Thunder puts McCullough to work all over

By GREG GULAS

Vindicator Correspondent

YOUNGSTOWN — You can just refer to the Mahoning Valley Thunder’s Pat McCullough as Mr. Versa “Utility.”

The former Mount Union College All-American, who helped the Purple Raiders to a 52-3 overall mark, two Division III championships and a runner-up finish from 2004-07, has played on both sides of the football this season for the af2 team but calls defense his favorite place on the field.

“I love defense because it’s far better to deliver a blow than to be on the receiving end. I try to get on the field as much as possible so wherever Coach [Mike] Hold needs me, I am willing to give it a try,” McCullough said.

Last Saturday against Manchester, a 53-27 loss, McCullough saw action at fullback where he rushed four times for 18 yards, adding 1.5 tackles while recovering a fumble from his familiar linebacker slot.

In addition to those two positions, McCullough has played defensive line and nose guard, and on the offensive line, if necessary, according to Hold.

“Pat is perfect for our league because he is so versatile. He’s a jack-of-all trades type of guy who really helps when filling out your 20-man roster.

“He gives 100 percent on either side of the ball so it’s nice to be able to patch him in where necessary,” Hold added.

The playoffs were already penciled in prior to the start of the season when McCullough was a Purple Raider. Mount Union made it to postseason play all four of his campaigns and fell short of the title game just once during his stay.

With a 3-11 overall mark, the Thunder won’t be playoff-bound this season but that doesn’t make the final two games any less important for McCullough and his teammates.

The Thunder is playing for pride and respect against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Saturday and then Midwest Division co-leader Green Bay next Saturday at the Chevrolet Centre.

A pair of wins would go a long way in salvaging a disappointing season. The team isn’t casting an eye toward the 2009 campaign just yet.

“There is a big difference in losing and the way we have lost this season. A couple of bounces this way or that way and it might have been a different story record-wise,” said McCullough.

“The strength of this team is that we never have given up, always fighting and never quitting until the final gun has sounded. That effort and a near-flawless game on both sides of the ball is what we are hoping for these last two games of the season.”

Mahoning Valley will be meeting the East Division champion Pioneers for the third time this season, having already dropped a 33-20 road decision on April 11 and then absorbing a 77-47 setback on May 5 at home.

Are the Pioneers primed for letdown?

“They can be had. In fact, any team can be had in this league. Every team has a weakness and when you put a team out of their game plan then you have an excellent chance of winning,” McCullough said.

“Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is an excellent squad that features a great quarterback, excellent receivers and a solid defense. That is why they are at the top of the standings in our division.

“We have had some costly injuries this year but that is no excuse. Expect us to give it our all these last two times out,” he added.

McCullough has played in 13 of the team’s 14 games this season, registering 17 total tackles, one tackle for loss, recovering two fumbles and forcing three quarterback hurries.

Offensively, he’s rushed for 26 yards on six carries, including a season high four carries and 18 yards last week against the Wolves.