By Jon Moffett

The top-ranked Irish plastered visiting Chardon 41-0 to move to 5-0 on the season.

YOUNGSTOWN – Ursuline junior linebacker Jamel Turner said it all after Friday’s shutout victory over Chardon 41-0.

“I see us going undefeated,” Turner said. “I don’t see anybody stopping us.”

Turner said the team is more of a family, and that chemistry makes them dangerous.

“There are people that do look up to people, but when you perform everyone has to lead,” Turner said. “I’ve got to be able to tell a senior when he’s out of place, a senior has to be able to tell a freshman and a freshman needs to be able to tell a senior. We all do what we’ve got to do to keep this program right.”

The Irish (5-0), who are ranked No. 1 in Division V, accumulated 407 yards of total offense. Allen Jones, a junior, led the team with 117 yards rushing and two touchdowns on five carries. He scored on a 16-yard run in the first quarter and added a 47-yard run early in the second. Dawalyn Harper and Nico Irizarry, both juniors, added touchdowns on the ground of 3 and 21 yards, respectively. Quarterback Paul Kempe, a sophomore, connected on a 72-yard pass with senior receiver Dale Peterman in the third quarter. Kempe finished with five completions on seven attempts for 107 yards and the score. Peterman finished with four catches for 101 yards and the score.

Ursuline coach Dan Reardon was happy with how his team worked offensively, but the defense was the most pleasant surprise.

“I was happy that we took care of the football,” said Reardon. “Our backs ran well and our offensive line did a good job opening up some big holes. But the thing I was most impressed with was how well our defense played. Obviously holding them to zero points in something to be proud of.”

The Irish defense held the Hilltoppers scoreless for the first time in 55 games, said Chardon coach Jim DiPofi.

“Of course it’s disappointing,” DiPofi said. “They’re a better football team than us; they’re a great football team and we’re a young team. We’re getting better every week. You wouldn’t know it this week because they’re a much better team than us right now. We’re going to be good by the end of the year.”

Ursuline held the Hilltoppers to just 127 total yards. Junior running back Robby Bulman led the team with 55 yards on nine carries. Quarterback Kevin Taylor, a senior, couldn’t find a rhythm because of constant pressure from Turner and the Irish defense. Taylor completed 2 of 6 passes for 17 yards and an interception.

Turner scored on a 50-yard fumble recovery with 11:09 in the game. Teammate Alex Menton, a senior, intercepted Taylor in the second quarter.

Senior kicker Kevin Patrick said the team was excited about the victory, but looked forward to their upcoming Steel Valley Conference showdown against Warren Harding.

“It’s a pretty big rivalry,” Patrick said. “But, I think we’re going all the way.”

Reardon has made sure his team does not look past Harding or any other opponent remaining on the schedule.

“We haven’t had a chance to watch them on film yet, but it’s a Steel Valley Conference game, so it’s going to be a hard-hitting game,” Reardon said. “There are two very formidable opponents in the conference, so we’re going to have to bring our best effort.”

jmoffett@vindy.com