Poland freshman win AAC football championship

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The Poland freshman football team won the 2010 AAC championship after defeating rival Canfield 7-6.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Freshman Ross Gould (with ball) scores Poland's only touchdown of the game against Canfield during the freshman football game Oct. 27.

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Michael Audi (on ground with ball) recovered a fumble against Canfield. Poland forced three Cardinals turnovers in the contest.

Canfield’s failed conversion run proved to be the difference between victory and defeat as the Poland freshman football team won the All-American Conference championship with a 7-6 win over its rival on Oct. 27.

After the Cardinals scored on their opening possession of the game for a 6-0 lead, Poland’s Abe Kassem stopped a Canfield runner in the backfield on the two-point conversion attempt.

That play was a hint of what was to come from the Poland defense, as the unit stopped Canfield from scoring three times inside the red zone. Two of those drives ended on downs for the Cards and the other resulted in a fumble recovery by Poland’s Nicholas Bilas.

The other two goal line stands were led by Jason Morucci, who tipped away a pass in the end zone, and Michael Audi’s pass deflection on fourth-and-goal.

The Bulldogs’ defense forced a total of three turnovers, including an Audi fumble recovery and an interception by Aaron King.

With the Bulldogs’ defense controlling the game, Poland’s offense did just enough to win. The only score of the game was a rushing touchdown by Ross Gould. That score toed the game at 6-all. Kicker Alex Ankerman provided the winning point with the conversion kick.

The Poland victory avoided a potential three-way tie for the AAC title with Canfield and Howland.