CANFIELD — Special teams carried Canfield to victory in its season opener on Friday night.

Two long kickoff returns for a touchdown helped the Cardinals overcome a sluggish start and withstand an explosive West Branch offense in a 26-21 victory over the Warriors.

“We did some uncharacteristic things for us…but our guys battled,” Canfield head coach Joe Ignazio said. “Every time we were down, they battled. Even when they went for two, we kept responding. Our special teams kept us in the game with two kick returns. Those two young men, Donnie Ferko and Sami Hout, are special. … Hats off to (West Branch), great program. This is exactly how you want to open up Northeast Ohio football.”

The two teams largely traded blows throughout the first half.

On its first drive, West Branch moved the b

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