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Canton shuts out Stevenson, 48-0
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Deshon McClendon racked up 153 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Canton’s 48-0 pre-district victory against Stevenson at home on Friday.The wet, cold and slippery conditions were perfect for the Canton Chiefs’ smash mouth style of play on Friday night.
Canton Coach Tim Baechler navigated his undefeated team to a perfect 48-0 result against Livonia Stevenson in the blustery conditions at home. The victory was a pre-district contest, the first step down a long post-season road.
The weather called for a ground attack and the Chiefs answered.
They carried the ball for 360 yards and six touchdowns; not including senior running back and return man Nick Moores’ 91-yard kickoff score to open the second half.
“The defense did a great job setting the tone,” Baechler said. “The offense came out and took care of business on the first four possessions. It was exactly what we wanted.
“We wanted a crappy day and we got it,” he added. “We feel comfortable now and we just executed the game plan. It just went the way that you want to draw it up.”
Canton got a spark with the return of senior running sensation Deshon McClendon to the offensive backfield. He provided the team with 153 yards rushing on five carries and two TDs. He scored on a 56-yard jaunt in the first quarter to make it a 21-0 game and on a 69-yard scamper in the second frame to make it a 35-0 contest.
Baechler said it was nice to see him back on offense after being limited to just defensive play due to injuries.
“His back tightened up quite a bit but it was good to get him some carries and get him out of there real quick,” Baechler said. “So hopefully he’ll last.”
He also said McClendon could see more carries if necessary this week in the district championship against South Lyon.
Senior Steve Paye regained full command at quarterback after missing time with injuries. He scored on a 9-yard rush to the end zone in the first, making it a 14-0 game.
Regardless of injuries and those shaking off the rust from them, Canton has a host of supporting players that keep the team ticking—depth that is unimaginable on lesser teams.
Moores scored the team’s first points with a 1-yard plunge and Antwaun Hawkins scored from two yards out in the third. Devin Murphy scored on a 10-yard run in the fourth to cap off a nine-play, 91-yard drive that took more than seven minutes off the clock.
Senior Colin O’Shaaughnessy was 5-for-5 with extras point attempts.
Canton’s defense limited Stevenson to 200 yards offense and stymied a 10-play, drive 43-yard drive that took up seven minutes in the third. The Spartans turned the ball over on downs when Canton’s defense held them on a fourth-and-six play at the Chiefs’ 9.
The Chiefs hope to contain the Lions’ roar when they host a 9-1 South Lyon team tomorrow. The Lions defeated visiting Monroe, 14-6, on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
