MOUNT UNION FOOTBALL Area players are Stagg-bound

Austintown's Stan and Ross Watson and Justin Burton of West Branch are playing in the national championship game.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
ALLIANCE -- Three area players have had a hand in Mount Union College's football success this season, including Saturday's 57-19 rout of John Carroll in an NCAA Division III semifinal game.
Senior outside linebacker Stan Watson, an Austintown Fitch High graduate, is the second-leading tackler for the Purple Raiders, and his brother Ross, a freshman defensive back/long snapper, saw plenty of action against the Blue Streaks.
Senior outside linebacker Justin Burton, a West Branch High graduate, has also made tremendous contributions to the Mount Union program.
Four-years, four solos
Stan Watson (6-foot, 210 pounds), a four-year veteran, had four solo tackles against John Carroll and assisted on another.
"I am very blessed and honored and excited about going back to the Stagg Bowl again and it's something I never get tired of doing," he said.
Mount Union (13-0) plays Trinity, Texas (14-0) Saturday at noon in the national championship game in Salem, Va.
"As a team we have worked hard and dedicated ourselves toward going to Salem and we treasure the opportunity to go there," Watson said. "It's even more so, now that I am going back for my senior year."
Watson was the leading tackler in three of Mount Union's games during the season. In the Purple Raiders' regular season win over John Carroll (35-16), he forced two fumbles, recovered one, and registered two sacks.
"It has been special for me this season," said Watson. "The guys have meant a lot to me and having my brother play alongside me has also meant a lot.
"The many friendships acquired the past four years, that is something that will last forever."
Ross Watson (6-1, 173) was in for 20 plays Saturday and appears to have a bright future at Mount Union.
"It's a whole new experience from playing high school ball," he said. "My brother helped me a lot with the transition here.
"I am one of the few Mount Union freshmen going to the Stagg Bowl and that's exciting."
Burton's third trip
Burton (6-2, 205) is making his third trip to Salem. He had two solo tackles and assisted on five others on Saturday.
"Every trip to the championship game has been special for me," said Burton. "The bond between teammates is unbelievable and I would go to battle with these guys anytime."
John Carroll also had several local players in the game.
Senior Steve Pavalko (6-3, 255) of Boardman was the starting offensive guard. Senior Brian Brook (5-9, 185) of Cardinal Mooney had three solo tackles and assisted on five others. Senior Ryan Wolf (6-2, 190) of West Branch punted four times and averaged 31.2 yards. Junior George Theolfilos (5-9, 155) was the Blue Streaks' place-kicker.