Black Knights’ fast start dooms Bulldogs in home loss

Round one went to Stoughton on Friday night as the rival Black Knights stormed out to a commanding 42-7 third quarter lead at Memorial Field and held on for the 20-point victory despite Canton’s improved play in the fourth quarter.

The two football rivals will meet again at Stoughton’s Sarno Field for the annual Thanksgiving Day matchup on November 24.

Sophomore Brendan Albert (Mike Barucci photo)

It took Canton (1-4) three quarters to adjust to a new quarterback, senior Dan Dillon, who filled in admirably in place of starter Dennis Ross. Dillon played especially well in the fourth quarter, leading the Bulldogs on two touchdown drives, including one that he finished himself on a one-yard run.

The game began with explosive plays for both teams as the Black Knights scored first on an 86-yard run by Justin Ly. Then, on Canton’s first play on offense, junior Tony Harris took a pitch at receiver, reversed field and sped 65 yards for a touchdown to tie the game.

Stoughton, however, would go on to dominate the next two-plus quarters, scoring 35 unanswered points. Ryan Sullivan and Izon Swain Price each scored a pair of touchdowns, including a near 60-yard punt return by Sullivan and two receiving scores by Swain Price, whose speed proved to be a problem for Canton’s defenders.

After the game, Stoughton head coach Greg Burke said he took advantage of Canton’s decision to put nine in the box to stop the run and found success with Swain Price in the passing game.

With new formations, a new blocking scheme, and Dillon’s familiarity with the offense, Canton dominated play in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points on touchdown runs by Joe Mulkay and Dillon. One drive was set up by an onside kick recovery by Harris.

Overall for the game, Canton gained 282 yards on offense, including 73 by Harris, 51 by Mike Marino, and 49 each by Dillon and Dan Alice.

CHS head coach Dave Bohane had praise for Dillon, noting the senior has worked hard, volunteered for special teams, and was ready when called upon.

Bohane said the team still needs to improve its overall special teams play as this was the second consecutive week that an opposing team has scored on a punt return.

Defensively, senior linebacker Thomas Monagle was the leading tackler with five, and Harris played a strong two-way game with four tackles at cornerback.

Canton will next host North Attleboro tomorrow night at 7 p.m.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Oct 14 2016. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.