Ben Merbler's powerful right arm was on display often last fall, but you had to attend the Canton football team's practices to see it.

  Merbler was Canton's back-up quarterback as a junior, subbing in for starter Kevin Delapaz when the score became lopsided in favor of the Chiefs.

  Merbler's primary action came on the Chiefs' scout team when he served as the opposing quarterback during scrimmages.

  With Delapaz graduated, Merbler will be making his first varsity start Friday night against Walled Lake Central.

  This season will be extra special for Merbler because he

will get to share the experience with his twin brother, Chris, who is a receiver/defensive back for the Chiefs.

  Merbler took a few minutes out of his busy schedule Tuesday night to talk to PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright.

  ED WRIGHT: When did you first start playing quarterback?

  BEN MERBLER: When I was in fifth grade playing for the Plymouth-Canton Steelers.

  WRIGHT: Do you have a favorite memory from your Steelers days?

  MERBLER: We were playing the Canton Lions when I was in seventh grade. The game was tied late in the game and I threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to (current Plymouth Wildcat) Brennen Beyer that won the game.

  WRIGHT: What do you like about playing quarterback?

  MERBLER: I like the fact that you're the leader on every play and your team is relying on you.

  WRIGHT: You attended several college quarterback camps this summer. What kind of feedback did you get from the college coaches?

  MERBLER: I attended 10 and they went well. Some of the coaches said they would try to get to one of my games and that they would keep in touch.

  WRIGHT: Of all the college camps you attended, which ones did you get the best vibes from?

  MERBLER: I liked Michigan State's a lot, but they've already made an offer to a quarterback, so I don't know where that stands. I was also very impressed by Miami of Ohio. They had a great camp.

  WRIGHT: How far can you throw the ball?

  MERBLER: When I can step into the throw, probably about 55 to 60 yards.

  WRIGHT: What do you like about this year's team?

  MERBLER: The biggest thing is our speed. Coach (Tim) Baechler said it's probably the fastest team he's ever coached. We have 10 kids who are in the 4.6 (40-yard dash) range.

  WRIGHT: What do you like about the Canton offense?

  MERBLER: We don't throw much, but when we do, it's usually there. I just have to do my job when we do throw the ball.

  WRIGHT: Faking is crucial in the Canton offense. How would you grade your ball-faking skills?

  MERBLER: Pretty good, but I still have a ways to go to be as good as Kevin (Delapaz) was last year. I've been working hard at it because I understand how important it is to our offense.

  WRIGHT: How are you doing academically?

  MERBLER: I have a 3.5 grade-point average and I just took the ACT and got a 27.

  WRIGHT: What's your favorite subject in school?

  MERBLER: Probably anything that has to do with writing.

  WRIGHT: How cool would it be if you got to throw a touchdown pass to your brother this season?

  MERBLER: That would be awesome. When we were on JV together, they drew up a play where I got to throw Chris a pass. He caught it, we didn't score, but it was still pretty cool.