WARRIORS LOCK IN PLAYOFFS,RECORDS, AND BRIDGE IN RIVALRY WIN

Edgewood, OH- In a rivalry game for the ages, the Edgewood Warriors emerged victorious against the Lakeside Dragons with a final score of 38-20. The Warriors (6-4, 2-3 CVC Lake Division) secured their spot in the OHSAA playoffs for the second consecutive year, while the Dragons (4-6, 2-3 CVC Lake Division) saw their season come to an end as they were mathematically eliminated from the postseason.

The game got off to a promising start for Edgewood in the first quarter, with Samuel Linder kicking a 12-yard field goal, giving the Warriors an early 3-0 lead. Edgewood continued to dominate as Zeke Lucas dashed for a 12-yard touchdown run, and Tony Hall connected with Jacob Ernst for a spectacular 67-yard touchdown pass. With successful extra points, the Warriors led 17-0.

Lakeside began to mount a comeback in the second quarter, with Nate Bartone scoring a 4-yard touchdown run and Devan Miller adding a 2-yard touchdown run, but their two-point conversion attempts fell short. This narrowed the gap to 17-12 in favor of Edgewood.

The third quarter saw a dramatic turn of events as Tony Hall, who had a standout night, threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Lakeside’s Matt Wagner. A successful two-point conversion gave Lakeside a 20-17 lead. However, Edgewood quickly regained the advantage as Tony Hall found Jacob Ernst with a 43-yard touchdown pass, putting the Warriors ahead 24-20.

In the fourth quarter, Hunter Braat intercepted Lakeside’s Alex DiSalvatore, providing Edgewood with a crucial defensive play. With the clock ticking down, Tony Hall showcased his skills once again, throwing a 45-yard touchdown pass to Riley Baldwin. The extra point was good, extending Edgewood’s lead to 31-20. Zeke Lucas put the icing on the cake with a 49-yard touchdown run, and the extra point made it 38-20, sealing the victory for the Warriors.

Tony Hall emerged as the star of the game, passing for three touchdowns and over 200 yards. With his performance, Hall became the Ashtabula County all-time single-season leader in both passing yards and touchdowns, with over 2,400 yards and 31 touchdowns. The previous records of 2,365 yards (held by Edgewood’s Zach Winchell in 2020) and 29 touchdown passes (set by Jefferson’s Lucas Hitchcock in 2014) were surpassed, cementing Hall’s place in both Edgewood’s and Ashtabula’s  football history.

With this exciting win, the Edgewood Warriors look forward to the OHSAA playoffs and a potential matchup against the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals. Congratulations to the Edgewood Warriors for their impressive victory and Tony Hall for his record-breaking performance!

RAIDERS ROLL TO FOURTH STRAIGHT NE8 TITLE

CANFIELD, OH- South Range dominated Hubbard in a football matchup that ended with a lopsided score of 35-0, AND the fourth consecutive NE8 Championship on the gridiron.

In the first quarter, South Range set the tone for the game with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Blake Ewert, quickly followed by a successful extra point kick from Logan Butcher. The quarter ended with South Range leading 7-0.

South Range continued to pour on the points in the second quarter, as Tristan Toy made an impressive 7-yard rushing touchdown. Logan Butcher’s extra point kicks were spot on, extending South Range’s lead to 21-0. But the highlight of the quarter came when Toy connected with Gaven Nagy for a stunning 94-yard touchdown reception, making it 28-0 at halftime.

The third quarter saw South Range’s Aidan Dominguez rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, with Logan Butcher once again converting the extra point, taking the score to 35-0. The quarter wrapped up with a 19-yard touchdown reception by Brady Crumbacher, followed by another successful kick by Logan Butcher.

Hubbard, on the other hand, couldn’t find a way to respond and was held scoreless throughout the game.

Ttristan Toy was 10/17 for 175 yards, and two scores while carrying the rock six times for 63 yards and a score.  Blake Ewert finished with 126 yards on 11 carries and a score.  Aidan Dominguez had 4 touches for 31-yards and a score.

South Range finishes the season at 9-1, and will host week one of the playoffs at Rominger Stadium next Friday and will presumably play Fairless, while Hubbard falls to 4-6 to finish their campaign.

WESTERN RESERVE CAGES THE BLUEJAYS

* CONTRIBUTED BY BOB ZANNI

NORTH JACKSON, OH – On a crisp autumn evening in the small town of North Jackson, Ohio, the Western Reserve Blue Devils took on the Jackson-Milton Bluejays in a highly anticipated football matchup. The excitement in the air was palpable as fans from both teams gathered at the stadium.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils got off to a strong start in the first quarter. Their quarterback, Luke Henning, led the charge with a 1-yard touchdown run. However, instead of opting for a conventional extra point attempt, the Blue Devils had something special up their sleeves. Henning faked the PAT and found Nathan Hemberger in the end zone for a 2-point conversion. The trick play put Western Reserve ahead 8-0 with 7 minutes and 40 seconds left in the first quarter.

As the first quarter came to a close, the Blue Devils’ offense continued to impress. Henning showcased his passing skills with a beautiful 28-yard touchdown pass to his reliable target, Chris Pater. Andriy Chuta Suy nailed the extra point, extending Western Reserve’s lead to 15-0 with just 1 minute and 53 seconds left on the clock.

The Blue Devils weren’t done yet. In the second quarter, Henning connected with Jack Darney on a 10-yard touchdown pass, further cementing their lead. Chuta Suy once again delivered with the extra point, making it 22-0 for Western Reserve at 3 minutes and 24 seconds into the quarter.

The Jackson-Milton Bluejays, determined to get on the scoreboard, mounted a comeback in the third quarter. Joey Zayas broke through the Blue Devils’ defense with a determined 17-yard touchdown run, and Sam Conn successfully converted the extra point, narrowing the gap to 22-7 at 9 minutes and 21 seconds in the third quarter.

Despite the Bluejays’ valiant efforts, the Western Reserve Blue Devils managed to hold on to their lead for the rest of the game. Their earlier touchdowns and successful extra points proved to be enough, as their defense held strong against the Bluejays’ offensive attempts.

In the end, it was a triumphant night for the Western Reserve Blue Devils, who emerged victorious with a final score of 22-7. The team’s creativity on special teams and their strong offensive plays, led by Luke Henning, propelled them to this impressive win, leaving their fans excited as they celebrated a well-earned victory on the road.

PIRATES STEAL ONE FROM THE EAGLES

* CONTRIBUTED BY DOM O’BRIEN

RAVENNA, OH – In a thrilling and closely contested football game between the Southeast Pirates and the Warren JFK Eagles, the outcome was decided in the final moments of the fourth quarter, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

The match began with a spectacular pass from Warren JFK’s quarterback, Fred Bolchalk, to Ian Odille for a 22-yard touchdown. The Eagles took an early 6-0 lead just 8 minutes and 12 seconds into the first quarter.

Southeast Pirates, however, responded swiftly. Antonio Mejia, the Pirates’ running back, broke free for a 13-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 6-6 with 5 minutes and 6 seconds remaining in the quarter.

The first quarter ended with both teams tied, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

As the second quarter unfolded, the Warren JFK Eagles retook the lead. Marcus Komora carried the ball for a remarkable 32-yard touchdown run, putting the Eagles ahead 12-6 with 6 minutes remaining.

Southeast Pirates’ Case Myers had other plans. He executed a 3-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, making it 12-12.

The back-and-forth battle continued in the third quarter. Warren JFK’s Trevon Hall managed a 1-yard touchdown run, giving his team an 18-12 advantage with 7 minutes and 33 seconds on the clock. But the Southeast Pirates wouldn’t back down. Case Myers orchestrated a stunning 19-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 18-18 with 5 minutes and 29 seconds to go in the third quarter.

The Southeast Pirates grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter, as Antonio Mejia powered his way to a 2-yard touchdown run. With 2 minutes and 21 seconds left, Southeast led 25-18.

However, the game wasn’t over. In a dramatic final attempt, Warren JFK’s Fred Bolchalk connected with Marcus Komora for a 10-yard touchdown pass as time expired. The Eagles had a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion but missed it, leaving the score at 25-24 in favor of the Southeast Pirates.

It was a hard-fought victory for the Southeast Pirates, who managed to hold on to their slim lead and secure a thrilling 25-24 win over the Warren JFK Eagles in a game that will be remembered for its intense moments and last-second drama.

BLUE DEVILS TAME THE TIGERS

* CONTRIBUTED BY NATE DICROSS

LISBON, OH – It was a crisp autumn evening in Lisbon, Ohio, as the Lisbon Blue Devils prepared to face off against their rivals, the Wellsville Tigers. Not only was it the last game of the regular season; Lisbon also honored all 17 student-athletes who are seniors in the fall sports season.

The game kicked off with a bang. Lisbon’s quarterback, Trevor Siefke, wasted no time making his presence felt. Just moments into the first quarter, he connected with his wide receiver, Logan Stauffer, on a stunning 66-yard touchdown pass. The crowd erupted as Ben Webber successfully added the extra point, giving Lisbon an early 7-0 lead with 9 minutes and 58 seconds remaining in the quarter.

Lisbon’s offense continued to sizzle. With 7 minutes and 21 seconds left in the first quarter, Siefke once again found Stauffer, this time for a 40-yard touchdown pass. The reliable Ben Webber added the extra point, extending Lisbon’s lead to 14-0.

But Trevor Siefke wasn’t done showcasing his skills. With just over a minute remaining in the first quarter, he connected with Austin Dailey on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Although the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, Lisbon maintained a commanding 20-0 lead.

The second quarter saw no respite for the Tigers. Siefke, in a league of his own that night, launched a beautiful 32-yard touchdown pass to Luke Kraft. Ben Webber was once again right on target with the extra point, and Lisbon stretched their lead to an astonishing 27-0 with 7 minutes remaining in the first half.

Hunter Dailey joined the scoring spree, bulldozing his way through Wellsville’s defense with a 1-yard touchdown run. Ben Webber’s foot remained golden as he successfully converted the extra point, making the score an overwhelming 34-0 with just 3 minutes and 37 seconds left in the second quarter.

The Wellsville Tigers, though facing a significant deficit, showed their resilience as Clayton Kersey unleashed a remarkable 53-yard touchdown pass to Landon Ramsey. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 34-6 with 1 minute and 27 seconds to go in the first half.

The Lisbon Blue Devils weren’t ready to take their foot off the gas. In the waning moments of the second quarter, Trevor Siefke found Luke Kraft again, this time for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Ben Webber added another point after touchdown, and Lisbon entered halftime with a commanding 41-7 lead.

Wellsville came out of the locker room with renewed determination in the third quarter. Richie Dowling bulldozed his way through Lisbon’s defense for a 2-yard touchdown run. The Tigers successfully converted the two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 41-14 with 4 minutes and 7 seconds left in the third quarter.

However, it was too little, too late for Wellsville, as the Lisbon Blue Devils held onto their commanding lead until the final whistle. The game showcased the remarkable skill and teamwork of the Lisbon Blue Devils, led by their star quarterback Trevor Siefke and an unwavering Ben Webber on the PATs, securing a convincing 41-14 victory over the Wellsville Tigers.

Logan Stauffer also became the first Lisbon Blue Devils player to reach the 1000 receiving yards in a season at the 4:30 mark in the second quarter! Trevor Siefke also became the Lisbon Blue Devils all time passing yards leader as he eclipsed the mark in the first half!

THE KEY TO THE HEART

COLUMBIANA OH- Kian Hartley, the senior running back from Columbiana, is not just a football player; he’s a powerhouse on the field. Over the years, Hartley has undergone remarkable growth, both mentally and physically, and it’s his relentless work ethic and well-timed growth spurts that have transformed him into a true force on the field.

Standing tall at 6’2″ and weighing in at 205 pounds, Hartley is a daunting presence on the gridiron. He’s not one to shy away from contact; in fact, he embraces it. Why bother trying to juke a tackler when you can simply run them over? This hard-hitting running style has become Hartley’s signature move, making him a nightmare for defenders attempting to bring him down. But Hartley is not just about brute strength; he also boasts impressive speed, with a 4.69-second 40-yard dash time that allows him to outpace opponents when given the open field.

What truly sets Hartley apart is his extraordinary strength. His weight room numbers are nothing short of astonishing, as he can bench press 300 lbs, squat an incredible 405 lbs, and deadlift a jaw-dropping 505 lbs. These impressive stats are a testament to his dedication to physical conditioning and his ability to overpower opponents.

Hartley’s list of athletic achievements is equally impressive and demonstrates the impact he’s had on the field:

– As a sophomore, he earned All-EOAC honors.
– He was also recognized as All-Columbiana County during his sophomore year.
– Adding to his accolades, he received All-Quad County recognition.
– In his junior year, he was named a Big 22 Contender, showcasing his prowess on the field.
– He continued to shine with First Team All-EOAC honors in his junior year.
– Hartley’s excellence extended to being named First Team All-Columbiana County.
– He was also a standout on the First Team Mohoning County All-Star roster.
– All-NEIOD recognition solidified his status as a top-tier player.
– His remarkable skills earned him First Team All-Quad County honors.
– In addition, he was featured on the First Team All-Morning Journal list.
– Three years of dedication earned him the title of a three-year letterman.
– Perhaps most notably, he was crowned Team Defensive MVP, a title voted on by his coaches during his junior year.

Kian Hartley’s journey through the world of football is marked by an unwavering commitment to becoming the best player he can be. With his incredible size, strength, and a running style that strikes fear into opponents, he’s proven time and again that he’s a true force to be reckoned with on the field. As he enters his senior season, the future looks bright for this remarkable athlete, and the football world will undoubtedly be watching as he continues to dominate the game.

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POLAND’S POWERFUL TANDEM

POLAND, OH – As senior standouts for the Poland Bulldogs football team, Austin Bushaw and Tyler Sanders have left their mark on the program. Austin and Tyler, both defensive linemen, have been instrumental in the team’s success. Austin is known for his relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks and his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His explosive speed off the line and knack for making game-changing tackles have earned him a reputation as a defensive force. Tyler, on the other hand, has displayed exceptional strength and versatility as a defensive lineman, capable of clogging running lanes and pressuring quarterbacks with equal prowess. Their teamwork and ability to complement each other’s skills have been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ defensive success. Beyond the football field, both seniors are admired for their character, exemplifying the values of determination, resilience, and teamwork.

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POLAND BULLDOGS FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP. 7) WITH TOM PAVLANSKY

POLAND, OH – Head coach Tom Pavlansky and the Poland Bulldogs (8-1) are currently on a three game winning streak and poised to make a playoff push as we have reached week 10. Last week, Poland took on a talented Lakeview team but handled their business and came away with a convincing 28-0 victory. The Bulldogs are currently seeded at sixth in the rankings on JoeEitel.com in Division IV Region 13. If that ranking holds true, Poland will host a first round playoff game. Before that though, the Dogs will take the field at home in week ten against the Struthers Wildcats in what will be a great ending to the regular season.

YSN’s own, Steve Leslie had the opportunity to talk with Coach Pav this week at Combine Brothers to discuss their playoff scenario, what his takeaways were from the win last week over Lakeview, what he and his staff are doing to prepare for Struthers and the post season, and what Coach’s keys to victory are for week ten against the Wildcats.

All that and so much more in this week’s episode of Poland Bulldogs football coach’s corner with head coach, Tom Pavlansky!

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CAMPBELL CONTROLS THE GRIDIRON

CAMPBELL, OH – Jordan Craft and Alex Doyle, both sophomores at Campbell Memorial High School, have quickly become key figures on the Red Devils football team. Jordan Craft, as a defensive tackle, has showcased his raw talent and dedication, proving himself to be a force on the field. Craft’s tenacity and unwavering commitment to his position have made him a standout player, consistently disrupting opposing offenses and earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. Meanwhile, Alex Doyle, a versatile sophomore who plays as both a wide receiver and defensive back, has exhibited remarkable athleticism and a deep understanding of the game. His speed and agility make him a potent threat on the offensive end, while his defensive skills have made him an invaluable asset for the team. Together, Craft and Doyle exemplify the resilience and promise of the Red Devils, setting the stage for what is sure to be an exciting future for Campbell Memorial football.

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SPRINGFIELD TIGERS FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP. 10) WITH SEAN GUERRIERO

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH – Head coach Sean Guerriero and the Springfield Tigers are on the verge of another MVAC title and a post season run. The Tigers, currently sitting at 7-2, are ranked fourth in the most recent rankings on JoeEitel.com. If it stays the Tigers will end up hosting a first round playoff game. Up first though is the final game of the regular season as Springfield will travel to Lowellville on Friday night to face off against the Rockets.

YSN’s own, Steve Leslie was able to sit down with Coach G this week at the Tiger’s Table to discuss what another MVAC title would mean to him and the community, what his keys to victory are for this week against Lowellville, a playoff outlook as we are one week away from the first round, and so much more!

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