Panthers fall but win some respect

Leetonia’s new head coach started off with a victory.

VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT

Thirty minutes before the first high school football game in East history, Panthers athletic director Marco Marinucci stood on the sidelines at Canfield High stadium Thursday night, anxiously watching his team warm up.

“There’s a lot of expectations,” he said. “If we don’t live up to them ... oh, boy.

“It’s a lot of pressure.”

The Panthers, made up mainly of former Rayen players, lost their opener 19-8 but they didn’t necessarily disappoint. East coach Brian Shaner gathered the team together afterward and told them, “You played with a lot of heart and a lot of pride.”

And in doing so, they made a fan of Canfeld coach Mike Pavlansky.

“I certainly have the utmost respect for Brian Shaner and his staff and the job they do,” Pavlansky said after the game. “It’s a joy to compete against them.”

The 2007 season kicked off with five games Thursday. Here are some other highlights:

UAt Hubbard, a 27-yard field goal by junior Brock Rubesa with 7:09 remaining widened Poland’s 1-point lead to 4 en route to a 24-13 victory over the Eagles. Ross Lopez, Greg Sabol and Tyler Vallinger had rushing touchdowns for Poland with Sabol, a junior halfack, gaining 73 yards on nine carries. Hubbard sophomore halfback Andre Taylor had five rushes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

UTwo turnovers on one play triggered Howland’s 42-7 romp over Lakeside.

UJon McRoberts and Daniel Skiba each scored two touchdowns as Mineral Ridge rolled over Lowellville, 49-0.

UThe Leetonia Bears gave Coach Matt Altomare a victory in his debut with a 33-7 victory over Lisbon.