Gardner Carries Warriors Past Northwest For Season-Opening Win
By: Chris Manning | NTL Sports | August 23, 2025 | Photo courtesy Chris Manning
Bailey Gardner ran for 157 yards as Canton topped Northwest, 17-6, during their football season opener Friday.
The Warriors out gained Northwest 303-167, and held them to just three first downs in the second half.
Gardner had a rushing touchdown, as well, while freshman lineman Daniel Inman recovered a fumble in the end zone for the team’s first score. Alexis McRoberts had a 30-yard field goal as the final points of the game.
Rylan Wesneski went 4-for-9 for 88 yards with an interception while running for 46 yards on 19 carries. Monte Whitehead had two catches for 74 yards to lead Canton.
Northwest struck first with a touchdown run late in the first quarter for a 6-0 lead.
With 8:10 on the clock Inman recovered a Gardner fumble in the end zone, as Canton took the lead with a McRoberts extra point.
To start the second half Canton went 61 yards on three Gardner carries to hit pay dirt, making it 14-6 after McRoberts' kick with 11:15 on the clock.
Then with 6:34 left in the third McRoberts split the uprights on a field goal for the 17-6 final.
