Sports
Young Tigers turn the tide from winless season two years ago; Coach Jim Mooney at helm of turnaround
Despite recent disappointing loss to Neshannock on Oct. 9, BF still hopeful for playoff run
BEAVER FALLS, PA -- What a difference two years can make. The 2024-25 version of the Beaver Falls Fighting Tigers football team experienced an unprecedented winless season. Their final record was 0-10.
Two years later, as of Sunday, Oct. 11, the team is enjoying a vast turnaround, with a 4-2 slate to date, following a 28-7 loss to perennial MAC 2A powerhouse, Neshannock High School, a school located in Lawrence County near New Castle.
According to Tigers’ head coach Jim Mooney, he is elated about the team’s apparent improvement, but
he’s likewise cognizant about keeping his team on “an even keel whether we win or lose,” he said.
“It’s all about keeping our composure and being prepared to address our shortcomings,” explained Mooney, the third-year coach.
During their most recent Oct. 2 (30-20) victory over Mohawk, Mooney credited his overall squad, considering they are “still young, immature and have lots to learn.” He specifically credited freshman quarterback Rodney Slappy III, for
his leadership, running and throwing abilities.
Slappy rushed for two touchdowns and 100 yards and threw for an additional 100 yards in the Mohawk game. Last year’s
quarterback, Xavier “Joey” Clark, ran for significant yards, and has graciously accepted his new role as a backup QB.
Mooney said.
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The coach said he still plans to use Williams, who's a junior, in various roles, including wildcat and quarterback.
Senior Keyshawn Jamison, Rashawn Hazzard and Jawan Williams are also major contributors, the coach said.
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Of his current team, only four seniors are starters. Mooney also credited the Beaver Falls Football and
Band Boosters for their support.
In addition to his family duties, including he and his wife assisting with two grandchildren, Mooney, 56,
said he and his staff of 10 assistant coaches, will ensure that his young Tigers are well-prepared for their
final three games and hopefully a successful WPIAL playoff run in their Midwestern Athletic Conference
2A Division.
For the record, the Tigers also showed improvement a year ago with a 4-7 overall final tally.
(About the author: Timothy Cox is a journalism graduate of Point Park University and a 1975 graduate of
Beaver Falls High School. He can be reached at teacawks2@gmail.com).
