Mason Phillips breaks free for a long touchdown run (that was eventually called back by a penalty) during the freshmen Steelers' 27-13 victory. (Ed Wright photo)

Plymouth-Canton Steelers open with a bang against Belleville

  Following a first-week bye, the Plymouth-Canton Steelers opened the 2010 season sweeping the host Belleville Cougars Sunday.

  The Steelers varsity squad came out strong with a 21-12 victory, thanks in large part to Lawrence Cook, who ran for three touchdowns, including a 25-yarder. He also added nice extra-point kick.

  Several times throughout the game the Cougars tried to come back but the Steelers' defense held strong. Lucas Callahan had several big hits that resulted in loss of yardage for the Cougars. Jacob Sydlowski intercepted a pass to shut down a Cougar drive and Victor Villarini had two quarterback sacks to spoil the Cougars' Sunday afternoon.

  The Steelers junior varsity squad dominated as well with a 20-6 win. Offensively, Cooper Hasselhuhn's debut with the Steelers showcased his quickness and ball-running skills. Jared Golles also displayed his ability and stamina, playing both sides of the ball all day.

  The defense held the Cougars to only one TD all day. Isaac Emminger spoiled a Belleville drive by recovering a fumble deep in Steelers territory, Joey Ahearn prevented a Belleville TD with an open-field tackle on an outside sweep, and Luke Walkley contained the Belleville running game to the inside at defensive end all afternoon.

  The Steelers freshmen squad proved it was ready for the 2010 season with a solid 27 -13 win over the Cougars. Anchoring the gold offensive line was Nicholas Downs, who opened up huge holes all day. Ian Gozdor had several nice hard runs at running back while Lou Baechler scored a TD and extra point for an impressive start.

  Seth Troszak sparked the defensive line with several big tackles and Aaron Garbarino showed a stellar performance at defensive end. 

  The junior freshmen started their 2010 campaign in grand style on the mud-caked New Boston Huron High School field.

   In grind-'em-up fashion, the Steelers controlled the ball, dominated time-of-possession, and limited the Cougars to only two first downs. Leading the way for the Steelers were Logan Walkley (four rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown), James McCarthy (four fumble recoveries, multiple tackles in the backfield, one rushing touchdown), and Montana Montgomery (one rushing touchdown, several electric rushes for big yardage, key containment of the outside edge).

  Despite the conditions on the field, the Steelers racked up 19 first downs and committed only one turnover.  

Ryan Young broke free to score the freshmen Steelers' first TD of the season. (Ed Wright photo)