PREP FOOTBALL Defense the story behind Mooney run

The Cardinals have allowed just two touchdowns per game all season.
YOUNGSTOWN -- It's a general rule of football that offense gets all the headlines.
But, without the play of its defense, it's not likely Cardinal Mooney High would be playing in the Division IV state championship game.
The Cardinals (11-2) face defending state champion Versailles (11-3) at Fawcett Stadium Friday at 3 p.m.
In last week's state semifinal, for instance, the Cardinals were locked in a scoreless duel with Martins Ferry throughout the first quarter.
But a blocked field goal attempt, which was returned by linebacker Eric Mariotti for a touchdown, broke the deadlock.
Mooney's second touchdown was also scored by its defense on an interception return by Nate Burney. Then, Jon Italiano's fumble recovery set up the Cardinals' third touchdown.
Switch in momentum
"Football is such a game of momentum," said Mooney coach P.J. Fecko. "Not only getting the momentum but keeping it is really crucial. That play [by Mariotti] really got us going."
Mooney has allowed an average of 12.64 points per game this season, including the playoffs. The Cardinals' opponents have averaged 142.6 yards rushing and 69.6 yards passing per game, a total of 212.2 yards per game total.
But hidden inside those numbers is an aggressive philosophy that has forced 28 turnovers and resulted in a plus-18 turnover ratio.
"It [turnovers] has been something that's been popping in our heads lately, so I hope it doesn't jinx us," said Fecko.
"It's been important for us, but once we force one we want to capitalize on it. If you don't it can be discouraging, but fortunately that hasn't been the case."
Big men up front
The Cardinals feature a big defensive line -- Todd Schuller, Rich Solak, Italiano and Nick Scarsella average just a shade under 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds.
The linebackers are quick and active -- Mariotti, Josh Moffie and Mike Rich all play in the offensive backfield.
Then there is the secondary -- Kyle McCarthy and Desmond Marrow are the corners, and Burney and Mike Cook are the safeties. They are four of the fastest players on the team.
So, while each group is important to the success of the defense, it's how each complements the others that is the secret to the unit's success.
"They've been playing well all year," said Fecko of the defense. "They've been important to our success, putting our offense in good situations, not only giving them a short field, but also allowing the offense to be patient."
Game plans
Fecko's game plan each week is to stick with the offensive game plan, which is ball and clock management. The job of the defense is get on and off the field quickly.
"It starts with the people up front," said Fecko. "They bring a lot of aggressiveness. Their goal every play is to establish a new line of scrimmage. They demand so much attention, they fight through double teams and still make plays.
"You don't hear a lot about our linebackers, but Eric Mariotti is a linebacker who makes plays. Josh Noffie and Mike Rich are solid players. They get where they need to be."
Fecko said the ability of the secondary to cover players man-to-man allows for a more aggressive attack.
"Kyle McCarthy is an electrifying player. You can him line up on a wide receiver and have confidence that he's going to stay with him," he said. "Desmond Marrow has gotten a lot better as the season's gone along.
"Nate Burney and Mike Cook are great run stoppers. They've done a really good job."
Their challenge Friday will be to slow a Versailles offense that is averaging about 30 points and 322 yards per game.
"They have the same mentality as us," said Fecko. "They go about it differently, with different sets, but they want to control the clock. The key matchup will be at the line of scrimmage."