East Canton is off to its best start in 20 years.
Quarterback Owen McCroskey accounted for more than 340 yards and five touchdowns as the Hornets rolled past Sandy Valley 47-27 on Friday night. The victory pushed East Canton to 3-0 for the first time since 2005.
McCroskey threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns, adding 131 yards and two more scores on the ground. His favorite target, Aydan Stephens, caught 12 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns while also recording seven tackles on defense.
Early spark
Dillon Anderson put the Hornets on the board first with a 6-yard rushing touchdown. After Sandy Valley tied the game, East Canton seized control in the second quarter.
McCroskey connected with James Stubblefield for a 9-yard score, then broke loose for a 62-yard touchdown run. Later in the quarter, East Canton added a safety and a 42-yard field goal from Canaan Pollard to build a 26-14 halftime lead.
Hornets pull away
Stephens extended the lead in the third quarter with a 31-yard touchdown catch. After Sandy Valley answered with a 65-yard scoring pass, McCroskey capped another drive with a 15-yard touchdown run.
In the fourth quarter, Sandy Valley cut the deficit to 40-27, but McCroskey and Stephens connected again on a 13-yard touchdown to seal the game.
By the numbers
East Canton piled up 495 yards of offense — 282 rushing and 213 passing — while converting 8 of 12 third downs and both of its fourth-down attempts. Anderson finished with 133 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
The Hornets’ defense forced a safety, one interception, and limited the Cardinals to 346 yards. Stubblefield caught six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Pollard added four extra points and a 42-yard field goal.
What it means
With the win, East Canton improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2005, signaling a potential resurgence for the program. The Hornets will look to continue their momentum as league play begins.
