The Canton Warriors have put in all the hard work and preparation to have a great season, beyond fundraising heavily throughout the year to drop 10k on new uniforms, they have put in more time than any previous team in the weight room, if you haven't noticed their hulking frames in the hallway, it might be time to take a look up from your iphone. The summer of a Warrior football player never involves sleeping in, the boys would arrive at the locker room doors as early as 7 o'clock in the morning, if that doesn't constitute dedication, not much else might. The sleep deprivation they sweated through is sure to continue to pay off as they progress in the season. The conference has shifted slightly form last year, so new challengers (many regional schools) will be coming forward but if the success from last year and Thursdays victory continues, Canton could be looking at the top spot.
The usual workhorses of the team were out in full force, Dan Delos rushed for 101 yards, working through the overwhelming heat and humidity. For a time he was out on the sidelines, crouched down all fours, losing his breakfast, lunch, and probably his appetite for dinner as well. Victory was the sole thing he was hungry for and nothing could stop him from achieving that. Sebastian Gumbs up a few yards rushing and receiving, but proved his real value on the punt returns eclipsing over half a century on one run (totaling 130 yards in his three returns) as well as having a key interception to his resume. Even sophomore kicker Eddie Melton made a huge contribution of four points through one field goal as well as an extra point. In the words of Senior-Quarterback-Captain Eric Scott "If you look at the score, it was 16-13 if we didn't have the points from Meltdown {sic} we wouldn't of had that victory." He certainly didn't live up to his endearing nickname on Thursday, he kept his cool and put up a critical amount of points. Many others deserve praise as this was a team effort with a lot of unique contributions summing up to the final score.
In perhaps the biggest play of his High School career, Terrence Brophy felled the giant. With no time on the clock Terrence evaded the Avon defense and, while being devilishly close to the line, dove and managed to connect the ball in his hand to the pylon at the edge of the end zone. In the ensuing seconds the referee made the Canton fans wait as he gave the situation a good look. The seconds seemed like a lifetime but when the ref's hands went up, the Canton crowd exploded. The clock was run down and Canton was left the champions versus Avon for the first time since CHS was accepted into the Pequot Conference in 2007.
Terrence Brophy came in clutch right when the team needed him. So much so that "came in like Brophy" is almost a more appropriate phrase, because who even know the origin of 'clutch' anyway.
Terrence Brophy High School Hero Photo: Debbie Sugar |
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