Cards' QBs: Twice as nice

Frank Ross and Sean Baker have led the Cardinals to12 straight wins.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CANFIELD -- As the unbeaten Canfield High football team approaches its peak playing level, coach Mike Pavlansky could give several reasons behind the success, which has the Cardinals knocking on the door of a state semifinal appearance in Division II.
Adequate preparation and good fortune are two reasons Canfield has an unprecedented 12-0 record to this point, but having players who are agreeable to sharing time is a luxury of immeasurable benefit.
A case in point would be Frank Ross and Sean Baker at quarterback.
"It's that way with all the kids," Pavlansky said, "They'll do whatever it takes to give us the best chance to win on Fridays."
This Friday culminates the 13th of those weeks the Cards embraced their task well enough to come away a winner.
Meet Louisville Friday
Unbeaten Louisville is the next opponent, but that doesn't mean it's an obstacle Canfield can't overcome in the Region 7 championship game at Mollenkopf Stadium.
For those who may question the wisdom of the team's two-quarterback system, adoring Canfield followers have a two-part comeback: win-win.
The plan isn't unprecedented. Warren Harding advanced to the state final in 2002 with rotating quarterbacks.
Obviously, judging by the team's advancement, nothing is lost with Ross and Baker alternating series.
Same game plan with each
"We don't pare the offense with either," Pavlansky said "We have the same game plan because we have confidence in both. Each has different attributes, but that doesn't limit our offense one way or other, whether we're running or throwing."
The play-calling depends less on the quarterback and more on the situation and how Canfield attempts to control the game.
"We're not going to pull one or the other because of down and distance," the coach said.
The system seems to be healthy, literally.
Because both Ross and Baker also play defense, Canfield gets more mileage out of its personnel.
"It allows both time to catch their breath," Pavlansky said. "Obviously, it's worked out real well for us."
Not only shared position
The seemingly smooth method also works with four other players who share two positions.
"Nobody's talking about the fullbacks sharing time. Nobody's talking about the tight ends," Pavlansky said of Kyle Banna and Joe Rosko at fullback and Pat Bellish and Chris Ulery at tight end.
"They spell each other and want to see the team succeed, too," he said. "The best people are going to play."
Instead of two players sharing one role, three play two positions full-time.
Two-way players
Tailback/free safety Angelo Babbaro, guard and noseman Justin Bonanno and center/defensive end Nick Rousher are Canfield's true two-way players.
"Those are the only three who don't come off field every series," Pavlansky said. "They are certainly very good at those positions and have demonstrated they can play whole game at high level. Everybody else is spelled by someone."
As center, you'd think Rousher would have a problem with a different set of hands to snap to every other series, but that's not the case.
"He has no problem," the Pavlansky said.
Canfield's ball-control offense operates out of a conventional I-formation with the quarterback in the shotgun with one back once in a while.
Passing yardage is about 10 percent of the offense, with the Cardinals throwing about 7-10 times per game.
"I think we have the ability to throw when needed, but we haven't had to yet," the coach explained.
Twice forced to throw
Pavlansky said that two Metro Athletic Conference teams forced Canfield go to the air more this past season.
"We were 10-of-15 passing against Niles because they did the best job of shutting down our running game and we were 7-of-10 against Salem, which also did a nice job of shutting down our run game," he said.
Ross has completed 43-of-78 passes for 665 yards. He's thrown for seven touchdowns and the 5-foot-9, 174-pound senior has only three interceptions. Baker, a 6-0, 184 junior, is 11-of-21 for 193 yards. Baker has tossed two TDs and he's had two passes picked off.
Ross has carried the ball 45 times for 224 yards, while Baker has 154 yards on 39 attempts.
bassetti@vindy.com