RED RAIDERS TOO MUCH FOR MUSTANGS

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Painesville, OH- In a challenging matchup against the Harvey Red Raiders, the Grand Valley Mustangs found themselves facing an uphill battle right from the opening kickoff. The first quarter began with Harvey’s Shaun Alston breaking free for an impressive 70-yard rushing touchdown, setting the tone for the game. Adding insult to injury, Harvey successfully executed a 2-point conversion, quickly putting them ahead 8-0.

The Mustangs continued to struggle as Harvey’s special teams took center stage. Davon Bradley’s breathtaking 90-yard punt return for a touchdown, coupled with Tyshawn Vance’s accurate extra point kick, extended Harvey’s lead to 15-0 with 7:11 left in the first quarter. Things took a turn for the worse for Grand Valley as Sammy Goforth’s pass was intercepted by Ish Jackson, who returned it for a touchdown, albeit with a missed extra point attempt. The score now stood at a daunting 21-0 in favor of Harvey with only 49 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The second quarter brought no respite for the Mustangs, as Harvey’s offense continued to shine. Cavon Wise connected with Tyshawn Vance twice for touchdowns, first for 29 yards and later for 23 yards, both times adding the extra point successfully. As the clock wound down on the second quarter, Harvey held an imposing 35-0 lead.

The fourth quarter saw one more touchdown from Harvey, with Cavon Wise throwing a 33-yard pass to Chase Goins. The extra point was good, bringing the final score to a decisive 42-0 in favor of the Harvey Red Raiders.

The Grand Valley Mustangs (2-5, 0-2 CVC Valley Division) faced a tough loss, but they will have an opportunity to bounce back in week 8 as they play at home against the Cardinal Huskies (4-3, 1-1 CVC Valley Division). Meanwhile, the Harvey Red Raiders (4-3, 2-0 CVC Valley Division) will also play at home in week 8, facing the formidable Kirtland Hornets (6-1, 2-0 CVC Valley Division). The Mustangs will undoubtedly look to regroup and come back stronger in their next matchup.

BRANCH BLANKS MARLINGTON

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BELOIT, OH- In what turned out to be a historic matchup, West Branch celebrated its 400th football victory in school history by delivering a resounding 56-0 triumph over Marlington in a game that showcased both their offensive prowess and defensive dominance.

The West Branch Warriors entered the game with an impressive 6-1 record and a perfect 2-0 standing in the Eastern Buckeye Conference. Their defense had been on an incredible streak, securing their third consecutive shutout, a feat not seen since 1990. The Warriors were eager to continue their winning ways as they looked ahead to hosting Alliance in their next matchup, especially after Alliance’s upset loss to Carrollton, which also now stands at 2-0 in the league.

Boston Mulinix emerged as the star of the game, leading the Warriors with an outstanding performance. He carried the ball 16 times for a remarkable 197 yards, finding the end zone four times, including a historic 99-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, setting a new school record. Beau Alazaus also played a crucial role, passing for 217 yards and contributing three touchdowns through the air.

The scoring frenzy for West Branch began early in the game and continued throughout:

– Boston Mulinix kicked things off with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful kick by Eliza Hirst.
– The Warrior defense got in on the action as Zach Coffee returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown.
– Beau Alazaus connected with Jeremiah Thomas for a 42-yard touchdown pass, further extending the lead.
– Cooper Anderson added another touchdown reception from Alazaus, this time for 10 yards.
– Boston Mulinix showcased his versatility with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, his second of the game.
– Mulinix continued to find the end zone, this time with a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
– The highlight of the game came when Mulinix broke free for a historic 99-yard touchdown run.
– To cap off the impressive performance, Grady Close caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jeremiah Thomas.

On the defensive side, West Branch demonstrated their dominance with an interception by Zach Coffee and a fumble recovery by Colby Smith. Additionally, they displayed a successful onside kick recovery by Lukas Black.

In contrast, Marlington struggled to find their footing in the game, tallying only 123 total yards of offense and failing to score any points.

West Branch’s victory not only marked a historic milestone but also showcased their excellence in both offense and defense, making them a formidable force in the Eastern Buckeye Conference.

QUAKERS FIND FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

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MINERVA, OH- In an Eastern Buckeye Conference showdown, Salem secured their first win of the season in style, defeating Minerva with a dominant score of 36-7, and sophomore quarterback Gavin Colbert made a memorable impact in his first start under center.

Colbert showcased his talent by throwing three touchdown passes during the first three quarters, helping the Quakers clinch the victory at Hines Stadium on Friday night. This win marked Salem’s break from an eight-game losing streak, propelling them to a 1-6 overall record and a 1-1 standing in the EBC. Meanwhile, Minerva, struggling with a 26-game losing streak and an overall record of 0-7, fell to 0-2 in league play.

The Quakers opened the scoring in the game with two quick touchdowns late in the first quarter. Will Harmon was on the receiving end of a 21-yard pass from Colbert, followed by a 32-yard reverse run, pushing Salem ahead 13-0.

Salem’s defense played a pivotal role, recovering a Minerva fumble on the Lions’ first series, setting up the Quakers’ first score. The defense also demonstrated its prowess by snagging three interceptions, with Cyle Burt contributing two of them.

Marcus Phillips added to the offensive onslaught with a 14-yard touchdown reception, further extending Salem’s lead to 20-0 in the second quarter. Colbert, filling in for the injured starting quarterback Cletis Monroy, showcased his skills with 134 passing yards in the first half.

The third quarter witnessed a resolute defensive effort by Salem when Minerva threatened with a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line. The Quakers’ defense held strong, stopping Minerva at the 1-yard line on a crucial fourth-down play.

Salem continued to build on their lead, with Derek Oesch scoring on a 3-yard pass from Colbert, bringing the score to 26-0 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter.

Minerva finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter when Devon Patterson broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run up the middle, putting them on the scoreboard and crossing the 100-yard mark for the game.

Salem closed out the game with two more scores, including a 23-yard field goal by Troy Gibson and a 32-yard run by Marcus Phillips following Burt’s second interception.

As both teams return to league play next Friday, Salem will face Carrollton, while Minerva takes on Marlington.

EP BUSTS THROUGH FOR REFLECTIVE WIN

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- You’ve been able to see the progression all season, and on Friday the East Palestine Bulldogs were able to reflect on more than just their new chrome helmets, as East Palestine secured their first win of the season by defeating Wellsville with a score of 40-22.

The victory marked a significant milestone for East Palestine, who now stands at 1-6 for the season with a conference record of 1-3 in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference. On the other side, Wellsville fell to a matching 1-6 record for the season, with a similar 1-3 conference record.

The game kicked off with East Palestine taking the lead as Owen Jurjavcic powered through with a 3-yard touchdown run, putting them ahead 7-0 with 2:53 remaining in the first quarter.

Wellsville responded with a touchdown of their own, as Clayten Kersey executed a 1-yard touchdown keeper with 10 minutes left in the second quarter, narrowing the score to 7-6.

Richie Dowling then added to the excitement, breaking free for a 24-yard touchdown run with 2:42 left in the second quarter, giving Wellsville a 14-7 lead.

However, East Palestine wasn’t ready to concede. Jesse Lipp’s 2-yard touchdown run with just 28 seconds left in the half leveled the game at 14, setting the stage for a competitive second half.

East Palestine surged ahead in the third quarter when R.J. May caught an 18-yard pass from Jurjavcic, pushing them into a 20-14 lead with 6:55 left on the clock.

Unfortunately, the game took a somber turn when Wellsville’s Clayten Kersey suffered an injury during a sideline run and collision, leading to a temporary pause in the game. Kersey was stretchered off the field, and our thoughts go out to him for a full and speedy recovery.

Despite the setback, East Palestine continued to extend their lead. Jurjavcic added another touchdown to his tally with a 9-yard rushing touchdown at 1:25 left in the third quarter, increasing their advantage to 27-14.

As the game entered the final quarter, East Palestine’s Noah McKay powered through the middle with a 16-yard touchdown run, widening the gap to 33-14 with 10:36 left in the contest.

Jesse Lipp sealed the victory for East Palestine with a 4-yard scamper into the end zone at the 6:21 mark, bringing the score to 40-14.

Wellsville fought valiantly to the end, with Richie Dowling contributing one last touchdown for his team, an 18-yard run with 2:37 left, closing the score gap to 40-22.

With this hard-fought win under their belt, East Palestine looks ahead to their next challenge, as they prepare to host Columbiana next Friday. Meanwhile, Wellsville will be gearing up to face United in their upcoming matchup.

BLUE DEVILS ARE NO FLUKE

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LISBON OH- In another stunning display of skill and determination, the Lisbon football team secured a hard-fought 14-7 victory against Valley Christian. This win marked their second consecutive upset over a formidable opponent, solidifying their status as a team to watch in the season.

The 1st quarter was a defensive battle, resulting in a scoreless tie as both teams fought to gain the upper hand. However, the game began to heat up in the 2nd quarter when Valley Christian’s Ike Luke burst through with a 20-yard touchdown run, putting his team ahead 7-0.

The 3rd quarter brought hope to the Lisbon faithful when Trevor Siefke connected with Logan Stauffer for an 11-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 7-6 in favor of Valley Christian.

In a thrilling 4th quarter, Siefke and Stauffer became the heroes for Lisbon once more. Siefke found Stauffer again, this time for a 26-yard touchdown pass. Lisbon’s successful 2-point conversion gave them a crucial 14-7 lead that they would protect until the final whistle.

In terms of total yards, both teams fought hard, with Valley Christian accumulating 164 yards and Lisbon close behind with 189.

Key contributors for Valley Christian included Ja’Sean Lindsey, who rushed for 58 yards, and Deion Miller, who completed 2 of 5 passes for 75 yards, with Lindsey making a spectacular 58-yard catch.

Lisbon’s offensive efforts were led by Ashton Hinchliffe, who rushed for 46 yards, and Trevor Siefke, who delivered an impressive performance with 14 completions on 23 attempts, amassing 142 yards and tossing two crucial touchdown passes.

This victory showcased Lisbon’s resilience, proving that their previous upset was no accident. With a growing list of accomplishments, the Lisbon football team continues to capture the attention of fans and opponents alike, making them a formidable force in the season.

THE GARFIELD EXPRESS KEEPS ROLLING

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LIBERTY OH- In another dominant performance, the Garfield football team continued their impressive run, triumphing over Liberty with a resounding 42-21 win. Garfield’s offense showcased its explosiveness, while their defense proved to be a formidable force throughout the game.

The 1st quarter kicked off with a bang as Garfield’s Keegan Sell exploded with a 47-yard touchdown run at 8:29. Liberty swiftly responded as Tawann Tutwiler connected with Dawaun Moody for a 36-yard touchdown pass with 3:09 left on the clock. However, Garfield struck again with Sell’s remarkable approximately 80-yard kick return into the end zone, just 12 seconds later. All extra points were successfully converted by Ethan Bittence, giving Garfield the edge.

The 2nd quarter was marked by Garfield’s offensive prowess, beginning with Brandyn Bogucki’s explosive 56-yard rushing touchdown at 7:58. Keegan Sell wasn’t to be outdone, as he added another impressive 49-yard rushing touchdown with just 41.5 seconds remaining. The quarter ended on a high note for Garfield when Deacon Sommer received a 16-yard pass from Eric Geddes into the end zone with 15.7 seconds left.

The 3rd quarter witnessed Liberty’s Tutwiler breaking free for a 49-yard rushing touchdown at 5:42. However, Garfield quickly responded with a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Grandizio.

The 4th quarter saw Liberty’s Tutwiler showcasing his speed once more with a breathtaking 74-yard rushing touchdown at 3:08, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Garfield’s dominant performance.

In the end, Garfield’s balanced offensive attack and resilient defense proved too much for Liberty to handle. The final score of 42-21 reflected Garfield’s continued success and their ability to overpower conference opponents. With this victory, Garfield maintained their impressive momentum and added another win to their impressive season record.

BLUE JAYS BATTLE THROUGH SCRAPPY VIKINGS

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**Jackson Milton Secures Their 5th Win of the Season with a 19-6 Victory Over Waterloo**

In a hard-fought contest, Jackson Milton displayed their resilience and determination, securing their 5th win of the season with a 19-6 victory over Waterloo. The game was a testament to both teams’ defensive prowess, with standout plays on both sides of the ball.

The 1st quarter set the tone for the game, as Brayden Greathouse unleashed an 8-yard sack on Waterloo’s Jayden Hakin. Jackson Milton’s Leo Hines made a game-changing play with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown at 6:40. However, the 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of Jackson Milton. Cayden Mitchell came up clutch with an interception at his own 2-yard line, effectively halting Waterloo’s drive.

The 2nd quarter saw Waterloo’s defense recovering a fumble at the 50-yard line at 11:44. They repeated the feat with another fumble recovery, this time at Jackson Milton’s 30-yard line at 8:53. Jayden Hakin capitalized on the field position, scoring an 8-yard rushing touchdown at 5:21. Unfortunately, the 2-point conversion attempt fell short, resulting in a 6-6 tie. The quarter ended with a crucial interception in the end zone by Waterloo’s Bobby Harouff at 0:11.

The 3rd quarter witnessed Jackson Milton regaining the lead as Keegan White powered through with a 4-yard rushing touchdown at 8:01, followed by a successful PAT by Sam Coon, making it 13-6 for Jackson Milton. Cayden Mitchell showcased his defensive prowess once again with an interception at 7:41. Waterloo’s defense held strong with a goal-line stand on 4th and goal at the 1 at 3:12, taking over on downs. Jackson Milton returned the favor, stopping Waterloo on 4th and 1 at the Waterloo 20 with just 3 seconds left in the quarter.

The 4th quarter saw Joey Zayas making a significant impact with a sack on Jaydin Hakin for a 5-yard loss at 2:50. Jackson Milton sealed the game with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Cayden Mitchell at 1:25, although the 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, resulting in a final score of 19-6 in favor of Jackson Milton.

In the end, Jackson Milton’s tenacious defense and timely plays on offense proved to be the difference-makers in this closely contested matchup. The final score of 19-6 highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion, securing their 5th win of the season in impressive fashion.

KNIGHTS FLIP THE SCRIPT AND RUN AWAY FROM WALSH

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AKRON OH- In a game that was expected to be a close battle, the Hoban football team flipped the script and turned it into a one-sided affair, cruising to a convincing 57-7 victory over Walsh Jesuit. From the opening kickoff, Hoban asserted their dominance and left no doubt about their superiority on the field.

The 1st quarter witnessed Hoban’s explosive start as Payton Cook connected with Jalen Hightower for a 52-yard touchdown pass, with Ryan Burns adding the extra point to give them an early 7-0 lead. The onslaught continued with Tylan Boykin finding Joey Hardman for a 35-yard touchdown pass, followed by another successful PAT by Burns, extending their lead to 14-0. Hoban’s defense joined the party as Tysen Campbell intercepted a pass and returned it for a pick-six, making it 21-0. The defensive pressure continued as Eli Lee forced a safety with a sack, further increasing the lead to 23-0. Caleb Jones then powered through with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, complemented by another PAT by Burns, setting the score at 30-0. The 1st quarter ended with Elber Hill IV’s explosive 42-yard rushing touchdown, and Burns once again added the extra point, making it 37-0.

In the 2nd quarter, Caleb Jones continued his scoring spree with a 13-yard rushing touchdown, although the PAT attempt failed, leaving the score at 43-0. Just before halftime, Jones found the end zone again with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, and Burns added the extra point.

The 3rd quarter remained scoreless, but the fourth quarter saw Hoban’s Deon Rodgers returning a 15-yard punt for a touchdown, with Jeremy Hammel successfully converting the PAT, extending the lead to 57-0. Walsh Jesuit managed to avoid a shutout with a late 6-yard rushing touchdown by Carlos Smith, and Freddie Marcell added the extra point, resulting in a final score of 57-7 in favor of Hoban.

In the end, Hoban showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball, leaving Walsh Jesuit with no room to mount a comeback. The final score of 57-7 reflected Hoban’s overwhelming performance, turning what was expected to be a close game into a runaway victory.

WILDCATS CONTINUE TO RUN WILD

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CORTLAND OH- In a showcase of sheer dominance, the Struthers football team continued their impressive form with a resounding 40-6 victory over Lakeview. From the opening whistle, Struthers exhibited their relentless prowess on the field, leaving no doubt about their supremacy.

The 1st quarter set the tone for Struthers as Jason Dukes powered his way through with a 12-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful PAT, putting them ahead 7-0. Struthers continued to flex their offensive muscles when AC Carter exploded with a spectacular 73-yard touchdown run, complemented by another successful PAT, extending their lead to 14-0.

The 2nd quarter saw no letup from Struthers as AC Carter showcased his speed once again, sprinting for a 47-yard touchdown run, although the PAT was missed, making it 20-0 Struthers.

As the 3rd quarter unfolded, Struthers maintained their offensive momentum. Devin Braham added to the scoreboard with a 27-yard run, and a successful 2-point conversion extended their lead to 28-0.

The 4th quarter saw Struthers continuing their dominance, with Na’Jier Howard’s 2-yard touchdown run, although the PAT was missed, making it 34-0 Struthers. Lakeview managed to find the end zone with a 60-yard run by Hayden Bartram, but the PAT was unsuccessful, setting the score at Struthers 34, Lakeview 6.

Struthers had the last word, as Anthony Pastella capped off the impressive performance with a 19-yard touchdown run, sealing the victory at Struthers 40, Lakeview 6.

In the end, Struthers showcased their relentless offensive power, leaving Lakeview no room to counter. The final score of 40-6 reflected Struthers’ dominance on the field, as they cruised to another convincing win, making them look unstoppable once again.

SOUTHERN MAPS OUT DOMINATION ON THE ROAD

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COLUMBIANA OH- In a showdown of conference rivals, Southern unleashed a powerful display of football prowess, imposing their will on the field and securing an impressive 51-21 victory over Columbiana. The game featured thrilling moments and standout performances that left a lasting impression on fans.

The 1st quarter began with Columbiana drawing first blood as Kian Hartley powered through with a 3-yard touchdown run, complemented by Aidan Radcliff’s successful PAT, putting them ahead 7-0. However, Southern quickly responded with a lightning-fast Landen Heffner, who returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. The PAT by Yargo was good, leveling the score at 7-7. Columbiana wasn’t to be outdone, as Dylan Bregard caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Liam Surgenavic, followed by Radcliff’s successful PAT, giving them a 14-7 lead.

The 2nd quarter continued to showcase the teams’ offensive prowess. Southern’s Landen Heffner made his presence felt with a 12-yard touchdown run, accompanied by a successful PAT by Yargo, tying the game at 14-14. Columbiana answered with a spectacular 82-yard touchdown run by Liam Surgenavic, with Radcliff adding the PAT, putting them back in the lead at 21-14. However, Southern’s Ryan Exline responded swiftly with a 17-yard touchdown run and a successful 2-point conversion, making it Southern 22, Columbiana 21.

The 3rd quarter saw Southern continuing their offensive onslaught. Landen Heffner punched in another touchdown with a 12-yard run, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, extending Southern’s lead to 30-21. The Southern defense also made its mark with Timmy Potts returning a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown, complemented by Yargo’s PAT, making it 37-21. Potts wasn’t finished, adding a 1-yard touchdown run, although the conversion attempt failed, setting the score at 43-21. Southern’s Landen Heffner capped off his outstanding performance with a 7-yard touchdown run, and Ryan Exline added a 2-point conversion, sealing the dominant victory at Southern 51, Columbiana 21.

In the end, Southern left an indelible mark with their powerful performance, showcasing their prowess on the field. The final score of 51-21 reflected their dominance in the game, and they secured an important victory over their conference rival, Columbiana.