NEWTON FALLS SURVIVES CRAZY ENDING

WARREN OH- In an exhilarating conclusion to their season, Newton Falls found themselves on the brink of a wild finish against Champion. When the dust settled, they emerged with a hard-fought 19-14 victory. The opening quarter saw Newton Falls take the lead as Carter Rapczazk delivered a perfectly placed 35-yard touchdown pass to Nick Moss, establishing a 7-0 advantage. The second quarter added to their momentum, with Rapczazk taking charge once again with a 12-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 13-0. Rapczak’s defensive contribution couldn’t be overlooked as he intercepted a pass, granting the Tigers possession. However, Champion responded with a fumble recovery by Zach Morris, giving them a chance to counter.

In the third quarter, Rapczak showcased his versatility by executing a spectacular 43-yard touchdown run, pushing Newton Falls further ahead with a score of 19-0. The fourth quarter, however, saw Champion making a spirited comeback as Christian Williams found the end zone with a 20-yard touchdown run, closing the gap to 19-7. Williams continued his impressive performance with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tony Smith, making it 19-14 and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Champion mounted a last-ditch effort, as Ethan Ray executed a blocked punt, giving them hope. The game’s dramatic conclusion came with Williams securing an interception, sealing the 19-14 victory for Newton Falls. It was a fitting end to the season, characterized by intense competition and a thrilling finish, and it was Newton Falls who celebrated their hard-earned win when the final whistle blew.

LIBERTY SHOWS OFF THEIR EXPLOSIVENESS

CAMPBELL OH- In a high-scoring Week 10 showdown, Liberty’s explosive offense proved too much for Campbell to handle as they secured a resounding 67-21 victory. The first quarter began with Liberty setting the tone early, as Tawann Tutwiler orchestrated a 17-yard touchdown, successfully converted by Ethan Brookbank, propelling Liberty to a 7-0 lead. The quarter concluded with Tutwiler connecting with Dwayne Moody for an impressive 62-yard touchdown pass, though the extra point was missed, leaving the score at 13-0.

In the second quarter, Campbell fought back with Mathew Koziorynski scoring a 4-yard touchdown run at 9:42, narrowing the gap to 13-7. However, Liberty’s Tutwiler responded swiftly, connecting with Dawaun Moody for a 20-7 lead after a successful extra point. Campbell’s Dondre Brown then returned a kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 20-14. Liberty continued to press their advantage as Tutwiler found Dawaun Moody again, this time for a 40-yard touchdown pass, pushing their lead to 27-14. Moments later, Liberty’s Brashawn Hicks capitalized on a Campbell fumble, returning it 49 yards for a touchdown, increasing their advantage to 34-14. The second quarter concluded with a remarkable 81-yard touchdown run by Dwayne Moody, with the extra point by Ethan Brookbank making it 40-14 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Liberty’s Dawaun Moody scoring a 65-yard kick return touchdown, followed by another successful extra point, bringing the score to 48-14. In the fourth quarter, Campbell made a brief resurgence, responding with their own kickoff return for a touchdown, making it 48-21. Liberty wasn’t finished, as Chamir Franklin broke free for an 81-yard touchdown run, followed by another successful extra point, extending their lead to 55-21. The game concluded with Daiyon Tutwiler dashing for a 61-yard touchdown, and although there was no extra point attempt, the final score stood at an emphatic 67-21 in favor of Liberty.

CRESTVIEW BRINGS OUT THEIR BEST

COLUMBIANA OH- In a highly anticipated Week 10 matchup, Crestview brought their A-game, creating problems for LaBrae as they emerged victorious with a commanding 28-7 win. The first quarter saw LaBrae taking an early lead when Treyton Derry executed a 14-yard touchdown run at 6:14. However, Crestview responded swiftly, with Max Hawkins mirroring the feat with his own 14-yard touchdown run, bringing the score level at 7-7 with 3:31 remaining in the quarter. The second quarter remained scoreless, setting the stage for a decisive second half.

Crestview seized control in the third quarter, with Max Hawkins proving to be a game-changer once again. He embarked on an 18-yard touchdown run at 7:12, granting Crestview a 14-7 lead. The momentum continued as Mikey Proctor broke free for an electrifying 76-yard touchdown run at 3:52, extending Crestview’s lead to 21-7.

The final quarter saw no let-up from Crestview. Max Hawkins added the finishing touch with a 16-yard touchdown run at 3:29, sealing the game at 28-7. The final whistle confirmed Crestview’s well-deserved victory, a result of their impressive performance and an outstanding effort on both sides of the ball.

YOU WONT KEEP A DRAGON DOWN FOR LONG

In a crucial Week 10 clash against conference rival Girard, Niles managed to break free from their three-game losing streak, securing a much-needed victory with a final score of 48-28.

The first quarter saw Girard striking first as Stephen Sims took a direct snap from one yard out to score a touchdown, and Zach Morris successfully converted the extra point, giving Girard an early lead. Niles quickly answered back when Steven Thomas picked up a fumble and raced an astonishing 79 yards for a touchdown, with Anthony Georgalas adding the extra point to level the score. The same scenario played out once more in the first quarter, with Thomas repeating his heroics.

The second quarter witnessed Niles taking control, with Antuan Gardner running in a 19-yard touchdown, followed by a successful extra point. Girard responded as Tuff McConahy handed off to Ahmad Curd for an 8-yard touchdown, with Zach Morris converting the PAT. Niles then surged ahead with Anthony Budak handing to Gardner for a 2-yard touchdown, and another successful extra point put them in the lead.

The third quarter continued in Niles’ favor as Budak handed off to Gardner for a 1-yard touchdown. The fourth quarter sealed Niles’ victory with Joe Smith scoring a 1-yard touchdown, followed by a successful extra point. Girard managed to add some points with Anthony Bengala intercepting a pass at the 8-yard line and running it for a 92-yard touchdown, Morris converting the extra point. Niles responded with another Gardner touchdown, this time from 54 yards out, and another successful extra point. Girard’s last effort came with McConahy handing to Ahmad Curd for a 3-yard touchdown, but the game ultimately ended in a 48-28 victory for Niles.

HOBAN SUFFERS FIRST LOSS OF THE YEAR

In a highly anticipated Week 10 matchup, Hoban, who entered the game undefeated, faced off against St. Edward’s in a defensive battle that would ultimately hand Hoban their first loss of the year. The final score stood at 14-7 in favor of St. Edward’s.

The first quarter saw a significant play from Hoban as Eli Lee intercepted a pass and returned it for a pick-six, with Ryan Burns successfully converting the PAT to give Hoban an early 7-0 lead. In the second quarter, St. Edward’s responded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Kellen Moyer, and the PAT was good, leveling the score at 7-7.

The third quarter remained scoreless, setting the stage for a decisive fourth quarter. St. Edward’s seized the moment when Brandon White scored a 13-yard rushing touchdown, with Kellen Moyer again converting the PAT to secure the 14-7 victory for St. Edward’s.

CHANEY WINS CLASH IN YOUNGSTOWN

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a Week 10 showdown between Youngstown rivals, Chaney delivered a resounding 35-6 victory over East.

The first quarter set the tone for the game, with Matt Jones making his presence known with a 7-yard touchdown run at 6:37, followed by a second touchdown run of the same length just four seconds before the quarter’s end, both capped off with successful PATs, setting Chaney ahead 14-0. The second quarter continued the trend, with Jones extending his scoring spree with a 13-yard touchdown run at 5:59 and a 2-yard run at 1:30, each accompanied by successful PATs, pushing the lead to a commanding 28-0.

The third quarter remained scoreless, but the fourth quarter saw Bryson Douglas contribute with an 11-yard touchdown run at 8:20, again with a successful PAT, increasing the lead to 35-0. East managed to break the silence late in the game with Andrew Blackmon connecting with Jose Castro for an 8-yard touchdown pass at 1:45, although the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, resulting in a final score of 35-6.

 

ROCKETS GET TO SILENCE SPRINGFIELD

By Eric Hughes 

LOWELLVILLE OH- Lowellville defeats Springfield, 27-13, to clinch back-to-back MVAC titles.

Lowellville got off to a fast start, as Tino Rivera-Ocasio capped off their opening drive with a 9-yard touchdown run. Matt Lucido made the PAT to give Lowellville an early 7-0 lead.

Lowellville struck again in the second quarter, as Michael Ballone threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Braylen Dabney to give the Rockets a 13-0 lead.

Lowellville’s defense stood tall and held Springfield scoreless in the first half, but gave up a 12-yard touchdown run by Springfield star running back Dante Gentile in the final seconds of the third quarter. Kasen Kosek made the PAT to cut the deficit to 13-7.

Lowellville’s offense struggled to finish drives for most of the second half, but their defense buckled down and gave Michael Ballone the chance to score two rushing touchdowns on back-to-back drives late in the fourth quarter to give the Rockets a 27-7 lead with 52 seconds left to play.

Springfield’s offense was able to gain some momentum going into the playoffs, as Kolten Ruark threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Sean Guerriero on the final play of regulation.

SOUTHERN STRIKES FAST IN WEEK TEN

Southern’s Week 10 showdown at home against Leetonia turned into an unrelenting display of dominance as they secured a commanding 47-0 victory.

The first quarter set the stage for Southern’s triumph, with a series of rapid touchdowns. Timmy Potts initiated the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving Southern an early 7-0 lead just 10 minutes and 36 seconds into the game. Ayden Frischkorn added to the onslaught, breaking free for a 10-yard touchdown run at 9:31. Ryan Exline’s 5-yard touchdown run, although the PAT was blocked, stretched the lead to 20-0 with 5:27 left in the first quarter. Landen Heffner then joined the party, with a 15-yard touchdown run and an explosive 55-yard touchdown dash, bringing the score to 33-0 and concluding a dominant first quarter.

Heffner was far from finished, adding a 39-yard touchdown run with 3:19 left in the second quarter. Southern continued their dominance into the third quarter when Colton Spahlinger sealed the game with a 3-yard touchdown run, resulting in the final score of 47-0.

On the Leetonia side, Cameron Roller’s performance was a bright spot, as he set a program single-season tackle record with an impressive total of 106 tackles.

URSULINE HAILS AS THE VICTORS IN THE HOLY WAR

By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline used a big second half to capture its’ 5
th straight win over Cardinal Mooney Friday night, 35-16. The annual Holy War between two of the area’s most historic programs wrote another chapter at Stambaugh Stadium last night.

A thrilling 13-7 win for the Irish last year left fans itching for more. The first half of this game had a familiar feeling. The tight knit battle was led by the defenses. Ursuline took the ball to start the game and wasted no time. After a long Jack Ericson run to the Cardinals’ 5-yard line, Christian Lynch punched it in from a yard out.

Back and forth they went as Mooney answered with a William Desmond touchdown grab, that was then answered by D.C. Ferrell with a score of his own. In a game full of tension, the light shined bright on Lynch as he eclipsed 200 yards and three touchdowns to leave no doubt for Coach Reardon. Lynch’s other scores came from six and 27 yards.

However, Mooney’s defense kept pace with the Irish offense early on, forcing a couple turnovers-on-downs, giving Ashton O’Brien and company a shot. O’Brien didn’t get much going passing the ball but seemed to find a knack for scrambling out of the pocket to hurt the Ursuline defense, time and time again.

After the weather calmed down and the second half began, Carl Pelini had aggression on his mind, taking a shot on the very first play of the third quarter. However, Jy’Quise Liason picked off the pass, forcing the first turnover of the game. Pelini’s defense responded by forcing a Christian Lynch fumble on the ensuing drive, but the Cardinal Mooney offense failed to gain any traction.

Late in the fourth after the third of Lynch’s touchdowns, O’Brien kept hope alive after getting his own rushing touchdown in the redzone. A consistent Cardinals’ defense gave the offense another shot, but Ursuline had other ideas. Sophomore Safety Luke Kollar had a key interception in the Holy War last year while starting as a freshman. This year, he decided to one-up himself.

With Mooney in desperation mode with less than two minutes left, an errant pass from O’Brien fell right into the lap of Kollar and was brought back 60 yards for an emphatic touchdown that sent the Irish into the night with style.

Ursuline (10-0) finishes off its’ first undefeated regular season since 2010, clinches its’ 5th consecutive Steel Valley Conference championship, and secured the number one seed in Region 9. They’ll host the 16-seed (New Philadelphia or Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin) next Friday at Stambaugh Stadium.

For Cardinal Mooney (5-5), they find themselves as either the 8 or 9 seed in Region 13 and will wait to find its opponent for next week.

RED DEVILS HOLD OFF MUSTANGS

STORY BY TYLER HARTZ:

Orwell, OH- This game got off to a slow start as both teams exchanged punts in the first quarter, we finally got our first piece of action in the second quarter where Sammy Goforth (#7) recovered a fumble setting up Grand Valley inside the 10-yard line. Just a few plays later John Foss-Peters (#13) was able to punch the ball in from the 1-yard line giving the Mustangs an early lead, 7-0 against Crestwood. The Red Devils would respond instantly with a 67-yard reception, as quarterback Charlie Summer (#3) found receiver Wyatt Januska (#4) in the endzone, and the Red Devils went for the 2pt conversion with a hand off to running back Nate Blasiole. At halftime the Red Devils led 8-7.

A few minutes had passed in the second half, but Grand Valley was back on the board, when John Foss-Peters found the back of the endzone again on a 3-yard run with the 2-point conversion being no good. The Mustangs had the lead 13-8, only for Wyatt Januska (#4) to take the following kickoff 75 yards to the house for a quick answer, and that put the Red Devils back up top 14-13. However, Grand Valley wasn’t done in the 3rd quarter, running back Andrew Soltis (#26) scored off a 6-yard rush, with the 2-point conversion being successful, scored by Aidan Baker.

With 9:31 left in the 4th quarter Crestwood brought receiver Wyatt Januska (#4) on a jet sweep to the right, where he found launched the ball down field to brother A.J Januska (#8) for a 43-yard touchdown pass and the 2-point conversion was successful, scored by Bryce Giel (#6). With the score now 22-21 in favor of Crestwood, Grand Valley was moving the ball downfield, when they were faced with a 4th and long. The Mustangs were lined up in punt formation, the ball was snapped, and Sammy Goforth (#7) took off running left, when Aidan Baker (#21) got open, and Goforth (#7) delivered a beautiful pass on 4th down to keep the drive alive. The same drive Goforth (#7) found senior wide receiver Jerry Schultz on a 16-yard reception give put the Mustangs back up top, 27-22 with the 2-point conversion being no good. Crestwood then got the ball back and was able to waste enough time on the clock before running back Nate Blasiole (#2) found the back of the endzone on a 6-yard run and giving Crestwood the lead 28-27. Grand Valley had one more drive, but failed to convert on 4th and 10, they turned the ball over and Crestwood kneeled the ball to end the game.