Week 2 Recap: Stark County Teams Turn the Tide
Canton McKinley opened the second week of the 2026 season with a 22‑8 defeat at the hands of St. Edward, a loss that was compounded by a hamstring injury to All‑Ohio running back Kyelin West. The setback dropped the Bulldogs to second place in the local power poll.
Meanwhile, St. Thomas Aquinas snapped a 14‑game skid with a 19‑8 victory over Wellsville, a win that not only halted a long‑standing losing streak but also set the stage for a potential resurgence that has not been seen since the 2020 campaign.
West Branch’s Grady Hirst turned heads with a five‑touchdown outing, rushing for 155 yards and adding 204 yards through the air in a 35‑7 triumph over New Philadelphia, underscoring his dual‑weapon threat.
Perry’s Jonathan Lemon continued to climb the stat sheet, posting four touchdowns in the first week and three more in week two, including a career‑high 212‑yard rushing performance against St. Vincent‑St. Mary that highlighted his growing influence.
Fairless quarterback Mikey Ritterbeck proved equally dangerous, throwing for 96 yards and two scores while also rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns in a 48‑6 drubbing of Waynedale, illustrating a rare blend of arm and legs.
East Canton’s Colby Schrader exploded for 275 rushing yards and four touchdowns, including two successful two‑point conversions, in a 36‑20 win over Berlin Center Western Reserve that propelled his team into the conversation for top honors.
In a defensive showcase, Green’s Kam Worner accounted for all four touchdowns in a 28‑7 victory over Tallmadge, contributing 79 rushing yards and a 25‑yard reception to round out a balanced attack.
The latest Greater Canton Football Power Poll reflects these shifts, with Massillon holding the top spot at 1‑0, followed by Canton McKinley, Lake, Jackson and Perry as they each prepare for upcoming tests against Sandusky, Rocky River and other stiff competition.