SOUTHERN BOUNCES BULLDOGS

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SALINEVILLE, OH- Southern Local seized the spotlight during their solitary home football game in a span of five weeks, delivering an impressive 42-7 victory over East Palestine on a memorable Friday evening.

The Indians wasted no time making their mark, as Richie Sloan ignited the scoreboard with a dazzling 43-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, setting the tone at 7-0. Shortly thereafter, Ryan Exline showcased his speed with a remarkable 64-yard touchdown run, further extending the lead. Timmy Potts then exhibited his passing prowess, connecting with Markell Smith on a 31-yard touchdown strike that sent Southern ahead 21-0 by the close of the opening quarter.

The second quarter began with a defensive standout moment when Markell Smith intercepted a pass and dashed an astounding 80 yards into the end zone for yet another Southern touchdown. With a mere 2:24 remaining in the half, Ryan Exline found the end zone once more, this time with a 7-yard touchdown run, culminating in a commanding 35-0 lead heading into halftime.

The third quarter saw Ayden Frischkorn contribute to Southern’s impressive lead with a 20-yard touchdown run at the 9:47 mark.

East Palestine, determined to get on the board, finally found their opportunity with Owen Jurjavcic’s 9-yard touchdown run, putting them on the scoreboard with 8:50 remaining in the game.

Southern High School, now boasting a season record of 3-2, with a league record of 2-1, is geared up for their upcoming clash with Columbiana next Friday. Thanks to Lisbon’s recent upset victory over United, the Indians have surged back into contention and are currently tied for second place in the league alongside Columbiana and United. While Valley Christian maintains their league lead, they still have pivotal matchups against United, Lisbon, Columbiana, and Southern in the immediate future.

Meanwhile, East Palestine, with a season record of 0-6 and a league record of 0-3, is preparing to host Wellsville next Friday in hopes of turning their fortunes around.

WARRIORS HAVE A BLAST IN MINERVA

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By Michael Ginocchi 

MINERVA OH- The West Branch Football team picked up a dominant 70-0 win over Minerva on Friday night. With the win the Warriors improved to 5-1 on the season. West Branch is currently on a five game winning streak.

The Warriors started out quickly when Jeremiah Thomas scored on the second play of the game. He caught a 58 yard pass from quarterback Bo Alazaus. Alazaus did a nice job of spreading the ball around to his different receivers. The game was much out of hand when the score was 49-0 at the end of the first quarter.

This game allowed some younger Warriors to get some playing time. While most of these players won’t see much time this season, they will play a big part in West Branch’s future success as a program.

Junior quarterback Charlie Biskup was able to throw a touchdown which was his first of the season. Carson Graham and Grady Close also scored touchdowns for the Warriors. The biggest star of the night came from kicker Eliza Hurst. She made all ten of her extra points which was a school record.

West Branch will be back in action next Friday at home vs a much improved Marlington team. The Dukes will come into the game with a 5-1 record.

Stats 

QB: Bo Alazaus: 129 yds and 4 tds

Jeremiah Thomas: 27 yds 1 td

Charlie Biskup: 1 td

 

Rushing:

Boston Mulinix- 69 yds 2 td

Garin Harlin- 36 yds 1 td

Jeremiah Thomas- 75 yds 1 td

 

Receiving: 

Joey Jackson: 48 yds 2 td

Jeremiah Thomas: 58 yds 1 td

Grady Close: 41 yds 1 td

Anthony Perry: 11 yds 1 td

HORNETS STING MUSTANGS

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Orwell, OH- In a challenging matchup against the Kirtland Hornets, the Grand Valley Mustangs found themselves facing an uphill battle from the very start. The Hornets wasted no time in establishing their dominance, with a flurry of touchdowns in the first quarter.

First, Kirtland’s Jake LaVerde connected with Will Sayle for an impressive 31-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point, putting Kirtland ahead 7-0. The Hornets continued to pour it on, as Rocco Alfieri dashed for a 35-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-0. Will Beers then added to the onslaught with a 20-yard touchdown run, although the extra point was missed, making it 20-0 in favor of Kirtland. The first quarter continued to be a nightmare for the Mustangs, with LaVerde finding Gino Blasini for a 15-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point made it 27-0.

The second quarter wasn’t any kinder to Grand Valley, as LaVerde showcased his versatility by rushing for a 29-yard touchdown, and the extra point made it 34-0. The Mustangs’ struggles continued when Sammy Goforth threw an interception, which was returned for a touchdown by Kirtland’s Will Beers, pushing the score to a daunting 41-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Kirtland showed no signs of letting up, with Macguire Boyd breaking free for a remarkable 60-yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, stretching the lead to 48-0. Evan Koprwoski then hauled in a 23-yard touchdown reception, and the extra point was successful, leaving the Mustangs trailing 55-0.

Ultimately, the game ended with a final score of Kirtland Hornets 55 – Grand Valley Mustangs 0. This was a challenging outing for the Mustangs, who now stand at a 2-4 overall record and 0-1 in the CVC Chagrin division. Looking ahead, they will face the Harvey Red Raiders, who hold a 3-3 record (1-0 CVC Chagrin division) in week 7 on the road. The Kirtland Hornets, on the other hand, have a strong 5-1 record (1-0 CVC Chagrin Division) and will also be on the road against the Berkshire Badgers (3-3, 1-0 in CVC Chagrin division) in week 7. The Mustangs will undoubtedly seek to bounce back from this tough loss in their upcoming matchup.

MOONEY SECURES VICTORY IN HISTORIC RIVALRY

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BOARDMAN OH- In a thrilling clash that marked the 50th meeting between these historical rivals, Cardinal Mooney emerged victorious with a final score of 38-21 against Boardman, etching another chapter into their storied history.

The game burst into action with Mooney setting the tone, orchestrating touchdowns on their first four possessions throughout the first half. Quarterback Ashton O’Brien initiated the scoring drive by running in from the one-yard line to put the Cardinals on the board

However, the Spartans quickly retaliated with a remarkable five-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in a pass from Zach Haus to Mason Nawrocki from 19 yards out, leveling the score at 7-7 with just a minute remaining in the opening period.

Unfazed by the Spartans’ response, Cardinal Mooney executed an eight-play, 65-yard drive, which O’Brien concluded with a 5-yard pass to Matt Kay for a touchdown.

The Cardinals’ next touchdown showcased their creativity, as freshman Brady Desmond sprinted for an impressive 45-yard run on a fake punt. This remarkable play set up Mooney at the Boardman 11-yard line, with Thomas subsequently scoring on the next play with 4:18 remaining in the first half.

Once again, Boardman answered the challenge with a nine-play, 43-yard drive, resulting in a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Haus.

Nevertheless, the Cardinals seized momentum right back before halftime, orchestrating an 80-yard, six-play drive. O’Brien’s precision pass found Carlos Gomez behind the secondary for a spectacular 48-yard score, granting Mooney a 28-14 lead with only 57 seconds remaining in the half.

Cardinal Mooney further solidified their lead with a 13-play, 80-yard drive, punctuated by Adyn Paige’s 3-yard rushing touchdown with 2:43 left.

In the third quarter, Mooney extended their advantage with a 29-yard field goal courtesy of Chris Colautti, boosting their lead to 31-14 with 4:28 to go. Boardman, however, refused to relent, closing the gap to within ten points at the 8:42 mark of the fourth quarter with a five-yard rushing touchdown by Willy Torres.

Mooney’s Adyn Paige and Noah Thomas shone on the ground, both amassing over 100 yards rushing and contributing a touchdown each. Paige finished with an impressive 129 yards on the ground, while Thomas racked up 133.

Boardman’s junior quarterback, Zach Haus, showcased his dual-threat abilities by running for 116 yards and accumulating 157 passing yards.

 

MCDONALD PAINTS THE ‘LOO BLUE; ZAJACK GOES FOR FIVE SCORES

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ATWATER, OH- In a high-octane football clash between the McDonald Blue Devils and the Waterloo Vikings, it was McDonald who emerged as the dominant force, securing a convincing victory with a final score of 42-12.

The game got off to an electrifying start for McDonald as Drew Zajack, their quarterback, showcased his versatility by executing a QB keeper from 4 yards out, putting the Blue Devils on the scoreboard with a 7-0 lead. Zajack continued to shine, adding to McDonald’s lead in the first quarter by running in another touchdown, this time from 6 yards away, with just 17 seconds left on the clock, making it 14-0.

The second quarter saw McDonald extending their lead further as Drew Zajack once again displayed his rushing prowess, scoring an 8-yard touchdown to bring the score to 21-0 with 9:01 remaining in the first half.

Waterloo, determined to get back into the game, managed to put together their first scoring drive with 6:38 left in the half. Jayden Hakin, the Vikings’ quarterback, connected with Bobby Harouff for a 6-yard touchdown pass, reducing the deficit to 21-6.

After halftime, Drew Zajack wasted no time resuming his impressive performance, scoring a 14-yard touchdown run to extend McDonald’s lead to 28-6 with 7:00 left in the third quarter. McDonald’s offense continued to shine, this time through the air, as Kyle Puckett found Jordan Taylor from 6 yards away with 2:56 left in the frame, increasing their lead to 35-6.

Waterloo, not willing to relent, saw Jayden Hakin take matters into his own hands as he rushed in from 6 yards out, closing the gap to 35-12 with just seven seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Drew Zajack put the finishing touches on this impressive performance, scoring another touchdown just over a minute into the final quarter. His fifth touchdown of the game sealed the deal for the McDonald Blue Devils, resulting in a convincing 42-12 victory.

In the end, McDonald’s (4-2) stellar offensive display and Drew Zajack’s exceptional performance led them to this resounding win, leaving the Waterloo Vikings (2-4) with a tough outing on the gridiron.

URSULINE OVERWHELMS FALCONS IN THE NEST

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AUSTINTOWN OH- In a highly anticipated showdown between two of the area’s football powerhouses, Ursuline and Fitch faced off in a thrilling contest that ultimately saw Ursuline sail to a convincing 32-14 victory.

The game kicked off with fireworks as Jy’Quise Liason of Ursuline made a monumental statement by returning the opening kickoff an astonishing 100 yards for a touchdown just 17 seconds into the game. Although Ursuline’s 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, they took an early 6-0 lead, electrifying the home crowd.

Ursuline’s dominance continued into the first quarter, with Jack Ericson scoring a 9-yard touchdown run at 3:28, extending their lead to 12-0. However, Fitch quickly retaliated with an incredible play of their own. Dan Evans III captivated the fans with an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at 3:13, and Anthony Ruggles added the extra point. What made this play even more spectacular was the lateral pass from Davion Pritchard to Dan Evans III during the return, showcasing Fitch’s creativity on special teams. The score now stood at 12-7.

The second quarter saw Ursuline’s offensive prowess come to the forefront as Jack Ericson connected with DC Ferrell on a 51-yard touchdown pass at 3:53. Anthony Tabak successfully converted the extra point, further extending Ursuline’s lead to 19-7.

As the third quarter began, Fitch displayed their resilience with DJ Williams surging into the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown run at 2:53, narrowing the score to 19-14.

Ursuline, determined to maintain their lead, responded in the same quarter with another exceptional performance by Jack Ericson. This time, Ericson showcased his athleticism by leaping over a defender on a 26-yard touchdown run with just 26 seconds left in the third quarter. Although the extra point was missed, Ursuline held a 25-14 lead.

In the game’s closing moments, Ursuline’s Christan Lynch solidified the victory with a 6-yard touchdown run at 2:11 in the third quarter, and Gavin Sedoris added the extra point, securing the final score at 32-14. Lynch, who amassed an impressive 159 rushing yards throughout the game, played a pivotal role in Ursuline’s offensive dominance.

Ericson threw for 101 yards and a touchdown, and he ran for 66 yards with a pair of scores.

Ursuline’s exceptional performance against a formidable opponent in Fitch showcased their strength and determination, earning them a well-deserved 32-14 victory. This clash of football titans delivered thrilling moments and highlighted the remarkable talent and competitiveness of both teams.

WILDCATS LET OUT FRUSTRATION ON HUBBARD

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STRUTHERS OH- Struthers came into their Friday night matchup against Hubbard with a burning desire to erase the memory of last week’s tough loss. Their determination and resolve were on full display as they secured an emphatic 41-14 victory over their opponents.

The first quarter opened with a bang for Struthers as Devin Braham sprinted down the field for an electrifying 72-yard run, crossing the goal line at the 11:17 mark. This explosive play set the tone for the Wildcats, who took an early 7-0 lead.

Struthers continued their offensive assault in the opening quarter when Najier Howard bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 4-yard run at 5:35, extending their lead to 14-0.

Hubbard, refusing to be left behind, responded with determination. Garland Warren punched in a 2-yard run with just 1:01 remaining in the quarter, putting Hubbard on the scoreboard at 14-7.

However, Struthers wasted no time in regaining their dominance. In the closing moments of the first quarter, Jason Dukes broke free for an explosive 68-yard run, widening the gap to 20-7, although they missed the subsequent PAT.

The second quarter saw no let-up from Struthers. Dukes continued to shine, connecting with Kendis McLeod on a 52-yard touchdown pass at 11:06, pushing the lead to 27-7.

AC Carter joined the scoring frenzy with a 4-yard touchdown run for Struthers, even though they missed the PAT, extending their lead to 33-7.

The third quarter continued to be a showcase for Struthers’ offensive prowess. AC Carter found the end zone once more, this time with a 6-yard touchdown run, and the Wildcats converted the 2-point attempt, amassing a commanding 41-7 lead.

Hubbard rallied in the fourth quarter, with Alex Hackwelder executing a 1-yard touchdown run through a quarterback keeper, making it 41-14.

The Struthers Wildcats, determined to bounce back from adversity, delivered a remarkable performance that included explosive runs, pinpoint passes, and tenacious defense. Their 41-14 victory over Hubbard was a statement win, demonstrating their resilience and strength as a team.

LOWELLVILLE ROCKS THE RAMS

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LOWELLVILLE OH- In a hard-fought Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference showdown, the Lowellville Rockets hosted the Mineral Ridge Rams, emerging victorious with a final score of 38-21.

The opening quarter saw both teams engaging in a defensive standoff, resulting in a scoreless tie at the end of the period.

Lowellville was the first to break the silence, as their kicker, Mathew Lucido, expertly slotted a field goal through the uprights, granting the Rockets a 3-0 lead. The momentum continued for Lowellville as they executed a pivotal special teams play, blocking a punt. This turnover paved the way for an 8-yard touchdown pass by Michael Ballone, who connected over the middle on a critical 4th and goal.

Mineral Ridge, however, was quick to respond with a burst of offensive energy. Senior standout Ian Erb showcased his speed with an explosive 50-yard run down to the 5-yard line. Erb completed the drive with a touchdown run, bringing the score to 17-7.

Lowellville remained relentless, with Ballone at the helm. The Rockets’ quarterback unleashed a 29-yard touchdown pass to Mathew Lucido, extending their lead.

As the game progressed into the third quarter, Ian Erb continued to make his presence known. This time, he hauled in a 50-yard touchdown catch from junior quarterback Owen Shingledecker, narrowing the gap to 24-14.

Nevertheless, the Rockets were determined to secure the win. Ballone displayed his prowess once again, tossing two more touchdown passes, including one to senior Braylen Dabney. Heading into the fourth quarter, Lowellville held a commanding 38-14 advantage.

The victory for the Lowellville Rockets in this MVAC showdown showcased their determination and offensive firepower. With precision passing and dynamic playmaking, they emerged triumphant against a tough Mineral Ridge team, securing an important conference win.

TORNADOES SHAKE BUT DON’T BREAK CANFIELD

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CANFIELD OH- In a hard-fought battle on their home turf, the Canfield team battled through adversity to secure a crucial 17-13 win against a determined Dover squad.

The first quarter saw Dover strike first, as Jack Judkins connected with Isaac Blickensderfer for a 5-yard touchdown pass. However, a mishap on the extra point attempt left the score at 6-0 in favor of Dover.

The second quarter showcased Canfield’s resilience, with Scottie Eaton making a statement. Eaton sprinted for a remarkable 40-yard touchdown run, and Ethan Rittenour’s successful extra point put Canfield ahead 7-6.

As the game progressed into the third quarter, Canfield extended their lead. Ethan Rittenour showcased his kicking prowess, nailing a 26-yard field goal, increasing Canfield’s lead to 10-6.

The fourth quarter brought an intense battle, with both teams seeking the upper hand. Dover answered back, with Judkins delivering a 14-yard touchdown pass to Justice Hughes. Jameson Marlatt secured the extra point, granting Dover a slim 13-10 lead with just 1:10 remaining.

But Canfield wasn’t done yet. In a clutch moment, Danny Inglis powered his way to a 16-yard touchdown run, giving Canfield a 17-13 lead with a mere 21 seconds left on the clock. Rittenour’s reliable leg sealed the deal with a successful extra point.

Canfield’s hard-fought win over Dover showcased their determination and ability to overcome adversity. This victory is a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit, securing an important result on their home turf.

LISBON STUNS THE LEAGUE LEADING EAGLES

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Lisbon Stuns EOAC Leader United in Thrilling 21-20 Upset

In a jaw-dropping upset, the Lisbon Blue Devils secured a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (EOAC) frontrunners, the United Eagles.

From the outset, both teams exhibited their offensive prowess, treating the fans to an action-packed contest. The Eagles embarked on an impressive 14-play, 61-yard drive, capped off by Andrew Ogilvie’s 1-yard touchdown run, granting them an early 7-0 lead with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.

However, the Blue Devils swiftly responded, orchestrating a 51-yard drive. Sophomore Ashton Hinchliffe burst into the end zone from 8 yards out, leveling the score at 7-7. This equalizer came at the 4:51 mark of the first quarter.

United was quick to regain the lead on their second possession, with Dan Milburn rushing for a 6-yard touchdown. The Eagles surged ahead 14-7 with just 1:49 left in the opening quarter.

Lisbon countered once more, knotting the game at 14-14 midway through the second quarter. Quarterback Trevor Siefke powered his way into the end zone from 1 yard out, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

The Eagles committed costly errors in the latter part of the game. On a critical third-and-one situation from the Devils’ 5-yard line, United fumbled the ball, allowing Lisbon’s Logan Stauffer to scoop it up and return it an impressive 59 yards.

Although Lisbon gained favorable field position following another Eagles fumble, United’s defense put up a valiant stand, pushing the Devils back.

With just 1:28 remaining, United had a chance to tie the game with a 5-yard run by Dan Milburn, bringing the score to 21-20. However, instead of opting for the extra point, Coach Ogilvie decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion attempt. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Andrew Ogilvie was tackled behind the line of scrimmage on the attempt, preserving the Devils’ one-point advantage.

United made one last-ditch effort, recovering an onside kick at the Blue Devils’ 48-yard line with 1:24 left on the clock. But fate had other plans. On the third play of the Eagles’ possession, defensive end Hunter Dailey came up with a game-sealing play. Intercepting a pass intended for Andrew Ogilvie in the flat, Dailey ensured the Devils’ victory.