YOUNGSTOWN, OH — When the season is on the line, it’s not always about how you start, but how you finish. Ursuline proved that Friday night, rattling off 15 unanswered points to erase a second-half deficit and knock off Lake Catholic, 34-20, in the opening round of the OHSAA Division III, Region 9 football playoffs at Rayen Stadium.
Trailing 20-19 in the third quarter, the Fighting Irish turned to their defense and a balanced offensive attack to take control of the contest, keeping their postseason hopes alive while bringing the Cougars’ season to an end.
Sophomore quarterback Patrick Reardon delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, completing 14 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Reardon spread the football around, finding multiple weapons through the air to keep the Lake Catholic defense on its heels.
Senior Ray Javey provided a big-play threat, hauling in four receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. Junior Ethan Sandusky was equally dangerous, collecting three passes for 80 yards and a score, while Dale Peterman served as a reliable target with five receptions for 60 yards.
The Fighting Irish also established themselves on the ground, piling up 170 rushi...