 25-yard touchdown run, his second of the day, putting Canton up 12-0. Unfortunately, Hicks exited the game early due to a minor injury, but not before leaving a major impact.
The Bears received the ball to start the second half, which marked the beginning of the timed, down and distance portion of the game.
Mak Brassard started things off with a 10-yard run on a designed QB keeper. Two plays later, Krepel followed strong blocking up the middle for a 20-yard gain. Brassard added another 10 yards on the ground before Landyn Clifford electrified the crowd by reversing field on a designed run, gaining 10 yards and an additional 15 penalty yards, after drawing extracurricular contact at the end of the play.
Jacobs and Brassard continued to churn out yardage with their legs, setting the Bears up with a first and goal at the seven yard line. Sticking to the ground game, Brassard bounced back after an incompletion with a seven yard touchdown run, using sharp vision and decisive running to put Canton up 18-0 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bears’ defense locked things down the rest of the way. James Brunet, Avner Jacobs, Landyn Clifford, Troy Zuhlsdorf, and Lukas Reynolds each recorded tackles for loss, as Canton’s defense flew to the ball and shut out the Blue Devils for the remainder of the game.
Players of the Game:
- Connor Hicks: 145 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 tackles
- Mak Brassard: 37 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 27 passing yards, 2 tackles (1 for loss)
- Max TeRiele: 5 total tackles (2 for loss), strong line play, 15 rushing yards
The Bears showed grit, teamwork, and big-play ability on both sides of the ball. With this strong performance to open the season, Canton is looking forward to building on their early success in their next game at home on Wednesday, September 24 against Malone.
