IRISH ROLL IN ROUND ONE
By Tim Corso
YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline took care of business against New Philadelphia 42-7 on Friday night.
It was the first round of the 2023 OHSAA State Playoffs from Stambaugh Stadium and the #1 seed Irish were looking to stay away from trap game versus a very competitive New Philadelphia squad that has missed the playoffs just once in the past 10 seasons.
It was a battle of 1000-yard running backs with Christian Lynch and Etnie Richardson leading their respective teams in the backfield.
While Richardson put together a solid performance, it was Lynch that stole the show. He reached the endzone three times, and almost knocked off as many helmets doing so.
It started on Ursuline’s first drive of the game when Ericson found four different receivers in what would be a game-opening touchdown drive.
One of those receivers was Tairan Davis, who Ericson connected with on a touchdown late in the first half inside the redzone.
That was one of two touchdown tosses for Ericson. The other went to D.C. Ferrell.
Ferrell finished his last game with 7 catches for 98 yards and a score and showed out once again in the playoff opener.
While offense is all the talk right now, the stout defense forced a turnover and came up with a number of clutch sacks.
Senior Ty’Req Donlow tallied three sacks for the game. Two of the sacks came on early fourth down plays that thwarted any hope of a productive Quaker drive.
Ursuline (11-0) will host one last game at Stambaugh Stadium next Friday night against Mahoning County foe Canfield (7-3) in the second round.
For New Philadelphia (6-5), they finish of its third consecutive 6-5 season with the loss.
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