MOONEY: Turnovers stall Cardinals' offense
By Jon Moffett
The Cardinals were limited to a season-low 7 points by their archrivals.
YOUNGSTOWN — Defense wins championships.
Junior linebacker Jamel Turner believes that adage and uses it for motivation for when he steps on the field for Ursuline.
“We’ve got to believe that nobody can score on us,” Turner said. “Our coaches prepare us hard on defense and our team has a swagger. We owe it all to our coaches.”
Turner, a junior linebacker, and the Irish defense held on to defeat rival Cardinal Mooney 10-7 Friday night at Stambaugh Stadium, holding the Cardinals to a season low in points.
The lone score came on a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Zordich to receiver Donald D’Alesio, both juniors, with 1:23 left in the game.
The Cardinals went for the onside kick, but it was recovered by Ursuline senior Dale Peterman.
The Irish forced a four turnovers, including three fumbles.
“You can’t make mental mistakes and beat a team like Ursuline,” Mooney coach P.J. Fecko said.
An early field goal by Ursuline turned out to be the difference in a game where both offenses struggled to find a rhythm.
Mooney quarterback Alex Zordich completed 7-of-9 passes for 100 yards with an interception, but was pressured all night by Turner and the rest of the Irish defense.
Mooney’s leading rusher, junior Braylon Heard, had 80 yards on 19 carries.
“They were committed to controlling the line of scrimmage, and they were successful in doing that tonight,” Fecko said.
The Irish entered halftime with a 3-0 lead and a lot of momentum. The defense forced two fumbles and had the interception in the first half. Turner and Peterman forced the two fumbles, and senior teammate L.J. Stevens intercepted the Zordich pass.
In the second half the Irish stopped Mooney on a critical fourth down with 6:45 left in the third quarter, and Turner forced his second fumble of the game with 2:58 left.
Ursuline coach Dan Reardon said Turner’s play inspired the entire team.
“He’s a very active player,” Reardon said. “I’m proud of him. He plays with a motor, he runs to the ball and he makes plays. He’s been doing it all year for us.
“Our defense has done a great job all year long,” Reardon said. “It feels great to get a win against a great football team.”