140 pound Little Cards start the season strong

The 140 pound Canfield Little Cardinals have jumped out to a 4-0 start on the 2014 season. Going into the fifth game of their 10 game schedule, the Cards have averaged 33 points a game and only allowed their opponents one touchdown.

They opened the season with a 34-0 win over the Howland Little Tigers. In week two, the Cards posted a 36-0 win over the Austintown Little Falcons. St. Charles was able to get on the board in Canfield’s third win 32-8. Recently, the Boardman Little Spartans were unable to contain Canfield in a 34-0 loss.

Canfield’s offense is led by returning starter Ethan Fletcher. Fletcher is supported in the backfield by Logan Torok, Conor Hritz and Tony Pannunzio, who have all put points on the board for Canfield. A strong front line has controlled the game for the Cards. Anchoring that line is Alexander George, who also returns for his second season with the 140 team, Chris Sammerone, Anthony Orr, Evan Beistel, AJ Wise, Robby Coonce and Logan Miller.

The Cardinals have smothered their opponents on defense with strong line play and good speed on the outside. Trey Dye and Chase Lowry have controlled the outside, while the seven man rotation of Beistel, George, Sammerone, Orr, Mike Crawford, Gianni Gaetano and Andrew Morchak have jammed up the inside.

“We have a good group of kids. The majority of last season’s 140 Super Bowl winning team is now playing seventh-grade football. We are built up with kids who moved up from the 120 pound team (Superbowl runners-up in 2013), and a lot of first time players.” Coach Dave Crawford said. “The kids are working hard and doing everything that is asked of them. That is how championship teams operate. We still have a long way to go, but hopefully we can repeat again this season.”