GOOD LUCK DEFENDING OHIO STATE CHAMPS CLINTON-MASSIE.

BEAT YOUNGSTOWN C-M!

Clinton-Massie Guard AJ Avery  is a chip off the old block, 
Dad Andy Avery with Mom Nicole

Ohio Division IV Championship
CLINTON-MASSIE (13-1) vs. YOUNGSTOWN CARDINAL MOONEY (10-4)
Kickoff: Friday, Dec. 6 @ 3 p.m. at Fawcett Stadium
Follow on Twitter @TSFootball, #9fridayfrenzy

The path to the finals has seen its fair share of challenges for Cardinal Mooney and reigning Division IV state champion Clinton-Massie. Don’t let the records fool you: Mooney played a grueling regular-season schedule that included Division I stalwart Lakewood St. Edward, undefeated Austintown Fitch and three out-of-state teams. The tradition-rich Cardinals take on all comers and fear no one. They are one of the most successful post-season teams in state history and are looking to bring a ninth state championship trophy back to Youngstown.

Clinton-Massie has been tested to the max the past two weeks, edging Alter and Kenton, the state’s top-ranked team. Those victories made a statement that the Falcons are the kings of Division IV on the west side of the state and have been for the past two years.


TEAM TRENDS: Clinton-Massie has made the playoffs 12 years in a row under head coach Dan McSurley and 13 times in program history. The Falcons are 21-11 all-time in the post-season. They have captured three straight regional titles and are looking for a consecutive state championship.
Mooney head coach Patrick Fecko is 124-49 in his 13th season guiding his alma mater. The Cardinals are 33-4 in the playoffs under his reign. This is Cardinal Mooney’s 26th playoff appearance. They have won eight titles (’11, ’09, ’06, ’04, ’87, ’82, ’80 & ’70), lost in the finals three times (’07, ’05 & 85) and won 17 regional championships. Mooney is 60-17 all-time in the post-season.

CLINTON-MASSIE’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Teams have scored on Cardinal Mooney. The Cardinals are allowing 18.9 points per contest. The Falcons have not folded under pressure - they scored two fourth-quarter TDs to win last week - and their poise will be a huge plus.  Sticking with the running game, their bread and butter, will benefit them as this contest wears on.

CARDINAL MOONEY’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Special teams are major strength for the Cardinals. Kicker Zak Kennedy has connected on 13-of-15 field goals, including 7-of-8 from 30 yards or longer. Punter Denver Martin is averaging 43.8 on 54 punts, with 20 inside the 20-yard line. Handel has more than 500 total return yards and averages 23.8 per kickoff return and 10.0 per punt return. Doing all the little t hings at a really high level is why this program is in a position to capture the crown.

PREDICTION: CLINTON-MASSIE 23, CARDINAL MOONEY 20

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not