STAMBAUGH STADIUM Strong second half helps Mooney slide past Boardman

By PAUL TRGOVAC
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two third quarter touchdown runs and a two-point conversion run by Frank Cassese enabled Cardinal Mooney to rally past Boardman 14-7 Friday at Stambaugh Stadium.
Mooney (8-2) likely clinched a playoff berth with the win.
The Cardinals were outgained on the night 140-135, but the biggest difference was the field position. Mooney started near midfield or in Boardman territory on six occasions while the Spartans (1-9) had only one drive start in Mooney territory.
"Field position was a key factor all night long," said Boardman coach Garry Smith. "It was a major factor in a great game."
Spartans' defense outstanding
Boardman's defense played a great opening half as it allowed Mooney only 23 yards on 17 plays. Mooney never got a first down until 4:39 remained to play in the second quarter.
"Our kids have really started to come around," Smith said. "We had no returners on defense and with us playing the toughest schedule I have ever had at Boardman, I was very happy with our effort."
In the second quarter, T.C. Osman intercepted a Mooney pass at his own 38 and returned it 62 yards for an apparent touchdown only to have the score canceled by a penalty.
Boardman moved for the game's when Brad Beck scored his 34th career touchdown on a 3-yard run.
The Cards forced Boardman to a three and out on the opening drive of the second half and took over at the Spartan 49 following a punt. Six plays later, Cassese found the end zone on a 17-yard run, but Mooney missed the extra point.
On Mooney's next series, Cassese scored his second touchdown on a 4-yard run and tacked on a conversion run to make it 14-7.
"Our guys did a good job up front of blocking and Frank did a great job running the ball," said Mooney coach P.J. Fecko. "We were not able to run the ball early in the game. They (Boardman) were changing their looks on defense and we made some adjustments at halftime."
Missed opportunities
Boardman had two chances to score in the fourth quarter, but were never able to get past midfield. The first possession ended in a punt and the second ended with a turnover on downs at midfield with a minute left.
Susany finished 10 of 25 for 112 yards passing. Ress caught six of the passes for 66 yards. Beck had 35 yards on 17 carries to lead the Spartans, who managed only 28 net yards rushing.
Mooney did not complete a pass, missing on all four attempts. Cassese ended the game with 94 yards on 15 attempts.
"This was a great football game -- a typical Boarman/Mooney clash," Smith said. "Both teams went after it."
"We know how it is in a rivalry," added Fecko. "It is a shame that it is probably the last time we will play each other for awhile now that they are in the Federal League."