Mary Star Beats Miraleste in Their First Game Ever

The Mary Star Stars used tough defense to overcome a sputtering offense and beat the Miraleste Marauders, 13-7, in a hard-fought season opener Saturday at Miraleste Stadium. It was the first football game the schools have ever played, though they are only three miles apart.

“I didn’t think our offensive line played well,” first-year Mary Star Coach Mike Marinkovich said of his first victory. “But the defense played well, and we’re happy with the win.”

Star defensive back Nick Rignutta intercepted a Steve Cooper pass on the first play of the fourth quarter and ran it back 45 yards for the winning touchdown, breaking a 7-7 tie.

Neither offense could move the ball effectively in the second half, combining for only 41 yards in the last two quarters. In fact, Mary Star had difficulty moving the ball after its first possession of the game.

With 9:47 to go in the first quarter, Mary Star fullback Ernie Gregg dashed 16 yards on the Stars’ first offensive play from scrimmage to the Miraleste 33. With the help of two penalties, the Stars moved the ball to the 1-yard line, where they faced fourth down.

Marinkovich went for the touchdown, and his strategy paid off as quarterback Anthony Racaza dove into the end zone on an option play. The extra point by Shawn McEach ern was good, and the Stars led, 7-0.

In the first quarter, the Star defense, led by Steve Barker and John DiLeva, did not allow the Marauders to cross midfield. But in the second quarter, Miraleste suddenly woke up. Alternating at quarterback, brothers Steve and Mike Cooper led a drive into Mary Star territory.

Steve Cooper, a sophomore, played most of the game. “For a sophomore to come in and play like that, the first time he’s ever taken a varsity snap, Steve played a super game,” Miraleste Coach Todd DeAngelis said.

A Jason Mavar punt pinned the Stars at their own 6-yard line, where they were forced to punt. Miraleste then launched its only successful drive of the day. On third down at the Mary Star 34, Steve Cooper passed to his brother Mike for a 15-yard gain. The Marauders converted another third down on a 7-yard run by sophomore Dan Sarner, who led all rushers with 66 yards.

Two plays later, Steve Cooper passed to Mike Cooper again, and Mike ran into the end zone. The extra point tied the game at 7.

where it would stay until Rignutta’s interception.

The rest of the game was a defensive struggle marked by hard hitting and a bench-clearing fight at the end of the fourth quarter. Officials ejected four players from each side.