On Friday night, Canton-Galva(11-0) will face Madison(11-0) for the first time in history. Canton-Galva will be making their second consecutive appearance in the sub-state round, fourth overall. Madison is appearing in their first round of four since 2012, and their 12th overall substate appearance.
The Eagles are coached by Shelby Hoppes, 25-7 in three years. Before taking over in 2017, Canton-Galva was 2-7 when this year Senior Class were freshmen. Hoppes, and the senior class have turned the program around.
Madison found themselves in their second consecutive offseason with a coaching search after Terry Flannigan retired in 2015 after a 2-7 record. Flannigan replaced Fred McClain who led the Bulldogs from 1997-2014 and compiled a 153-38 record, according to kansasfootballhistory.com. Alex McMillian, was tasked to take over the reigns. McMillian went 8-10 in his first two years but has since gone 20-1 over the last two seasons.
Two preseason favorites to come out of the east, CG and Madison have shown dominance throughout their seasons. The matchup will pit the highest scoring offense against one of the top scoring defenses in the state.
Canton-Galva survived a scare against South Central last week, with a 42-16 win. The Eagles were trailing midway through the third quarter 16-8 before catching fire to finish the game. Madison defeated Caldwell, 60-14, in the sectional round.
Canton-Galva entered 2019 with their entire roster back from a sub-state runnerup finish in 2018. The Eagles have powered their way behind a stingy defense, allowing a second best 55 total points in 8-man Div. 1, including seven shutouts.
Canton-Galva’s defense is led by Senior defensive backs Kinser Colgin and Landon Everett, along with Sophomore Tyson Struber, who returned last week after injuring his hand on October 11th. Last year the secondary tied a state record with 27 interceptions.
The Bulldogs of Madison have scored the most points in the division in 2019 with 663. The 60.27 points per game average is powered behind a rushing attack that has gained 2981 yards on the year. Senior Nasun Wasson leads the team with 727 yards and 14 scores. Junior Quarterback Ryan Wolgram is not far behind with 702 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground. Wolgram is also 37/55 for 614 yards for 11 touchdowns to three interceptions. Senior Colton Fife, and Juniors Hunter Engle and Brome Rayburn round out the rushing attack for Madison.
When the Eagles have the ball, Everett leads the team at Quarterback. His top receivers are Struber and Colgin that present homerun potential on every throw. Junior Brayden Collins brings a well balanced attack out of the backfield, running behind an offensive line that averages 232lbs up front. Seniors Jay Nightingale and Nick Pearson, along with Junior Keaton Littrell have opened up huge holes for Collins all year long, helping the Eagles average 55.63 points per game.
Madison defense has allowed 10.54 ppg and is led by Engle at defensive end. Juniors Chase Harrison, Joe Stubbs, Isaac Miser, and Sophomore Drew Stutesman round out the front five the Bulldog defense. Rayburn, Fife, and Wolgram will look to keep the passing attack at bay in the secondary.
Madison and Canton-Galva share three opponents that they each have faced earlier in the year, Chase County, Lebo, and Solomon.
Chase County was defeated by Canton Galva 46-0 in week 2 and 46-0 in the first round of the playoffs. Madison defeated Chase County 62-18 in the district finale.
Lebo was defeated in Regionals by the Eagles 58-8, while Madison won 50-0 in week 5.
Solomon took a 60-0 defeat in week 6 to Canton Galva and was eliminated by the Bulldogs in the first round of the playoffs 57-0.
Canton-Galva is looking for their third state birth, and first since 1991(1979). Madison is in search for their 6th trip for a state appearance, and first since 2011(1973,1984,1989,2010).
Kickoff is set for 7pm from Dewitt Family Stadium in Madison. The game can be heard live on KVOE Country 101.7 FM.