Cardinal numbers

Tradition-rich Mooney has racked up impressive statistics and wins en route to the regional final.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Cardinal Mooney High has won more football playoff games and more state championships than any other school in the Valley.
The Cardinals, 7-2 in the regular season, have looked impressive in defeating Garrettsville Garfield, 42-21, and Chagrin Falls, 42-13, in their first two Division IV, Region 17 playoff games.
Friday night, in front of what is expected to be a large crowd at Fitch Falcon Stadium, Mooney (9-2) will play Liberty (11-1) in a regional final.
"I haven't seen [Liberty] in person this season," said Mooney coach P.J. Fecko, who is 28-24 in five seasons since replacing the legendary Don Bucci.
"I've only seen them on films and what I know about them is that they are a very well-rounded unit that is solid in all facets of the game," continued Fecko.
"They are a team that has progressively improved every week and this makes them a very good football team, especially at this time of a year."
About the opponent
While the Cardinals shared the Steel Valley Conference championship with Ursuline and Warren Harding, Liberty rolled through nine of 10 opponents, losing only to unbeaten Div. III tournament qualifier and Trumbull Athletic Conference champion Hubbard.
Until last week, the teams had not played a common opponent, but then the Leopards defeated Ursuline, 6-0, at Fitch. In the regular season, Mooney defeated Ursuline, 55-27.
Preparing for the Leopards' wing-T offense is a concern for Fecko.
"No one on our [regular season] schedule is similar to them," said Fecko, "but then every team is unique unto themselves and this Liberty team is definitely that.
"With a very good working winged-T, their offense can be deceptive, so we must have everyone where they need to be."
Liberty features two backs, Dania Gilliam and Chris Harden, who have rushed for at least 850 yards through 12 games.
But, the Cardinals will counter with a strong rushing attack of their own, featuring tailback Nate Burney and quarterback Kyle McCarthy. Last week against Chagrin Falls, Burney rushed for 249 yards and scored three touchdowns. McCarthy also proved his value on special teams, returning a punt for a touchdown.
Hard work
Tuesday night the Cardinals practiced for nearly four hours, not coming off the field until after 8 p.m.
"We're preparing like this is another game on the way just like we have for every game this season," said Fecko.
"In recent weeks a key for us has been that we have controlled the lines on both sides of the ball. This game will be a lot more challenging because Liberty is the best team we have faced thus far in the playoffs.
"These are two teams who like to run the football and play hard defense, so this should be what the fans will see."