“We’re BAAAAACK!”

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: December 16, 2018

photos Alan Hale

Canadian Defense Shuts Down Powerful Gunter in Semifinal Showdown, 17-7

VERNON – Some might liken the Canadian (14-1) win over Gunter (14-1) as a “third time is a charm” event. But one thing that’s for certain is if the Wildcats were dealing with a Gunter “bug-a-boo”, it died a horrible death Friday night on Leo Brittain Field in Lion Stadium. After falling to the Tigers in the final four semifinal match in 2016 and 2017, Canadian redeemed themselves with one of the most impressive displays of defense seen in this class all season.

This was the third consecutive playoff week that the Wildcat defense held powerful offensive opponents to 7 points each. The powerful triple option, run orientated Tigers averaged 39 points per game until they faced the swarming, hard hitting defense from Canadian. Gunter also proved to be a hard hitting, stingy defense, however, they couldn’t prevent the high-tempo, balanced attack by the Wildcats from scoring twice in the first quarter. QB Casen Cavalier hit Canadian’s leading receiver WR Garrison McCook on 28 yard and 5 yard TD strikes that caused the Tigers to play catch-up the rest of the night.

Playing without the lead was uncharted territory for the Tigers and the frustration for the Gunter squad became evident with several personal foul and unsportsmanlike penalties. With 2:31 left in the second quarter, Tiger QB Ethan Everson hit WR Peyton Lowe for a TD from 18 yards out and Evan Gonzales added the PAT. As comfortable as that passing score looked, the Gunter scoring had ended and their version of an air attack would fall apart.

As the second half began to take shape, Gunter was forced out of their ground and pound triple option comfort zone and took to the air much more than planned. Tiger’s D1 prospect RB Dylan Jantz was held to a little over 50 yards rushing in the first half and finished the game with 62 yards on 12 carriers. The Wildcat defensive line of Brenden Wyatt, Colton Risley, Rhet Pennington, and Saul Escamilla were in a Battle Royale in the trenches and winning enough that linebackers Cutter Kelton (team leader in tackles), Caleb Martinez, and Reagan Cochran were free to do some major damage. That was one indication why the Gunter passing game was called upon.

Even though (ironically) Gunter was the 7-on-7 State Champions, airing it out isn’t their strongest virtue and that became evident in the second half as Canadian’s defense began to disrupt a less powerful passing attack. Safety Jack Koetting started the Wildcat thievery intercepting Everson on the Canadian 37 yard line early in the third quarter. CB Grant McCook would gather in two INTs, one of which would be converted into a 21 yard FG by K Edgar Salazar late in the third. That score would create a small cushion for Canadian, forcing Gunter to need two scores to tie or take the lead.

As important as Salazar’s FG was to pressure Gunter into needing two scores, Tiger K Evan Gonzalez had an opportunity to make the game a one score game with a 37 yard FG attempt early in the fourth. Both sides of the stadium were shocked to watch Gonzales miss the kick wide right, as he is well known to be money from that range.

Canadian’s Cavalier seemed a bit disappointed post-game having not put up more points with the turnover opportunities. However, with each possession the minutes Gunter needed to score was being robbed by the Wildcat offense. The game had become another defensive battle as Canadian rode out the advantage with a 17-7 lead.

The last four Gunter possessions seemed to be awash in desperation. Starting on drives from their own 42, 5, 31, and 26 yard line, the Tigers lined up as fast as possible; as if they were playing 7-on-7 again. One of those drives were cut short by a sack/fumble recovered by Canadian. The last interception by Wildcat LB Reagan Cochran in the remaining seconds ended the game with the scoreboard frozen at 17-7 in Canadian’s favor.

Wildcat Defensive Coordinator Andy Cavalier told Canadian Sports Network’s Russell Gadbois, “We tribute Coach (Hayden) Merket, (Jeff) Isom, and (Morgan) Brady and the plan they put together… and our kids went out and executed… and they just played so hard too! It wasn’t just about doing what you’re supposed to do – not only that, but you had to do it better that you’ve ever done it before and more intensely than you ever had.”

Cavalier added: “Our three goals defensively this week were to number one, be the most physical football team on the field – I think we were and they (Gunter) were extremely physical. Number two, try to stay on your feet – don’t get cut. Number three, play the best game you’ve played yet this year. And I think they did all three.”

Gadbois caught up with Head Coach Chris Koetting: “I’m just so proud of the kids! What they’ve done. And you know, I don’t think, back in the summer, many people had a slot for us in the State Championship game. So, we did it, we did it! I’m just so proud of those kids, our coaches, our community! Man… I mean, that support, for all that huge crowd here, it’s just special, it’s really special.”

Russell asked about the great Gunter program and getting the payback
victory. “It’s just so good to… you know, we don’t like getting beat once by somebody, and then twice… but three times? I said guys, we can’t do this (lose again). So, they were just super motivated. You know, I thought, whoever wants it the most is going to win it and I think we wanted it the most,” Coach responded.

The Texas UIL Class 3ADII State Championship

The Wildcats will play the defending State Champion Newton Eagles at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, December 20th , with a 3:00 P.M. scheduled kickoff. This will be the sixth Championship game appearance since 2014 for the Wildcats. Canadian won back-to-back Championships in 2007, 2008 and again in 2014, 2015. The team has played in five consecutive Semifinal games 2015.

More details are available at https://www.uiltexas.org/football/state

If you cannot attend or watch the game on television, be sure to point your smartphone/tablet to www.lonestargridiron.com as we will be broadcasting LIVE audio all four days.

Jerry Brunson for Lone Star Gridiron

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Stats courtesy of Ron Shrader, Canadian ISD