Penn's C.J. Mooney finally gets a chance to play

Defensive lineman C.J. Mooney has waited for his opportunity on the Penn football team and is being rewarded for his perseverance.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder is a graduate of Malvern Prep. He saw no action in 2009 and 2010 and appeared in just two games last year.

This season, Mooney has played in all eight games and made 17 tackles, one tackle for a loss. He also has one interception, which he will remember for the rest of his life.

During last week's 28-21 win over Princeton, Mooney intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown, tying the score at 21-21 in the fourth quarter with 7 minutes, 31 second remaining. Teammate Billy Ragone scored the game-winning 3-yard touchdown run with 2:59 left.

As a result, Penn (4-4 overall, 4-1 Ivy League) will earn at least a share of the Ivy League crown if it beats Harvard at noon Saturday at Franklin Field.

"It definitely felt good for a moment like that," Mooney said of his touchdown. "But if the defense then didn't get another three and out and the offense didn't score, the play would be irrelevant."

Mooney said one reason he had to wait for such an extended period to play was that Penn had so many outstanding defensive linemen. He said he learned a great deal from the players who were in front of him.

Even with little playing time, the thought of hanging it up never crossed Mooney's mind.

"I was never going to give up, and that was never an option," said Mooney, who was named Ivy League defensive player of the week and ECAC defensive player of the week. "Without a doubt there were some hard times, and it definitely was frustrating, but I wanted to keep working to get my shot."

Mooney has earned teamwide admiration for his dedication.

"He just hung in there and waited for an opportunity, and the fact that he made such a big play in the biggest game of the year speaks volumes of the kid," Penn coach Al Bagnoli said. "His perseverance and ability to handle the disappointment of not playing has been impressive."

And now Mooney has put his team in a position to earn at least a share of the Ivy title in what will be the final home game for all the seniors.

"It's a great opportunity and should be a great atmosphere," Mooney said. "We're fired up, and they are, and there is so much at stake that you couldn't ask for more."