2A DI State Championship: Canadian 61, Refugio 20

The first 12 minutes weren’t pretty, but Canadian finally found its groove and claimed the 2015 Class 2A-DI championship for the second straight year with a 61-20 victory over Refugio. The Wildcats were one of the state’s most dominant forces this season, but the offense was held without a first down in the first quarter. Tied 7-7 early in the second quarter, Canadian scored 24 straight points to lead Refugio 31-7 at halftime. Turnovers and missed opportunities defined major stretches of play for Refugio. Canadian scored 17 first-half points off of four Refugio turnovers and Refugio missed at least three open receivers deep down the field. The Bobcats outgained Canadian by over 100 yards in the first quarter and didn’t allow a first down, but trailed 7-0 in the first quarter when a Jaylon Mascorro pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by defensive back Cade Throgmorton. Refugio responded with a touchdown run by Isaiah Perez, who had fumbled earlier in the quarter. Perez took the snap from the Wildcat and scored on a 1-yard run after Refugio extended the drive the play before on fourth down. It was all Canadian after that, however, as quarterback Tanner Schafer started finding success on the ground and through the air. Schafer had a rushing and passing touchdown in the first half. Running back Chance Cook caught the touchdown pass. Wide receiver Cameron Copley, a junior, became a frequent target for Schafer and even rushed for a touchdown and caught an interception in the first half. A fumble with seconds left in the second quarter allowed Canadian to tack on a field goal before halftime to make it 31-7. Nothing changed in the second half. Canadian’s defense remained dominant and the offense continued to put points on the board. The trio of Schafer, Copley and Cook kept control in the second half. Copley and Cook made big plays on offense and defense in the second half. Refugio committed six turnovers and were outgained 388-264. Canadian only had two total penalties. Game BallsTanner Schafer – Canadian’s quarterback rides off into Texas football history with an exclamation point. He, and the rest of the Canadian offense, couldn’t find a rhythm in the first quarter. Once he figured it out, it was a wrap. Schafer isn’t known as a runner, but his legs proved invaluable in the first half. He was the best player on the field and he made that clear as the game continued. Cameron Copley – We all knew Schafer would be a deciding factor in the game. Copley, on the other hand, came in a little less heralded. The junior wide receiver and defensive back made an impact on both sides of the ball. In the first half, he became Schafer’s favorite target in the passing game, scored a rushing touchdown and recorded an interception. Cade Throgmorton – The first big play of the game made a lasting mark. It set the tone for a Canadian team struggling to find any room to work with on offense. Throgmorton made all that obsolete when he read a quick-pass from Refugio, jumped the route, made the interception and took it to the end zone for the first touchdown of the game and the state championship weekend.