Canfield hopes to emulate success of other Cardinals

By Tom Williams

CANFIELD — The mystery surrounding the Mentor Lake Catholic football team is puzzling — how could a team good enough to defeat Ursuline 35-21 in Week 3 get thrashed 42-21 by Mooney two weeks later?

In Week 5, the Cougars (10-1) threw a miniature scare into undefeated Mooney when Richie Sanders returned the opening kickoff 85 yards then scored a 1-yard touchdown.

The Cougars led 14-6 before Mooney took over, rushing for 404 yards on 53 carries.

That loss is the Cougars’ only blemish on an otherwise stellar season.

Tonight, another team of Cardinals — Canfield — will try to emulate Mooney’s success in a Division II Region 5 semifinal game at Twinsburg Tiger Stadium.

Canfield coach Mike Pavlansky, who has guided the Cardinals to their fifth playoff appearance in six seasons, says his Cardinals have their work cut out for them.

“They are good, probably the best team we have played in two years since the [Columbus] DeSales [playoff] game [in 2007],” Pavlansky said. “They are big across the front and very skilled at all positions. This game is a major challenge for our program. We’ll have to play very well to have a chance.”

Both teams are 10-1. In Week 4, Canfield lost to Howland, 24-14. Tonight’s winner will play the Howland-Ashland winner on Nov. 20.

Canfield advanced to this game by defeating defending Div. III state champion Aurora (31-14). Lake Catholic ousted Ravenna, 34-16.

Mike Bell, Lake Catholic’s head coach, said Sanders won’t play as he is recovering from a broken collarbone.

Pavlansky noted that the Cougars have been rolling to big scores without him.

The Cardinals will need to contain quarterback Jerrod Roynak and find a way to get the ball to their all-purpose back Kyle Vaclav.

In last week’s win over Ravenna, Ronyak threw three touchdown passes and passed for 291 yards. His favorite receiver is Zach Cvelbar who caught seven passes for 195 yards.

In Canfield’s win, Vaclav scored three touchdowns.

“Kyle is our playmaker and we’ve got to get the ball into his hands as many ways as we can — special teams, quarterback, wide receiver running back,” Pavlansky said. “But without those guys up front moving some people and the wideouts blocking, he’s not going far.”

Bell expects a competitive contest.

“They’re second round for reason,” Bell said. “They are very good and play physical. They’re scrappy and quick.”

Vaclav is hoping for a low-scoring game.

“We hang our hats on defense,” Vaclav said. “That’s what keeps our team in the games.”

williams@vindy.com