Canton uses win over Salem as postseason motivation
CANTON - One by one, the Canton High School football players hoisted a gold trophy over their heads Friday night, signifying a win over their biggest rivals.
But if all goes according to the Chiefs' championship plan, the hardware secured in their 42-14 win over Salem will be only the first they carry away this season.
As satisfying as Friday's win was, the Chiefs, ranked No. 2 in Division 1, understand the regular season is one thing. The playoffs are another.
"We needed a game that would motivate us and get us ready for the playoffs," Canton senior halfback Julian Smith said. "So this was a great game for us.
"But I expect every team to come out hard against Canton - they're going to come out hard trying to beat us and get us out of the playoffs."
Smith anchored a balanced Chiefs' offensive attack, scoring three touchdowns on runs of 1, 22 and 70 yards, finishing with 146 yards on 11 carries. Canton (9-0) built a 42-7 lead with 3:24 remaining in the third quarter, taking advantage of four Salem turnovers.
The Chiefs used plenty of variety in reaching the end zone, taking an early 7-0 lead on Jeff Piper's 12-yard fumble recovery on the game's second play. Canton then went to the ground game, as Chuck Schumacher scored on a 14-yard run to go along with Smith's three touchdown scampers. Canton also put points on the board via the pass as quarterback Shawn Little connected with Andrew Rossow to cap the complete-game effort.
"We did some good things, but we definitely left some room for some improvement," Canton coach Tim Baechler said. "We haven't peaked yet as a team, which is good, but we need to stop listening to people telling us how good we are.
"We have to go back to basic fundamentals on Monday."
Salem, which finished the season 3-6, held a brief 7-6 lead after quarterback Jeff Lake, who led the Rocks with 67 yards on 23 carries, scored from 1 yard out. Joe Crist had Salem's other touchdown, scoring from 7 yards out with 37 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Despite the late score, Salem never recovered from giving up the early touchdown on its first possession.
"Anytime you turn the ball over against a team like (Canton), it kills you," Salem coach Bob Cummings said. "You play a team like this, and you can't make those mistakes."
Ogemaw Heights 19, Plymouth 13 - Brandt Jones scored on a 1-yard run, and Kevin Minor kicked field goals of 28 and 46 yards for Plymouth (2-7).
Jeff Arnold can be reached at jarnold@annarbornews.com or (734) 994-6812.