THE SECOND ROUND IS IN THE CARDS
By Ty Bartell
AKRON OH- When the high school football playoffs start in the state of Ohio, oftentimes it is about the
stories of the teams who got there that bring as much intrigue as the game itself. How did these teams get here? What adversity did they face? Are they ready? Just a few questions that swirl around prior to week 11. The story of the Division 3 defending State Champions, The Canfield Cardinals has been one about getting respect back that they feel they never should have lost! After losing 20+ seniors a season ago and going 1-3 in their first four games, some thought that The Cardinals were a flash in the pan, a one year wonder. 6 straight wins later and a playoff berth as the #9 seed in Region 9. Meaning Canfield Would be on the road against #8 seeded Akron East Dragons who sported a great 8-2 record on the year!
With the stage set for a great 8 vs. 9 matchup, both teams would similarly play on the backs of their potent defenses like they have all season. Defense would get on the board first with Canfield’s Anthony Mazzella grabbing a 6-yard scoop and score fumble recovery. A blocked PAT by Akron East would keep the extra point off the board, giving Canfield the 6-0 advantage with 6:20 to go in the first quarter. Offense was also in The Cards as in the final seconds of the first half Paul Bindas found Scottie Eaton for 77 yards on the touchdown with 11 seconds left in the first half! A missed PAT would take another extra point opportunity away from Canfield, with The Cardinals leading 12-0 at halftime.
The third quarter almost went scoreless, until Scottie Eaton’s number was called again, this time on the ground, as Eaton rattled off a 25-yard touchdown run with 11 seconds left in the third quarter. A successful 2-point conversion attempt on a pass from Enzo Cocca to Angelo DeLucia extended the Canfield lead to 20-0. Desperately needing a score, The Dragons put together a quick, but effective, 3 play, 70 yard touchdown drive together to cut The Cardinals lead down to a baker’s dozen at 20-7. A Canfield fumble in their own territory looked like it was going to set Akron East up on the comeback trail; however, as they have done all season, The Cardinal defense stepped up and forced a turnover on downs to ice the game 20-7!
The win for Canfield (7-3) will now set them up, in a rematch from a year ago, against the #1 seeded Ursuline Fighting Irish (11-0) on Friday, November 3rd with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Keep updated with both The Fighting Irish and The Cardinals on YSN!
