Sports

Two Van Zandt County football rivals returned to the scene Sept. 30 of their memorable classic contest from a year ago as the Van Vandals visited Norris Birdwell Stadium to take on the Canton Eagles.

Varsity members of the Canton cross country program hit the road last week, traveling across state lines to compete at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival on the University of Arkansas Cross Country Course.

The Canton Eaglettes continued to stake their claim as one of the top 4A programs in the state last week, tallying two wins over state-ranked opponents to wrap up round one of District 16-4A play with a perfect 6-0 record.

TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work in the district during the week of Oct. 3. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in work zones.

The Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial hosted its largest fundraising event of the year Sept. 13, welcoming golfers from across the area to Van Zandt Country Club for the 9th annual VZ Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament.

Canton opened district on a sour note Friday in Center, falling behind early and losing in blowout fashion to the Roughriders. With starting quarterback Nathan Parker sidelined after taking a punishing hit in last week’s game against Mabank, the Eagles offense became one-dimensional and struggled mightily against an energetic Center front.

Friday night, Van Zandt County’s two biggest rivals will meet for another chapter in a rivalry that has been rather lopsided in the 21st century. In the past 12 matchups since 2004, the Eagles are just 3-9 against the Vandals, with their last sign of success being a 24-7 victory at home in 2010.

The Canton Junior High volleyball program enjoyed a successful run at the Lindale Tournament over the weekend, with the 8th grade A team placing second overall, the 8th grade B team placing third overall, the 7th grade A team placing third overall and the 7th grade team placing third overall in their respective divisions.

The Canton Eaglettes continued to tighten their grip on a potential playoff spot last week, notching a pair of wins to stay perfect in district play ahead of a looming matchup against chief rival Van Sept. 30.

The Canton Running Eagles competed at the Rains Invitational on Thursday, September 22. The varsity girls were meet champions out of 16 teams and 121 runners on the 2.2 mile course.