By Tom Williams

The Lions, who are in the state semifinals for the first time, want to enjoy the moment, yet stay focused on Saturday’s task.

YOUNGSTOWN — In 24 years as the Liberty Union High football coach, Dan Johnson never enjoyed a bigger victory than last Saturday’s 13-3 defeat of Columbus Bishop Ready in the Division V Region 19 championship game.

That win advanced the Lions to the state semifinals for the first time.

We’re not sure exactly how hard Johnson and his staff celebrated after the game, but we’ve learned that it didn’t prevent Johnson from teaching Sunday School the next day.

Ursuline coach Dan Reardon said film of Liberty Union arrived a little later than usual Sunday because Johnson’s church commitments that morning slowed the process. No problem — if any team can appreciate the importance of worship, it’s Ursuline.

Saturday at 7 p.m. at New Philadelphia’s Woody Hayes Stadium, Ursuline (13-0) will take on Liberty Union (12-1) in a state semifinal. The Irish, state runners-up in 2007, have a big edge in playoff experience.

“We’ve made history here,” Johnson said Tuesday of the commotion created in the small town of Baltimore. “Everyone’s really excited — we feel blessed.”

The one drawback for the Lions — staying focused.

“It’s hard to keep a lid on the excitement,” Johnson said. “Everyone wants to do something special for the team. Our biggest task is to keep our routine but also find a way to enjoy this success.

“We’ve had great community involvement,” Johnson said. “It’s like a fever — each week it gets a little hotter.”

The Lions went 9-1 in the regular season to earn the sixth seed in Region 19. After defeating Nelsonville-York 15-14 in Week 11, the Lions ousted second-seeded Wheelersburg, 14-7.

Johnson said the Lions pride themselves on their defense and kicking game.

“It is the personality of our team to be great defensive team,” said Johnson, whose Lions gave up 77 points in the regular season. West Jefferson, a Region 20 finalist, scored 41 of them.

“That’s been our story all year,” Johnson said. “We sell and preach to our kids to win with defense.”

The Lions’ kicking game revolves around junior Sam Tennant, a three-year letterman who also plays wide receiver.

The Lions have seven senior two-way starters so Johnson said he uses plenty of younger non-starters on the punt and kickoff teams to give his leaders a brief rest.

Among the key players are Shane Little, guard and middle linebacker; Trey Miller, tight end and defensive end; Sam Johnson, tackle and defensive tackle; Ethan Pumvermacher, defensive end; James Weaver, wingback and outside linebacker; Andy Mix, quarterback and safety; Clay Bondurant, tackle; and J.J McCormick, split end.

Although Ursuline has the advantage in size, Reardon expects a hard-hitting contest.

“They are a very physical team,” Reardon said. “That’s the thing that jumps out on film. They don’t try to trick you.

“They run the football very well. I would suggest not getting to the game late, because as much as they run it and we run it, it will be over probably by 8:15.

“They want to run the ball and they play real good defense,” Reardon said. “The thing that jumps off is how effectively they run the ball. They just pound you and pound you and pound you. That’s their gameplan.”

Dan Johnson is impressed with Ursuline’s talent.

“What a great team,” Johnson said, “with big, strong kids and outstanding athletes.

“Man for man, they are bigger all across the line,” Johnson said. “And we’re not small — our tackles are big guys. One is 290 and the other is 260.”

Johnson expects the Irish offense to offer some of the most complex schemes they’ve faced.

“They run a bunch of formations on offense that can get you from all different ways,” Johnson said. “Their discipline shows.”

Johnson didn’t disagree that the Lions are underdogs.

“We know we have our work cut out for us,” Johnson said. “We need to just line up and play the game. It’s an oblong ball — anything can happen.”

williams@vindy.com