Eagles bookend holiday with wins
Photo by David Kapitan
The Canton Eagles wrapped up non-district play with a 53-41 win over the Kerens Bobcats Jan. 4. The Eagles will start their playoff push in earnest this week, traveling to Mabank Jan. 11 before returning home to face Van Jan. 15.
The Canton Eagles notched a pair of wins in recent weeks, upping their season record to 16-7 overall by topping with victories over both Ferris and Alba-Golden.
Canton wrapped up its pre-Christmas schedule in Ferris Dec. 21, taking home a 57-40 win over the Yellowjackets.
The Eagles appeared to be on their way to a lopsided win in the contest, racing out to a 19-5 lead over Ferris. The gap between the two teams remained virtually unchanged throughout the second quarter as Ferris edged Canton 10-9 to pull to within 28-15 entering the half.
Momentum shifted towards Ferris in the third quarter as the Yellowjackets outscored Canton 21-12 in the frame to pull to within 40-36 with just eight minutes left to play.
The Eagles would wrap up the evening with their best quarter of the night, stymying Ferris' momentum by outscoring the Yellowjackets 19-4 down the stretch to secure the 19-point win.
Canton's freshman and JV squads also enjoyed big nights, with the ninth graders topping their Ferris counterparts 61-25 and the JV squad winning 50-31.
After enjoying a few days off for the holiday, Canton returned to action Dec. 29 with a 58-23 win over Alba-Golden. The JV squad also scored a dominating win, recording a 48-11 triumph of Alba.
Coach Justin Burk noted, "It was a great first game back from both teams. Our defensive effort was where it needed to be."
The Eagles wrapped up non-district play Jan. 4, traveling the Kerens to take on the Class 2A Bobcats. Despite multiple injuries to expected key contributors, Canton took care of business to score a 53-41 win.
The victory over the Bobcats improves the Eagles' overall record to 17-8.
In action earlier the same afternoon, the Canton JV squad put together one of its most impressive efforts of the year in a 71-8 rout of Kerens.
Burk noted, "It was a great end to the non-district season for both groups!"
The Eagles will be one the road Jan. 11, traveling to Mabank for this year's District 14-4A opener. Other upcoming key dates will include a home game against the rival Van Vandals Jan. 15 and a trip to Athens Jan. 18.
