Canton’s first unit defense came out flying, immediately shutting down the Red Raiders’ offense. Defensive end Max TeRiele led the charge with a dominant opening series, recording four tackles, one sack, and another key tackle for loss. Linebacker Kayden Dyer added two tackles of his own, while safety Ian Taylor broke up a deep pass, nearly intercepting it before the sun caused a misread, but still disrupting the play to end Massena’s 10-play series scoreless.
On offense, Avner Jacobs got the Bears rolling with a fearless 19-yard run up the middle, aided by outstanding blocking from Owen “Big O” Buffham, who set the tone early with dominant line play. Jacobs then connected with Hayden Krepel for a 30-yard strike—his first pass of the season. A few plays later, Jacobs ran for 10 more yards to bring the Bears to the 5-yard line, where Max TeRiele punched in the go-ahead score on a run up the middle. After a missed PAT, Jacobs and Krepel added gains of 11 and 17 yards, but Canton came up just short of a second score to finish out their first 10 play series.
The second-unit defense kept the pressure on. Laden Nolan opened the series with a tackle for loss, followed by solid stops from Zayden Martin, Miles Coakley, Gavin Brown, and another big hit from Nolan to end another scoreless 10-play Massena drive.
Canton’s second unit offense struggled early with penalties and bad snaps, but eventually gained momentum. Teagan Green broke free for a 20-yard run, followed by a 12-yard completion from Green to Dyer. However, the Bears couldn’t convert for points before the half.
Receiving to start the second half, the Bears wasted no time. Max TeRiele notched runs of 10 and 20 yards before Jacobs sprinted 20 yards up the left sideline for a touchdown. Buffham nailed the PAT to extend the lead to 14-0.
The defense again rose to the occasion. TeRiele added three more tackles, Dyer contributed a tackle and a big sack, and additional stops came from Lukas Reynolds, James Brunet, and Buffham.
Back on offense, Green hit Dyer on a short pass that Dyer muscled into a 13-yard gain with a big effort after the catch. On the next play, Gavin Brown broke loose for a 35-yard touchdown run up the left sideline. Buffham converted another PAT to make it 22-0, Canton.
On Massena’s next possession, the Bears defense continued to dominate with tackles from Ben Bristol, Gavin Brown, and a tackle for loss by James Brunet that forced a punt.
After the change in possession, Green showcased his speed and vision with a 58-yard jet sweep touchdown, cutting back inside and outrunning defenders to the endzone. Buffham nailed another PAT putting the Bears up 30-0.
Canton’s defense sealed the shutout with strong tackles by Krepel, Troy Zuhlsdorf, Brendan Todd, Lukas Reynolds, and David TeRiele. The game ended with an interception at the 15-yard line by Teagan Green.
The Modified Bears return home this Wednesday, October 8 at 4:15 PM, aiming to improve to 4-0 at the season’s midway point and extend their undefeated streak.
Players of the Game (Left to Right in the Photo):
- Zayden Martin – 2 tackles
- Owen Buffham – 2 tackles, dominant line play, 3/4 PATs (6 points)
- Teagan Green – 78 rushing yards, 1 TD, 25 passing yards, 1 INT
- Max TeRiele – 35 rushing yards, 1 TD, 7 tackles, 1 sack
- Kayden Dyer – 25 receiving yards, 4 tackles, 1 sack
