Mooney’s opponent is
averaging 55 points per game in the postseason.

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

Over the past six years, the Coldwater High football team has compiled a 75-5 record, won a Division IV state title (2005) and has a chance to win its second on Saturday.

The Cavaliers have gone 13-1 this season — their only loss came against unbeaten Maria Stein Marion Local, which is playing Ursuline in the Division V championship game — and there’s no question they’re one of the premier programs in the state.

And yet, almost no one is giving them a chance to beat Cardinal Mooney.

“I don’t think too much about that stuff,” Coldwater coach John Reed said. “That stuff’s more for you guys [reporters] to write about.

“We’re just getting ready to play a game.”

The Cavaliers, who beat Mooney 33-9 in the 2005 championship game, enter Saturday’s contest with one of the most potent offenses in the state.

They’ve scored at least 35 points in each of their last 12 games and are averaging 55 points per game in the playoffs.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, haven’t given up more than 20 points in a game this season — and those came after taking a 35-0 lead against Steubenville.

Something’s gotta give.

“Their offense has put on just an incredible display of scoring,” Mooney coach P.J. Fecko said. “It’s one I don’t think you can ever stop. You just hope to slow it down.”

Although Coldwater has good balance, its strength is the passing game. Quarterback Cory Klenke has completed 155 of 260 passes for 2,394 yards, 29 TDs and 13 interceptions. (Mooney, by contrast, has thrown fewer than 50 passes this year.)

His main targets are receiver Ryan Geier (52 catches, 994 yards, 11 TDs) and running back Tony Harlamert (51 catches, 756 yards, 10 TDs). Harlamert also leads the running game with 764 yards on 124 carries and 27 TDs.

Klenke is also a threat to run, carrying 88 times for 621 yards and four TDs.

“I think the main thing that’s happened is our offensive line has matured,” Reed said. “We’ve got outstanding play from our wide receivers and [Klenke] has developed along with the offensive line.”

Mooney prefers to play man-to-man defense, allowing the Cardinals to apply pressure from all angles in their zone blitzing scheme. If Coldwater can avoid that pressure, it has a chance.

If not, well ...

“If that’s something we can contend with, we’ll stay in the ballgame,” Reed said. “If we can’t handle the pressure, we’ll have a hard time.”

Linebacker Adam Homan, whose older brother Ross played on the 2005 team and is now at Ohio State, leads the team with 113 tackles.

Klenke has a team-high nine interceptions for a defense that has held all but two opponents (Marion Local and Kettering Alter) to 14 points or fewer.

“We’re playing the best football we can right now,” Reed said. “I didn’t know how good we were getting until Kettering Alter [in Week 12]. We found out we can play at the high level it takes to get to the state championship.”

scalzo@vindy.com