In a hard fought rivalry game between the Poland Bulldogs and the Canfield Cardinals, the Cardinals picked up the win in the Battle of 224. 

In the first quarter, both the Bulldogs and Cardinals had a rough start offensively with both teams punting the ball on their first offensive possessions. Canfield then received the ball back and Quarterback Enzo Cocca broke multiple tackles and scored a touchdown for the Cardinals making it 7-0.

The Bulldogs answered back with a big run by Freshman Quarterback David Xipolitas the next drive. The Bulldogs were unable to get into the end zone but senior Kicker Jas Stefancin would make a 25-yard field goal making the score 7-3.

In the second quarter, both teams struggled to find any rhythm on offense when Canfield punted the ball and Poland would then rough the kicker and would be a total drive changer for the Cardinals. That led to Ethan Rittenour kicking a 24-yard field goal, making the game 10-3 and be the end of the second quarter.

At the start of the third quarter, the Bulldogs started with the ball at their own 20 yard line.

After a promising start to the drive, Junior Quarterback Vito Komara fumbled the ball and the Canfield Cardinals recovered the football leading to Canfield having a lot of momentum. After a series of punts from both teams, at the end of the third quarter, the Cardinals were still be up 10-3.

In the fourth quarter, Canfield drove down the field and Junior Quarterback Enzo Cocca scored another rushing touchdown for the Cardinals. The extra point would be good leaving the score 17-3 in favor of the Cardinals. The Bulldogs had urgency leading to a 3-yard Chase Jones touchdown leaving the Bulldogs only down one score. Jas Stefancin sets up the onside kick and the Bulldogs recover the ball back. Unfortunately, on fourth down, Junior running back Pano Xipolitas was just short and the Bulldogs would end up losing the Battle of 224 in 2024,

After the game Captain Oliver McCully was asked “How does the team manage to play in tough rivalry games like this.”

McCully said,“We play just fine in games, rivalry or not. We play together and build off each other’s performances.”

Also Captain Tyler Canfield was asked “What is next for this team.”

Canfield said, “We play Hubbard at home for the homecoming game; they are 4-0 right now, but we know this is another game we need under our belt.”