Last year, Canton got knocked out of the 11B playoffs in the semifinal round. Then in the offseason, they were forced to move up to 11A because of reclassifications in the high school ranks. How did the C-Hawks respond? They raised the bar themselves and won a state title anyway.
Canton defeated Lennox 46-8 in the championship game on Thursday night, led by senior stand out Kayden Verley.
The C-Hawks scored on their opening possession when Kayden Verley found Shaeden Scheidt for a 6-yard touchdown connection. This put Canton on top early at 7-0 with 8:56 to play in the opening quarter.
Lennox couldn’t answer on their first possession of the game – they were forced into a three-and-out. Canton would capitalize with a 34-yard field goal by Verley on the next C-Hawks drive to make it a 10-point game.
The Orioles offensive struggles continued throughout the rest of the first quarter. Canton would get the ball back and find the end zone with three seconds to play in the period with a 14-yard touchdown run by Verley.
End of the 1st Quarter: Canton 18 Lennox 0
Lennox got into the scoring column in the second quarter when a 68-yard drive was capped off with a one-yard touchdown run by Haden Mendel. After a two-point conversion, Canton’s lead was altered to 18-8.
The Orioles got the ball back midway through the second quarter and put together a 17 play, 83-yard drive. However, it was halted at the C-Hawk 10-yard line and Lennox turned it over on downs.
Halftime: Canton 18 Lennox 8
Lennox received to start the second half but couldn’t do anything with the ball. Canton, however, would find success when they got the pigskin next. Seth Peterson hit Jaden Dominissee for a 13-yard touchdown at the 8:25 mark in the third quarter. This made it a 25-8 game in favor of the C-Hawks.
Canton hit big again the next time they got the ball. Verley broke free for a 91-yard scamper to the end zone. This is the longest run ever from scrimmage in an 11A state title game. Verley’s explosive run made it 32-8 in favor of the blue and yellow with 6:22 to play in third quarter.
The C-Hawks then got the ball back on the ensuing kickoff with a half squib, half onside kick. And they’d take advantage… Isaac Dietzenbach ran it in from 4-yards with seconds to play in the third.
End of the 3rd Quarter: Canton 39 Lennox 8
With 2:16 to play in the game, Canton would score one more time. Zander Elling took it in from 10-yards out, giving the C-Hawks a 46-8 lead.
Final: Canton 46 Lennox 8
This is the fourth state football title in history for Canton, and their first since 2013. Kayden Verley finished the game with 309-yards of rushing and two rushing touchdowns for the C-Hawks. He also threw for a touchdown in the contest.
Outstanding Lineman: Zach Richardson (Canton)
Outstanding Back: Kayden Verley (Canton)
Jim Langer Player of the Game: Kayden Verley (Canton)
