Cougars clip Eagles in opener, 31-21
Photo by Doug Stuart
Eagle quarterback Hunter Moore breaks through the Cougar defense for a go-ahead touchdown during midway through the third quarter. Grace Community would score two touchdowns late, rallying for a 31-21 win.
For the second consecutive season, the Canton Eagles opened their season in a rare Thursday night tilt against the Grace Community Cougars in the Azalea Classic played on the campus of Tyler All Saints. After a slow start, Canton eventually slugged its way into the lead in the game only to fall victim to two late Cougar touchdowns in a 31-21 loss.
Canton started Thursday night’s contest on offense, getting just one yard on three plays before being forced to punt the ball back to the Cougar offense.
Grace fared better on their opening possession, getting timely completions and first downs courtesy of the right arm of quarterback Christopher Wilhelmi to march deep into Eagle territory. The junior quarterback completed six passes on the game’s opening drive, including two third down conversions and one fourth down conversion to put Grace Community on the doorstep of a touchdown.
Canton’s defense rose to the challenge, holding Grace on three consecutive goal to go situations to force a field goal. Cristian Cooper gave the Cougars the lead on a 19-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead with 5:28 to play in the first quarter.
Senior wide receiver Tre Fitzgerald ensured the Canton offense excellent field position on their ensuing possession, fielding a squib attempt and returning all the way down to the Grace 12-yard line.
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