Canfield keeps pace in league

The Cardinals had no trouble against Campbell, winning 49-12.

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

CANFIELD — After a 49-12 victory over Campbell Memorial Friday, Canfield High football coach Mike Pavlansky is feeling a little blue.

And he’s not the only one.

Having already lost to Howland earlier in the year, Cardinal fans everywhere will be pulling for rival Poland to beat the Tigers next weekend.

“Hey, anything that helps us,” said Pavlansky, whose team is still alive for its third straight Metro Athletic Conference title. “I’m not going to be choosy.”

In the meantime, the Cardinals (6-1, 3-1) have to keep winning. They took care of business Friday, taking a 35-0 lead in the second quarter before the Red Devils gained a first down.

Pat Fening did the early damage, running for a 14-yard touchdown to open the scoring, then adding a 30-yard touchdown reception from Mark Carrocce.

“Every time you step on the field, you want to display a good account of yourself,” said Pavlansky. “We came ready to play.

“We certainly got off to a good start.”

Dan Banna added a 3-yard touchdown run and Jordan Graham scored on a 10-yard fumble return to give Canfield a 28-0 lead before the end of the first quarter. Pavlansky began emptying his bench early in the second quarter, and Luke Franklin’s 4-yard touchdown run early in the second put an end to any lingering doubt.

“If we don’t do our job, we’re not going to have a chance at a league title or a home playoff game,” said Pavlansky. “A loss would pretty much end our hopes for those things.

“We’re still working toward those goals.”

Banna led the Cardinals with five carries for 64 yards as Canfield owned a 286-204 edge in rushing yards. Starting quarterback Mark Carrocce went 3-for-3 for 58 yards.

Three straight blowout wins — the Cardinals beat Niles 49-14 and East Liverpool 45-0 over the past two weeks — have allowed Pavlansky to give his younger players varsity experience.

“Anytime you play a number of guys, it’s going to help you down the road,” said Pavlansky.

Campbell sophomore quarterback Darrio Bivens was one of the bright spots for the Red Devils (1-6, 1-3), who suffered their worst loss of the season. Bivens ran 12 times for 145 yards, scoring on an 87-yard run late in the third quarter. His 46-yard run midway through the second quarter set up Campbell’s first touchdown, a 1-yard run by Chris Copeland.

Still, the undersized and outnumbered Red Devils (who compete in Division IV) had little chance against Canfield (Div. II).

Joining the three-tiered All-American Conference next season should help eliminate these types of games.

“I hope so,” said Campbell coach Jeff Bayuk.

Added Pavlansky, “Being in a conference with like-sized schools should help every team.”

scalzo@vindy.com