Photo by: William D. Lewis

Photo

Mooney football player John Simon shows off a jersey presented to him Army Sgt Michael Thompson. Mooney was named to all army team during a ceremony Monday at Mooney.

By Joe Scalzo

Army Bowl picks Mooney’s Simon

The future Buckeye is the first Cardinal selected for the postseason all-star game.

YOUNGSTOWN — John Simon is headed for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but to hear him talk, you’d almost think he’s headed for the Army.

During Monday’s press conference at Cardinal Mooney High, the senior lineman used the phrase “it’s a great honor” at least a half-dozen times, repeatedly called reporters “sir” and thanked his high school, his parents, his teammates, his coaching staff, the Army and his grandparents in a 15-second span. And his entire speech only lasted 27 seconds.

“I’m very blessed,” said Simon, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive tackle who will play for Ohio State next fall. “I’m really here because of the great teammates and the coaching staff around me.”

Simon is the first Mooney player selected for the game, which began in 2001 and annually features the top high school seniors in the country. More than 80 All-American Bowl alumni have gone on to play in the NFL, including standouts such as Vince Young (Titans), Reggie Bush (Saints) and Ted Ginn (Dolphins).

“There’s some great talent that has gone through here [Mooney],” Cardinals coach P.J. Fecko said. “John being the first is a special honor.

“Obviously John has represented Cardinal Mooney well and we’re blessed to have him.”

Ninety players nationwide are selected for the game, which will air live on NBC at noon pn Jan. 3 in San Antonio.

Simon, who said he has followed the game since he was younger, made the list of finalists following his junior season and made the final cut a few months ago.

“There will be a lot of great athletes in this game and I’m excited to get after it and showcase my talents and hopefully get a win,” said Simon, a three-year starter who also owns all of the school’s weightlifting records.

Fecko, who has led the Cardinals to four straight Division IV state championship games, said Simon’s selection is exciting not just for his current teammates but for Mooney’s alumni.

“I think our alumni across the country will have a sense of pride,” Fecko said. “They can say, ‘Hey, I played football at that place.’ And John is a great representative for not just Cardinal Mooney, but for the whole Youngstown area.

“John has done everything he’s needed to be successful on and off the field. He embodies everything that being a football player at Cardinal Mooney is about. He plays with 100 percent effort at all times, he’s very dedicated and he plays at a very high level.”

scalzo@vindy.com