This year marks the 40th anniversary of the CMHS 1982 Division II football state championship.
      At the Cardinal Mooney vs. Brush High School football game at Mineral Ridge Stadium last Friday, team members and coaching staff from that 1982 team were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the Mooney football program.
      The 1982 team brought home the third of Cardinal Mooney’s eight state grid championships tate defeating Toledo St. Francis deSales 12-0, on November 26, 1982. The Cards finished 10-2 that year, defeating Steubenville and Mentor Lake Catholic in the playoffs, prior to the match-up with St. Francis in the title game.
      Seniors on the team had a three-year record of 33-3, earning two state championships (they were a part of the 1980 State Champ team and also made a trip to the state semifinals in 1981).
      Several members of the coaching staff were in attendance at last Friday’s game, including Roy Nard, Tony Congemi, Dan Kukura and lkegendary Head Coach Don Bucci.
      When asked about this team, Coach Bucci said “This is one of the great Mooney teams, that went underestimated in the regular season. But with their grit and tenacity, they went on to earn this state title.”
      Just two weeks ago, the Cardinals notched the program’s 500th win with a 37-0 win over Youngstown East.