From stands to standout: Tristan Benson leads Holliston past Canton, 27-14

CANTON — When Holliston won back-to-back sectional crowns a few years ago, Tristan Benson was there watching.

On Friday night, Benson played a major role in helping the Panthers claim hardware once again.

Benson had 12 carries for 144 yards and two second-half TDs, and No. 2 Holliston received a strong defensive effort to earn a 27-14 road victory over top-seeded Canton and the Division 5 South title.

“It’s super surreal,” said Benson as Holliston advances to the state semifinals against Swampscott. “I’m still in shock because I didn’t really expect this. I’m just so excited to be put in this position to win a sectional title.”

Despite not allowing an offensive touchdown in the first half, Holliston (9-1) still trailed at the break after Jahmi Alden returned a fumble caused by Ben Guerini’s strip-sack 12 yards for a score late in the second quarter to give Canton (7-1) a 7-6 lead.

In the second half, the Panthers went to their ground attack after rushing the ball just four times over the first 24 minutes and Benson gave Holliston the lead for good on a 5-yard run just 3:05 into the third quarter.

“He’s a gamer,” said Holliston coach Todd Kiley of Benson. “He’s a hard working kid. … He went after it.”

Holliston‘s defense held firm with David Harding recovering a botched snap midway through the fourth quarter and the Panthers converted the turnover into points. On fourth-and-7, Matt Arvanitis (9-for-26, 205 yards, two touchdowns) completed his only pass of the second half as he hit Kevin Lyons over the middle for a 32-yard TD and a 21-7 lead with 3:58 left.

Canton responded with a 17-yard scoring pass from Johnny Hagan to Kyle Fitzgerald, but the Panthers recovered the ensuing onside kick. Three plays later, Benson gashed a Canton defense that came in allowing 5.3 points per game, and found the end zone from three yards out to clinch the win.

“We were flying around,” Kiley said. “I’m proud of our kids. They came ready to play.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/33Sy470