HARDING SNEAKS UP ON THE CARDINALS IN THE END

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a hard-fought matchup, Cardinal Mooney went head-to-head with Warren Harding in a thrilling contest that ultimately ended in a heartbreaking 24-21 loss for Mooney.

The first quarter set the tone for an exciting game as Harding’s Chaz Coleman connected with Ryan Powell on a 47-yard pass, resulting in a touchdown at the 10:27 mark. The extra point attempt failed, but Harding took an early 6-0 lead.

Mooney quickly responded when Adyn Paige broke through Harding’s defense with a 4-yard rushing touchdown at 6:12. With the successful extra point, Mooney took a 7-6 lead.

Later in the first quarter, Jake Daugherty of Harding made a 27-yard field goal, helping his team regain the lead at 9-7 with 1:34 left in the quarter.

The third quarter saw Mooney reclaiming the momentum. Ashton O’Brien connected with Jon Brenner for a 19-yard touchdown pass at the 3:04 mark, extending Mooney’s lead to 14-9. O’Brien continued to shine, throwing a 32-yard touchdown pass to Carlos Gomez at 1:54, further extending Mooney’s lead to 21-9.

However, Warren Harding wasn’t ready to concede the game. Chaz Coleman had an impressive 23-yard rushing touchdown at just 14 seconds left in the third quarter, narrowing the score to 21-16.

As the game entered the decisive fourth quarter, Harding managed to complete a comeback. Coleman orchestrated a 2-yard rushing touchdown at 0:38, putting Harding ahead 24-21. To secure the win, Coleman successfully converted a 2-point conversion with a pass to Khamari Adams, solidifying the 24-21 victory for Warren Harding.

SALEM FALLS AFTER VALIANT EFFORT ON THE ROAD

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CARROLLTON OH- In a hard-fought road matchup, the Salem Quakers battled against the Carrollton Warriors but ultimately came up short, with Carrollton securing a 21-7 victory.

The first half of the game was marked by tough defensive play, with neither team managing to find the end zone. However, things changed early in the second quarter when Carrollton’s Ryan Kiko broke the deadlock with a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Quentin Rosenberger’s successful extra point gave Carrollton a 7-0 lead.

Carrollton continued to build on their lead in the third quarter. With 5:49 on the clock, Jacob Whitmore powered through the Salem defense with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Rosenberger’s extra point was good, extending Carrollton’s lead to 14-0.

In the fourth quarter, Carrollton further solidified their advantage. At 9:17, Jacob Whitmore displayed his versatility, connecting with Braylon Murphy on a 26-yard passing touchdown. Rosenberger’s extra point was once again on target, making it 21-0 in favor of Carrollton.

Salem demonstrated their resilience late in the fourth quarter, as Gavin Colbert found the end zone with a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Troy Gibson’s successful extra point brought the score to 21-7.

Despite their efforts, Salem couldn’t complete the comeback, and the game concluded with Carrollton emerging victorious with a final score of 21-7.

BULLDOGS DIG UP A WIN IN ARROWHEAD

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GIRARD OH- In an electrifying matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, the Poland Bulldogs came away with a thrilling 38-35 victory on the road against the Girard Indians.

The game’s excitement started early in the first quarter when Poland’s Dom Pagano made a sensational 33-yard rushing touchdown. A successful extra point by Jas Stefancin put the Bulldogs ahead 7-0. Poland extended their lead to 10-0 as Stefancin added a 26-yard field goal with 1:18 left on the clock.

Girard answered back quickly, with Tuff McConahy connecting with Stephen Sims for a 65-yard touchdown pass, accompanied by a successful two-point conversion by Zach Morris, bringing the score to 10-7.

The second quarter continued to see both teams trading blows. Dom Pagano handed off to Cole Fulton for an 8-yard rushing touchdown, extending Poland’s lead to 17-7. Girard responded as McConahy found Stephen Sims again, this time for a 12-yard touchdown pass, and another successful two-point conversion narrowed the gap to 17-14.

Poland showed their big-play potential when Pagano connected with Cole Fulton for an 80-yard touchdown pass just moments later, making it 24-14. However, Girard remained in the mix as McConahy handed off to Sims for a 3-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 24-21 with 1:31 remaining in the half.

The third quarter continued the high-scoring trend. McConahy passed to Dominicoe Simone for an 8-yard touchdown, and another successful extra point by Morris gave Girard the lead at 28-24. Poland didn’t stay behind for long as Pagano ran it in from 10 yards out for a touchdown, and Stefancin’s extra point put them ahead 31-28.

The fourth quarter kept fans on the edge of their seats as McConahy handed off to Ahmad Curd for a 3-yard rushing touchdown, putting Girard back in the lead at 35-31. Poland, however, had a swift response when Pagano connected with Danny Nittoli for an 80-yard touchdown pass with 2:38 left in the game, reclaiming the lead at 38-35.

The game concluded with a nail-biting defensive stand by Poland on a crucial Girard 4th and 1 inside the 5-yard line with just 12 seconds left. Although Girard managed to secure a first down, time ran out before they could run another play, sealing the thrilling 38-35 victory for Poland.

COWBOYS GALLOPING HOME WITH A VICTORY

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a game where they found their rhythm and asserted their dominance, the Chaney Cowboys galloped to a convincing 46-15 victory over the Howland Tigers.

The first quarter saw Howland strike first, with John Perry breaking loose on a 59-yard rushing touchdown, giving his team an early 7-0 lead. However, Chaney quickly responded as quarterback Drew Gault connected with Jawaun Harmon on a 71-yard passing touchdown, though the PAT was unsuccessful, bringing the score to 7-6 in favor of Howland.

In the second quarter, Chaney continued to surge ahead. Gault threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Darius Stonework, although the two-point conversion failed, granting Chaney a 12-7 lead. Running back Matt Jones then powered his way to a 20-yard rushing touchdown, extending Chaney’s lead to 19-7. Gault and DaShawn Langston connected on a passing play for the two-point conversion, making it 27-7 in favor of Chaney.

The third quarter saw Chaney’s offensive prowess persist as Matt Jones executed a quarterback sneak for a 2-yard touchdown, further expanding their lead to 33-7, despite a blocked PAT.

In the final quarter, Chaney showed no signs of slowing down. Gault found Antwon Naze for a 19-yard passing touchdown, extending their lead to 40-7. Howland managed to find the end zone with John Perry’s 66-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the score to 40-15. Chaney, however, had the last word as Bryson Douglas broke free for a remarkable 54-yard rushing touchdown, sealing the victory with a final score of 46-15.

CARDINALS LOOK FRESH OFF THE BYE

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CANFIELD OH- The Canfield Cardinals returned from their bye week with a burst of energy, securing a commanding victory over Parma Heights Holy Name with a final score of 42-9.

In the first quarter, Canfield wasted no time getting on the board as running back Scottie Eaton powered his way to a 4-yard rushing touchdown. Kicker Ethan Rittenour successfully added the extra point, giving Canfield an early 7-0 lead.

The second quarter saw Holy Name making a defensive play with DB Aiden Butler tackling Scottie Eaton in the end zone for a safety, earning their first points of the game. However, Canfield responded swiftly, with Eaton scoring his second rushing touchdown of the night, this time from 3 yards out. Rittenour’s successful PAT extended Canfield’s lead to 14-2.

The third quarter showcased Canfield’s versatility, as Scottie Eaton returned a kick 90 yards for an electrifying touchdown. Rittenour’s PAT was good, bringing the score to 21-2. The Cardinals continued to build their lead with quarterback Paul Bindas racing 40 yards for another touchdown, and Rittenour’s PAT made it 28-2. Eaton wasn’t done yet, breaking free for a spectacular 72-yard rushing touchdown, and Rittenour’s PAT was on target, giving Canfield a commanding 35-2 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Holy Name managed to find the end zone with running back Nicholas Nemeth scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Chase Jozity successfully added the PAT, narrowing the gap to 35-9. Canfield responded swiftly, as wide receiver Anthony Mazzella added to the scoreboard with a 15-yard rushing touchdown. Rittenour’s PAT was good once again, sealing the victory for Canfield with a final score of 42-9.

The Canfield Cardinals showcased their prowess on both sides of the ball, returning from their bye week with a convincing win and an impressive offensive display led by Scottie Eaton’s remarkable performance.

DON’T MESS WITH THE CATS

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STRUTHERS OH-

In a dominating performance, the Struthers Wildcats continued their winning streak with a resounding victory over Youngstown East, finishing the game with a commanding score of 34-8.

The first quarter set the tone for Struthers as Devin Braham powered through with a 4-yard rushing touchdown. Although the PAT was missed, Struthers took an early 6-0 lead.

The second quarter saw Struthers extending their lead as AC Carter bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, and the Wildcats executed a successful two-point conversion, bringing the score to 14-0. Devin Braham then showcased his talent with a 17-yard rushing touchdown, and this time the PAT was good, widening Struthers’ lead to 21-0 at halftime.

Struthers continued to dominate in the third quarter, with Na’Jier Howard orchestrating a well-executed play. Howard handed off to Jason Dukes, who then passed to Robert Carcelli for a 5-yard touchdown. Unfortunately, the PAT was missed, but Struthers now had a commanding 27-0 lead.

The Wildcats’ defense proved relentless as Devin Braham intercepted a pass and returned it for an impressive 52-yard defensive touchdown in the third quarter. The PAT was successful, pushing Struthers further ahead at 34-0.

In the fourth quarter, Youngstown East managed to get on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass from Andrew Blackmon to Tyris Davis for 49 yards. They successfully executed a two-point conversion, bringing the final score to 34-8 in favor of Struthers.

The Struthers Wildcats showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball, delivering a convincing victory and maintaining their winning momentum throughout the game.

KNIGHTS JUST KEEP GOING

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AKRON OH- In a high-stakes matchup, the Hoban Knights managed to maintain their perfect record with a hard-fought victory over the talented Glenville team, closing the game with a score of 28-16.

The first quarter showcased the early back-and-forth battle, with Glenville’s Damarion Witten breaking through with a 29-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion by D’Shawntae Jones. Glenville took the lead at 8-0, but Hoban was quick to respond. In a thrilling turn of events, Elbert Hill IV electrified the crowd with a remarkable 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Knights successfully converted the extra point, narrowing the score to 8-7. Hoban then seized control as Tylan Boykin connected with Brayton Feister for a 20-yard touchdown pass, capping off a successful drive and taking a 14-8 lead.

The second quarter continued to favor the Knights as Brayton Feister powered through for a 1-yard touchdown run, extending Hoban’s lead to 21-8. Later in the quarter, Tylan Boykin showcased his passing prowess once again, finding Deon Rodgers for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The extra point by Ryan Burns was good, and Hoban established a commanding 28-8 lead heading into halftime.

Despite the Knights’ dominance, Glenville wasn’t ready to concede. In the third quarter, D’Shawntae Jones fought his way into the end zone with a 15-yard touchdown run, and Glenville executed a successful two-point conversion. The score now stood at 28-16, but neither team could find the scoreboard again throughout the rest of the game.

In the end, the Hoban Knights secured their perfect season, emerging victorious with a final score of 28-16. It was a thrilling contest filled with remarkable plays and hard-fought efforts from both sides, highlighting the determination and skill of these talented high school football teams.

IRISH BREAK LOOSE TO OUTLAST VIKINGS

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By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline used a big second half to secure a decisive win over Villa Angela-St. Joseph 38-18 Friday night.

​Adversity was a common theme for both squads, as the Irish turned it over twice while the Vikings had three. However, Villa’s miscues cost them more.

​Bo Jackson’s touchdown runs of seven and two pushed the Vikings out to a 12-7 lead early.

​Shortly after an Ursuline drive stalled out, Viking quarterback Kylan Steuball misfired on a screen pass that went right to Tairan Davis for a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown to put Ursuline back on top 14-12.

​However, it wasn’t long before senior tailback Amani Powell scored on a 12-yard run to give Villa the lead back, 18-14.

​Back and forth the game went as Christian Lynch, who fumbled earlier in the game, scored his second touchdown of the night to put Ursuline up 21-18 at the half.

​The start of the second half was set up to be a decisive defensive drive for Villa when D.C. Ferrell had other ideas.

​Ferrell took the opening kickoff of the third quarter 85 yards to the end zone. Just like that a back-and-forth game turned into Ursuline up two scores, with all the momentum.

​Even then, Ferrell wasn’t done. Late in the third, with the Vikings driving inside Irish territory, Steuball took a shot for the end zone on a 3rd and 30 play. The underthrown ball was snagged out of mid-air by Ferrell and down at the 2-yard line.

​Not much later, Lynch capped off a long Ursuline drive with a 2-yard touchdown run that proved to be the dagger.

​The battle between Ursuline and Vill Angela-St. Joseph was a highly anticipated one between two teams vying for the top spot in Division 3, Region 9. With the win, the Irish officially clinched a playoff spot, and likely a top four seed.

​Ursuline (8-0) will host Chaney (4-3) in a Steel Valley Conference showdown next Friday, October 13th.

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SPARTANS PROTECT THEIR HOME AGAINST RIVAL WARRIORS

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Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

Conneaut, OH- In another meeting between 2 of Ashtabula County’s oldest rivals, the Conneaut Spartans clashed with the Edgewood Warriors in a high-stakes matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. It was a game that showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, but in the end, the Conneaut Spartans emerged victorious with a final score of 27-24.

The first quarter set the tone for the game, with Conneaut’s Max Gleason bulldozing his way into the end zone with a powerful 7-yard touchdown run. Unfortunately, the PAT was no good, putting Conneaut ahead 6-0. However, Edgewood responded swiftly as Tony Hall orchestrated a 1-yard TD run, and Samuel Linder’s extra point was good, giving Edgewood the lead at 7-6. The momentum swings continued as Conneaut’s Wyatt Payne electrified the crowd with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and Bryce Spurlin’s extra point was successful, putting Conneaut back in the lead at 13-7. Just minutes later, Edgewood’s Tony Hall connected with Jacob Ernst for a 35-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point was good, giving Edgewood a narrow 14-13 lead to end the first quarter.

The second quarter saw both teams fighting tooth and nail. Max Gleason bulldozed his way into the end zone again, this time with a 2-yard TD run, and Spurlin’s extra point was good, putting Conneaut up 20-14. But Edgewood wasn’t going down without a fight, and Samuel Linder nailed a 30-yard field goal with just three seconds left in the half, cutting Conneaut’s lead to 20-17 at halftime.

The third quarter remained scoreless, as both defenses stepped up their game, refusing to yield any ground. It was a true battle of wills.

The fourth quarter, however, would prove decisive. With 9:05 left on the clock, Max Gleason powered his way into the end zone for the third time, this time with a 2-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, extending Conneaut’s lead to 27-17. Edgewood wasn’t ready to give up, as Tony Hall once again connected with Jacob Ernst, this time on a 30-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point was good, closing the gap to 27-24.

In the end, the Conneaut Spartans managed to hold onto their lead and secure the hard-fought victory. With this win, they improved their record to 5-3, with a 2-1 standing in the CVC Lake Division. Meanwhile, Edgewood’s Tony Hall continued to shine, setting a school record with his 21st and 22nd touchdown passes of the season, despite the loss. The Edgewood Warriors moved to 4-4 on the season, with a 0-3 standing in the CVC Lake Division.

Looking ahead, the Conneaut Spartans will face off against the Lakeside Dragons in week 9, while the Edgewood Warriors will take on the Jefferson Falcons. With the season heating up, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments on the gridiron.

HUSKIES WRANGLE MUSTANGS ON HOMECOMING

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Story contributed by YSN’s Tyler Hartz

Orwell, OH-  The Grand Valley Mustangs played host to the Cardinal Huskies for their homecoming game. The first quarter began with Grand Valley turning the ball over on downs, inside Husky territory. However, the Huskies found the endzone in the first two plays of their drive coming from a 73-yard touchdown reception from Reese Soltis (#22), the PAT by Landon Gallagher (#5) was good.

The following drive the Mustangs drove the ball down the field and capitalized as Quarterback Sammy Goforth (#7) found running back John Foss-Peters (#13) on a 5-yard screen play to answer back, however for the Mustangs, the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful.

Both teams traded blows to start the second quarter, Grand Valley forced a turnover at the 6:21 mark, where Connor Sullivan jumped on the loose ball. Only for Grand Valley to give the ball right back the very next play where Troy Domen intercepted the ball, and the Huskies scored the following drive where Quarterback Logan Strever (#6) took off out of the pocket and scored a 10-yard touchdown. The following drive for the Mustangs, Aidan Gallagher (#1) got in on the action as he intercepted the ball giving the Huskies the ball back with 1:33 remaining before halftime. The Huskies offense was dialed in as Aidan Gallagher (#1) found the endzone on a 23-yard reception to give the Huskies the lead 21-6 going into halftime.

Coming out to start the second half the Huskies wasted no time finding the endzone, as Logan Strever (#6) found receiver Aidan Gallagher (#1) again for his second score of the game off another 23-yard reception to give the Huskies the 28-6 lead. 

During the 4th quarter of action, running back Kyle Sinclair (#11) got right to work as he found himself in the endzone on two separate occasions. Two rushing touchdowns, one off a 4-yard rush and the second being an 18-yard rush. Kicker Landon Gallagher was able to bury all his PAT attempts (6/6) to bring the final score to 42-6 during tonight’s matchup.

Next week the Grand Valley Mustangs (2-6, 0-3 CVC Valley Division) will travel to Burton, OH to take on the Berkshire Badgers during week 9. During week 8 play, the Badgers came out on top against the Crestwood Red Devils by a final score of 35-24, moving them to 4-4 on the season and 2-1 in conference play.