by Youngstown, Ohio – Youngstown Ursuline and Walsh Jesuit do not have much history between each other on the gridiron, having last played each other in 2014.
The two regional finalists from last season engaged in a showdown for the ages Thursday night at Stambaugh Stadium, with Walsh Jesuit prevailing, 37-35, to kick off the 2024 season.
Walsh Jesuit got things started on their first possession, capping their drive with some trickery. Keller Moten tossed the ball to Aiden Henry, who found a wide-open Milan Parris for a 20-yard touchdown toss. The ensuing PAT was good and the Warriors jumped ahead, 7-0, at the 7:57 mark of the first quarter.
Ursuline looked to respond, as DC Ferrell completed passes to Jy’Quise Liason and Devante Taylor to move the Fighting Irish down the field and into the red zone. But the Warrior defense forced a fumble that was recovered in the end zone by Ben Biel.
The Fighting Irish would pick up a key turnover of their own, as Da’Shaun Will picked off a Keller Moten pass. Senior tailback Joe Balog rushed for a 12-yard touchdown to knot the score up at 7.
Walsh Jesuit re-took the lead, 10-7, thanks to a Freddie Marcell 30-yard field goal early in the second quarter.
After a three-and-out, the Warriors utilized their ground game to perfection, capping off their possession with an 18-yard touchdown run from Keller Moten to increase the lead to 17-7.
The Warriors would only add to their lead when Keller Moten found Dominic Romanini for a 15-yard touchdown reception, increasing the score to 24-7.
Ursuline needed to score on their next possession in order to take some momentum of their own into the half. They got one as DC Ferrell found AJ Snyder for a three-yard touchdown with no time left.
The Fighting Irish had the ball to begin the second half, and capitalized once again, as Ferrell found Devante Taylor for an 18-yard touchdown reception, cutting the deficit to 24-21.
After a defensive stand, Ursuline had a chance to take the lead. But the Walsh Jesuit defense had other plans, forcing a fumble that was recovered by senior Jamir McCombs.
The score stood at 24-21 at the end of the three before Keller Moten rushed for his second touchdown of the evening. This would increase the Walsh Jesuit lead to 30-21 after a missed PAT.
It didn’t take long for Ursuline to respond, as Jy’Quise Liason returned a kickoff deep into Warrior territory. A DC Ferrell 11-yard TD run cut the deficit to 30-28.
Walsh Jesuit stuck to their ground game, picking up key chunks of yardage and continuing to eat clock away. The Ursuline defense held the Warriors out of the end zone on three goal line plays, and looked for one more to get a chance to take the lead.
However, Keller Moten scored on a two-yard touchdown run to pad the lead to 37-28. Ursuline got another deep kickoff return into Walsh Jesuit territory. This time, the Warrior defense made a huge stop in the red zone, taking over with 3:22 left.
A Walsh Jesuit punt gave Ursuline the ball with 47 seconds left and no timeouts. DC Ferrell found Ray Javey for a long gainer, and then connected with Devante Taylor for a touchdown. This cut the Warrior lead to 37-35 with 34 seconds left.
With no timeouts left, Ursuline had to come up with the onside kick. However, Walsh Jesuit recovered, and knelt to secure the ball game.
If Thursday night’s game was any indicator, the two are going to have plenty of competitive games between one another as they join the Ohio Catholic Conference in 2026.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Keller Moten (Sr.) Walsh Jesuit
The senior signal-caller accounted for four of the Warriors’ five touchdowns Thursday evening. He threw for one in the second quarter and ran for the others. Moten also credited his offensive line, comprised of three seniors and two juniors, for helping make his efforts possible.
Walsh Jesuit continues their road trip with a game at Erie McDowell next Friday night. Ursuline travels to future OCC foe Bishop Hartley next Friday night.
Extended highlights below:
