IRISH HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SLAY DRAGONS
By Tim Corso
YOUNGSTOWN OH-Ursuline rolled past Lakeside Friday night 50-0, in what was a quick contest at Stambaugh Stadium.
Dan Reardon always seems to have some tricks up his sleeve, and tonight he pulled one out on the opening kickoff.
Kicker Brandon Tabak cued a perfect onside kick that left the Dragons in a helpless scramble on what would be a successful Irish attempt.
With the ball at midfield for Ursuline, runs by D.C. Ferrell, Jack Ericson, and Christian Lynch led to the Irish getting out to an 8-0 lead after the drive was capped by a 2-yard run from Lynch.
Ericson tossed a touchdown while getting it done with both his arm and legs in the win.
The ensuing Lakeside possession resulted in Dragon quarterback Alex DiSalvatore fumbling inside his own 10, then watching the reigning Mahoning County Defensive Player of the Year, Ty’Req Donlow scoop the ball up and double the Irish lead.
Reardon’s squad had it going all night long, and while it’s hard to pinpoint one player in this loaded Ursuline offense, Lynch put his speed and strength on display tonight with well over 100 yards on the ground to go with three scores. The Princeton commit had touchdown runs of 69 and 25 in addition to his first one.
The stout Irish offense is nothing to scoff at, but neither are the other “two phases” for them. Their defense pitched the shutout, while forcing three turnovers, and the special teams not only had some early game magic but got a touchdown of their own on a 72-yard Ferrell punt return that resulted in six.
It was a good night to be an Ursuline fan, as the game was under two hours, the second stringers gained valuable playing time, and a pretty 50-0 hung on the scoreboard as the Irish fight song rung through the night, and all the way back to Wick Avenue.
Ursuline (3-0) will travel to Rayen Stadium next Friday, September 8, for a Steel Valley Conference clash with East (1-2) in the conference opener. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
