The Canton Bears Modified football team kept their undefeated season alive with a commanding 44-13 win over the St. Lawrence Central Larries, improving to 5-0 on the year.
After winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, the Bears began the evening on defense. On just the second play of the game, defensive tackle Lukas Reynolds forced a fumble, which was recovered by fellow DT Miles Coakley.
On the Bears’ first offensive play, Mak Brassard took a handoff left and raced 37 yards for a touchdown. Owen Buffham connected on the two-point attempt, putting Canton ahead 8-0.
Back on defense, Reynolds made his presence felt again with another forced fumble, this time recovered by defender Laden Nolan, once again giving Canton excellent field position.
On the first play of their second offensive series, Gavin Brown juggled a pitch from QB Ryder Peets but recovered and powered his way 35 yards for the score. Another successful two-point attempt from Buffham made it 16-0.
The Bears’ defense continued to dominate, with key tackles from James Brunet (2), Teagan Green (3), Jaxxon Shippee (2), and Laden Nolan, forcing an SLC punt. Following a penalty that pushed them back, QB Ryder Peets hit HB Gavin Brown with a pass on a short out route. Brown did the rest, weaving through defenders with the help of strong blocking and taking it 80 yards to the end zone. Buffham nailed his third straight two-point attempt, and the Bears led 24-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Canton’s defense stood tall again to open the second quarter. Avner Jacobs (2 tackles), Landyn Clifford, Owen Buffham, and James Brunet helped force another Larries punt near midfield.
On offense, Clifford opened with a 4-yard run, followed by a 7-yard gain by Hayden Krepel. Then, Max TeRiele took a direct snap 72 yards up the left sideline for a touchdown, stretching the lead to 30-0.
Despite solid tackling from TeRiele (3), Troy Zuhlsdorf, Mak Brassard (2), Brendan Todd, and Nolan on the next Larries drive, SLC was able to punch in a short touchdown to cut the lead to 30-6 after a failed conversion.
Avi Jacobs had a strong 65-yard run on the following possession, but the play was brought back due to a penalty. Hayden Krepel broke off a 23-yard run just before halftime.
Brassard opened the second half with a 7-yard run, followed by a 58-yard touchdown run that was unfortunately negated by a flag thrown well behind the play.
Pushed back to their own 32-yard line, Landyn Clifford bobbled a pitch from Peets but recovered it and then found the crease up the left sideline, weaving through tackles on his way to a 68-yard touchdown. That put Canton up 36-6.
On defense, the Bears swarmed early with tackles from Jonathan Smith (3), Gabe Sogoian, Teagan Green, Brassard, Clifford, and Brown. However, missed tackles on the outside allowed the Larries to score on a 10-yard swing pass, narrowing the gap to 36-13.
On the first play after the score, Brassard made a cut to avoid a tackle on a designed left-side run, then shook off three defenders on his way to a 65-yard touchdown, his second of the day. Buffham added another two points, extending the lead to 44-13.
On defense, Zuhlsdorf opened the quarter with a first-down tackle, followed by a tackle along the sideline from linebacker Brassard. TeRiele then had a big tackle for loss and forced a fumble that was recovered by safety Ian Taylor.
On the ensuing drive, TeRiele had a 20-yard carry, followed by a powerful 22-yard run from Jacobs. Although the Bears couldn’t finish the drive with points, they continued to shut down the Larries. Clifford and Buffham (2 tackles) helped seal the win, with the final score remaining 44-13.
The Bears return to action this Thursday at home against Salmon River at 4:15 p.m., looking to move to 6-0. Come out and support the team in their final home game of the season!
Players of the Game (left to right in photo):
- Gavin Brown: 2 tackles, 35 yards rushing, 80 yards receiving – 2 TDs
- James Brunet: 3 tackles
- Brendan Todd: 1 tackle
- Landyn Clifford: 72 yards rushing – 1 TD, 3 tackles
- Owen Buffham: 3 tackles, 4 successful PATs (8 total points)
