×

Ursuline snaps losing streak

Irish QB Brady Shannon becomes program’s all-time leading passer in 48-6 win over East

Staff photo / Brian Yauger Ursuline quarterback Brady Shannon runs for a gain Saturday evening against East at Rayen Stadium. Shannon became the Fighting Irish’s all-time leading passer on Saturday after throwing for 90 yards.

YOUNGSTOWN — Through the first five weeks of the season, the Ursuline Fighting Irish were rolling, averaging 47.4 points a game en route to a 4-1 record.

A cancellation against Chaney derailed the Irish as they dropped their next two games losing by more than three possessions in both.

After another cancellation against Boardman, the Irish returned to action at historic Rayen Stadium against the East High Golden Bears on Saturday and got back on track.

Senior quarterback Brady Shannon became Ursuline’s all-time leading passer and the Irish rolled over the Golden Bears 48-6.

“We had a rough past two weeks,” Shannon said. “Two losses back to back and that’s not the standard here at Ursuline. We knew what we had to do, get our confidence back on offense and have a good week of practice, so we got that done tonight.”

Shannon passed Daryll Clark, who starred at Penn State and was co-MVP of the Big Ten in 2009.

The record breaking play came on his 19 yard pass to Dean Boyd in the opening quarter.

“I knew I was gonna pass it this game,” Shannon said. “I didn’t really know when I was gonna break the record, but I’m glad it was Dean. He’s my best friend so I’m glad it went to him. Dean’s a part of the record along with all our receivers.

“I just have to thank my offensive line and my receivers. The past three years, all the guys I’ve played with they’ve had a huge part of this. I’m just really grateful.”

Shannon finished the game with 90 yards passing and 120 yards rushing to go with three total scores.

The Irish made plenty of other fireworks in their win over the Golden Bears.

After the Golden Bears’ opening drive ended with a turnover on downs at the Irish 47, Ursuline scored 22 seconds later on Shannon’s 25 yard pass to Marc Manning at the 8:48 mark of the opening quarter.

East went three-and-out on their next possession.

Starting at the East 24, it only took one play for the Irish to make it 14-0 on Shannon’s run with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Things got worse for the Golden Bears when Alex Bierig’s punt was blocked, setting up the Irish at the East 14.

DeMarcus McElroy scored the first of his three straight touchdowns for Ursuline to increase the lead out to 21-0 with 5:29 left in the first quarter.

The Golden Bears were limited to 27 yards of total offense in the first half on two first downs.

On the other side of the equation, the Irish racked up 281 yards of offense and 15 first downs.

Shannon closed off the Irish scoring in the first half with his 56 yard run to make it 42-0 with 4:04 left in the first half.

“I thought our kids came out and we’re focused,” Ursuline coach Dan Reardon said. “We had a couple of rough weeks back to back. We didn’t play our best. We played good opponents. I thought our kids did a really good job of coming out and playing efficient football. Our defense had a number of TFLs, sacks, and things like that. I thought they were really active early on. We’re obviously pleased with the effort.”

East ended the shutout when Luther Bell scored on a two yard run with 8:25 left in the game.

Both East and Ursuline close out the regular season, each playing their rival, Chaney and Mooney, respectively.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today