Week 8- Warren G. Harding (4-3) @ Cardinal Mooney (4-3)
When it comes to Warren G. Harding's rivalry with Boardman, you can throw the record for both teams out of the window. The history between both programs illustrate that on any given night, anything can happen. After the Raiders opened up with an early 13-0 lead in the first quarter, the Spartans infamous “Wing-T” offense began to get some traction in the second quarter, which resulted in their 14-point output in the period.
Warren G. Harding senior linebacker Jaylen Murray pressures Boardman's quarterback into throwing an interception to his classmate Austin Blackwell on 10/02/2026.
That said, sandwiched in between Boardman’s pair of touchdowns, senior Harding kicker Jaron Edmonds nailed a 48-yard field goal. Not only did it break a 61-year record that was set by the late Tony Capers when he hit a 44-yard field goal against Cleveland East Tech in 1965, but it officially gave him the most made field goals in Harding history. His 35-yard field goal at the 3:22 mark of the third quarter now gives him 15 for his career.
Harding senior kicker Jaron Edmonds nails a school-record 48-yard field goal against Boardman on 10/02/2026.
Speaking of the third quarter, that’s when Harding’s defense stepped and limited the Spartans’ ground attack that was highly effective in the second quarter as the Raiders didn’t surrender any points after halftime. Meanwhile, senior quarterback James Jones captained a Harding offense that used the last couple weeks to sharpen their execution. He finished the night 12-of-15 for 153 yards and a 68-yard touchdown pass to Central Michigan University commit Matt Richardson, who ended the contest with 8 catches for 127 yards and the score. In the process, he’s now in a 3-way tie with alumni Mario Manningham (2003 season) and Ty Artis (2019) for the second most 100-yard receiving games in a season with three (only trailing Dom Foster’s 4 in 2021).
Harding senior quarterback James Jones throws a quick pass to classmate and Central Michigan University commit Matt Richardson, who outraces the Boardman secondary for a 68-yard touchdown on 10/02/2026.
Certainly not to be forgotten, senior Elijah Phillips powered the ground attack as he finished the contest with 16 carries for 65 yards and a pair of first quarter touchdowns. Back in week 3 against Massillon Perry, he showcased his explosiveness by opening up the game with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. More known for his physical play from the defensive back position, he’s seen quite a bit of action on the offensive side of the ball as since week 6, he has 22 carries (35 for the season) for 105 yards (127 for the season) and all three of his (rushing) touchdowns.
Harding senior Elijah Phillips runs for the second of his two touchdowns against Boardman on 10/02/2026.
Junior Makhai Brogdon continues to lead Harding with 84 carries for 512 yards & five touchdowns.
Harding senior Justice Dukes sacks Boardman's quarterback during the fourth quarter on 10/02/2026.
Since taking over Cardinal Mooney’s football program in 2025, head coach Frank Colaprete has led them to a combined record of 14-7. A far cry from the Cardinals’ 3-8 campaign in 2024. In other words, Mooney is back to being the “Mooney” that we all know. At the very worst, one of the toughest groups of athletes in the Mahoning Valley who will take on all comers. To date, their three losses have come to teams with a combined record of 15-4, which has only toughened them up as the season has progressed.
Cardinal Mooney running back Logan Guerrieri runs for a 45-yard topuchdown against St. Francis (NY) on 09/25/2026.
The Cardinals are armed with an abundance of playmakers on offense and an extremely tough defense. Offensively, senior Brayden Bryant has been one of the fastest athletes in the state since his days as a freshman at Austintown Fitch as back then, he qualified for the boys 100 meter dash prelims at the 2024 OHSAA Division I State Track & Field Meet and yes, he’s extremely speedy and athletic with football pads on as well. Expect him to get a high level of targets from quarterback Vince Gentile while Michael Schiraldi, Rocco Haas, and Dom Letlow have also hauled in touchdown passes for Mooney this season.
Mooney quarterback Vince Gentile scarmbles for a 19-yard touchdown run against Cleveland Benedictine on 10/02/2026.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals have a stable of athletes that contribute to their ground attack. If you witnessed their matchup against Harding last season, you should definitely remember senior Brady Desmond, who scored the game’s only touchdown on a 34-yard run in the first quarter. Expect a heavy dose of Tyree Dawson while Gentile, Hass, Logan Guerrieri, and Massimo Furr are all credited with touchdowns via the ground game.
Mooney running back Brady Desmond takes a hand off and races 34 yards for a touchdown against Harding on 10/09/2025.
Defensively, Letlow is a 3-star EDGE recruit who is as good as any that you’ll see on a defensive front while Youngstown State commit Rocco Zabel recently had a 13-tackle performance down in Steubenville. Desmond, Furr, and Anthony Brock have all contributed points for a defense that’s limiting their opposition to 16.5 points per contest. However, Garfield Heights (39) and St. Francis (NY; 34) are the only two teams to score more than that against the Cardinals.
Mooney senior Dom Letlow blocks a Cleveland Benedictine punt, which was recovered in the end zone by Massimo Furr for the touchdown on 10/02/2026.
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