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High School 2006 Division 4 Final: PC Jonathan Alder (13-1) vs. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (13-0)

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Mooney in a rout. The Cards have been really hungry since losing to Coldwater last year. They really wanted a re-match, but the Cavs couldn't hold up their end of the deal.

Mooney may be the best team in Ohio, regardless of Division.
 
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Cleveland.com

Cardinal Mooney vs. Jonathan Alder
Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (14-0) vs. Plain City Jonathan Alder (13-1)

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney enters the game coming off a easy 49-7 victory over Bellaire in the state semifinals. Mooney roared out to a 28-0 halftime lead, forcing four first half turnovers and adding a blocked punt. The Cardinals caused a total of seven Bellaire turnovers, returning three of the miscues for touchdowns.

Plain City Jonathan Alder advanced with a 24-7 win over Oak Harbor. Trailing 7-3 with under eight minutes remaining, Alder mounted a furious rally with 21 straight points to ice the victory.

When Mooney has the ball: it is pick your poison for opposing defenses. The Mooney offense is led by junior quarterback Daniel McCarthy, who has already received an early scholarship offer from Ohio State as a defensive back. He brings a multitude of athleticism to the position. Joining McCarthy in the backfield is another future Division I recruit in 220-pound Mike Zordich. Running back Jemelle Bowers also is a consistent ball carrier for Mooney. The Cardinals average an eye-popping 320 rushing yards per game.

The Jonathan Alder defense has been a difficult one to score upon all season long. In ten of their 14 games, Alder has limited opponents to ten points or less. They are allowing only eights points per game through four playoff contests. The Pioneers defense put the game away last week versus Oak Harbor. Justin Hochstetler and Justin Hamilton returned two errant Oak Harbor passes for touchdowns to seal the victory.

When Jonathan Alder has the ball: expect Alder quarterback Austin Schlosser to carry much of the load. The two-year starter has been magnificent this season, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. In last week's semifinal victory, Schlosser threw for 171 yards and a touchdown. His two favorite targets, Kyle Rapp and Zach Fleming, each came up with big catches on the Pioneers' go-ahead, fourth quarter scoring drive against Oak Harbor.

The Mooney defense is headlined by the big three of McCarthy, Zordich, and linebacker Brandon Beachum. A 6-1, 220-pound junior, Beachum already boasts several Big Ten offers and is one of the best college prospects in the state regardless of class. He scooped up a fumble in last week's semifinal victory and returned it 55-yards for a touchdown. Zordich, also a linebacker, is the son of former Penn State star safety Michael Zordich. He returned an interception 60-yards for a touchdown last week.

Outlook: It is hard to say that Youngstown Cardinal Mooney is not the overwhelming favorite to capture the title. The Cardinals, who are hungry after losing last year's state final to Coldwater, appear to have all the pieces. They have rolled through a difficult regular season schedule and have been dominant in the playoffs. They boast several marquee players in Beachum, McCarthy, and Zordich.

However, don't count Jonathan Alder out. Oak Harbor, despite a 285-pound average on their offensive line, was held to only seven points by the scrappy Alder defense. The Pioneers are a playoff regular and know what it takes to get the job done.

-Mike Parris
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