Canton C.C. once again an obstacle for Crestview
By Tom Williams
Since 2000, the Crestview High School football team has qualified for the playoffs 13 times, a remarkable number for a public school.
The one thing that has eluded the Rebels is a regional title that would earn them a trip to the state’s semifinals.
Tonight in Minerva, the Rebels (10-2) are hoping to make school history when they take on Canton Central Catholic (9-3) in the Division V Region 15 final at Minerva High School.
“Your senior year, you want to leave a legacy,” quarterback Spencer DeSalvo said. “We have a chance to leave a mark that no one else has ever done.”
The Rebels’ task won’t be easy — the game is a rematch of last year’s regional semifinal on the same field where the Crusaders won, 45-0.
Crestview head coach Paul Cusick expects to see a similar team.
“They’ve just got a program in place, so they’re not going to do anything different,” Cusick said of the Crusaders. “They’re gonna run what they run [of offense], they’re going to do the same things on defense. It’s just [some] different kids doing it.
“They are very sound and their kids play hard.”
Senior tackle Jarred Jones said his teammates are embracing the challenge.
“It’s nice, because not a lot of teams are [practicing] right now,” Jones said. “In school history, this is the third time we’ve ever made it to [the regional final] so it’s a big deal.”
Jones remembers the excitement two years ago when Crestview won two playoff games to qualify for the final against Akron Manchester.
“It was big then,” Jones said. “We got beat pretty good, but I think it’s going to be different this year.”
Cusick said the Rebels aren’t surprised the rematch materialized.
“We kind of knew they would be the one there at the end,” Cusick said of Region 15. “I don’t think there is any type of revenge factor, it’s just a matter of we’ve got to go out and play [well].
“To get to the next step, this is the team we’ve got to beat.”
Despite losing twice in the regular season, the Rebels still earned the region’s top seed.
The Crusaders’ losses were to Massillon Perry (10-2, Div. II), NDCL (7-4, Div. IV) and Lake (6-5), Div. II). Their bigger wins were against North Canton Hoover (2-8, Div. I), New Philadelphia (8-3) Div. III) and Akron East (4-7, Div. III).
In the playoffs, the Crusaders are rolling. Two weeks ago, they steamrolled Gates Mills Hawken, 52-14. Last week, they cruised past Sandy Valley, 38-7.
The Rebels’ playoff games have been a bit closer. Two weeks ago, Crestview rallied to oust Berkshire, 56-36. Last week, the Rebels ousted a good LaBrae team, 27-7.
Senior linebacker Mason Crawford said the defense has made strides since the 55-54 overtime loss to Lisbon in Week 10. Asked to pick a season highlight, Crawford said it’s “probably last week with our defensive domination of LaBrae.”
Like last year, size likely will be a factor.
“Up front, they’re not a ton bigger than us, but they are a good-sized team,” Jones said. “We’re a round deeper into the playoffs, we’re hoping it’s a different outcome.”
DeSalvo says the Rebels are due for a win against Central Catholic.
“We lost to them in football and basketball last year, and then girls soccer this year. It’s seems like it comes down to us and them in the region for every sport.
“It’s nice to have an opportunity to try and get back at them.”