Thursday, November 22, 2007
Brad, Bryan and Brandon — from quadruplets — are starters on the front wall.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN — Not only is Cardinal Mooney one of the best high school football teams in America, but the No. 9-ranked (USA Today) powerhouse also has one of the rarest family situations on the squad in the nation.
The undefeated Cardinals (13-0), who will play Marion Pleasant (12-1) Saturday at Canton Fawcett Stadium at 7 p.m. in a Division IV state semifinal, enjoy the distinction of having a set of triplets — the Ericsson brothers — playing on the team.
And what makes this family rarity even more rare, the Ericsson triplets come from quadruplets — the other sibling being sister, Brianne, also a senior at Mooney.
“This is first time I ever had triplets [on the team]. I have had twins but not triplets,” said Mooney coach P.J. Fecko, pointing out that left tackle Brad Ericsson (5-11, 295), right guard Bryan Ericsson (5-8, 195) and center Brandon Ericsson (6-1, 261) add a strong and unique family flavor to the big-and-strong offensive line that has been one of the hallmarks of Mooney’s success this year.
“They are just a pleasure to be around. They are guys that are enjoyable and it is fun to be with them on a daily basis,” said Fecko.
The three Ericsson brothers have teamed with senior tight ends Michael Gemma (6-2, 207, left) and Vinnie Patella (6-0-, 187, right), sophomore left tackle Zach Larson (6-2, 287), junior left guard Greg DeNiro (6-1, 294) and senior right guard Chris Martin (6-1, 245, senior), who alternates with Bryan Ericsson, to provide the Cardinals with a lot of punch in the forward wall.
Thanks to Mooney’s blocking attack and hole-opening capabilities, the Cardinals have been averaging more than 300 yards rushing per game, spearheaded by running back Brandon Beachum, fullback Michael Zordich and quarterbacks Dan McCarthy and Tim Marlowe.
Regarding the Ericsson triplets, Fecko said he has no trouble telling them apart.
“They are not identical twins. They have faces and body types that are not identical,” said Fecko. “They are very similar but yet they are very different with different personalities.”
Fecko said that coaching triplets poses no special demands on a coach.
“I don’t think there are any challenges. But it is a unique situation in that fact that they obviously can communicate well with each other,” said Fecko, noting that the triplets are very close. “They spend a lot of time together and understand each other’s struggles and difficulties with their day-to-day obligations as student-athletes. They are at home and always together and then they break up to attend classes and are back together at football practice.”
Fecko said the brothers’ main assets are that “they are hard workers and are tough kids and they have tough minds,” and “that they are very strong and they are intensely-committed guys.”
But although they are triplets, “They are not the same sizes. They all look like each other but are not identical by any means.”
Fecko said that all three brothers, the sons of Janet Halicki, have the football and academic capabilities to play college football on the NCAA Division III level, but that they haven’t made up their minds if they want to continue with the sport in college.
“They all are within the range of being able to play Div. III football,” said Fecko. “I don’t know yet what their aspirations are or what they want to do as far as a football career. Some do and some don’t [want to play].”
In all, there are seven siblings in the Ericsson family, Halicki also having three younger boys — Brett, Scott and Tyler Ericsson.
Besides the fact that Mooney’s offensive line is big, strong and talented, Fecko said the front wall’s main asset is that, “They are pretty persistent and hard working guys that keep lining up and coming after you. They play well as a unit and communicate well with each other and are playing pretty solid.”
However he pointed out, “This is not my biggest offensive line. Last year was the biggest.”
Fecko said that Friday’s opponent, Marion Pleasant, is new to Mooney.
“We never played them,” said Fecko. “They are a program that has had a lot of playoff success, and a good record the last eight years straight being in the playoffs. They are used to being in this position.”
He also said he believes Pleasant has been improving, which could make them a strong threat.
“They have progressed well in the season. They have shown that they have gotten better the last half of the season. They have been rolling and dominating everyone in the playoffs.”
kovach@vindy.com