Canon-Mac evens record with win over Armstrong
CANONSBURG – It took a little bit longer than maybe they would’ve liked, but Canon-McMillan eventually pulled away from Armstrong.
Ty Jansma connected with Ethan Campoli on a 50-yard pass on Canon-McMillan’s first play from scrimmage in the third quarter and the Big Macs went on to secure a 31-21 victory over the visiting River Hawks in a nonconference game Friday night.
After seeing Armstrong (1-3) move the ball efficiently in the first half, the Big Macs’ defense shored up over the final two quarters and forced a pair of interceptions.
Rhys Maentz added a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Canon-McMillan (2-2) took the opening possession 58 yards in 11 plays and scored on a five-yard run by Braelon Wingfield.
The Big Macs rolled the dice earlier in the drive, going for it on fourth down near midfield, but Ty Jansma connected with Ethan Campoli for an 11-yard gain into Armstrong territory.
The River Hawks responded by marching right down the field on their first possession using a mix of quick screen passes and draw plays.
Deo Beck cashed in the drive when he hit Theron Cupec for a 23-yard touchdown with 1:56 remaining in the first. Canon-McMillan’s Brayden Collins blocked Daniel Pearson’s extra point attempt and the Big Macs held a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Big Macs scored on the first play of the second quarter when Jansma hit Ethan Campoli for a touchdown, which made it 14-6, but that lead was short lived.
Following a Canon-McMillan punt, Armstrong had excellent field position at the Big Macs’ 45 and scored three plays later. Quinton Olsen, the WPIAL’s leader in receiving yards coming into Friday, caught a pass, eluded a couple defenders and scored from 44 yards. Beck hit Zane Jordan on a two-point conversion pass and the score was tied 14-14 with 4:15 remaining until halftime.
Matthew Hirsch returned the ensuing kick off 60 yards to the Armstrong 24. Canon-McMillan had three penalties in the next few plays, but were able to overcome it, thanks to some shifty running by Wingfield.
Wingfield caught a screen pass from Jansma at the 26 and weaved his way around defenders and into the end zone with 1:41 remaining until halftime.
Armstrong drove down inside the Canon-McMillan 25-yard line late in the first half, but Daniel Pearson’s 39-yard field goal attempt missed as time expired in the second quarter.