REBELS FEEL A CHANGE IN THE WIND

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* CONTRIBUTED BY TONY PERAZIO

COLUMBIANA, OH – The air was charged with excitement as the Crestview Rebels clashed with the Newton Falls Tigers in a thrilling football showdown. The stadium was filled with devoted fans, their voices echoing through the crisp autumn evening. Both teams were determined to emerge victorious, but it would take every ounce of their skill and determination to come out on top.

As the first quarter unfolded, the Rebels struck first. At the 2 minutes and 36 seconds mark, Jameson English, a dynamic quarterback back, took off running and exploded through the Tigers’ defense, scampering 12 yards into the end zone for a touchdown. The stadium erupted in cheers as the Rebels took an early 6-0 lead.

The Rebels’ momentum continued into the second quarter. At the 6 minutes and 7 seconds mark, Max Hawkins, another talented running back, punched in a 6-yard touchdown run. The Rebels were now up 13-0 after a successful PAT.

But the Tigers were not to be outdone. Caden Short, the Tigers’ determined running back, embarked on a mission to bring his team back into the game. At the 3 minutes and 58 seconds mark, he powered through the Rebels’ defense, dashing 16 yards for a much-needed touchdown. The Tigers were on the scoreboard, trailing 13-7.

Newton Falls continued to claw their way back into contention. With just 4 minutes and 27 seconds left in the third quarter, Caden Short once again found the end zone with an 18-yard touchdown run. With a successful PAT, the Tigers now held a narrow 14-13 lead.

The game had become a nail-biter, with both teams battling fiercely for supremacy. But the Rebels had one last surge left in them. With 1 minute and 57 seconds remaining in the game, Max Hawkins answered the call. He bulldozed his way into the end zone with another 6-yard touchdown run, giving the Rebels a critical 20-14 lead.

As the final seconds ticked away, the Tigers fought valiantly to mount a comeback. However, the Rebels’ defense stood strong, denying the Tigers any opportunity to score. The final whistle blew, and the scoreboard displayed the hard-fought victory: Crestview Rebels 20, Newton Falls Tigers 14.

LOWELLVILLE SHOWS OFF THEIR STRENGTH

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LOWELLVILLE OH- In a display of sheer dominance, Lowellville asserted their strength on the football field with an emphatic 40-6 victory over McDonald.

The game featured an eventful first quarter as McDonald’s defense made an early impact with Jayden Taylor recovering a fumble and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown, although their PAT attempt was unsuccessful. Lowellville quickly answered with a 3-yard touchdown run by Tino Rivera-Ocasio, followed by a successful PAT by Matt Lucido, giving them a 7-6 lead.

The second quarter saw Lowellville extend their advantage as quarterback Michael Ballone connected with Braylen Dabney for an 11-yard touchdown pass, and later, Ballone found Matt Lucido for a 14-yard TD pass, although the PAT was no good, making it 19-6.

The third quarter remained scoreless, but the fourth quarter belonged to Lowellville. Geno Perry powered through with a 14-yard touchdown run, followed by Ballone’s 51-yard rushing TD and a 28-yard TD pass by Ricky Wilrich to Bruce Brenner. With Matt Lucido’s successful PATs, Lowellville secured a commanding 40-6 win, showcasing just how strong of a team they are, and how tough they’ll be to beat in the MVAC.

POTTERS TAKE LAST SECOND VICTORY

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a heart-pounding football clash, East Liverpool emerged victorious with a thrilling 17-14 win over Edison, sealed by a dramatic walk-off field goal. The game unfolded with intense action in each quarter.

In the 1st quarter, Edison’s Talon McClurg powered through for a 2-yard touchdown run, taking an early 7-0 lead. The 2nd quarter saw East Liverpool’s Gavin Wright connecting with Dorian Burchett on a spectacular 53-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7.

In the 3rd quarter, Edison’s Talon McClurg struck again with a 4-yard TD run, giving his team a 14-7 advantage. However, East Liverpool answered back as Gavin Wright unleashed a 56-yard touchdown pass to Quinton Conrad, tying the game at 14-14 in the 3rd quarter.

The decisive moment arrived in the 4th quarter when Kamdin Miller of East Liverpool calmly slotted a 26-yard field goal with just 2.4 seconds remaining, sealing the victory with a final score of Potters 17, Edison 14. It was a game filled with excitement and suspense that will be remembered by fans for years to come.

URSULINE WINS BATTLE OF THE IRISH

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By Tim Corso 


Ursuline topped Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Friday night in the battle of the Irish, 34-20.

It was Youngstown versus Akron, Reardon and Cistone, Ursuline and St.Vs.

​Defense was the story early in the ballgame as Ursuline set the tone early with a redzone takeaway when D.C. Ferrell picked off Sophomore quarterback Rylan Hurley in the endzone.

​Ursuline’s offense continued to sputter on its’ next drive, but the defense stood tall again, this time forcing a turnover-on-downs in their territory. The ensuing Irish drive found Ursuline converting on a 3rd and 16 when Jack Ericson connected with Devonte Taylor on a 20-yard touchdown strike to give them a 7-0 lead.

​Defense continued to be a story as late in the first half, being backed up on its’ own 4-yard line, Ericson fired a ball that was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted for a touchdown by St. Vincent’s Daveion Wright in the final minute of the first half.

​What looked like a 7-0 Ursuline lead at halftime, turned into a stalemate with two quarters down.

​Whatever Dan Reardon said at halftime worked and worked well. Reardon’s squad forced a three-and-out to start the second half then jumped back in front when Ericson connected with Taylor for a second time, this time from 50 yards out.

​Ursuline would extend the lead on their next drive when a quick screen pass resulted in Ferrell breaking multiple tackles to find himself with a 28-yard score.

​Ericson threw three touchdowns in the win and racked his total up to 15 strikes on the year.

​However, St. Vincent-St. Mary wouldn’t go away.

​Trading punches, Hurley scampered for a 16-yard touchdown to answer. But Jy’Quise Liason responded to it with a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown; his second in as many weeks.

​Right then, it appeared an electric second half was on tap.

​Akron’s Sir Charles Gordon broke several Ursuline tackles just a couple of plays later that resulted in a 69-yard touchdown. Those scores in a matter of two minutes put the score at 27-20 right before the third quarter ended.

​Ursuline finished the game with four forced turnovers, with the last two being the biggest.

​The first came when Akron was driving and had the ball at Ursuline’s 9-yard line. It appeared that another stalemate was on the way when Tairan Davis intercepted Hurley in the endzone and returned 91 yards to the Akron 14-yard line. The next play, Christian Lynch gave his squad some insurance with a touchdown to make it 34-20.

​The second big turnover was a clutch interception by Liason with under five minutes to, for all intents and purposes, “call game”.

​At that point, all John DeSantis’ offense had to do was run the clock out and celebrate the first Ursuline win over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary since October 28, 2011. Snapping the 10-game losing streak to Akron gave Ursuline its’ first 7-0 start since 2010.

Ursuline (7-0) will host Villa Angela-St. Joseph (5-2) next Friday night, October 6th at Stambaugh Stadium.

 

 

WARRIORS FALL IN OVERTIME THRILLER

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Edgewood, OH- Hoping to bounce back off a tough loss in week 6, the Edgewood Warriors clashed with the Madison Blue Streaks in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final play. The first quarter opened with Madison’s James Poe bulldozing his way into the end zone with a powerful 5-yard touchdown run, putting the Blue Streaks up 7-0 after Ben Amos nailed the extra point.

However, the Warriors wasted no time responding. Just moments later, Edgewood’s Anthony Hunt electrified the crowd with a jaw-dropping 76-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and Samuel Linder’s extra point tied the game at 7-7. The first quarter continued to deliver excitement as Madison’s Carson Alley capped off a drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, adding another successful extra point, bringing the score to 14-7 in Madison’s favor.

In the third quarter, Edgewood’s Tony Hall showcased his arm strength with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Zach Carlton-Hull, and with the extra point, the game was tied once again at 14-14.

As the game unfolded, both teams had opportunities to secure victory in regulation, but missed field goals sent this nail-biter into overtime. In the first overtime series, Edgewood’s Samuel Linder stepped up and drilled a clutch 25-yard field goal, giving the Warriors a 17-14 lead.

With the pressure mounting, Madison’s Carson Alley proved his mettle in the second overtime series, connecting with Alexander Davis for a 16-yard touchdown pass, securing a heart-pounding 20-17 victory for the Blue Streaks.

The final score told the tale of a fiercely competitive contest, with the Madison Blue Streaks emerging triumphant over the Edgewood Warriors, 20-17. The Edgewood Warriors, now at 4-3 (0-2 CVC Lake Division), will prepare for a road battle against the Conneaut Spartans, while the Madison Blue Streaks, with a 6-1 record (2-0 CVC Lake Division), will hit the road to face the Jefferson Falcons, who are still seeking their first win of the season at 0-7 (0-2 CVC Lake Division). Football fans can expect more excitement and drama in the weeks to come as these teams continue their pursuit of victory in the CVC Lake Division.

DRAGONS BURN HOT AT HOME

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Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- Looking to grab their first win in the CVC Lake Division against an old but familiar foe, the Lakeside Dragons soared to victory against the Jefferson Falcons with a commanding final score of 44-14. Lakeside’s fans at Lakeside Stadium were treated to an impressive performance by their home team.

The game kicked off with Lakeside’s quarterback, Alex DiSalvitore, showing his prowess early in the 1st quarter. With 8:05 left, he connected with Devan Miller on a 38-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for the night. Alex then followed it up with a successful 2-point conversion run, making it 8-0 in favor of Lakeside.

Devan Miller wasn’t done making an impact in the 1st quarter. With 3:10 remaining, he dashed 45 yards for another Lakeside touchdown, and the 2-point conversion was good, extending the lead to 16-0.

As the 1st quarter drew to a close, Jefferson’s Dylan Burlingham attempted to mount a comeback but was intercepted by Lakeside’s Caleb Stitt. The Dragons’ defense remained steadfast, denying Jefferson any scoring opportunities.

The 2nd quarter was marked by more frustration for Jefferson as Dylan Burlingham was intercepted once again, this time by the multi-talented Devan Miller. Lakeside continued to dominate, and with just 9 seconds left in the half, DiSalvatore found Sincere Turner for another touchdown pass. A successful 2-point conversion by Nate Bartone brought the score to 24-0 in Lakeside’s favor at halftime.

Jefferson showed some signs of life at the start of the 3rd quarter when Kaige Boczar returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, with Devan Salinas converting the 2-point attempt. However, Lakeside quickly countered with an 8-yard touchdown run by Alex DiSalvatore, though the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful. The Dragons continued to build their lead, with DiSalvatore connecting with Matt Wagner for a 19-yard touchdown pass, although the 2-point conversion was again denied.

In the 4th quarter, Jefferson finally managed to break through Lakeside’s defense with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Burlingham to Kaige Boczar. Despite the touchdown, the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 36-14.

Lakeside sealed the deal with 7:02 left in the game as Nate Bartone ran for an 8-yard touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion on a pass from DiSalvatore to Matt Wagner. The final score stood at 44-14 in favor of the Lakeside Dragons.

Devan Miller was undoubtedly the star of the game, racking up 150 yards rushing, 1 interception, and 2 touchdowns. Lakeside’s overall performance showcased their strength on both sides of the ball.

With this victory, the Lakeside Dragons improved their record to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in the CVC Lake Division. They look ahead to a challenging road game against the Geneva Eagles in week 8. On the other hand, the Jefferson Falcons, now 0-7 overall and 0-2 in the CVC Lake Division, will face the Madison Blue Streaks at home in week 8, hoping for a turnaround in their season.

TIGERS ON THE PROWL

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* CONTRIBUTED BY NOAH DOUGHTY

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH – The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the football field as the Springfield Tigers prepared to face off against the Western Reserve Blue Devils. The excitement in the air was palpable, and the crowd’s anticipation was electric. Both teams were hungry for victory, but only one could emerge as the triumphant victor.

The first quarter was a tense battle, with neither team managing to break through the other’s defense. It seemed as though every yard gained was a hard-fought victory. But as the second quarter began, the Tigers were about to roar to life.

With determination in his eyes, quarterback Dante Gentile led the Tigers down the field. With each snap of the ball, they gained ground steadily, inching closer to the end zone. The crowd held its collective breath as Dante took the snap, faked a handoff, and darted toward the goal line.

In a flash, Dante Gentile plunged into the end zone, capping off the drive with a powerful 3-yard touchdown run. The crowd erupted in cheers as Kaesen Kosek, the Tigers’ reliable kicker, sent the extra point straight through the uprights. Springfield took an early 7-0 lead.

The Blue Devils, however, were not to be outdone. Quarterback Luke Henning orchestrated a brilliant drive of his own. With precision passes and determined running plays, they marched down the field. Finally, Luke connected with Dom Riccardi on a 22-yard touchdown pass, and Adriy Chuta Soy’s extra point was good. The game was tied at 7-7, and the fans were treated to an exciting contest.

But Springfield was not to be denied. Dante Gentile, their fearless leader, took matters into his own hands once again. With a gritty determination, he bulldozed his way through the Blue Devils’ defense and scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown. This time, Kaesen Kosek’s extra point attempt was no good, but the Tigers took a 13-7 lead.

As the clock ticked down in the second quarter, Springfield was hungry for more. Quarterback Kolten Raurk dropped back, scanning the field for an open receiver. His eyes locked onto Sean Guerro, streaking toward the end zone. Raurk’s pass was a thing of beauty, connecting with Guerro for a 19-yard touchdown strike. Though the two-point conversion attempt fell short, Springfield extended their lead to 19-7.

The Tigers were not finished yet. In the fourth quarter, Kaesen Kosek, who had been reliable all night, pounded the ball into the end zone with a 4-yard touchdown run. Hayden Pavlock’s extra point was good, and the score now stood at 26-7 in favor of Springfield.

The Tigers’ defense held firm for the remainder of the game, preventing any comeback attempts by the Blue Devils. As the final whistle blew, Springfield celebrated a hard-earned victory, 26-7. The roar of their fans echoed through the night, a fitting tribute to their triumphant performance on the gridiron.

EAGLES SOAR PAST THE BEARS

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* CONTRIBUTED BY DEREK RHODES

LEETONIA, OH – The excitement in the air was palpable, and the fans filled the stands with eager anticipation. Both teams had their sights set on victory, but as the game unfolded, it was clear that the Eagles were soaring to new heights.

The first quarter saw both teams locked in a battle of wills, with neither side giving an inch. But as the clock ticked down, the Eagles’ offense began to show its teeth. At 8 minutes and 32 seconds, the game-changing moment arrived.

Andrew Ogilvie, the Eagles’ star running back, took a handoff from quarterback Luke Courtney and burst through the line of scrimmage with blazing speed. With every stride, he left defenders in his wake. At last, he crossed the goal line with a 17-yard touchdown run. The stadium erupted in cheers as the Eagles took an early 7-0 lead after a successful PAT by their reliable kicker.

The Eagles’ momentum was unstoppable. Less than a minute later, at 7 minutes and 56 seconds, Ogilvie struck again, this time with a 2-yard touchdown run. The crowd was on its feet as the Eagles’ offense continued to shine. The PAT was good, and United led 14-0.

With the Bears struggling to find answers, Luke Courtney showcased his passing skills. He connected with Tyler Newburn on a beautiful 36-yard completion, setting up a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Courtney himself. In the blink of an eye, the Eagles extended their lead to 21-0 with another successful PAT.

But the Eagles were far from finished. Andrew Ogilvie, the game’s standout performer, added another touchdown to his name with a 3-yard rushing score at 3 minutes and 9 seconds remaining in the first half. The PAT was good, and the Eagles soared to a commanding 28-0 lead.

The Bears couldn’t catch a break, and the Eagles didn’t let up. With just 2 minutes and 23 seconds left in the half, Ogilvie found the end zone once more, this time with a 4-yard touchdown run. The extra point was successful, and the Eagles led 35-0, leaving the Bears reeling.

As the game wore on, the Eagles’ defense stood tall, denying the Bears any opportunity to claw back into the contest. The final whistle sounded, and the scoreboard read United Eagles 35, Leetonia Bears 0.

It was a dominant performance by the United Eagles, with Andrew Ogilvie leading the way with five touchdowns on the night. The crowd cheered their team’s triumph, and the Eagles celebrated their resounding victory under the Friday night lights.

CHAMPION STIFFLES CAMPBELL MEMORIAL

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* CONTRIBUTED BY NATE DICROSS

CAMPBELL, OH – It was a crisp, autumn evening, and the excitement in the air was palpable as the Champion Golden Flashes prepared to take on the Campbell Memorial Red Devils. The stadium was packed with eager fans, their cheers echoing through the chilly night. The first quarter had been a defensive battle, with neither team managing to penetrate the other’s end zone. But as the second quarter began, the game’s momentum was about to change in a dramatic fashion.

With just over three minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Golden Flashes’ defense stepped up in a big way. The Red Devils, trying to mount a drive and break the deadlock, were moving the ball steadily downfield. But the Champion defense had other plans. As Campbell Memorial took a run off the edge, defensive lineman Michael Sanders exploded off the line of scrimmage with a burst of speed that left the offensive line stunned. With a perfectly timed swipe of his massive hand, Sanders knocked the ball out. The stadium gasped in unison as the football tumbled towards the ground. Without missing a beat, Connor McDermott pounced on the loose ball, scooping it up with a single fluid motion. The crowd erupted in cheers as he turned and sprinted downfield with the pigskin cradled in his arms. His teammates raced alongside him, providing crucial blocks and clearing a path to the end zone.

With every step, it seemed as though McDermott was fueled by the energy of the roaring crowd. He streaked downfield, running 40 yards with the football. The end zone beckoned, and as he crossed the goal line, he spiked the ball in celebration.

With the crowd still buzzing, the Golden Flashes lined up for the extra point attempt. The snap was clean, the hold was perfect, and the kicker’s boot was good. The extra point sailed through the uprights, and Champion now led 7-0 with just three minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Despite a valiant effort, the Campbell Memorial Red Devils found themselves struggling to gain any momentum. The Golden Flashes’ defense continued to stifle their offense, forcing turnovers left and right. By the end of the game, the Red Devils had committed a total of five turnovers, a testament to Champion’s tenacious defense.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard remained unchanged: Champion Golden Flashes 7, Campbell Memorial Red Devils 0. It was a hard-fought victory for Champion, as they improved to 1-6 on the season. Connor McDermott’s remarkable 40-yard fumble recovery had made all the difference, and the Golden Flashes and their fans celebrated their triumph on that memorable autumn evening.

RED DEVILS DOUBLE THREAT

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CAMPBELL, OH – The Campbell Memorial Red Devils have bright spots all over the field, two of those athletes are Jacob Tovarniak and Dre Brown. Jacob, a cornerstone of the Campbell Memorial football team, is a junior who wears multiple hats as an offensive tackle and defensive end. Standing tall and powerful on the offensive line, Tovarniak is a force to be reckoned with, consistently protecting his teammates and creating opportunities for his offense to shine. On the defensive side, his relentless pursuit of the quarterback and ability to disrupt plays have made him a formidable presence. Beyond the field, Jacob is known for his leadership, often motivating his teammates to give their best both on and off the field. With an eye on college football and a strong work ethic, Jacob Tovarniak embodies the spirit of Campbell Memorial’s football program and is sure to leave an indelible mark on the sport.

Dre Brown, the youngest addition to the Campbell Memorial football family, is a promising freshman sensation who is making his first start as a running back and defensive back this week. His explosive speed and agility have made him a standout player, particularly in the running game, where he has a knack for breaking through defenses. On defense, Dre’s keen instincts and ability to read plays make him a valuable asset in stopping the opposition. Dre’s dedication to improving his skills is undeniable, and his enthusiasm for the game is contagious. As he continues to improve, Brown is poised to become a prominent figure in Campbell Memorial’s football legacy, symbolizing the bright future of the program.

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