Rematch is testimony of strength

Howland won a playoff game for the first time in school history last week.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
When Canfield and Howland meet in Friday's Division II regional semifinal, it will be the first time two Metro Athletic Conference teams have met in the postseason.
Tigers coach Dick Angle thinks that says something.
"I think our conference is the best in the area," Angle, who coached Ursuline in the Steel Valley Conference for 18 seasons, said.
Agree or not, it's clear the MAC has grown in stature since Poland won the Div. III state championship in 1999. At least two MAC teams have made the playoffs each of the last four years.
"It's one of the best Division II-Division III conferences in the state," Canfield coach Mike Pavlansky said. "You had three teams in the playoffs [this year] and you're playing high-caliber opponents week in and week out.
"It's a shame we've gotta play each other now, but I think this game is a tribute to the conference."
The Cardinals (11-0) won their first MAC title since 1996 this season and beat the Tigers 23-8 in Week 5. The Tigers have never won a MAC title, but have made the playoffs the past two seasons.
"What happened in Week 5 has no bearing on this football game at all," Pavlansky said. "Our kids realize that if we don't play at high level, they're capable of taking it to us."
Canfield forced three Howland turnovers and opened a 23-0 lead in the first meeting.
"I think they have a talented crew," Angle said of Canfield. "They have great size, great speed, great skill players and an outstanding quarterback. They play well as a team and they've had a great season."
Howland won its first playoff game in school history last week, but Angle is no stranger to the playoffs. He coached the Irish to nine playoff appearances from 1979-1996, including two state semifinal teams.
"We've put that loss [to Canfield] behind us," Angle said. "This is like a new season and we approach it like we're playing a team we haven't faced before."
scalzo@vindy.com