Canadian/Memphis Recap

By Canadian Wildcat Sports Network

It was a tale of two very different offenses on a rainy Friday night at Wildcat Stadium for the Wildcats’ home opener. Canadian (2-0) employs a no-huddle, extremely fast-paced, spread offense; while Memphis (0-2) is a run-first team who tries to run down the clock as much as possible.

Once again, the Wildcat’s high powered offense was on display early as they had over 30 offensive snaps in the first quarter alone. In contrast, Memphis ran only 40 offensive snaps the entire contest. 

The Wildcat defense was solid as well, allowing only 6 first downs and 1 TD – coming after most of the Canadian starters had been removed.

The Wildcats received the ball to begin the game and promptly went 3 and out and punted the ball off to Memphis. It was immediately apparent that the Wildcats were well prepared for the ground and pound style of running offense that the Cyclones would bring, allowing only 40 rushing yards the entire first half.

After a second 3 and out by both teams, Canadian once again received possession with excellent field possession at mid-field. The Wildcat’s first score of the game came on a long 52 yard pass from Tanner Schafer to Braiden Galla. With 7:33 left in the 1^st quarter, the Wildcats had an early lead of 7-0.

After the Canadian TD it looked as though the Cyclones were putting together a promising drive consisting of several productive runs by sophomore RB David Dickson. However, the Cyclones decided to go to the air and sophomore Wildcat standout Cameron Copley came up with a 

momentum-stealing interception.

Following the Copley interception, the Wildcats took possession at mid-field and scored 5 plays later on an 8 yard TD pass from Schafer to Eddie Paz. The 2 pt conversion run failed and that would do it for the scoring in the 1^st quarter with the Wildcats leading 13-0.

Less than 30 seconds into the 2^nd quarter, Canadian would score on a Cameron Copley sweep around the end. The point 2 pt. conversion run failed once again and the score was 19-0 Canadian over Memphis.

The Cyclones running game stalled on their next drive, failing to convert a 4^th and long and the Wildcats would take over at the Memphis 48 yard line. Two plays later Schafer connected with Galla, this time for a 41 yard TD pass. The Benigno Heredia extra point was good and Canadian led 26-0 with 8:53 to play in the 2^nd quarter.

It was a quick turnaround as the Wildcats forced and recovered a fumble on the first play of the Cyclone’s drive and scored on the very next play on an 8 yard pass from Schafer to Sawyer Cook. Once again, the Heredia point after attempt was good and the Wildcats would lead 33-0 with 7:54 remaining in the half.

The Cyclones couldn’t manage to get anything going on the ensuing drive, and Canadian would take over with excellent field position. Tanner Schafer would eventually connect with Galla on a 5 yard TD pass, capping off a 7 play – 45 yard drive. The point after attempt was good and the Wildcats took a 45-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Canadian HC Chris Koetting removed the majority of his starters to begin the 2^nd half of play. 

Neither team scored in the 3^rd quarter but it was an excellent opportunity for some of the younger Wildcat back-ups to get valuable playing time. At the end of the 3^rd quarter, the score was still 45-0 Wildcats.

As the rain started to fall a bit harder in the 4^th quarter, the officials and coaches decided to keep a running game clock. Both defenses were stingy as time quickly ticked away but the Wildcats were finally able to put more points on the board with a line drive 40 yard field goal by Benigno Heredia. With 7:56 left to play in the game, Canadian held a 43-0 lead.

At that point it looked as though the Wildcats were bound and determined to keep the shutout intact. However, the Cyclones had different plans. Memphis drove it downfield on several runs by Junior RB Michael Alexander. Finally, the Cyclones were able to punch one in on a 6 yard QB keeper by Zack Altman with only :08 seconds left on the clock. Canadian blocked the PAT and would hold for the win by a score of 43-6.

Tanner Schafer led the Wildcats going 16/21 for 270 yards and 5 TD in only 2 quarters of play. Galla, also in 2 quarters of play, led the Wildcats with 130 yards receiving on 5 catches with 3 TD. Canadian piled up 394 yards of total offense compared with only 84 yards total offense for Memphis.

This week, the Wildcats welcome the 2-0 Perryton Rangers to town for Homecoming. The festivities will begin at 5:30 with a tailgate party at Wildcat Stadium, followed by a celebration honoring the 1950 and 1999 Wildcat teams. The Wildcats will also dedicate the field house to former Wildcat and fallen soldier, Miles P. Henderson. Game time will be 7:30PM.