The Canton Eagles kept busy with the start of this year’s Class 4A UIL Playoffs looming just over the horizon, wrapping up District 14-4A play against Brownsboro before playing a pair of tune-up games against Tatum and Brook Hill.

The Eagles began their week at home, clashing with eventual district champions Brownsboro. Despite outhitting the Bears Canton would come up just short in the contest, allowing a first inning run on their way to a 1-0 loss.

Layne Etheridge took the loss despite a solid effort on the mound, allowing four hits and nan unearned run over seven innings.

Ace Reese went 2/2 at the plate with a double, Colton Whitehead went 2/3 with a double, Jaxon Rhyne went 1/2 and Reed Vannorsdel went 1/3.

The Eagles returned to the field three nights later at home, hosting Tatum in a playoff warmup game. Canton managed to weather a late Tatum rally in the contest to hold on for a 5-3 win.

Peyton Stewart picked up the win, allowing six hits and two earned runs over six innings of work. Reed Vannorsdel worked the final inning in relief, picking up the save without allowing a baserunner.

Ace Reese went 2/3 with two doubles, 2 RBI and a run scored, Colton Whitehead went 1/4 with 2 RBI and a run scored, Kaden Smith went 1/3 with an RBI, Jaxon Rhyne went 1/2 and Layne Etheridge went 1/3.

Canton wrapped its week with a home game against Bullard Brook Hill, falling 11-10 in a game played April 30.

Four different Canton pitchers took to the mound in the contest with Reed Vannorsdel allowing four earned runs in 2 1/3 innings, Creede Herchman allowing four earned runs in 2/3 innings, Kaden Smith allowing one earned run in three innings and Layne Etherdige allowing no earned runs in an inning.

Ace Reese remained red-hot at the plate, going 2/5 with two doubles, 2 RBI and a run scored. Other offensive leaders for Canton included EJ Dyke going 2/4 with an RBI and a run scored, Kaden Smith going 2/4 with 2 RBI and a run scored, Colton Whitehead going 2/3 with a run scored, Reed Vannorsdel going 2/5 with an RBI and a run scored, Creede Herchman going 1/3 with a double and an RBI and a run scored and Layne Etheridge going 1/4 with two runs scored.

Final District 14-4A standings show Brownsboro in first at 9-2, followed by Van in second at 8-3, Mabank in third at 5-5, Canton in fourth at 4-6, Athens in fifth at 3-7 and Wills Point in sixth at 2-8.

With their fourth place finish in district play, the Eagles will be paired with District 13-4A champions Nevada Community in the bi-district round of the playoffs. Game one is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start time May 6 and game two is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time May 7. Game three, if necessary, will follow 30 minutes after the conclusion of game two.

All contests between the Eagles and Braves will take place in Royse City.