Marc Kanetsky, the third brother to play quarterback, is setting the records.

By JOHN BASSETTI

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

HUBBARD — The Kanetsky name has been recognizable in Hubbard football circles over the past nine years, conjuring up the image of quarterback to most fans.

For the past three seasons, it’s been synonymous with quarterback.

Marc Kanetsky, the last in a line of three brothers, has made a name for himself by setting passing yardage records the past three seasons.

Most recently, the 18-year-old senior reset his school single-season record during the Champion game when he passed for 242 yards to bring his total to 1,513.

Although following in their footsteps, Marc’s accomplishments as the team’s field engineer surpass those of his brothers, mostly because he’s played more at the position.

Matt Kanetsky and Marty Kanetsky only played quarterback their senior year, but still left a mark on the program.

To this day, they continue to achieve personal success as dental students at Ohio State University, Matt, 27, a junior and Marty, 24, a sophomore.

Matt is an Ohio Northern grad, while Marty did his undergraduate work at Malone.

Easing what could have been a difficult transition from Jeff Bayuk to current Hubbard coach Brian Hoffman, the 18-year-old Kanetsky adapted maturely.

“Coming in and knowing we had a seasoned veteran with experience definitely helped my situation,” Hoffman said. “Marc is not only athletic, but intelligent — he’s No. 1 in his class.”

The new coach put a playbook in Kanetsky’s hands early and the player did the rest.

“By August, he kind of understood most of what we were trying to do,” Hoffman said. “Plus, he helped other skill-position players. He took the lead, at times, when they were confused. He kind of directed them where they needed to be on the field. Anytime you have a player with that kind of character and intelligence, it’s helpful.”

An accurate throwing arm is another of Hoffman’s weapons.

“As the year progressed, his play progresed as well, especially the last four weeks. He’s making good decisions and we’ve turned the ball over fewer times in recent weeks.”

Additionally, Kanetsky shared in Hoffman’s urgency to develop an offensive line that, through the first five weeks, wasn’t settled.

The preseason outlook took a turn for the worse when Sam Bellino, Dashawn Liranzo and Chad Orr were hurt. Compounding the situation were Kurtis Drummond’s loss during the Howland game warm-ups, then an injury to 6-foot-5, 250-pound Zack Lord three weeks ago.

“Due to injuries and getting to know the guys under fire, it didn’t become consistent until the Lakeview game [fifth week]. We’ve stuck with six of those since then,” Hoffman said of center Matt Minotti, left tackle Matt Lopuchovsky, left guard Bryce Wrataric, right guard Bobby Turosik, right tackle Dom Dionisio and center-guard swingman Ian Pass.

Their pass protection has augmented the 6-0, 190 quarterback’s impact.

“They’ve done a good job the last three weeks,” Hoffman said of the offensive line. “Marc reads defenses well and he’s getting rid of the ball quicker and that’s always helpful in a spread offense.”

Kanetsky, the son of Marty and Mary Ann Kanetsky, has completed 112 of 194 passes, with 17 TDs and seven interceptions for Hubbard (5-3, 4-1), which plays at Liberty on Friday.

Kanetsky’s record yardage has been helped by long passes in wins over Girard and Champion. Similarly, the receivers have turned short passes into appreciable gains.

Leading receivers are Mike Carnahan (535 yards), Andre Taylor (334), Robert Wigfall (258) and Marcus Coonce (108).

bassetti@vindy.com