Ursuline silences critics in waltz over E. Palestine

By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- All the questions, concerns, rumors and doubts about the Ursuline High football team were buried into the Boardman Stadium turf Friday.
For one night, everything was just fine with the Irish.
"I think people overreacted a little bit," said senior Kyle Brubaker, whose Irish pounded East Palestine 56-7 in a Division IV regional semifinal. "The seniors have always been real close in the locker room and when it was do or die time, we came together as a family."
Ursuline began the season with state championship dreams, but slipped to 4-5 after a Week 9 loss to Mooney, prompting many to wonder: What was wrong with the Irish?
The answer: Nothing that couldn't be fixed.
"This was a big game for us," said senior running back Terrence Graves, who has played with a nagging ankle injury all season. "We didn't have any turnovers and the offensive line was opening holes. A running back always feels better after a game when that happens."
The ground gainers
Graves ran 11 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. Junior tailback Delbert Ferguson added 17 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns as the Irish advanced to Friday's regional final against Girard at a site to be announced Sunday.
"Our kids came out and played well in all phases of the game," Irish coach Dan Murphy said. "We knew we had to win the turnover margin and we were able to do things to stop them defensively."
The final numbers were frightening. Ursuline out-rushed the Bulldogs (10-2) 371-74 and forced two East Palestine turnovers.
The Bulldogs had as many injuries as first downs (five).
One of the biggest injuries came on East Palestine's first offensive play when starting fullback J.D. Powers had to be helped off the field. He was able to return, but did not have a carry on offense.
Cyrus is injured
East Palestine junior Mitchell Cyrus was injured late in the first half and had to leave the field in an ambulance. He was reported to be in stable condition.
"I felt we were close in the first half," East Palestine coach Brian Blevins said. "Of course, then things started to snowball. But if J.D.'s healthy, who knows?"
Senior quarterback Smitty Kendrew completed six of 15 passes for 114 yards and a 30-yard touchdown to Pat Brennan for Bulldogs, who arguably had their best season in school history.
East Palestine won its first Tri-County League title in 27 years, and won its first playoff game in school history against Sullivan Black River.
"Obviously, the scoreboard shows which was the better team tonight," Blevins said. "But I'm proud of what we've accomplished."
Clark has 2 TD passes
Irish quarterback Daryll Clark completed five of nine passes for 89 yards and touchdowns to Isaiah Poindexter and Walt Lacey. Terrell Washington added 43 yards rushing and a touchdown and James Allen had 54 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Ursuline scored on seven of its first eight possessions -- the only miscue coming when kicker Nick Royer, who was 8 of 8 on extra points, was short on a 40-yard field goal attempt at the end of the first half.
All this begs the question: Are the Irish starting to play like they did when they won a state title in 2000?
"Honestly, I think so," Graves said.
Two of the best teams in Div. IV -- Coldwater and Ironton -- lost Friday. If the Irish can get past Girard -- a tall task -- they have a legitimate shot at the state title.
"We're gaining a lot of confidence," Murphy said.
When you're as talented as Ursuline, that's a scary thing.
scalzo@vindy.com