by Ravenna, Ohio – In a frigid affair Friday night, the Canfield Cardinals knocked off the two-time defending champion Chardon Hilltoppers, 14-7.
The two schools had prior history going into Friday’s game, with Chardon winning each of their past respective matchups in 2020 and 2021.
On the first Canfield possession, junior two-way athlete Andrew Bruce picked off a pass on defense for the Hilltoppers.
The first score of the game came when Bruce broke free for a 35-yard touchdown to put the Hilltoppers ahead, 7-0, with 7:31 left in the second quarter. This was set up thanks to a punt block from Austin Leszynski and Drago Vujaklija.
Canfield looked to respond, driving down to the red zone before the Toppers came up with a fumble recovery. The Cardinals would recover one of their own on defense, thanks to Anthony Mazzella. Broc Lowry would find Dom Marzano for a seven yard touchdown toss to tie it up with 2:49 left in the half. The score remained that way going into halftime.
Canfield would drive down to the Chardon 1, looking to take the lead in the third quarter. However, the Chardon defense turned them away.
The defenses were stout on the evening, as the teams traded punts constantly.
Canfield took the lead thanks to a 56-yard touchdown run from Danny Inglis with 4:27 to play.
Chardon had one last shot, moving down into Cardinal territory. However, Dom Marzano came up with the game sealing tackle on fourth and short to clinch the victory for Canfield.
Canfield (12-1) takes on Holy Name in the Division III state semifinals at Euclid Community Stadium next Friday night. The Names defeated Padua, 56-21, in the Division III, Region 10 final.
Chardon concludes its season at 11-2.
