Mooney moves on to the final four

Poland will show better than last weeks opponent I would assume. I expect the result to be the same just not nearly as lopsided.

Good to see so many familiar faces over here.

Ytown....if you read my post in full, you would see that I said I wasn't pointing the finger at anyone. I recalled the Vindy article saying 4 students did the attacking, but I am mistaken. I believe you that it was two. Also, if you read my post closely, I said no scheduling in "regular season" games. Tournament matchups cannot be changed as they are sanctioned by OHSAA brackets. However, regular season matchups are chosen by athletic director.

Now, I would appreciate if you read this very carefully! Don't point the finger at me for throwing stones. I merely brought up incidents from years past of why these two schools don't play in the regular season. Some gentlemen were questioning Poland's AD and saying he wouldn't man up and schedule Mooney. I simply provided information for why that game won't happen in the regular season anytime soon. Do you really think I don't know what happens between high school students? I know that there were probably numerous disrespectful things said by some Poland students that caused the fighting incident to break out. It was just as much Poland's fault as it was Mooney's. However, I in no way provided that information to throw a stone at Mooney. My intention was to merely provide some substance to the athletic director's decision not to schedule games between these two. I appreciate you straightening out my facts and clearing things up, but I do not appreciate you accusing me of throwing stones at Mooney. I personally have nothing against them and wish them the best of luck this Friday. They have a phenomenal team, coach, and fan base. However, students will always be students and act immaturely and it's a shame that past incidents have to dictate who plays who in the future.

Mooney is on a mission. They've wanted this game for a long time...and have been chomping at the bit to play Poland.

I don't see Poland stopping Mooney this week, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this one get lopsided.

Go Cards! You've wanted this match-up since the move to D3. Let's make the most of it!!

bulldog8 wrote: Ytown....if you read my post in full, you would see that I said I wasn't pointing the finger at anyone. I recalled the Vindy article saying 4 students did the attacking, but I am mistaken. I believe you that it was two. Also, if you read my post closely, I said no scheduling in "regular season" games. Tournament matchups cannot be changed as they are sanctioned by OHSAA brackets. However, regular season matchups are chosen by athletic director.

Now, I would appreciate if you read this very carefully! Don't point the finger at me for throwing stones. I merely brought up incidents from years past of why these two schools don't play in the regular season. Some gentlemen were questioning Poland's AD and saying he wouldn't man up and schedule Mooney. I simply provided information for why that game won't happen in the regular season anytime soon. Do you really think I don't know what happens between high school students? I know that there were probably numerous disrespectful things said by some Poland students that caused the fighting incident to break out. It was just as much Poland's fault as it was Mooney's. However, I in no way provided that information to throw a stone at Mooney. My intention was to merely provide some substance to the athletic director's decision not to schedule games between these two. I appreciate you straightening out my facts and clearing things up, but I do not appreciate you accusing me of throwing stones at Mooney. I personally have nothing against them and wish them the best of luck this Friday. They have a phenomenal team, coach, and fan base. However, students will always be students and act immaturely and it's a shame that past incidents have to dictate who plays who in the future.

Well that explains the past 5 years, how about the previous 50?

^^Mooney44cards......the previous 50 can probably be attributed to timidness on Poland's part. Who wants to schedule a game that they have very little chance of winning. Mooney is a perennial powerhouse and every year has more talent than Poland. Poland and Hubbard are two very comparable programs and look what Mooney did to them. Personally, I think Mooney should have to play division 1 for how good they are. Heck, they beat a handful of D1 teams every year and have more than enough talent to run the table. To be quite honest, Mooney in Division 3 or 4 is like stealing candy from a baby in my opinion

bulldog8 wrote: ^^Mooney44cards......the previous 50 can probably be attributed to timidness on Poland's part. Who wants to schedule a game that they have very little chance of winning. Mooney is a perennial powerhouse and every year has more talent than Poland. Poland and Hubbard are two very comparable programs and look what Mooney did to them. Personally, I think Mooney should have to play division 1 for how good they are. Heck, they beat a handful of D1 teams every year and have more than enough talent to run the table. To be quite honest, Mooney in Division 3 or 4 is like stealing candy from a baby in my opinion

I bolded the $10,000 question. The real question is, would you rather dominate a bunch of shitty teams in the regular season and crash and burn in the playoffs, or be tested in the regular season, have a good team expose your weak points so you can work on them, and maybe roll into the playoffs as a much better team?

Mooney schedules very good teams every year and usually by playoff time are a completely different team than they were week one.

Hubbard played 9 creampuffs and Poland. They went 9-1 and got absolutely throttled by Mooney. There is a direct correlation. Also see Ursuline v. South Range in 07. South Range was undefeated, but played a very rigorous ITCL schedule (note the sarcasm). I think Ursuline could have won that game with their eyes closed.

Like I said, Poland has the balls to play Big Red, why not play a team who is just as good, if not better, and who is also in your back yard?

Mooney44cards.....this Poland team is probably the best team that has worn the blue and white in years. They beat a very good Hubbard team, a very good Howland team, but were beat soundly by a very good Steubenville team, and an above average Canfield team. Considering that this may be Poland's best team in years and for years to come, they still were defeated by 11 points by Big Red, who I believe isn't even close to being as good as Mooney. I think Poland was legitimately tested this year, but I still think playing Mooney might not provide much for Poland to gain until they take the next step. You can look at it two ways - playing the best exploits your weaknesses and prepares you for the things you need to work on to become the best....or...... playing the best merely intimidates your boys and creates a looming feeling that they can't compete with Mooney, Steubenville, etc. I'm interested to see how the Dogs fair on Friday, then i'll tell you whether I think Poland should spend a schedule spot on them in the regular season. However, a 55 point drumming like Mooney handed Hubbard will result in me saying no way jose

Mooney44Cards wrote:
I bolded the $10,000 question. The real question is, would you rather dominate a bunch of shitty teams in the regular season and crash and burn in the playoffs, or be tested in the regular season, have a good team expose your weak points so you can work on them, and maybe roll into the playoffs as a much better team?

I have to disagree somewhat with the premise. Mooney has the depth to be able to sustain some injury. More often than not (ok, always) they need to play the Bigs because no one around here will. The fact that most teams can't rebound from the loss of key players often prevent them from taking on the rigorous schedule Mooney does. Call it what you will but it's a fact.

I'll point to Liberty as an example. The loss of two linemen against Howland cost us severely against Girard and the following week in the play-offs just last season.

Great to be on this FREE site!

C'mon guys let's be realistic. Honestly, how many school's in the valley can compete with Mooney in football on a year in, year out basis?
What is Mooney's record in the last 20 years vs. Boardman, Fitch & Warren Harding. Not to mention the smaller area schools. Even their sister school and arch rival Ursuline as lost far more than the have won vs. Mooney in recent years.
Mooney is a perennial state power and they have built a great tradition and reputation of being one the premier football teams in the state regardless of divison!

I don't want to get into this whole recruiting thing. Do I think they should be playing in a different division? Yes probably so. But the bottom line is Mooney has a great program because talented kids WANT to go there because they are an elite program and have many college scouts attending their games. I would be willing to say 98% of the kids that play at Mooney never have any contact with a supporter or "recruiter" before the enroll there on their own.

I have been a Poland fan and supporter since the early 70's and I every intention on being at Falcon Stadium on Friday night to support the dogs. I very happy when the dogs one the thriller with Hoban Friday night because I wanted to see this game happen. Is Poland going to win? Probably not. But what do they have to lose? They are a heavy underdog, especially after what Mooney did to Hubbard and Field The last 2 weeks. But so what. It will be interesting to see what happens when they take one of the state's elite programs.

However, if your waiting the the two schools to sign a 6 year contract to play, forget it! It's not happen, for numerous reasons, one of which is that the bottom line in HS football is no longer winning your conference, but rather making the playoffs. Schools and their AD's are looking for computer point friendly schedules. All you have to do is look at how many schools are playing teams from out of state and for that matter, out of country (Canada) to see this. I know, Mooney supporters are going to say " If you play Mooney and beat them your going to get a kazillion computer points." The problem is how often, if ever, are you going to beat them?

So c'mon let's stop all these why won't anybody play us post. We all know the why's and why not's. And we all know who the beast is. No team want's to get their backside handed to them on a yearly basis.

Simply put Mooney has a Great program and is the elite program in the valley. And if they get to the state semi's I'll be rooting for them. However, this Friday night It's GO DOGS!!

FatMatt wrote: Really thought Hubbard would put up a fight, but after seeing them against Mooney, I wonder how they ever won a single game this year. Is the AAC that awful?

I like Mooney by 3-4 TDs in this one.

FatMatt, the AAC put 8 teams in the playoffs this year. So to answer your question, is it that awful.....no.

Hubbard was not prepared or folded early on, which is not characteristic of them. You may even chalk it up to a bad game....a really bad game that one cannot explain.

My Packers came out yesterday and defensively shut down a rolling Dallas Cowboy team......but they can't beat a pathetic Tampa Bay team the week before and give up 38 points in the process!!!!! Hard to explain.....but like the Mooney vs. Hubbard game, sometimes you're better off not trying to explain it. But please, do not pin an entire conferences ability on one bad game by one of their members.

ck9, good post. Gentlemen it is the week of the game everyone is waiting for. Yes Mooney has been waiting for this game for a long time but then I would bet their is a football team in Poland who is saying the same thing. Time to get in a good hard week of practice, keep it injury free and bring all you have to Austintown Falcon stadium on Friday night. Cardinals, like I said last week, who wants it more? Victors continue on while the losing team calls it a year and has next week off. GO CARDS

Go Cards!

...The Cards will have to be at the top of their game this week vs. Poland. The bulldogs have played everyone on their schedule tough. I hope the fans, players, and posters enjoy this week leading up to Friday night at Austintown Fitch.

[size=x-large]GO CARDS![/size]

Is it Friday yet? What a great game this should be at a great facility. I would imagine everyone in the Mahoning County area that cares just a little bit about high school football will be at this game. Go Dogs! Oh, and good luck to those ugly guys down the street too

bulldog8 wrote: Is it Friday yet? What a great game this should be at a great facility. I would imagine everyone in the Mahoning County area that cares just a little bit about high school football will be at this game.

...YA THINK!

Mooney will win this week big. Not more u can say mooney has a great team this year.. MVP

ck9 wrote: Great to be on this FREE site!

C'mon guys let's be realistic. Honestly, how many school's in the valley can compete with Mooney in football on a year in, year out basis?
What is Mooney's record in the last 20 years vs. Boardman, Fitch & Warren Harding. Not to mention the smaller area schools. Even their sister school and arch rival Ursuline as lost far more than the have won vs. Mooney in recent years.
Mooney is a perennial state power and they have built a great tradition and reputation of being one the premier football teams in the state regardless of divison!

I don't want to get into this whole recruiting thing. Do I think they should be playing in a different division? Yes probably so. But the bottom line is Mooney has a great program because talented kids WANT to go there because they are an elite program and have many college scouts attending their games. I would be willing to say 98% of the kids that play at Mooney never have any contact with a supporter or "recruiter" before the enroll there on their own.

I have been a Poland fan and supporter since the early 70's and I every intention on being at Falcon Stadium on Friday night to support the dogs. I very happy when the dogs one the thriller with Hoban Friday night because I wanted to see this game happen. Is Poland going to win? Probably not. But what do they have to lose? They are a heavy underdog, especially after what Mooney did to Hubbard and Field The last 2 weeks. But so what. It will be interesting to see what happens when they take one of the state's elite programs.

However, if your waiting the the two schools to sign a 6 year contract to play, forget it! It's not happen, for numerous reasons, one of which is that the bottom line in HS football is no longer winning your conference, but rather making the playoffs. Schools and their AD's are looking for computer point friendly schedules. All you have to do is look at how many schools are playing teams from out of state and for that matter, out of country (Canada) to see this. I know, Mooney supporters are going to say " If you play Mooney and beat them your going to get a kazillion computer points." The problem is how often, if ever, are you going to beat them?

So c'mon let's stop all these why won't anybody play us post. We all know the why's and why not's. And we all know who the beast is. No team want's to get their backside handed to them on a yearly basis.

Simply put Mooney has a Great program and is the elite program in the valley. And if they get to the state semi's I'll be rooting for them. However, this Friday night It's GO DOGS!!

I think you have hit the nail on the head with this post. The Dean gives you an A+.

Go Dogs

^^Uh oh.....this site has finally become official with the joining of tmunson

bulldog8 wrote: Gentlemen.....Ill post the same thing here as I did on the Poland vs Hoban thread.

These two schools have not played in any sports in recent years for numerous reasons that go beyond an AD's willingness to schedule. You might remember years back in basketball, shortly after Brandon Beachum transferred from Poland to Mooney, Mooney parents were irate with Poland because their student section did a "white out" as the theme....It was a take off on Penn State's student section theme, but many parents of the community were saying that this was an act of racism....Also, the incident 4 years ago outside the testing center of the ACT (college admission exam) - a Poland student was jumped by 4 Mooney students and hospitalized with bleeding within his skull. Prison time was involved with this incident. The animosity between these two schools, numerous fights, and disagreements between parents led to the athletic directors agreeing that these two schools would not meet on the field in any sport during the regular season and would only play if it came down to the playoffs. These two schools just don't like each other and I think that will be evident this Friday. Discrepancies between these two schools were the fault of both school's students, not just one. I'm in no way pointing the finger at Mooney saying their kids are bad kids and that's why Poland refused to schedule them, i'm just saying it was an intelligent decision on both athletic director's part to avoid any possible altercations.

There is a reason these two schools do not play each other in the regular season. It was established 4 years ago by the athletic directors that Poland and Mooney would not play each other in any sport during the regular season due to the actions of the student bodies. I sure hope that no fights break out this Friday between student section members. The incident 4 years ago was an absolute shame and I hope that both schools will be on their best behavior Friday in hopes of reestablishing the possibility of some regular season matchups between these two great schools.

Never heard any of this, very interesting. When they did play during regular season, what was the won/loss record?

This friday for the upcoming showdown between Mooney and Poland the Moffie's, Joshua and Jonathan two former Mooney football players would like to invite all Mooney fans and fans of GREAT highschool football to Bill's Place for food and drink specials for this epic event before the game. Bill's Place is located at 4771 Mahoning Ave, Austintown, and the stadium at Fitch is right down the road.

YTOWN wrote:

bulldog8 wrote: Gentlemen.....Ill post the same thing here as I did on the Poland vs Hoban thread.

These two schools have not played in any sports in recent years for numerous reasons that go beyond an AD's willingness to schedule. You might remember years back in basketball, shortly after Brandon Beachum transferred from Poland to Mooney, Mooney parents were irate with Poland because their student section did a "white out" as the theme....It was a take off on Penn State's student section theme, but many parents of the community were saying that this was an act of racism....Also, the incident 4 years ago outside the testing center of the ACT (college admission exam) - a Poland student was jumped by 4 Mooney students and hospitalized with bleeding within his skull. Prison time was involved with this incident. The animosity between these two schools, numerous fights, and disagreements between parents led to the athletic directors agreeing that these two schools would not meet on the field in any sport during the regular season and would only play if it came down to the playoffs. These two schools just don't like each other and I think that will be evident this Friday. Discrepancies between these two schools were the fault of both school's students, not just one. I'm in no way pointing the finger at Mooney saying their kids are bad kids and that's why Poland refused to schedule them, i'm just saying it was an intelligent decision on both athletic director's part to avoid any possible altercations.

There is a reason these two schools do not play each other in the regular season. It was established 4 years ago by the athletic directors that Poland and Mooney would not play each other in any sport during the regular season due to the actions of the student bodies. I sure hope that no fights break out this Friday between student section members. The incident 4 years ago was an absolute shame and I hope that both schools will be on their best behavior Friday in hopes of reestablishing the possibility of some regular season matchups between these two great schools.

Mr Bulldog8,

You seem to be missing just a few facts.

1) Mooney and Poland boys just played a tournament soccer game without incident.
2) There was only 2 Mooney kids when that incident occurred with the young man from Poland being hurt.
3) Only 1 of those 2 boys hit the kid and unfortunately he fell and hit his head.
4) Brandon Beachum had to leave Poland because he was ineligible to play there, period.
5) You seem to be missing the same "key" word used in both circumstances at the Poland games with Beachum and the night before the incident and the reason the Mooney kid hit the Poland kid at the ACT test. We won't get into that racial remark!

I by no means condone any of this garbage either way, but since you decided to cast the first stone, tell the true facts.

OUgrad wrote:
Never heard any of this, very interesting. When they did play during regular season, what was the won/loss record?

Please read the whole story. Whether or not anyone was trying to insinuate anything is irrelevant at this point, the facts are above. That was 4 years ago and there has been no trouble between Mooney and Poland since then. I don't expect any trouble this week either. Two teams will take care of business on the field and the only job we the fans need to concern oursleves with, is who cheers louder!

YTOWN wrote:

YTOWN wrote:

bulldog8 wrote: Gentlemen.....Ill post the same thing here as I did on the Poland vs Hoban thread.

These two schools have not played in any sports in recent years for numerous reasons that go beyond an AD's willingness to schedule. You might remember years back in basketball, shortly after Brandon Beachum transferred from Poland to Mooney, Mooney parents were irate with Poland because their student section did a "white out" as the theme....It was a take off on Penn State's student section theme, but many parents of the community were saying that this was an act of racism....Also, the incident 4 years ago outside the testing center of the ACT (college admission exam) - a Poland student was jumped by 4 Mooney students and hospitalized with bleeding within his skull. Prison time was involved with this incident. The animosity between these two schools, numerous fights, and disagreements between parents led to the athletic directors agreeing that these two schools would not meet on the field in any sport during the regular season and would only play if it came down to the playoffs. These two schools just don't like each other and I think that will be evident this Friday. Discrepancies between these two schools were the fault of both school's students, not just one. I'm in no way pointing the finger at Mooney saying their kids are bad kids and that's why Poland refused to schedule them, i'm just saying it was an intelligent decision on both athletic director's part to avoid any possible altercations.

There is a reason these two schools do not play each other in the regular season. It was established 4 years ago by the athletic directors that Poland and Mooney would not play each other in any sport during the regular season due to the actions of the student bodies. I sure hope that no fights break out this Friday between student section members. The incident 4 years ago was an absolute shame and I hope that both schools will be on their best behavior Friday in hopes of reestablishing the possibility of some regular season matchups between these two great schools.

Mr Bulldog8,

You seem to be missing just a few facts.

1) Mooney and Poland boys just played a tournament soccer game without incident.
2) There was only 2 Mooney kids when that incident occurred with the young man from Poland being hurt.
3) Only 1 of those 2 boys hit the kid and unfortunately he fell and hit his head.
4) Brandon Beachum had to leave Poland because he was ineligible to play there, period.
5) You seem to be missing the same "key" word used in both circumstances at the Poland games with Beachum and the night before the incident and the reason the Mooney kid hit the Poland kid at the ACT test. We won't get into that racial remark!

I by no means condone any of this garbage either way, but since you decided to cast the first stone, tell the true facts.

OUgrad wrote:
Never heard any of this, very interesting. When they did play during regular season, what was the won/loss record?

Please read the whole story. Whether or not anyone was trying to insinuate anything is irrelevant at this point, the facts are above. That was 4 years ago and there has been no trouble between Mooney and Poland since then. I don't expect any trouble this week either. Two teams will take care of business on the field and the only job we the fans need to concern oursleves with, is who cheers louder!

Since you quoted my question, why did you not answer it? I am not reading anything into anything. I just thought it interesting to read about a little history between the 2 schools. Not trying to start anything, just made a comment. Geesh

Thanks for "pointing that out" Ytown!