DIVISION V
URSULINE vs. MARIA STEIN MARION LOCAL

Game time: 11 a.m. Friday at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, Massillon
TV/Radio: STO, WKBN-AM 570

Ursuline (12-2)

59Cleveland East Tech0
56East Liverpool0
21Fitch14
3Massillon14
35Chardon28
28Warren Harding13
43Columbus St. Charles13
28Beaver Local0
14Mooney37
33Akron SVSM30

Playoffs

43Bedford Chanel0
29Apple Creek Waynedale6
31South Range7
28Columbus Ready6

Scouting report: The Irish are 19-11 in 13 postseason appearances, winning a state title in 2000 (IV). Dan Reardon is 27-19 in four years at Ursuline. The Irish offense is led by Div. V offensive co-player of the year Lamar McQueen, who has completed 69 of 145 passes for 1,264 yards, 10 TDs and seven interceptions. McQueen is also a running threat, ranking second on the team in rushing with 143 carries for 948 yards and six TDs. His main target is wideout Dale Peterman, who has 31 catches for 440 yards and three TDs. Dominique Cook is also a threat. Junior Darrell Mason leads the team with 156 carries for 1,163 yards and 21 TDs, while sophomore Allen Jones has been a bright spot, carrying 117 times for 782 yards and 13 TDs. Linebacker Nick McGahagan is the team’s leading tackler with 125, including 17 for a loss, and senior WR/DB Ross Revella has 83 tackles. Sophomore Jamel Turner is an absolute terror up front, compiling 77 tackles, including 31 1/2 for losses. He has 22 sacks. “He’s been an unbelievable player for us as a young kid,” said Reardon. Justin Brown (6-3, 255) and Harold Coates (6-4, 325) are a load up front on offense and defense. Both have Div. I college offers. Kicker Mike Metzinger is 49 of 54 on PATs and 6 of 10 on field goals with a long of 39 yards. Punter John Colla, who came over from the soccer team, is averaging 35 yards per punt. The Irish look to wear down teams on both sides of the ball, relying on their superior size and strength. “What they’re doing all stems from their defense,” said Marion Local coach Tim Goodwin. “They’re just stopping the other team’s offense so regularly, forcing three-and-outs, the other team’s defenses are just wearing down.” Both Ursuline (Steel Valley Conference) and Marion Local (Midwest Athletic Conference) compete in leagues that have two state finalists. Mooney (SVC) and Coldwater (MAC) meet in the Div. IV state final on Saturday.

Marion Local (14-0)

51Elida0
35Coldwater14
31St. Henry0
35Rockford Parkway13
57Minster0
56Versailles13
42Fort Recovery10
44Delphos St. John’s13
35Anna6
40New Bremen0

Playoffs

37Casstown Miami East0
53Cincinnati Deer Park0
24West Jefferson0
42Patrick Henry20

Scouting report: Marion Local is 30-6 in 10 postseason appearances, winning Div. VI state titles in 2000, 01 and 2006. It finished second in 2003. Coach Goodwin is 101-24 in 10 seasons. The top-ranked Flyers have been dominant this season, winning every game by at least 21 points. Quarterback Chris Stucke keys the offense, completing 101 of 180 passes for 1,623 yards, 20 TDs and eight interceptions. Stucke is a three-year starter and has won 35 games. “He’s a veteran kid and we rely on him a lot,” said Goodwin. His main targets are Jason Wolters (33 catches, 655 yards, seven TDs) and Alex Moeller (32 catches, 465 yards, five TDs). Tailback Ben Schaefer keys the I-formation offense, rushing 219 times for 1,327 yards and 28 TDs. Stucke has 544 yards on 93 carries. Linebackers Luke Homan (130 tackles, 20 for loss) and Greg Koesters (127 tackles, 16 for loss) lead a defense that is giving up just 6.4 points per game — best among the 12 state finalists. Marcus Moeller has seven interceptions to lead the secondary. The Flyers are trying to become the fourth team to win a state title in one division, then repeat the next year in a higher division. The others are Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (1985-IV, 1986-III), Cleveland Benedictine (1980-III, 1981-II) and Versailles (1994-V, 1995-IV). “We’ll just have to keep fighting,” said Goodwin. “You can’t look at them [Ursuline] and say you’re going to shut them down.”

Vindicator staff report