RE-CHARGED! Churchill upends Canton in debut game at P-CEP stadium
Churchill senior Dalvon Wideman gets the edge against Canton during Thursday night’s season opener at the P-CEP’s new North Field.
The defining play in Thursday night’s season-opening Livonia Churchill-Canton game didn’t result in a score or a big loss — but it was a massive momentum-builder nonetheless.
With just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter of a scoreless game — the first-ever varsity football contest at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park’s new North Stadium — Charger running back Dalvon Wideman was wrapped up behind the line of scrimmage and appeared on the verge of a massive loss.
Faster than you can say “Jahmyr Gibbs”, Wideman pulled a Gibbs-like play, separating himself from the would-be tackler near the Cobra 20-yard line before bursting down the sideline to the 1-yard line.
Wideman’s effort set up Levi Timberlake’s 1-yard TD plunge on the following play, setting the tone for Churchill’s impressive 26-6 victory.
‘We were ready’
When asked what impressed him the most about his team’s performance, Churchill Head Coach Allen Feigel didn’t hesitate.
“Our readiness,” said Feigel, whose Peyton Gout-led defense kept the Cobras off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter.
“I could tell all day we were ready. I’m not going to make any proclamations after one game — I’m not going to say we’re going 9-0 — but this group of players is different.
“We haven’t had a group like this in three or four years in terms of toughness and togetherness — and it showed tonight.”
Churchill carried a 19-0 lead into the half thanks to a 26-yard TD connection from quarterback Ali Taleb to John Moore, who was wide open behind the Canton secondary.
The winners’ final tally came on a 43-yard bomb from Taleb to Jackson Lauter.
Canton sophomore quarterback Dylan Parrish found Jamari Storie open in the middle of the end zone from 4 yards out for the Cobras’ lone TD.
The Cobras threatened to cut into the Chargers’ lead in the game’s waning moments, but were stopped on downs in the red zone.
Taleb was steady field general
Taleb was solid throughout the game, completing 7 of 12 passes for 138 yards and two TDs. Hall was the Chargers’ top rusher with 55 yards on seven attempts.
Gout was relentless from his defensive end position, compiling a team-high seven tackles. Carter Brown notched six stops, while Isaac Groth, Timberlake and Aidan Cunningham were credited with five tackles each.
“Peyton Gout played a tremendous game,” Feigel said. “He probably caught my eye more than others. Dalvon Wideman made plays when we needed them, too.”
Moore added a blocked punt for Churchill.
Sophomore was solid
Parrish completed 10 of 23 passes for 137 yards and a TD. He also ran six times for 28 yards.
Canton’s biggest play of the night yardage-wise came on a 40-yard Parrish-to-Jayden Fry hook-up.
The Cobras’ defense came up big late in the first half when Augustus Guoin punched the ball out of the grasp of a Churchill ball-carrier at the Canton 7-yard line. The loose pigskin rolled to the 3-yard line where Jordan Banko alertly pounced on it to thwart a long Charger drive.
Michael Rezhda booted three extra points for Churchill.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
