By BEN ODDIS
Beakon Sports Writer
YOUNGSTOWN — Last weekend the Cardinal Mooney football team defeated Mayfield on Saturday. After starting the season slow, the Cards had an impressive showing, posting 34 points while only allowing six. Sophomore quarterback Vince Gentile led Mooney’s offense with 311 yards and four touchdowns.
“We needed that momentum approaching the final stretch,” Gentile said.
A storied rivalry adds another chapter this weekend as Mooney travels to the hostile environment of Spartan Stadium to face off against Boardman. The Spartans are off to a hot 3-1 start for the first time since 2021.
Sophomore defensive lineman/tight end, Dom Letlow, spoke on staying positive through the adversity.
“The success has started in practice, everyone keeps everyone working hard as one and as a team,” Letlow said.
Although the record may not reflect it, the Mooney defense has been solid throughout the year and has kept them in games. With the defense providing shorter drives, it enables the offense to control the game’s tempo.
“Focus on long drives giving the defense a breather,” Gentile said.
For the Cardinals, they’ll have to focus through all of the elements that come with such an intense rivalry — like trash talk, which has been the case as both sides have jawed through social media.
“All the trash talk just turns into motivation for us,” Gentile said.
Mooney has five more games left in the regular season consisting of Boardman, Warren Harding, Chaney, East, and Ursuline.
For the Cards, the magic number is three according to online algorithms. Three wins grant a playoff berth for Mooney.
Before looking too far ahead, the Cards have to face the Spartans. Although Mooney has only won two of the last five meetings, anything can happen — and Mooney knows a thing or two about defying the odds.
The offense has to continue to produce points and that starts with the offensive libe giving Gentile time in the pocket. Mooney’s ground-and-pound offense has been a strong suit this year and in year’s past. If the offense can produce it gives the defense room for error and weight off their shoulders.
Starting off strong has been a recent issue for the Cards. Mooney often finds itself playing from behind which is not a winning recipe. If the Cards can string everything together their ceiling is as high as possible.