With his raspy voice, Quince Orchard head coach Dave Mencarini could barely speak. With his buckling knees, assistant coach Joe Mencarini, could barely stand.
Few post-game celebrations were as poignant as the one at QO following the Cougars’ 25-13 win over Sherwood Friday night.
After 39 years as a football coach, Joe Mencarini, 60, had watched his 33-year-old son win his first region championship after losing in the title game the previous two years. He also witnessed his son toppling a Maryland football legend, Sherwood coach Al Thomas.
But this was more than a football celebration. It was a celebration of life. In March, Joe Mencarini was diagnosed with leukemia. In August, the day after he was told his cancer was in remission, his wife, Linda Mencarini, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Earlier this month, Linda was back in the hospital, having a kidney removed which containeda cancerous tumor.
After nine months and three cancers, the Mencarinis hope the old saying is true, that bad things come in threes. On Wednesday, they took turns on the treadmill, the first time in a while they’ve both been up to it.
“When I got leukemia, my wife and I agreed that we would be upset about it for 24 hours. That was all the sorrow we allowed,” said Joe Mencarini. “When Linda got sick, we knew exactly what to do — cry for 24 hours, then deal with it.”
The backdrop to the Mencarinis’ physical woes has been the success of their son’s team. When No. 1 QO plays host to Thomas Johnson in the state semifinals tonight, a berth in the state championship game is at stake. Linda has been to only two games this year and will baby-sit her grandchildren tonight, but she promises to be at M&T Bank Stadium next Friday in Baltimore, if the Cougars are in the final.
The Mencarinis have always been a football family. When Dave played at Rockville High, where Linda was a math teacher, she volunteered to be the cheerleading sponsor.
“I was supposed to be doing things with the girls,” said Linda. “But when I went to the games, I really was there to watch Dave play.”
Ironically, in a season in which wins and losses have perhaps mattered less, undefeated QO is having a fall to remember.
“It doesn’t make any difference – win or lose,” said Joe Mencarini. “You take things for granted when you’re healthy. When I’m at a game now, I’m thrilled to be there, happy to still be coaching, happy to be alive, happy to be with my family.”
THOMAS JOHNSON (10-2) AT Quince Orchard (12-0)
What » Maryland 4A state semifinal
When » Tonight at 7
At Stake » A berth in the state championship game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, next Friday night. Winner will play Arundel (12-0) or defending state champion Suitland (12-0).
TJ » The Patriots, seeking their first state title since 1982, are sparked by sophomore RB/LB Nick Forbes (110 carries, 974 yards, 12 TD) and senior RB Patrick Hunt (73 carries, 675 yards), whose numbers were limited by a severe ankle sprain, but scored the first time he touched the ball in five games, including last week’s 35-3 win over Perry Hall.
QO » The Cougars, seeking their first state title since 1991, are powered by an imposing, athletic line — led by senior Zach Kerr and junior Terrance Stephens — which makes holes for Thomas Addison (146 carries, 1,240 yards, 17 TD). Senior QB Jaron Morrison (ankle sprain) is questionable. If he can’t play, junior speedster Travis Hawkins will shift from WB.
