Pavlansky is a name synonomous with sports in the Valley. Dave Jr. is the track and cross country coach at Boardman, Pat coaches girls tennis and basketball at Canfield, Tom is the head football coach at Lakeview and for the past 14 years, Mike has led Canfield on the gridiron. So far in 2011, Mike’s Cardinals have a 6-2 record.

Q. Football is basically in your blood. Was being a coach basically a no-brainer for you?

A. It all started with Dad [the late Dave Pavlansky, former Poland coach]. It was something that he loved to do and it wore off on the family. We grew up around the game and came to love it, too. When we were little, we’d be on the field with Dad and the team and the players were our heroes. It was always fun and it still is. I really couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Q. What’s been the mood like in practice preparing for Niles after coming off a tough loss to playoff-bound Northwest?

A. It’s certainly different [than coming off a win.] As soon as we could, we started reviewing the tape from the game to correct the mistakes and get back at it against a Niles team who is going to be tough and prepared, also. We found that we need to play with a better sense of urgency. We need to take care of what we can control and that starts by bouncing back after a loss. We’re itching to get back on the field to redeem ourselves.

Q. What’s been the secret to your potent offense that has put up over 40 points three times this season?

A. We have a solid senior class that’s not only talented, they’re knowledgable. They’re smart on and off the field and that lends itself to success. With guys like Jordan Italiano, Ben Angelo, Joe Tuchek and Bryce Jackson, there’s four of the most explosive threats anywhere and they’re our go-to guys. But, nothing happens without the guys we have up front. We have a wealth of experience and they … spring those guys loose.

Q. Now, with three daughters of your own, how have they adapted over the years to their dad being involved with football?

A. They’ve all spent time with me on the sidelines when they were younger as water girls and that was always neat. But, they stay active and involved now as they are older and we support them in whatever they choose to do. They enjoy high school sports and have been involved in plays, tennis and cross country, so they keep busy.

Interview by Matthew Peaslee