The Panthers rolled over Chaney 45-8, but must now wait to see if they get into the playoffs.

VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — With his team on the playoff bubble, East High football coach Brian Shaner is going to spend this weekend watching, waiting and wishing.

And if he has any good luck charms, he’ll use those, too.

“We’re going to keep our fingers crossed,” said Shaner, whose team defeated Chaney 45-8 on Thursday night at Stambaugh Stadium. “And we’re going to pray.

“Whatever we can do for good luck, we’ll do it.”

The Panthers (8-2) entered the game 11th in the Division II, Region 7 computer ratings. The top eight teams make the playoffs.

East’s only two losses came against Canfield (8-1), which is ahead of them in Region 7, and Canton Central Catholic (8-1), whose lone loss came by one point against Steubenville.

The eight wins is a personal-best for Shaner, who previously coached Rayen for four years. Rayen went 7-3 the past two seasons.

“It’d be a shame if we miss the playoffs because we’re playing really well,” he said. “I think we can make some noise in our region. We’ve just got to sick back and hope for some upsets.

“We’ve still got an outside shot.”

A down year from the Cowboys (0-10) won’t help.

East most likely needs losses from Columbus Bishop Watterson (which meets Mooney), Uniontown Lake (which knocked Rayen out of the playoff hunt last year and plays undefeated Dresden Tri-Valley) and Dublin Jerome (which plays 3-6 Westerville South) to get in. The Panthers will also need their previous opponents to win their final games.

Shaner knows it’s a longshot, but he hasn’t given up hope.

“It’s a tough region; it’s tough to get in unless you’re in the Federal League,” said Shaner, referring to Lake. “Go Tri-Valley.”

Senior quarterback Sal Battles threw for 170 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 155 yards and three touchdowns to lead East. Senior running back Gary Thornton added 88 yards rushing, while Jamayle Roland had 110 yards receiving and a TD.

East’s defense held Chaney to fewer than 100 yards.

“We know we didn’t leave anything on the field,” Shaner said. “We played our seniors longer than we normally would tonight. It’s been a great senior class and they came through.

“The guys up front are terrific. All seven guys do a great job. This is best offensive line I’ve ever had. I don’t know if I’ll ever have a line this good.”

Chaney honored longtime coach Ron Berdis at halftime. Berdis compiled a 128-73 mark over 20 seasons with the Cowboys, leading them to eight playoff appearances.

XTo view photos of the game, visit http://new.vindy.com/photos/galleries.