Dogs out to end Stoughton win streak

Update: Aaron Mack scored four touchdowns to lead the Black Knights past Canton 27-7 in the annual Thanksgiving Day finale at Memorial Field. The Bulldogs’ lone touchdown came on a 21-yard pass from Anthony Bires to Elias Camacho in the third quarter. Canton finishes the season with a 3-7 overall record.

The Canton High Bulldog football team will be looking to end a six-year run of Stoughton victories when the two teams face off in the annual Thanksgiving Day game this Thursday at 10 a.m. at Memorial Field in Canton.

The last time Canton scored a victory in this historic rivalry was in 2004 by a final score of 7-6.

Last year the Bulldogs trailed by only a touchdown at halftime, but ended up losing 26-6 in Stoughton.

The Canton-Stoughton rivalry dates back to 1926 and currently stands in Stoughton’s favor with 42 wins, 39 losses and four ties.

Both teams come into the game with a lot to prove. Stoughton (5-5) is in a three-way tie with Oliver Ames and Sharon for first place in the Hockomock League’s Davenport Division. The eventual winner could advance to a Super bowl berth. Meanwhile, a victory for Canton (3-6) would end the season on a high note and could also serve as a big boost to the program going forward.

Stoughton’s 5-5 record is a bit deceptive considering that the Black Knights stunned perennial league powerhouse Mansfield 8-0 on the Hornets’ home field and just barely lost to a very good North Attleboro team 22-21 in overtime.

Besides beating Mansfield, the Knights have defeated Somerset 34-7, Sharon 28-7, West Springfield 13-7 in overtime, and Foxboro 21-13.

Besides the loss to North Attleboro, Stoughton’s other losses have come against Holliston 28-15, Attleboro 18-7, Franklin 28-7, and most recently Oliver Ames 24-14. Canton did beat OA two weeks ago on the Tigers’ home field.

Stoughton is led by receiver Marcus Middleton, who has caught many long passes for scores, as well as running backs Aaron Mack, Aaron Calixte and Malachi Baugh, and quarterback Alex Fernandes, who is also a very good field goal kicker.

For the Bulldogs, Bohane said his team will be the healthiest it has been all season as all injured players are ready to return, including lineman Jordan Rodman and star running back Dexter Green.

Stoughton always plays tough defense against Canton, shutting down the running attack over the years. However, Canton has shown a three-pronged attack recently, using Green, Elias Camacho, and quarterback Anthony Bires. Bires has also developed a strong connection with both Camacho and Green in the passing game.

“It should be a great game between two tough teams who respect each other,” said Bohane. “Both teams usually have a surprise for Thanksgiving. They have seen so much of each other on film, the status quo may not be enough.”

The key to the game may be the play of the Bulldog defense, including its pass coverage on Middleton and the defensive line’s play in stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback.

Logan Cerruti to wear Ricky Shannon’s No. 27 jersey

Senior captain Logan Cerruti, who regularly wears No. 7, has been chosen by his fellow teammates and coaches to wear the No. 27 jersey formerly worn by the late Ricky Shannon.

Logan Cerruti

This is a new tradition started this year by Coach Bohane for Thanksgiving Day. To commemorate Shannon’s memory, No. 27 was not given out for the regular season. Instead, Bohane said the number would be worn in the season finale by the skill position player who displayed the competitive spirit and desire that Shannon represented when he played for Canton High.

Cerruti plays defensive back as well as running back. Bohane described him as a very solid football player who is very dependable and steady in his play. An unselfish player, he is more than happy to block for his teammates on offense. He has played in every game this season, including when he’s been banged up.

“Logan really epitomizes the way Ricky Shannon played,” Bohane said. “Ricky really played with passion and a love for football, and Logan is just like that.”

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Posted by Mike Berger on Nov 23 2011. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.