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Canton McKinley 49, Toledo Whitmer 7
Bulldogs dominate Panthers
Senior tailback rushes 217 yards, scores five TDs for second week in a row
By Michael Beaven
Beacon Journal sportswriter

PARMA - The first-half score and statistics provided an accurate synopsis of Friday night's dominant performance by Canton McKinley.

The result was an impressive 49-7 victory over Toledo Whitmer in a Division I regional championship at Byers Field.

Bulldogs senior tailback Morgan Williams once again led the offense, scoring five touchdowns for the second consecutive week. He finished with 217 rushing yards on 24 carries and was not needed in the fourth quarter.

``He's awfully determined to carry this team to the next victory,'' McKinley coach Brian Cross said. ``That's what he is all about right now. He's a guy when, even if you don't block a play well, he can get yardage. And generally when he gets in the secondary, they have a hard time bringing him down because he is so big and strong.''

McKinley (12-1) held a 35-0 lead at halftime on the strength of four rushing touchdowns by Williams. He gained 181 yards on 20 carries in the half.

``We jumped on them early, and we got on a roll,'' Cross said.

Williams opened the scoring with a 33-yard touchdown with 7:53 left in the first quarter. He started the rush up the middle, then cut left and ran untouched.

His second touchdown came as time expired in the first quarter. The 72-yard dash began up the middle. He broke a tackle about 12 yards into the run, then burst to the right sideline.

``He's just a quiet kid,'' Cross said of Williams. ``This is a kid that doesn't say much and gives credit to somebody else. This kid has been special for us for three years and especially for the last two.''

Four plays after a Whitmer turnover on its 22, Williams scored on a 4-yard run. He capped his impressive half with a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:45 remaining in the half.

With 15 seconds left before halftime, Bulldogs junior free safety Tremaine O'Neal intercepted a pass and ran untouched for 70 yards.

``It was a team effort,'' said O'Neal, who also had a fumble recovery. ``We worked hard in practice all week, and we did exactly what we were supposed to do. We just ran to the football. We swarmed to the football.''

The Bulldogs outgained the Panthers 209-60 in the first half and 368-183 for the game.

``We just got outplayed in all three phases'' of the game, Whitmer coach Joe Palka said. ``Their kicking game was great, and Morgan is a great tailback. We weren't able to tackle him early, and we couldn't get any first downs early.''

McKinley seniors Disi Alexander, George Tabron, Darius Williams, Gaylan Roberson, Martavian Thigpen, Brandon Mingo and Will Sheeler keyed the defense all evening.

``Defensively, we were flying to the ball, and that is what this game is all about,'' Cross said. ``We pride ourselves on defense, and we didn't play well the last two weeks.''

The defense had trouble in playoff victories over Toledo St. John's and Brunswick, allowing 48 points and 856 yards.

``We were pumped up; we didn't want to get embarrassed,'' Alexander said. ``That's embarrassing when you are giving up 300, 400 yards to a team.''

Bulldogs senior Zack Campbell had a solid game kicking and punting. He converted all seven extra points, had six touchbacks on kickoffs and also had a punt to the Whitmer 2-yard line.

Whitmer finishes at 9-4.

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