YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — After winning the state championship game three years in a row, it’s now been more than a decade since Ursuline High School in Youngstown fought for the state title. And they want it bad. The Irish Senior Captains told Spectrum News they have a lot to prove out on the field against Clinton-Massie.
This team has been through a lot.
“This means even more to us than ever and no one can take this away from us,” said Dean Boyd. He is a captain and receiver.
Dean Boyd, Brady Shannon, and DeMarcus McElroy are the captains leading the way.
Coming off a 1-9 season, a 2-8 season, and a COVID-19 season, the seniors are especially determined.
“We could have easily just folded and given up but we’re not and we’re all in this together the coaches the players you know the student body everyone’s in this together," said Shannon. He is the quarterback.
On Thursday, there was a pep rally featuring the band, cheerleaders and fans in the school's gymnasium.
“This means way more than a football team. We’re like a family,” said McElroy. He is a safety and running back.
The rally brought the entire Green and Gold community together and featured speakers like Simon Arias. He was part of the team that won the school’s first state championship in 2000.
“It goes dream, struggle, then victory," he told the current team during the rally. "You don’t quit."
Head Coach Dan Reardon said his team has had their eyes on the prize all season long.
“I don’t know if it was every single day, but it’s been really darn close to everyday we’ve talked about being a championship football team," Coach Reardon told the crowd.
This is more than just a game. It’s about every players' future and building upon Ursuline’s legacy.
“Next man up. Banners are going up. Legends are getting ready to be born. Dreams are getting ready to become reality," said Arias.
After high school, Shannon is going to college in Florida to play baseball.
“I mean hopefully it’s not my last game playing football, but if it is I want to go out with a bang," he said.
Boyd is set to play football at Harvard University.
“I've worked so hard. I’ve been through injury and those two losing seasons. So, I think coming back and playing a full healthy season means the world to me and I think this will just cap it all off, you know, be the cherry on top of the ice cream," said Boyd.
McElroy said he is finalizing his post-graduation plans, but he knows football is part of it.
“Personally, it means a lot. I know us being in this game and me being in this game can put me on the map," he said.
After overcoming adversity and rallying together in school pride, the Irish are ready to fight for another trophy in the case.
“I think we’re living proof that really anything is possible and just never give up and it will take you where you need to be," said Boyd.