SOUTHERN KEEPS THE PACE

/in /by

WELLSVILLE OH- Southern delivered a dominating performance on the road, showcasing their prowess in a commanding 42-7 victory over Wellsville. The first quarter saw Ryan Exline running for a 17-yard touchdown, putting Southern on the board, although the two-point conversion attempt fell short. In the second quarter, a snap over the quarterback’s head led to a safety, extending Southern’s lead to 8-0. Landon Heffner’s 33-yard rushing touchdown, followed by Wellsville’s Terrell Watkins’ 3-yard run, brought the score to 15-7 at halftime.

Southern continued their relentless assault in the third quarter, with Landon Heffner breaking free for a 46-yard TD run. Although the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, Southern maintained a 21-7 lead. Heffner added to his impressive night with a 31-yard rushing TD, followed by Ryan Exline’s 22-yard run, both with successful extra points from Brody Hamilton, making it 35-7. In the fourth quarter, Ryan Exline sealed the victory with a dazzling 61-yard rushing TD, resulting in a final score of 42-7 in favor of Southern. Their dominant road performance showcased their football prowess, leaving Wellsville with a challenging night on the gridiron.

SALEM STRUGGLES TO FIND FOOTING

/in /by

CANTON OH- Salem faced a challenging road game and struggled to find their footing against Canton Central Catholic, ultimately falling by a score of 34-3. The first quarter saw Canton Central take an early lead, with Brennan Betz breaking through for a 30-yard touchdown run, followed by Dan Boron’s 1-yard TD run. While the extra point was missed, Canton Central had a 13-0 advantage. In the second quarter, Blaize Bunner added to the lead with a 6-yard TD run, making it 20-0 at halftime.

Salem managed to get on the scoreboard in the third quarter when Troy Gibson booted a 37-yard field goal, closing the gap to 20-3. However, Canton Central responded with authority as Daniel Boron scored another TD, this time from 9 yards out, extending their lead to 27-3. In the fourth quarter, Canton Central sealed the victory with Brennan Betz connecting with James Kane for an 18-yard TD pass, making it a final score of 34-3 in favor of Canton Central Catholic.

Despite the challenges on the road, Salem fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t overcome Canton Central’s strong performance.

MUSTANGS GALLOP PAST THE BISON FOR FIRST WIN

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Beachwood,OH- With both teams looking for their first win of the year the scene was set for a CVC battle in Beachwood. The Grand Valley Mustangs faced off against the Beachwood Bison, resulting in a final score of 42-13 in favor of the Mustangs.

The 1st quarter began with a bang as Grand Valley’s John Foss Peters scored an 8-yard touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, putting the Mustangs ahead 8-0. Just moments later, Beachwood’s Jacob Thomas made an interception, but it turned into a nightmare as Grand Valley’s Bobby Rogers returned it for a 45-yard touchdown. The extra point was good, extending the lead to 15-0. Grand Valley continued their dominance in the 1st quarter, with Sammy Goforth connecting with Bobby Rogers for a 40-yard touchdown pass, although they missed the 2-point conversion, making it 21-0.

The 2nd quarter continued the Mustangs’ offensive prowess, as Sammy Goforth found Bobby Rogers again, this time for a 38-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point was good, bringing the score to 28-0. Not to be outdone, Connor Sullivan added to the Mustangs’ lead with a 5-yard touchdown run, followed by another successful extra point, making it 35-0. However, Beachwood’s Jacob Thomas broke free with an 80-yard touchdown run, though the extra point was missed, resulting in a score of 35-6.

In the 3rd quarter, Grand Valley’s Tanner Lee added another touchdown with a 7-yard run, and the extra point was good, extending the lead to 42-6. In the 4th quarter, Beachwood’s Jacob Thomas showcased his skills once more with a 49-yard touchdown run, accompanied by a successful extra point, making it 42-13.

The final score favored the Grand Valley Mustangs 42-13. The Mustangs, with a record of 1-3, will host the Wickliffe Blue Devils (1-3) in week 4, while the Beachwood Bison, now 0-4, will travel to play the Crestwood Red Devils (3-1) in their next matchup. With big nights from Bobby Rogers and Sammy Goforth the Mustangs offense put on a show and will look to build on this new found confidence.

G-MEN ARE STILL AS DOMINANT AS EVER

/in /by

LEAVITTSBURG OH- Garfield continued their undefeated streak with a resounding 42-13 victory over LaBrae, showcasing their dominance on the football field. The first quarter set the tone for Garfield’s strong performance as Keegan Sell orchestrated a 6-yard rushing touchdown, giving his team an early 7-0 lead. Eric Geddes then connected with Christian Gallagher for a 10-yard passing touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

In the second quarter, Keegan Sell exploded with a spectacular 53-yard rushing TD, followed by Leo Grandizio’s electrifying 65-yard punt return for a touchdown, a play that would be remembered as the highlight of the game. LaBrae managed to get on the board with Davin Derry’s 29-yard rushing touchdown, but Garfield’s Sell responded with another 5-yard rushing TD, closing the first half with a commanding 35-7 lead.

After halftime, Garfield continued to shine as Eric Geddes connected with Keegan Sell for a 30-yard passing TD, pushing the score to 42-7. In the fourth quarter, LaBrae’s Gabe Greene showcased his skills with a 51-yard rushing TD, but a missed extra point left them trailing 42-13. The game concluded with Garfield’s undefeated streak intact, reaffirming their dominance in a commanding 42-13 victory over LaBrae.

BEAVER LOCAL MAKES IT A RED FRIDAY

/in /by

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals, Beaver Local left no room for doubt as they sprinted to a dominant 55-13 victory over East Liverpool. The game began with a bang as Gavin Wright’s pass was intercepted by Ryan Chafins and returned to East Liverpool’s 2-yard line, setting up the opening score. Austin Cline wasted no time, scoring a 2-yard rushing touchdown just moments later. Cline continued to be a force, adding a 3-yard rushing TD and a 5-yard rushing TD with a successful 2-point conversion on a fake PAT, giving Beaver Local a commanding 22-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Cline displayed his passing skills, connecting with Keaton Heddleston for a 12-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 29-0. East Liverpool found the end zone in the third quarter when Jaymin Haney rushed for a 5-yard TD, but Beaver Local responded emphatically. Austin Cline added a 3-yard rushing TD, and Brock Severs scored a 2-yard rushing TD, pushing the score to 49-7.

East Liverpool managed to score again in the fourth quarter, with Gavin Wright connecting with Quintin Conrad for a 34-yard passing TD. However, Beaver Local had the last word as Zavien Riley threw a 2-yard passing TD to Nicolas McKenzie, sealing the game with a final score of 55-13. Beaver Local’s commanding performance showcased their dominance in this rivalry matchup, leaving no doubt about their football prowess.

TIGERS LET OUT MIGHTY ROAR

/in /by

NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- In a commanding performance on the gridiron, Springfield rolled to a resounding 56-0 victory over Waterloo.

The 1st quarter set the tone for Springfield’s dominance as Dante Gentile exploded with a stunning 71-yard touchdown run, followed by Kaden Kosek’s 16-yard TD run, and another 27-yard TD run by Gentile. Josh Felasco added to the onslaught with a blocked punt recovered in the end zone. Kolten Ruark connected with Dylan Sheely for a 40-yard touchdown pass just before the quarter’s end, establishing a 35-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, Joey Centofanti contributed a 5-yard touchdown run, making it 42-0 by halftime. The 3rd quarter saw Wyatt Kuboff and Mathew Wymer add to the scoring, securing a dominant 56-0 win.

Kolten Ruark showcased his passing skills, completing 6 of 7 attempts for 94 yards and a touchdown, while Dante Gentile led the rushing attack with 117 yards and 2 TDs, including a spectacular 71-yard dash. Dylan Sheely was the receiving standout, tallying 60 yards and a touchdown with 3 receptions. Springfield’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, leaving no doubt about their football prowess.

URSULINE DOMINATES YOUNGSTOWN FOE

/in /by

By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline rolled past East 46-0 in a Steel Valley Conference clash on Friday night.

The Irish set the tone early on a deflected pass that C.J. Frasco picked off and took back 35 yards to the house. A successful two-point conversion gave them the early 8-0.

After an unsuccessful onside kick, Ursuline forced a Golden Bear three-and-out, then proceeded to block the punt. The Irish capped off the ensuing drive with an 8-yard Christian Lynch touchdown scamper.

A mistake-filled night for East couldn’t have gone worse. East quarterback Andrew Blackmon was the victim of his receivers drops all night. The second big one resulted in another Frasco interception that brought Ursuline inside the redzone. From there, the route was on.

For the Irish, methodical drives showed the versatility of its offense throughout the span of the game. Showing its squad’s quick strike ability, D.C. Ferrell and Jy’Quise Liason broke big plays on back-to-back plays.

Ferrell caught a deep pass from Jack Ericson for what seemed to be a 56-yard touchdown before a holding call brought it back. Liason then responded with his own score of 66 yards to help pad the Ursuline lead.

Five different Irish reached paydirt on the win, they included: Frasco, Lynch (2), Devonte Taylor, Liaison, and Joe Balog.

Ursuline (4-0, 1-0 SVC) will host Warren Harding (1-3) next Friday, September 15 at 7 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.

DRAGONS OFFENSE SCORCHES LIONS

/in , /by

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Pepper Pike, OH- The Lakeside Dragons came into week 4 looking to rekindle their flame and that was achieved friday night in Pepper Pike. The Lakeside Dragons dominated the Orange Lions with a final score of 36-7. The game unfolded with several remarkable plays that kept fans of the green and gold cheering all night.

The first quarter started explosively when Lakeside’s Alex DiSalvatore launched a sensational 72-yard touchdown pass to Matt Wagner, putting Lakeside ahead 6-0. Unfortunately, the two-point conversion attempt failed. However, Lakeside quickly bounced back, as Nate Bartone scored a 9-yard touchdown run, and he personally converted the two-point play, extending the lead to 14-0.

The second quarter saw Lakeside’s Alex DiSalvatore connecting with Caleb Stitt for a 35-yard touchdown pass, and Matt Wagner secured the two-point conversion with a catch. This impressive play brought the score to 22-0. Lakeside continued to dominate when DiSalvatore rushed for a 5-yard touchdown and Sincere Turner caught the two-point conversion, making it 30-0 in favor of Lakeside.

In the third quarter, Nate Bartone showcased his skills again with a remarkable 36-yard touchdown run, but the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 36-0.

Orange continued their fight into the fourth quarter when Alex Ford broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, putting them on the board at 36-7.

The final whistle blew with the Lakeside Dragons claiming a resounding victory, improving their record to 2-2. They look ahead to face the struggling West Geauga Wolverines (0-4) at home in week 4. On the other hand, the Orange Lions, also at 2-2, will hit the road to take on the formidable Madison Blue Streaks (3-1) who is begining to find their old identity for  their next matchup.

SOUTH RANGE SURVIVES BULLDOG ATTACK

/in /by

By Chris Colucci

 

CORTLAND, OH- It was a thrilling Friday night under the bright stadium lights as the South Range Raiders faced off against the Lakeview Bulldogs in a high-stakes football showdown. The atmosphere was electric, and fans from both sides filled the stands, ready to witness an epic battle on the gridiron.

The first quarter started with a bang for the Raiders, as their star player, Blake Ewert, made an immediate impact. Ewert displayed his prowess by scoring two quick touchdowns. The first came from a hard-fought 5-yard run, showcasing his determination to put points on the board. The second was a jaw-dropping 79-yard dash to the end zone, leaving defenders in his wake. South Range took an early 14-0 lead, and their fans erupted with cheers.

But the Bulldogs were not to be outdone. In the second quarter, their quarterback, Boom Gillis, connected with Andrew Brown on a 24-yard pass for a touchdown, putting Lakeview on the scoreboard. The score was now 14-7, and the game was well and truly alive.

As the third quarter began, the Raiders maintained their lead with a balanced attack. Tristan Toy executed a 1-yard quarterback sneak, and Boom Gillis orchestrated a beautifully timed 10-yard pass to Hayden Newton for another touchdown. Gaven Nagy, a standout on defense, made a game-changing play with an 85-yard pick-six, adding to South Range’s lead. The score now stood at 28-14 in favor of the Raiders.

The Bulldogs, refusing to back down, fought valiantly in the fourth quarter. Boom Gillis took matters into his own hands, scoring on a 3-yard run to cut the deficit to 28-21. The game was far from over, and both teams knew it.

In the end, South Range’s defense held strong, preventing the Bulldogs from staging a late-game comeback. The final whistle blew, and the South Range Raiders emerged victorious with a score of 28-21.

Blake Ewert was the standout player of the game, rushing for an impressive 195 yards and scoring two crucial touchdowns. Boom Gillis, on the other side, led the Bulldogs with 148 passing yards and two touchdowns of his own. It was a hard-fought battle between two talented teams, but on this night, the South Range Raiders came out on top, proving their mettle on the field.

The game was a testament to the passion and dedication of high school football, leaving fans from both sides with memories that would last a lifetime.

NILES OVERPOWERS THE EAGLES

/in /by

By Jamie Thomson

NILES, OH – The Niles Red Dragons (3-1) have a NE8 Player of the Year candidate in senior running back Antuan Gardner and a stout defense to match.

Gardner totaled 263 yards of offense and two touchdowns and Niles’ defense held the Hubbard Eagles (3-1) to just 95 total yards in the game, the lowest total Niles has held the Eagles to since 1986.

After starting the game slow, Niles would move the ball at will in the second quarter while totaling 24 points in the period. Gardner punched the first touchdown of the night in from 1 yard out just four seconds in and it wasn’t until over 8 minutes later that Antony Budak would score his only touchdown of the night from a yard out. Gardner would score less than a minute and a half later and Niles would add an additional field goal as time expired.

Coming out of the break, Hubbard would start with terrific field positioning thanks to a great return by Baron Reynolds-Penny. Alex Hackwelder would find the endzone just three and a half minutes later to bring the Eagles to within three scores. Unfortunately for Hubbard, that’s where their scoring would end.

The Niles defense would force three interceptions on the night, one of which came in their own endzone to keep Hubbard’s comeback bid at bay. Defensively, the Red Dragons would go the entire game without a penalty, a stark contrast from the defensive unit on the opposite sideline, who granted multiple first downs in key moments on offsides penalties. The strong defensive effort paired with a monster effort from Gardner gave Niles their first win over Hubbard since 1995, snapping a 16-game losing streak, 27-6.

BIG PERFORMERS

NILES:

Antuan Gardner: 156 rushing yards, 107 receiving yards, 2 total TDs

Anthony Budak: 133 passing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 passing TD

HUBBARD:

Matthew Chaney: 5 catches, 32 receiving yards

UP NEXT

Niles: Starting off conference play 1-0, the Red Dragons will look to remain unbeaten in the NE8 next week when they travel to Cortland for a matchup with the Lakeview Bulldogs (3-1).Lakeview will come into the matchup off of a 28-21 loss to the defending Division 5 state champion South Range Raiders.

Hubbard: After dropping their first game to the Red Dragons since 1995, the Eagles will return home for a matchup with the undefeated Poland Bulldogs (4-0). Poland has taken three of the last four matchups against Hubbard.