Refocused, Irish want to make the most of their second chance against Trumbull Athletic Conference champion

By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Dan Murphy's first season as coach of the Ursuline High football team has been one of ups and downs.
After a 5-5 record in the regular season, the Irish slipped into the Division IV playoffs and defeated their first two opponents -- top-seeded Akron Manchester and Tri-County League champion East Palestine.
Murphy, however, is not ready to evaluate himself. Not yet. Not when the Irish have suddenly found hope in their second season.
"It's something I'll do after the season," said the Cardinal Mooney High graduate. "I'll go through and evaluate, not only myself critically, but that of everybody involved."
Filled vacancy
Murphy took over for Jim Vivo following a frustrating 2001 season in which the Irish were forced to forfeit four games.
This season, following tough Steel Valley Conference losses to Boardman, Warren Harding and Cardinal Mooney, Ursuline's playoff hopes looked bleak.
"It was probably a combination of things," said Murphy on his team's 5-5 regular season against high expectations. "Exactly what those are, I don't know. Now, we're just focusing on the playoffs and Girard on Friday."
Refocused, the Irish are rolling into their Region 13 championship against Girard at Austintown Fitch's Falcon Stadium.
If Ursuline has any chance of winning its second state title in three years, it must get past the impressive Indians (11-1), coached by Bud McSuley.
"They have one of the best defenses we've seen all year," Murphy said. "They're quick getting to the ball, and they do a great job getting pressure with their blitzes. In the secondary, they cover you real well."
Girard's defense, which shut down Hubbard standout running back Shaun Lane earlier this season, will have a number of Ursuline players to contend with.
Key positions
Quarterback Daryll Clark, running backs Terrence Graves and Delbert Ferguson and tight end Louis Irizarry, who has committed to play at Ohio State, make the Irish offense hard to defend.
Ferguson has 1,400 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns as he benefits from his offensive line, including 6-foot-6, 303-pound junior tackle Brandon Braxton.
"This is a good lesson for them to take through life," Murphy said of his players. "When you do receive a second opportunity, you need to make the most of it, and we're trying to do that now in the playoffs."
richesson@vindy.com