It will be the 45th meeting between Canton and Sharon on Friday night at World War II Veterans Memorial Field at Canton High School.
Canton leads the all-time series 24-18-2 but Sharon is on a three-game win streak against the Bulldogs. The Eagles won 32-12 last year, 21-14 in overtime in 2012 and 28-13 in 2011. In 2010, the two teams tied 26-26. Canton had won four straight before that, winning from 2006-2009.
So far in 2014, both teams have played strong defense. Neither team has allowed more than two touchdowns in game yet this season. Both teams allowed two touchdowns in week one and both teams allowed just one touchdown in week two.
Of the nine Hockomock teams that have played two games, both Sharon and Canton are tied for the least points allowed with King Philip. Only one team has given up less points than Sharon and Canton, which is Milford, who has only played one game. On the offensive side of the ball, Canton is one of the top scoring teams of the teams that have played two games so far this season. On the other side, Sharon showed on their final drive of the game against Falmouth that they have the ability to move the ball in crunch time.
The two Davenport rivals will clash on Friday night at 6:00.
Canton leads the all-time series 24-18-2 but Sharon is on a three-game win streak against the Bulldogs. The Eagles won 32-12 last year, 21-14 in overtime in 2012 and 28-13 in 2011. In 2010, the two teams tied 26-26. Canton had won four straight before that, winning from 2006-2009.
So far in 2014, both teams have played strong defense. Neither team has allowed more than two touchdowns in game yet this season. Both teams allowed two touchdowns in week one and both teams allowed just one touchdown in week two.
Of the nine Hockomock teams that have played two games, both Sharon and Canton are tied for the least points allowed with King Philip. Only one team has given up less points than Sharon and Canton, which is Milford, who has only played one game. On the offensive side of the ball, Canton is one of the top scoring teams of the teams that have played two games so far this season. On the other side, Sharon showed on their final drive of the game against Falmouth that they have the ability to move the ball in crunch time.
The two Davenport rivals will clash on Friday night at 6:00.
Sharon
As mentioned above, Sharon has had a stingy defense through two games this season. The Eagles were very close to being 2-0 but a bit of bad luck hurt them in the first game of the season. Though they lost, they showed some character by putting themselves in a position to win. That proved helpful a week later when Sharon used their last drive to go over 70 yards in just over two minutes and set up a game-winning field goal.
On offense, Sharon has a stable of running backs at their disposal. In the first half, it was a heavy dose of Juvan Elisma complemented by Tyler Smith. In the second half, Sharon showed up Matt Cancian and Kevin Jones. The ability to use so many different backs was a big reason the Eagles were able to use fresh legs to pick up big gains late in the game. Quarterback Kevin Byrne has the ability to connect with his receivers or get out and run it and junior Bryce Smith is a dangerous weapon for the Eagles.
On defense, there were a lot of positives for the Eagles. Falmouth was unable to get anything big against Sharon's secondary and the majority of their completions came on quick passes for just a couple of yards. Defensive end Andrius Bernotas seemed to be in on almost play and Travis Somers was another effective player. Defensive ends Joey Dowler and Peter Banks both showed off solid speed and size against Falmouth as well.
Canton
The Bulldogs are 2-0 for the first time since 2011 but they're hoping they can make it three in a row for the first time since 2008. Similar to 2008, the Bulldogs have had a stout defense to start the season and will face a league opponent in week three. Canton is also looking for their first win over Sharon since 2009.
On the offensive side of the ball, it seems like Canton has really clicked through two games. A big reason for that has to be the familiarity between the players. After losing just eight seniors to graduation last year, Canton has their quarterback, running back, full back, a couple of wide receivers and some offensive lineman back. Brian Hagan is arguably the best quarterback at running the option in the league. Last year, Hagan showed off his speed with the ball and his arm throwing the ball. In the backfield, Jahron Reynolds exploded for two touchdowns last week. Although Kevin Wing hasn't found the end zone yet this year, he's one of the more dangerous backs in the league.
The other side of the ball is similar in the sense that there is plenty of talent back this year for Canton. One big boost for the Bulldogs is senior defensive lineman Wavol Pretence, who was apart of the HockomockSports.com Players to Watch on Defense list. He anchors a line that has stuffed opponents through two weeks. Canton also boasts one of the most underrated linebacking groups in the league with Anthony Ross, Joe Bires and Jake Ragusa.
As mentioned above, Sharon has had a stingy defense through two games this season. The Eagles were very close to being 2-0 but a bit of bad luck hurt them in the first game of the season. Though they lost, they showed some character by putting themselves in a position to win. That proved helpful a week later when Sharon used their last drive to go over 70 yards in just over two minutes and set up a game-winning field goal.
On offense, Sharon has a stable of running backs at their disposal. In the first half, it was a heavy dose of Juvan Elisma complemented by Tyler Smith. In the second half, Sharon showed up Matt Cancian and Kevin Jones. The ability to use so many different backs was a big reason the Eagles were able to use fresh legs to pick up big gains late in the game. Quarterback Kevin Byrne has the ability to connect with his receivers or get out and run it and junior Bryce Smith is a dangerous weapon for the Eagles.
On defense, there were a lot of positives for the Eagles. Falmouth was unable to get anything big against Sharon's secondary and the majority of their completions came on quick passes for just a couple of yards. Defensive end Andrius Bernotas seemed to be in on almost play and Travis Somers was another effective player. Defensive ends Joey Dowler and Peter Banks both showed off solid speed and size against Falmouth as well.
Canton
The Bulldogs are 2-0 for the first time since 2011 but they're hoping they can make it three in a row for the first time since 2008. Similar to 2008, the Bulldogs have had a stout defense to start the season and will face a league opponent in week three. Canton is also looking for their first win over Sharon since 2009.
On the offensive side of the ball, it seems like Canton has really clicked through two games. A big reason for that has to be the familiarity between the players. After losing just eight seniors to graduation last year, Canton has their quarterback, running back, full back, a couple of wide receivers and some offensive lineman back. Brian Hagan is arguably the best quarterback at running the option in the league. Last year, Hagan showed off his speed with the ball and his arm throwing the ball. In the backfield, Jahron Reynolds exploded for two touchdowns last week. Although Kevin Wing hasn't found the end zone yet this year, he's one of the more dangerous backs in the league.
The other side of the ball is similar in the sense that there is plenty of talent back this year for Canton. One big boost for the Bulldogs is senior defensive lineman Wavol Pretence, who was apart of the HockomockSports.com Players to Watch on Defense list. He anchors a line that has stuffed opponents through two weeks. Canton also boasts one of the most underrated linebacking groups in the league with Anthony Ross, Joe Bires and Jake Ragusa.
Ryan Lanigan, HockomockSports.com
There are some people saying that Canton's 2-0 start is a fluke, but I think that will go away when they are 3-0. Brian Hagan's ability to run the option is what could be the deciding factor in the game. I think both teams will make some big defensive plays, but I think Canton's offense will be able to break through more often.
The Pick: Canton 24, Sharon 10
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com
I've picked against Canton each of the first two weeks and the Bulldogs have impressively started 2-0. Canton's offense, led by QB Brian Hagan, has shown that it has the speed to run the option and could find space on the edges of the Sharon defense, which has a lot of strength in the middle. Defensively, Wavol Prentice and the Bulldogs have stopped the run well in the first couple of games and that could neutralize Sharon's primary attack. This feels like a tight, tense, defensive game that could come down to one play in the fourth quarter.
The Pick: Canton 14, Sharon 10
Jeff Pickette, Stoughton Media Access
In a game that figures to being a defensive battle, I'll give the edge to the home team, Canton. Sharon could easily be 3-0 this season but instead it will be the Bulldogs walking away unscathed heading into their bye week.
The Pick: Canton 14, Sharon 10
Chris McDaniel, The Enterprise
I think the first half will be a feeling-out process, as most competitive league games are. But come the second half, offense will take over. Sharon's deep stable of backs will not only keep their legs fresh, but will also keep their offense churning. Look for Sharon to win the time of possession battle and the game.
The Pick: Sharon 28, Canton 20
There are some people saying that Canton's 2-0 start is a fluke, but I think that will go away when they are 3-0. Brian Hagan's ability to run the option is what could be the deciding factor in the game. I think both teams will make some big defensive plays, but I think Canton's offense will be able to break through more often.
The Pick: Canton 24, Sharon 10
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com
I've picked against Canton each of the first two weeks and the Bulldogs have impressively started 2-0. Canton's offense, led by QB Brian Hagan, has shown that it has the speed to run the option and could find space on the edges of the Sharon defense, which has a lot of strength in the middle. Defensively, Wavol Prentice and the Bulldogs have stopped the run well in the first couple of games and that could neutralize Sharon's primary attack. This feels like a tight, tense, defensive game that could come down to one play in the fourth quarter.
The Pick: Canton 14, Sharon 10
Jeff Pickette, Stoughton Media Access
In a game that figures to being a defensive battle, I'll give the edge to the home team, Canton. Sharon could easily be 3-0 this season but instead it will be the Bulldogs walking away unscathed heading into their bye week.
The Pick: Canton 14, Sharon 10
Chris McDaniel, The Enterprise
I think the first half will be a feeling-out process, as most competitive league games are. But come the second half, offense will take over. Sharon's deep stable of backs will not only keep their legs fresh, but will also keep their offense churning. Look for Sharon to win the time of possession battle and the game.
The Pick: Sharon 28, Canton 20
HockomockSports.com Picks | ||||||||||
Ryan Lanigan |
Josh Perry |
Jeff Pickette |
Chris McDaniel |
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Game of the Week Staff | ||||||||||
Hockomock Sports |
Hockomock Sports |
SMAC |
The Enterprise |
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Sharon @ Canton Friday, 6:00 |
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Attleboro @ Franklin Friday, 7:00 |
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Oliver Ames @ Foxboro Friday, 7:00 |
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Milford @ Holliston Friday, 7:00 |
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North Attleboro @ Bishop Feehan Friday, 7:00 |
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Taunton vs. Durfee Friday, 6:00 |
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Total | Lanigan 12-8 |
Perry 12-8 |
Pickette 10-10 |
McDaniel 10-10 |