Liberty Union excited for chance to play Ursuline

By Tom Williams

YOUNGSTOWN — In 24 years as the Liberty Union High football coach, Dan Johnson never enjoyed a bigger victory than last Saturday’s 13-3 defeat of Columbus Bishop Ready in the Division V Region 19 championship game.

That win advanced the Lions to the state semifinals for the first time.

We’re not sure exactly how hard Johnson and his staff celebrated after the game, but we’ve learned that it didn’t prevent Johnson from teaching Sunday School the next day.

Ursuline coach Dan Reardon said film of Liberty Union arrived a little later than usual Sunday because Johnson’s church commitments that morning slowed the process. No problem — if any team can appreciate the importance of worship ahead, it’s Ursuline.

Saturday at 7 p.m. at New Philadelphia’s Woody Hayes Stadium, Ursuline (13-0) will take on Liberty Union (12-1) in a state semifinal. The Irish, state runners-up in 2007, have a big edge in playoff experience.

Read the story in Tuesday’s Vindicator.