Identity search ready to launch

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 Canfield graduated several key players from last year's state runner-up team. By JOHN BASSETTI VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF Thursday will be the first night of high school football in Ohio, but, to coaches, there's another way to describe it. Does "Everybody's Searching for a Team Identity Night" make sense? It does if you're Mike Pavlansky, whose Canfield Cardinals must replace eight defensive starters, both kickers and most skill positions on offense from their Division II state runners-up team. "We haven't even been under the lights, so we'll find out Thursday evening," Pavlansky said of the game against Rayen, a team that started 0-2, then reeled off seven wins and just missed the Div. II playoffs by 1.5 points. Rayen's finale was a 34-12 loss to Div. III state champion Steubenville. Pavlansky's team went 14-0 before losing to Toledo Central Catholic, 31-29, in December. Many Cards returning However, there are 22 seniors returning, including Sean Baker. Although the 6-foot, 184-pound Baker alternated at quarterback last season, he'll start at tailback, where he played as a sophomore. Juniors Mark Carrocce and Neil Sorice will make their first varsity starts at quarterback. Carrocce (5-10, 164) will start while Sorice (5-10, 155) will be the back-up. "Neil will give Mark a break in each half," Pavlansky said. Another junior, Colin Hoelzel (5-11, 174) will be the fullback. The offensive line returns four players, all seniors: center Nate Brode (6-0, 215), guard Justin Bonanno (5-10, 189), right tackle Matt Glove (6-2, 195) and tight end Pat Bellish (6-3, 190). Bonanno, Glove and Bellish are three-year starters. Brode is a two-year starter. "We need to control the front if we want to be successful, especially early, because our defense is real young," Pavlansky said of first-game dangers. "We expect it to be a four-quarter battle Thursday night." On a roll Canfield has beaten Rayen four straight seasons. "We had them on the ropes, but then had a couple of costly turnovers," Rayen coach Brian Shaner said of last year's 17-13 Canfield win. "This time we've got to keep our composure and limit mistakes." Shaner, starting his fourth season at Rayen, said he believes the Tigers match up well again against Canfield. Junior Salvador Battles (5-11, 205) returns after starting all 10 games at quarterback in 2005. Of Battles' 1,200 yards of offense, 650 were passing and 550 were rushing. Since Rayen typically uses a one-back set, Stevie Slade (6-0, 200) and Gary Thornton (5-8, 195) will share running back duties again. If both are used together, Ray Catley (5-6, 190) will be the fullback. Defensively, Slade and Thornton will be playing at the same time. "He's one of the best defensive players in the area," Shaner said of Slade at outside linebacker. Thornton is a starting inside linebacker. Pride up front Shaner is effusive about his offensive line. "Honestly, this is the best line since I've been at Rayen. They've done well in two scrimmages, so we'll see what they do when they line up against Canfield. They may be what we need to get over the top." Returning starters on that line are: center Mykal Krill (6-2, 300), guard Charles Johnson, Jarell Murray (6-3, 215) and E.J. Hines (6-1, 250). All are seniors but Johnson, a junior. Lined up in a four-wide receiver set ready to take passes from Battles will be Tomaz Hilton, Will Hopkins, Jeff Purdie and Roncarlos Hilton. The 6-3, 210 Tomaz Hilton is a three-year starter, although he was second-highest in receptions last year behind Troy Rice. Tomaz had 18 catches (including six TDs) for 400 yards. The 5-10, 180 Hopkins is another senior wideout. "He has the best overall hands on the team," said Shaner. "He's a great possession wide receiver and he's very elusive once he catches the ball." Purdie (5-11, 170) is the speedster. "He brings big-play potential every time he touches the ball," his coach said. Brothers united Sophomore Roncarlos Hilton (5-8, 140) will starter next to his older brother on offense and both will be in the secondary with Tomaz at safety and Roncarlos at cornerback. "We're blessed with a lot of speed at skill positions," said Shaner. Playing at Canfield where Rayen has lost four straight times can be unnerving, but the Tigers will welcome it. "It's a hostile environment, but their fans pack the place and are great supporters. It should be a great opening game with a playoff atmosphere," Shaner said. "I think last year's team deserved to be in the playoffs and it left a bad taste in our mouths at 7-3," Shaner said. "It's fuel for fire." bassetti@vindy.com