Fedyski back in the big dance

The former McDonald and Fitch coach was a good addition to an already talented Canfield staff.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CANFIELD -- It has worked out very well for the Canfield High football program that Coach Mike Pavlansky had room for an experienced ballboy.
Two years ago, Pavlansky asked Brian Fedyski, his friend from their college days at Youngstown State University, to end his coaching sabbatical and become the Cardinals' offensive coordinator.
Fedyski was interested, but only would agree as long as his son, Zack, could be a Canfield ballboy.
Pavlansky said yes and for the next two seasons, the Cardinals have produced playoff teams.
Friday, Canfield (14-0) will play in its first state championship game, meeting Toledo Central Catholic (13-1) in the Division II final at Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
"Mike Pavlansky deserves this experience," said Fedyski who knows more than a little bit about state-level football. "He works so hard and he cares so much about the kids."
State experience
A McDonald native, Fedyski coached his alma mater to the 1991 Division V state semifinals where McDonald lost to Newark Catholic, 31-8.
Three seasons later, Fedyski's undefeated Blue Devils played for the first Div. VI state title, falling to St. Henry, 21-7, in Massillon.
Fedyski was head coach at Fitch from 1997-99 and then was an assistant for Bill Bohren at Niles from 2000-02. In 2000, the Red Dragons defeated Chaney with Brad Smith before losing in the Div. III regional final.
"You know? I've been blessed," Fedyski said. "I was there when McDonald enjoyed its best season and now Canfield is doing the same."
This week, Pavlansky is counting on Fedyski, who teaches history and OWE at Fitch, to share his memories of 1994.
"Brian certainly is an advocate of student athletes," Pavlansky said. "The kids have developed a great relationship with him. And he's been a great help to me, especially over last five weeks. We talk about how they handled things [in 1994]."
Fedyski said one of his favorite moments of the season came after Friday's 17-14 victory over Tallmadge in Twinsburg.
"The players told me in the locker room, 'Coach, we're going to get you that ring,'" Fedyski said. "I certainly hope so."
Sweet memories
Fedyski admits it's hard not to reminisce about the 1994 state experience.
"It's things as simple as the bus rides -- there's a crowd when you leave and a crowd when you get back," said Fedyski, who added he's enjoying watching his friend's reactions. "It's pretty neat to look at this through his eyes."
On defense, Pavlansky relies on Gary Hoezel, a 21-year coaching veteran, who has been his coordinator for two seasons. A teacher at the Mahoning County Career Center, Hoezel coaches the inside linebackers.
The rest of Canfield's staff has: Dom Perlongo Jr., secondary; Mike Strohecker, wide receivers and special teams; Matt Campbell, offensive and defensive lines plus tight ends; and Allen Thorne, outside linebackers and defensive line.
"Gary calls the defense and Dom calls coverages -- they are big reasons why we are playing this week," Pavlansky said. "We've got the players but they need to be guided. This staff has provided that."
Pavlansky says they're also willing to speak their minds.
"You want experience on your staff and you don't want people who will nod their heads and agree all the time," Pavlansky said. "That's what makes our staff very effective for us.
"They are willing to throw their ideas on the table and discuss merits," Pavlansky said. "When the final decision comes down, it's everyone's decision."
williams@vindy.com