Canton gridders drop Pats, 27-12

Canton's hopes of extending its impressive playoff run got substantially "Sweda" Friday night thanks to a 27-12 victory over Livonia Franklin.

At the same time, the Patriots' dreams of playing in the post-season turned sour.

Led by junior running back/defensive back Nick Sweda's big night - 91 yards rushing, two TD's, blocked field goal, fumble recovery, seven tackles - the Chiefs improved to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the Western Lakes Activities Association's Western Division. If Canton wins its final three games, it will extend its post-season run to eight straight seasons.

Franklin dropped to 2-4 and 1-3, respectively.

The Chiefs used a steady running attack, a timely passing game and a staunch defensive effort to register the road victory.

The Patriots scored first on a 45-yard pass from Jesse Carpenter to Cole Kelly. Carpenter's extra point was no good, leaving the score at 6-0.

Canton seized the lead for good with 7:37 remaining in the first half when senior quarterback Adam Powers scored on a 3-yard keeper and junior kicker Daniel Stoney tacked on the extra point to make it 7-6.

Powers struck again from much further out just over three minutes later when he sprinted 67 yards to pay dirt to put his team ahead, 13-6. The extra point was no good.

The strong-armed Carpenter brought the Patriots to within 13-12 with 4:25 remaining in the half when he hooked up with Mark McRobb on a 30-yard scoring strike.

The Patriots nearly grabbed the lead heading into the half, but Sweda blocked Carpenter's 27-yard field goal attempt.

Following a scoreless third quarter, Canton cushioned its lead to 20-12 2:22 into the fourth period when Sweda scored from two yards out.

The speedy junior added some insurance with a 43-yard sprint to pay dirt with 1:25 to go in the game.

Led by senior Tim Klott's 102-yard night, the Chiefs piled up 336 yards rushing to go with 96 passing yards.

Powers was nearly perfect, completing all six of his passes for 96 yards while picking up 91 yards on the ground.

Senior tight end William Tidwell was Powers' favorite target, pulling in four passes for 88 yards.

Senior fullback Jordan Raiford picked up 51 tough yards on 12 carries.

Carpenter was dangerous through the air, completing 14-of-25 passes for 233 yards. Senior receiver Israel Woolfork grabbed four passes for 110- yards while McRobb hauled in three for 57.

Canton's defense, which was led by senior linebacker Dan Wanshon (13 tackles, interception), limited the Patriots to 49 yards rushing on 29 attempts.

The Chiefs picked up 16 first downs to the Patriots' two.

ewright@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2108

Originally published September 30, 2007