By John Bassetti

Mooney-Ursuline battle set for Friday

Both teams may be missing a top running back for the clash.

Entering the Ursuline-Mooney game in 2007, Mooney was 8-0 and top-ranked in Region 13 of Division IV.; Ursuline was 7-1 and third-ranked in Region 17 of Div. V.

This week they meet again, but the tables are turned: Ursuline is 8-0 and top-ranked in Region 17; Mooney is 7-1 and ranked third in Region 13

No question it’s a battle of major proportions, but, question is: Will it be a battle of full-strength teams?

The playing status of big-name runners on both teams — Ursuline tailback Darrell Mason and Mooney’s Braylon Heard (ankle) — was an issue and remains so for Mason, who has only played in six games.

To P.J. Fecko, it’s no big deal.

“By this time of year, it doesn’t matter too much because teams are going to be banged up and that gives people some experience,” the Mooney coach said. “Guys will have stepped up and filled in nicely on both sides. I don’t see injuries being a factor on either side.”

In Mason’s place, several players have picked up the slack in Ursuline’s offense.

Allen Jones and Nico Irizarry have shared the chores and gained 500 and 381 yards, respectively, behind fullbacks Dwight Wright and Jimmy Mszanski.

Paul Kempe and Dawalyn Harper have split time at quarterback, while Dale Peterman and Dominique Cole are the top two targets.

Defensive ends Jamel Turner and Dominique Cole and senior down linemen Dan Baco and Matt Krause also make the work of leading tackler Alex Menton easier.

Menton is a senior linebacker.

Turner and Cole are the Steel Valley Conference’s top two in sacks, respectively.

Secondary players Peterman, Justin Austin, L.J. Stevens, DeAndre Harris and Wade Daniels, collectively, are having a good season.

“Our defense has, week-to-week, been the heart and soul of the team,” said Dan Reardon.

He emphasized that of Ursuline’s 1,944 rushing yards, the leading rusher (Jones) has only 500.

“That means a lot of guys contribute. It’s been done by committee and we’ve been real happy a lot of guys have been part of the success,” said Reardon.

Counted on for extra points and field goals is Kevin Patrick, while Jeff Podolsky is also tested.

Reardon also singled out special teams players Greg DeMario and LaVance Turnage.

Reardon’s assessment of Mooney: “They’re very good up front and their defense is very stingy. You’ve got to work for every yard and every point.”

In Heard’s absence against St. Vincent-St. Mary, Karrington Griffin gained 124 yards, while another regular tailback, Ray Vinopal, added 94.

“Heard and Vinopal have been the 1-2 punch,” said Reardon. “Now Griffin makes it a 1-2-3 punch. That’s testament to their quality backups across the board.”

Fecko’s fullbacks are Dan McGlone and Mark Brandenstein.

Reardon cautions against the effectiveness of first-year starting quarterback Alex Zordich.

“If their run sets up the pass, and they’re successful running, you’re geared to stop that and they can be selective about play-action opportunities. That catches a team off balance,” he said.

Against SVSM, Kyle White and Scott Johnson filled in for defensive lineman Dave Italiano.

“They’re picking up the slack for Dave,” said Fecko. “Other than that, we’ll be OK.”

bassetti@vindy.com