Tim Marlowe will replace the senior quarterback.

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — Dan McCarthy knew right away something was wrong.

In the first half of last Friday’s Division IV regional semifinal against Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, McCarthy came up from his safety position to make a head-to-head tackle on an Irish ballcarrier.

“I was tackling him and my right side went numb,” said McCarthy, a Notre Dame recruit who found out earlier this week he would miss the rest of the football season due to a neck injury. “I knew I had a problem but I was able to regain consciousness and the doctors examined me and I seemed all right.

“I told them I was fine to keep playing but deep down I knew something might be wrong. I just wanted to give it my all to see how far I could go with it.”

McCarthy played the rest of the game, which was a huge risk. But, at that point, no one knew the extent of the injury.

McCarthy had an MRI on Monday that revealed ruptured discs in his neck. He’d also suffered a concussion.

“My doctor told me it was pretty serious,” said McCarthy. “He said if I took another shot to my head, I could have a spinal cord injury or even be paralyzed.”

Although McCarthy won’t need surgery, he will need to rest for four to six months, eliminating the rest of the football season and basketball season.

“It will heal on its own; it just takes a lot of time,” said McCarthy. “It’s definitely tough physically and mentally, but it’s something that happens. I’m fortunate to still be around the guys and I’m behind them 100 percent. I think they’ll be just fine.”

McCarthy, a finalist for Ohio’s Mr. Football, led the Cardinals to a Div. IV state title last season and had rushed for 1,219 yards and 15 TDs as quarterback through 12 games this year. He will be replaced by senior wideout/cornerback Tim Marlowe, who has played sparingly as backup quarterback this year.

“I have full confidence in the team,” said McCarthy. “I don’t think they’ll miss a beat with Timmy Marlowe under center. He’s a great athlete and a great competitor. He’ll lead the guys just fine.”

Mooney coach P.J. Fecko was more concerned with McCarthy’s injury than the effect it will have on the team.

“It’s really unfortunate for Danny,” said Fecko. “He works so hard and he’s played so well all year. Anytime you see a season get cut short like that, especially when it’s a senior, it’s disappointing.

“Danny’s one of our captains and he’s been a great leader for this team and he’s going to continue to lead in a different capacity.”

This is the second time in three years Mooney has lost its starting quarterback in the playoffs. Derrell Johnson was injured in a state semifinal game two years ago and missed the state championship game, which the Cardinals lost to Coldwater.

“It’s really hard, but I’ve gotta be positive about it,” said McCarthy. “It’s good to be around the guys to let them know I’m here to support them.”

scalzo@vindy.com