Canfield's quest for perfection comes up short

Despite the heartbreaking loss, coach Mike Pavlansky said he couldn't be prouder of his team.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
MASSILLON -- The Canfield High School football team's magical run ended the same place it started last year -- in the state championship game at Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, watching another team celebrate.
The best team in Canfield history came agonizingly close to its first state title on Friday night, falling to Toledo Central Catholic 31-29 in the Division II state final.
"We almost got it," said Cardinals coach Mike Pavlansky, holding back tears at midfield just minutes after the game. "It just didn't work out for us tonight."
A year ago, a dozen Canfield underclassmen traveled to Massillon to watch Columbus Brookhaven beat Avon Lake in the Division II final. Those players, who lost to Brookhaven in the first round of the playoffs, vowed to return the next season.
They made good on that promise, winning 14 straight games to earn the first state final berth in school history.
But the Irish (14-1), who were also making their first state appearance, rallied from a 14-3 deficit to take a 31-22 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and held off a late rally.
"It hasn't sunk in yet," said Toledo Central Catholic coach Greg Dempsey. "Trust me, I'm happy."
Despite losing standout senior Angelo Babbaro midway in the second quarter, the Cardinals nearly pulled off a late comeback, cutting the deficit to two points on a 1-yard run by Joe Rosko with 1:49 left in the game. But a failed onside kick attempt, followed by a game-ending interception by Irish junior Dane Sanzenbacher minutes later, left the Cardinals one step short of their goal.
"We're disappointed in the outcome, but I couldn't be prouder of these kids," said Pavlansky. "They played their hearts out."