Cardinal Mooney Vs. Ursuline

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Blitz highlight reel

Team

Cardinal Mooney

Record	Div.	Conf.
7/5	Div. IV	Independents

Team

Ursuline

Record	Div.	Conf.
2/8	Div. IV	Independents

Mooney @ Ursuline

Gallery

Ursuline wins 44-7

The nightmare that every parent of a high school athlete fears came to life last Friday during the Ursuline-Mooney football game at Youngstown State University’s Stambaugh Stadium.

In a span of five plays, two Mooney players were taken off the field on stretchers.

In the third quarter with Mooney ahead 7-6, Cardinals defensive lineman Chris DeChellis fell to the turf after being blocked while pursing an Irish ballcarrier. Although DeChellis appeared to be motionless for several minutes, he eventually gave a thumbs up signal as he was taken off the field.

A few moments later, with the Irish driving for the go-ahead score, linebacker Pat McGlone fell after colliding with Ursuline tailback Akise Teague.

McGlone’s legs were moving while he lay on the turf.

I don’t know how many prayers were offered during the 25 minutes that the game was delayed, but it’s safe to say that there were thousands, not just for the players being treated but for the health of the others still playing.

Mooney head coach P.J. Fecko said both players were examined at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center then released.

“It becomes a sober reminder of what everything is about, when you see two guys on the field like that,” said Fecko who confirmed that his players were affected by the injuries.

“As players, they’re wondering what’s the issue with their buddy,” Fecko said. “When they left the field, they were OK but I think that it turns your focus.”

The Irish (9-0) took full advantage as Teague scored a 5-yard touchdown on the next play.

“You want to hit hard, but don’t want to hurt somebody,” Irish lineman Zach Conlan said. “It was a competitive game and it always is.”

The Cardinals (5-3) had one chance to tie the game, but a fourth-down gamble came up short. After the Irish responded with a touchdown drive, they added three more. One was on an interception return while another was on a bomb on the first play after another pickoff.

“This is always the biggest game on Ursuline’s schedule, it always will be,” said senior lineman Pete Wearsch, explaining that beating Mooney means more than winning a Division V crown. “I felt real bad for those guys [DeChellis and McGlone] because they were down for quite awhile.”

Teague agreed about how much the rivalry means.

“The season wouldn’t be complete at all,” said Teague of the thought of losing to the Cardinals. “I don’t think Mooney would let it go and it would be devastating if we didn’t beat Mooney. It’s the biggest game of the year.”

Postseason countdown

McDonald @ Western Reserve

Gallery

The losses that Fitch and Western Reserve suffered in Week 9 leaves us with two unbeaten teams: Ursuline (10-0)and Howland (9-0).

The Irish shouldn’t have any problems in the postseason defending their Division V crown. They are so strong I feel they’d give the Div. II favorites a run for their money.

What does it say about Mooney’s schedule that the Cardinals may finish 5-4 and still make the playoffs? Although Poland (6-3) and Mooney aren’t as strong as last year, who wouldn’t enjoy a playoff rematch between them?

And how fun would a rematch between Western Reserve (8-1) and McDonald (7-2) be?

Finally, it would be a fine moment for the All-American Conference if White Tier champions Lakeview (7-2) and Blue Tier winners Campbell (8-1) both qualified in Div. IV Region 13.