Pelinis are at top of Huskers’ food chain

By John Kovach

Three of four Nebraska coaches and player Tim Marlowe are tied to Cardinal Mooney football.

Many college football fans in the Youngstown area will be cheering for the University of Nebraska today when the Cornhuskers take on Clemson in the Gator Bowl at 1 p.m. in Jacksonville, Fla.

That’s because Nebraska has four coaches and one player from the Youngstown area. Four of the group hail from Cardinal Mooney High, including first-year head coach Bo Pelini.

The others are assistant coaches Carl Pelini (Bo’s brother) and Tim Beck, plus freshman wide receiver Tim Marlowe, who has been redshirted this season.

Carl Pelini, a former Fitch High coach, serves as the Cornhuskers’ defensive coordinator and defensive line coach while Beck, a former Texas high school coach, tutors the running backs.

Completing the area connection is Ross Watson from Austintown Fitch High and Mount Union College, who is a graduate assistant.

Although Marlowe has been redshirted, he already has distinguished himself this season by being named Nebraska’s Offensive Scout Player of the Year. He is with his team at the Gator Bowl.

“He has not been on the traveling team because he is redshirted, but he has dressed for home games and made the trip to the Gator Bowl and he will be dressed and on the sidelines,” said Marlowe’s father, Dick Marlowe.

Marlowe was selected for his scout award by Nebraska’s players and coaches, and was presented a plaque in honor of his recognition at the team banquet.

“It was quite an honor,” Dick Marlowe said.

Dick Marlowe said Tim was home for Christmas for a few days and brought his plaque with him.

“This was his Christmas present,” Marlowe said. “He [also] got scout player of the week several times during the season.

Marlowe’s job on the scout team was to act as the opposing team’s top receiver when plays are run during practice sessions.

“They try to simulate the other team’s players as close as possible so that they will be prepared in the game,” Dick Marlowe said.

Marlowe, who played on Mooney’s state runner-up team in 2007, also has the distinction of being one of the lightest players on Nebraska’s 99-player roster at 170 pounds. When he first joined the team, he was the lightest at 160 pounds.

Versatility is Marlowe’s gift. After starting his senior season as a receiver, he was pressed into service at quarterback. Marlowe responded by leading the Cardinals into the Division IV state championship game which they lost to Coldwater, 28-27. He also played defense.

In that state final loss, Marlowe rushed for 104 yards in 17 carries and one touchdown while completing 5-for-6 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. He also made three tackles.

For his senior season, Marlowe ran for almost 300 yards on 42 carries and scored four touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 216 yards and three more touchdowns.

On defense, Marlowe had 36 tackles, led his team in pass deflections (32) and in interceptions (five). He also had three kickoff returns for 70 yards.

Marlowe was also a two-way standout for Mooney as a junior in 2006, helping the Cardinals to a perfect 15-0 record and a Division IV state title win over Plain City Jonathan Alter, 26-12.

Marlowe’s main asset as a receiver is his quickness, Dick Marlowe said.

“He is fast and quick and gets in the open. He is very quick. He can reach full speed in just a few steps,” he said.

kovach@vindy.com