The Start of a New Season

The Canton Classics squared off against the Arizona Scorpions for the first time last Saturday at Fatality Field, signaling the beginning of SFL season 20. The Scorpions were coming off a season 19 in which they finished as the runner-up to the Champion Baltimore Vultures, while the Classics finished their expansion season winning six of their last eight games to finish an even 6-6 and narrowly missing the playoffs.

Although the game was held at the Scorpions’ home field, the visiting Classics entered with great expectations and desire to leave Arizona with a win. The Home Team had other plans though as The Arizona Defense came out primed and with a purpose. On the first play of the game, Canton Quarterback, Cam Curtis, dropped back for his first pass of the game which resulted in an interception by the Scorpion Secondary. Unfortunately for the Classics, that play seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game.

The first half of the game proved difficult for the Classics as the running game could not quite get its footing. RB, Robert “RoJo” Johnson, finished the game with only 9 carries for 21 rushing yards, which he supplemented with five receptions for 27 receiving yards. Full Back, Cain Hunter, had his first two carries of his young SFL Pro career along with one reception. The Classics’ Defense tried its best to provide as many opportunities as it could for the Offense to place points on the board, but for the first half, they were stifled again and again. By halftime, the score was 21-0 in favor of Arizona.

But as the second half rolled around, the Classics tried to make the game more competitive. Cornerbacks Evan Lacey and Connor Darrian both opened the 3rd quarter with interceptions on either side of the field. CB Lacey, also finished the game with seven tackles while CB Darrian finished with eight. The Classics Defense was led by LB Gary Clem (12 tcks.), FS Bob Funk (12 tcks.), and LB Ace Singletary (11 tcks., 1 int.). The Offense tried to find their groove as QB Cam Curtis was able to connect on deep passes to his Receiver Corp. Wide Receiver, Mike Twinscrew, finished the game with 9 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown, followed by WR Kendra Wells (5 rec., 66 yards, 1 td) and TE Jack Wall (1 rec., 12 yards).

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