Future Lions star in openers

Three Nittany Lion verbal commitments opened their season on Friday night, and all were successful in getting their team started off on the right foot with wins.

Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney got off to a fast start on Friday evening against last year's Division I state runner up Mentor. Mooney rode the ground game, which featured Penn State commitments Brandon Beachum at tailback and Mike Zordich at fullback, to a 21-10 victory over the Cardinals.

Beachum was the workhorse for Mooney, carrying the ball 24 times for 181 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He scored on runs of four and eight yards. Zordich was Beachum's lead blocker for most of the night, but managed to run for 48 yards on only a few carries. Notre Dame commit Dan McCarthy was at the helm for Mooney, and ran for 131 yards and a touchdown.

OhioVarsity.com's Steve Hare attended the game, and gave his thoughts on the two future Nittany Lions.

"Zordich had a solid game, he's that kind of guy," said Hare. "He's not a flashy guy, you're not going to notice him except when you hear his name on the PA system every other play.

"He had the hit of the game - he hit this kid square around and knocked his helmet off. I don't think the kid returned to the game. He was just all over the field making plays."

"Brandon Beachum is our choice for the best player in the state, and last night he proved it," said Hare.. "He's a game changer, and that's what he did last night. Mentor had fourth and goal at the 1, and Beachum came up and made the stuff.

"I used to think that he was a better linebacker than a running back, but I'm not sure that that's the case anymore, he looked real good at running back. He's so physical that if there is someone in the hole, he won't hesitate to run him over. His feet are always moving, that's what impresses me about him.."

Hare will have photos and video available at OhioVarsity.com, your No. 1 source for Ohio high school football. The link to his game story can also be found Here.

Nittany Lion running back commitment Michael Shaw ran for 100 yards on 18 carries as his Trotwood-Madison Rams defeated Columbus Marion-Franklin, 25-0. The Rams improve to 1-0, and will play Fort Thomas (Ken.) Highlands at the University of Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 2.

Deon'tae Pannell, Matt Stankiewitch, Pete Massaro and Mike Yancich will open their respective season schedules on Friday.

Michael Mauti and his Mandeville squad will also open up on August 31, but he will not play, as he is still recovering from a foot injury.

James Terry and his Brandywine squad will open up on Sept. 8.