A mud-D mess

Defense shines in rain-soaked 6-0 triumph

  What do you get when you combine real grass, relentless rain and relentless defense?
  A 6-0 Canton victory over Brighton in Friday's season-opening football game for both teams.
  Hampered by horrible footing that was the result of a game-long downpour, neither team's offense could get in gear. It didn't help that both team's defenses are expected to be among the best in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association.
  "Defensively, we played really well," said Canton coach Tim Baechler. "Offensively, we played O.K., but the field was so sloppy, it was tough to get anything going.
  "Brighton has a very good defense. They have seven guys back from last year, and their defense was good last year."
  The game's only touchdown came on Canton's first drive when Ron Gaudi scored from one yard out. The extra-point attempt never got off the ground due to the slick conditions.
  The Canton defense's biggest stop came late in the first half when the Bulldogs took over at the Chiefs' 30 following a mis-handled snap on a punt.
  "But our defense went out and stopped them," said Baechler. "That was probably the biggest series of the night defensively."
  The Chiefs hit the road again Thursday night when they travel to White Lake Lakeland.

Ed Wright can be reached at [email protected] or (734) 453-1980.