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Canton 20, SMSA/University 14
Mistakes haunt Tigerhawks in defeat
By GERRY deSIMAS, JR.
Hartford Football Online
HARTFORD, Nov. 16 – The Tigerhawks took the field Friday night against Canton with four freshmen in the starting lineup. Since opening day, there are eight different starters on the field. The Tigerhawks are making plays but they are also making crucial mistakes that are hampering their chances for success.

SMSA/University (3-6, 3-6 Pequot Uncas) lost two key fumbles, missed an opportunity to recover an onside kick and were tackled 10 times for losses in a 20-14 loss to Canton on Friday night at Dillon Stadium. “We just can’t self-inflict wounds like we do and expect to win,” SMSA/University head coach Graham Martin said. “We played hard. Except for a few long runs, I thought we did well against them.”

The Tigerhawks looked sharp on its opening drive. A 32-yard kickoff return from Kadeem Johnson set up a 11-play, 47-yard scoring drive. The Tigerhawks converted twice on fourth down and capped off the drive with a 7-yard TD run from Johnson. SMSA/University led 6-0 after the extra point failed.

On its first drive, Canton marched to the SMSA/University two-yard line but the Tigerhawks made a big stop when they recovered a fumble from back Kyle Mullins.

Canton (6-3, 6-3 Pequot Uncas) scored on its next drive to take an 8-6 lead. SMSA marched to the Canton four-yard line, converting on third down twice and once on fourth down. But Canton stiffened. On second and goal, Johnson was hit for a one-yard loss. On third and goal, Mullins chased down SMSA quarterback Wilfredo Alicea for a 13-yard loss and a sack. Alicea’s pass on fourth down was incomplete.

Canton extended its lead to 14-6 by scoring on its first drive of the third quarter. On SMSA’s opening drive of the half, Alicea was sandwiched and sacked by three Canton players forcing a fumble that freshman Mekiah Davis recovered on the Tigerhawk 38-yard line. Three plays later, Canton QB Eric Scott found Andrew Zukowski with a 15-yard TD pass and a 20-6 lead.

Twice, the Tigerhawks drove into Canton territory in the fourth quarter. SMSA/University had a fourth and one play on the Canton 31 early in the quarter but Ezequiel Ortiz was held to no gain and the Warriors took over. Later in the fourth, SMSA/University had a first down on the Warrior 25-yard line but Alicea was sacked for a six-yard loss by Patrick Lawlor to short circuit that drive.

SMSA/University caught a break when Canton punter Daley fumbled the snap on a punt with 3:12 remaining. Canton recovered the ball but the Tigerhawks took over on the Warrior 21-yard line with 3:01 remaining. Alicea scored with 59 seconds left in the game from the four. Canton recovered the onside kick from the Tigerhawks to secure the win.

“I have so much respect about how hard (SMSA/University) played and how well they played,” Canton coach Paul Philippon said. “We’re lucky to get out of here with a win.”

Collinsville Press, Nov. 16: Canton earns sixth win by beating Tigerhawks at Dillon Stadium
Canton 20, SMSA/Univ. 14
At Hartford
Canton (6-3)8  0  12  0  -- 20
SMSA/Univ (3-6)    6  0    0  8  -- 14
First quarter
S: Kadeen Johnson 7 run (kick fails), 7:01
C: Dan Delos 9 run (Delos run), 3:08
Third quarter
C: Delos 11 run (run fails), 8:01
C: Andrew Zukowski 38 pass from Eric Scott (run fails), 4:15
Fourth quarter
S: Wilfredo Alicea 4 run (Daunte Brinkley pass from Alicea), 0:59
Individual statistics
RUSHING: Canton – Kyle Mullins 7-50, Dan Delos 10-46, Terrance Brophy 7-27, Jesse LaChance 3-1, Mike Amoroso 1-2, Eric Scott 1-minus 4, team 4-minus 16; SMSA/Univ. – Kadeem Johnson 15-80, Wilfredo Alicea 13-55, Ezequiel Ortiz 10-80, Eloy Aguayo 1-2
PASSING: Canton – Eric Scott 2-6-0, 14; SMSA/Univ. – Wilfredo Alicea 7-13-0, 117
RECEIVING: Canton – Andrew Zukowski 1-38, Seb Gumbs 1-6; SMSA/Univ. – E. Ortiz 4-56, Patrick Richards 1-16, Eloy Aguayo 2-45
RETURNS: Johnson (S) 1-38 kickoff; Cam Daley (C) 2-53 kickoff, E. Aguayo 2-10 kickoff, Daunte Brickley 1-0 kickoff, Matt Bangs 1-0 kickoff; Cam Daley (C) 1-21 punt
SACKS: Kyle Mullins (C) 1-13, Patrick Lawlor (C) 1-6; Everett Martel (S) and Laurne Williams (S) 1-4; FUMBLE RECOVERY: Brinkley (S) and Lawlor (C)
SMSA/University's Ezequiel Ortiz runs against Canton Friday night at Dillon Stadium.