Valley of Champions

By STEVE RUMAN

sports@vindy.com

Jim Tsilimos picked up the newspaper last Sunday to read the story of Girard’s thrilling 53-48 win over Newark Licking Valley, and he couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Talk about some similarities,” Tsilimos said. “There were some things that happened in that game which I experienced in 1995, and I couldn’t help but wonder if Girard is a team of destiny.”

Girard (13-1) is looking to become the 10th Mahoning Valley school to win a state title since the playoffs were introduced in 1972. Overall, the Mahoning Valley claims 21 championships, including multiple titles by Cardinal Mooney (eight), Ursuline (four), Warren Harding (two) and Warren JFK (two).

Girard will face Cincinnati Wyoming tonight in the Division IV state championship game. The Indians’ quest to bring another title to the Valley is conjuring up memories of previous title winners.

Tsilimos coached Lisbon to a Div. V state title in 1995. He noted that in a regional final game against Monroe Central, the Blue Devils trailed 14-9 late in the game and faced a fourth-and-24. The Devils gained 32 yards, and five plays later scored the game-winning touchdown.

In the state final, Lisbon fell behind Cincinnati Mariemont 21-7 at halftime before rallying for a 34-31 victory in double overtime.

Against Licking Valley, Girard scored its game-winning touchdown on a fourth-and-15 play with 1:44 on the clock. The Indians rallied after trailing by 14 at halftime.

“I couldn’t help but smile and think back to our run,” the retired Blue Devils coach said. “Honestly, not a day goes by where I don’t think about that season in some way.

“It’s funny, in the moment things happen so fast. It’s a blur and you don’t have time to take it all in. Once it’s over, you sit back and realize what just happened.”

Lisbon won its title on Dec. 1, exactly 23 years to the day Girard will play for its title.

Girard’s loss this year was to Hubbard (48-32) in Week 2. Eleven weeks later, the Indians rolled over the Eagles, 43-18.

The 1991 Warren JFK team that won the Div. IV title lost to Campbell by 20 in Week 8, In the first round of the playoffs, the Eagles defeated the Red Devils, 34-6.

“That first-round win was huge, because it showed us how much we improved in three weeks,” said Shawn Terlecky, a junior flanker/safety on the 1991 JFK team. “I remember getting on the bus after the final game of the regular season, and Coach [Tony] Napolet thanking us for a great season.

“We thought our season was done. We got a second chance and took advantage of it.”

Canton McKinley High coach Dan Reardon has experienced the lows and the highs of participating in championship games. While coaching at Ursuline, Reardon’s Irish lost in the Division V final in 2007. Reardon then led the Irish to three consecutive state titles.

“There is nothing like it, it’s special to be able to do something that everyone aims for but few can achieve,” Reardon said. “And once you win that ring, it can never be taken away from you.”

In 1978, Brookfield was crowned the Class AA state champion with an 11-0 record, including a convincing 28-0 win over Hamilton Badin in the final.

Ken Bencetic was the quarterback for the Warriors, and is now an assistant coach at Hubbard. Bencetic said that playing for and winning a state title are something special.

“It never gets old having people walk up to you saying, ‘Weren’t you the quarterback on that title team?,’ it’s special to the people of Brookfield to this day,” Bencetic said. Having experienced the atmosphere of a title game, Terlecky has a message for the Girard players.

“Enjoy the moment, embrace the moment, take a minute to take it all in,” Terlecky said. “Yes, you’re there to win, but it’s okay to recognize where you’re at and appreciate being a part of something magical.

“Once that game starts, rely on what got you there. Play your game.”

Reardon said the stress of playing in Week 15 can become overbearing, even for veteran players and coaches.

“You just have to remember what got you there,” Reardon said. “There’s a fine line where you can start over-thinking, and you sway from what you’re best at. And 15 weeks of football is tough on anyone, let alone teenagers. Right now, these kids are prepared physically, now it becomes a mental game in so many ways.”

Reardon encourages the Girard players and coaches to enjoy the moment.

“When we were going through our run, it was such a grind. It was almost like there was no time to sit back and reflect on what was happening,” Reardon said. “Now you look back and you’re like, ‘Wow, we found lightning in a bottle.’

“Embrace the experience. For most of those kids playing this weekend, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”