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Sixteen Canton seniors have played football together since they first donned the pads. The one constant all that time has been winning. Whatever the level, Canton has shined there.
The Warriors shined brightest last year, capturing the program's first District 4 Class A championship since 1990 and reaching the state semifinals, while finishing 13-1. Now, those 16 seniors form the backbone for a team which hopes it can pick up where last year's left off. The goal not only is to make a state title run, but also to maximize as much time playing together as possible.
"It's a good group. They always have worked really hard and pushed each other and worked well together," Canton coach Tyler Sechrist said. "They have played a lot of football and been in district championships; a lot of big games and it's dawning on them that this is going to be it for high school. They want to get the most out of it. There's a sense or urgency, but not a lot of pressure. They feel like they have proven themselves but want to go out and end it as best they can."
Canton enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history a year ago, winning the first 13 games and pushing eventual state champion Bishop Guilfoyle hard in the semifinals. The Warriors exorcized past demons, routing Muncy in the district final after three straight heartbreaking championship losses against before winning thrillers against perennial powerhouses Steelton-Highspire and Old Forge.
Now, Canton hopes that was just a start. It has most of last year's group back, as well as promising newcomers. Most of the current starters have done so for at least three years. They are quick, strong, hard-working and experienced. Canton is 36-7 the past four years and is eager to keep moving forward, knowing what it takes to go a long way.
"You can just focus on the X's and O's and what you're going to do strategy wise. We don't have to line up in Oklahoma and find out who's going to hit because you know what you're going to get from them," Sechrist. "That's a nice luxury, and for a small school like us, if I coach another 20 years I don't think I'll see depth like we had last year and this year."
Canton is especially deep in the backfield and along the line. Four players ran for more than 500 yards last season and there were others waiting in the wings who could do damage as well. That likely will be the case again this season. All-state running back Riley Parker ran for 1,411 yards and 24 touchdowns but Canton was able to keep his workload fairly light during the regular season because it had so many good options. Hayden Ward and Weston Bellows had big seasons and players like Michael Davis, Hudson Ward and Holden Ward ran well when called upon and all are back. Bellows also led the team in receiving and just about every Canton running back is a versatile threat.
The line must replace all-stater Caiden Williams and stalwart Mason Shultz but looks strong again. Mason Nelson also earned all-state honors and players like Brenen Taylor, Mason Harold, Gage Pepper, Rian Eberly were among those who helped Canton put together one of the state's premier Class A lines last season. Michael Beers also could provide a lift this year.
The biggest question is who will place versatile two-year starter Cooper Kitchen at quarterback. Canton was looking at three players, Austin Allen, Bailey Ferguson and Ben Fitch to fill that position. Sechrist rotated Michael Smithers and Uriah Bailie during Canton's 10-win 2018 campaign and said that could be an option again this year with all three being good athletes. Fitch played JV quarterback last season and Allen and Ferguson are mobile threats who have played well at wide receiver and/or running back the past few years.
Holden Ward is another player who could see some time at quarterback. He is an option threat, so Canton does not seem to be hurting for choices at quarterback. The Warriors relied mostly on the ground last season and, with the backs and line it has this year, could do so again, but Sechrist also would like to develop the passing game to become a threat come playoff time.
"We're happy with the players we have there," Sechrist said. "We could give them all some reps this year and kind of play the hot hand."
Few teams had hot hands against Canton's nasty defense last season. The Warriors allowed fewer than seven points during the regular season, shutout four opponents and held 11 to 10 points or fewer. The depth along the line allowed Canton to keep players fresh up front and the Warriors were especially tough to run on.
Hayden Ward earned all-state honors at linebacker and Parker is another excellent three-year starter there. Bellows is as versatile defensively as he is offensively and can play either safety or linebacker. His play in the secondary played a huge role in Canton defeating Steel-High and Old Forge. Allen and Ferguson help anchor the secondary and Michael Davis, coming off a big postseason, can play defensive end or linebacker. Hudson Ward could be poised for a big breakout year and Fitch and Wesley Castle are two others to watch as they try giving the secondary a spark.
Canton excelled on special teams as well. The Warriors returned three punts/kicks for touchdowns, Davis excelled as punter and Ferguson made 40 extra points.
A lot looks the same on paper when it comes to Canton again this season, but there is a big change in its perception. After years of hunting Muncy in the race for the district championship, Canton is now the hunted. The Class A field is deeper this year, too, with South Williamsport, Sayre and Northwest moving down from Class A.
It is a new set of hurdles for this team to clear, but the core of this team has enjoyed those challenges over the years. All that hard work led to last year's memorable season and now Canton is ready to do whatever necessary to keep this season going as long as it can.
"I like more teams being in there. South Williamsport was one of our toughest games last year and we're looking for more of the same from them and our other opponents," Sechrist said. "We couldn't get over that hump for three years and to be able to finish it felt really good. Now they're working hard and hungry to defend it."
2022 Football Players to Watch
Weston Bellows, RB/WR/DB: Pick a position and there's a good chance Bellows not only played, but played it extremely well last season. A Swiss Army knife in pads, Bellows earned all-state honors as an athlete after shining as a running back, tight end, wide receiver, safety, linebacker and as a special teams ace. Bellows returned two punts for touchdowns and produced 1,193 yards as a rusher/receiver, scoring 10 touchdowns. Bellows was an outstanding big-play threat, averaging 32.7 yards per catch. He totaled 172 yards and two touchdowns on 12 touches against Muncy in the district final and made two critical interceptions in a state tournament win against defending state champion Steel-High. Bellows' versatility is a play caller's delight and he also led Canton's defense with four interceptions.
Mason Nelson, OL/DL: An all-state selection along the offensive line, Nelson was one of the anchors for a deep unit which often ground opponents into submission. Strong and physical, the 290-pounder can overwhelm opposing linemen and played a key role in Canton averaging 270 yards per game. The Warriors effectively ran the ball against some of the district's top defenses and Nelson often helped lead the way. Collectively, the line provided the foundation for Canton's success last season and having Nelson back means it could do so again. Canton often rotates its linemen so Nelson might not be on the field all the time defensively, but he makes a big impact there, too.
Riley Parker, RB/LB: Parker was another all-state selection and the Sun-Gazette Back of the Year last fall after putting together one of the best rushing seasons Canton has seen during the 2000s. Canton's depth allowed it the luxury of not having to feature just one player, but it leaned on Parker throughout the playoffs and he repeatedly delivered. The senior ran for 1,411 yards and an area-high 24 touchdowns. Equally impressive, he scored in all 14 games. Possessing speed and bull-like toughness, Parker averaged 7.8 yards per carry and topped 130 yards against both Steel-High and state champion Bishop Guilfoyle. Parker scored 28 touchdowns four different ways, hauling in two scores, as well as returning a punt and interception.
Hayden Ward, LB/RB: Yet another versatile all-state selection, Ward earned his honor at linebacker and it was well-deserved. A tackling machine who plays equally well against the run and pass, Ward made at least 12 tackles in all three state tournament games and put on a show against Old Forge in the quarterfinals. That day he made 18 tackles, including three for loss, blocked two punts and added a sack as Canton rallied from 14 down to win in overtime. Ward went over 100 tackles despite missing the preseason and the season opener and led the team in both tackles and tackles for loss (18). Ward also was tied for the team lead in sacks with six. Oh yeah, he also intercepted three passes and returned one for a touchdown. Ward joined Paker and Bellows in going over 500 rushing yards and is built the same way they are, though and fast. He finished with 598 yards and 11 touchdowns.
--By CHRIS MASSE