By Jon Moffett

Ursuline achieves perfection, wins state football title

MASSILLON — Last year, Ursuline got a taste of the Division V state championship.

This year, the Irish were hungry for a full course.

“This game is definitely important, especially with how we lost last year,” said Benny Naples, a senior at Ursuline.

Fellow senior Gage Trott said last year’s loss made this year’s game “that much more important.”

The 2007 Irish were defeated in the title game by Marion Local. The Flyers defeated the Irish 20-14. The final score came on an interception return, moments after Ursuline had tied the score on a 50-yard fumble recovery. The 2008 Irish campaign returned to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon.

“We wanted to play Marion Local because of how they beat us, but we’ll take this team on,” said Michael Forte, also a senior.

Ursuline played the title game Saturday against Findlay Liberty-Benton. The Irish were considered the home team, and a rowdy student section helped create a home-field atmosphere.

“We take our fan base everywhere,” Naples said.

Before the game, Naples said a victory and a state championship would make this season perfect.

“We beat Mooney, we’d be 15-0 and be state champions,” Naples said. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Naples, Trott, Forte and the rest of the Ursuline faithful got their wish. The Irish defeated Liberty-Benton 21-0 to become the Division V state champions.

Naples said he thought the game would be close, with Ursuline getting the victory at the end.

The Irish did get the victory, and in the end hoisted the gold trophy instead of the silver one.

jmoffett@vindy.com