MOONEY (Div. IV)

Sunday, August 20, 2006 MOONEY (Div. IV) Head Coach: P.J. Fecko, seventh year (43-27). Assistants: Ron Stoops, Brendan McCloud, John D'Apolito, Chris Amill, Mark Lyden, Mike Zordich. 2005 record: 12-3, state runner-up in Division IV. Offensive/defensive formations: Multi. Key losses: QB Derrell Johnson (Iowa); RB/DB Nate Burney (Ashland, team's second-leading rusher all-time); Desmond Marrow (Miami, Ohio); DE Robert Walker, C Colin Chambers, LB Pat Kelley. Returning lettermen: 18. Returning starters: four offense, four defense. Incoming offensive backs: Jamel Bowers, RB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Danny McCarthy, QB, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Mike Cylar, FB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Michael Zordich, FB, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Brandon Beachum, RB, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Taylor Hill, RB, 6-2, 208, Jr. Returning offensive end: Jack Zizzo, TE, 6-2, 215, Sr. Incoming offensive ends: Jason Hehr, WR, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Tony Brunetti, WR, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Ryan Babyak, 5-11, 195, Sr. Returning offensive linemen: Mike Madsen, T, 285, Sr.; Ishmaaily Kitchen, T, 6-4, 310, Sr.; Demetrius Fambro, T, 6-2, 290, Sr. Incoming offensive lineman: Zach Beitz, C, 5-11, 230, Sr. Returning defensive linemen: Zizzo; Kitchen. Incoming defensive linemen: Hill; Brandon Erickson, 5-10, 235, Jr. Returning linebacker: Zordich. Incoming linebackers: Beachum, Mike McGlone, 5-11, 190, Sr. Returning defensive backs: Hehr; Dom Scarnecchia, DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; McCarthy. Outlook: Although many preseason prognosticators — particularly on the Internet — have already touted Mooney as a state title contender, Fecko downplays such talk. "I think a lot of people think that we're some type of invincible team and we're far from it at this point," he said. "We have to make huge strides between now and the opening game." Dan McCarthy, the younger brother of Kyle (now at Notre Dame), takes over at quarterback, while transfer RB/LB Brandon Beachum should see plenty of action, especially on defense. Transfer wideout Nick Pederzolli (a track standout from St. Thomas Aquinas) won't start at the beginning of the season, but may see time later on. Schedule: Aug. 25 — at Walsh Jesuit, 7 p.m. Sept. 1 — Buffalo St. Francis (YSU), 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 — Akron Hoban (YSU), 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 — at Warren Harding, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 — at Mentor Lake Catholic, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 — Open Oct. 6 — Cleveland Benedictine (at Mollenkopf), 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 — Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (YSU), 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 — Ursuline (YSU), 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 — Cols. Watterson (YSU), 7:30 p.m.