HOBAN IMPRESSES AT THE HOF

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CANTON, OH-  Archbishop Hoban was on a mission in their 2023 season opener against Frederick Douglass, the reigning Class 5A high school state champion from Kentucky. The Knights demonstrated their mettle with a commanding 45-6 victory, leaving no doubt about their capabilities.

Even without star running back Lamar Sperling, who earned the prestigious title of Ohio Mr. Football as a senior and has since moved on to play for the University at Buffalo, the Hoban offense proved its explosiveness. This victory highlighted several key aspects for the Knights.

The Knights’ resilience was evident as they triumphed at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, a venue that had posed challenges for them in the past.  However, the Knights seemed to have exorcized those demons this year.  Their dominant performance silenced doubts, especially since this stadium had been the site of their previous Division II state championship losses in 2022 and 2021.

Hoban’s talent level was on full display, reaffirming their potential to contend for their sixth state title under the guidance of their 11th-year head coach, Tim Tyrrell.

Early in the game, Hoban seized control, establishing a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and further extending it to 38-0 by halftime.

Junior Tylan Boykin, making his debut as the starting varsity quarterback, wasted no time in making an impact. On Hoban’s first offensive play, Boykin connected with senior wideout Parker Falkenstein for a 46-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for their commanding display.  The Hoban passing game would account for 84 yards through the air and 155 yards on the ground attack while racking up a total of 13 first-downs along the way.

Caleb Jones led the offensive charge with 93 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries. He also exhibited his versatility by catching two passes for 35 yards, including a remarkable one-handed reception. Stepping into Sperling’s role, Jones showcased his readiness and skill.  Jones would finish the game with 16 carries for 82 yards and three scores.

Hoban’s defense was equally potent, starting with a three-and-out and culminating in a key interception by senior safety Ty Campbell. The turnover provided excellent field position, enabling Hoban’s offensive onslaught.  Hoban’s tenacious defense continued to shine, recovering a fumble and creating scoring opportunities. Feister capitalized on this turnover with a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, further solidifying Hoban’s dominance.

Jones’ multi-dimensional performance included a trio of first-half touchdown runs (6, 3, and 14 yards), with a 40-yard rush that set up freshman running back Brayton Feister’s 11-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

While Frederick Douglass managed to break Hoban’s shutout with a late rushing touchdown, the Knights had already demonstrated their superiority in a resounding 45-6 victory.

G-MEN STAND TALL AGAINST CARDINAL

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GARRETTSVILLE, OH- Cardinal and Garfield G-Men faced off in a game that saw the G-Men dominate from start to finish, resulting in a final score of 42-0 in favor of Garfield.

The first quarter began with Garfield’s senior standout Keegan Sell showcasing his talent with a 31-yard rushing touchdown, giving Garfield an early 6-0 lead.

Ethan Bittence added to Garfield’s advantage, converting a point-after attempt after a subsequent touchdown, elevating their lead to 7-0 with 11 minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Garfield continued their offensive surge in the final minute of the first quarter. Eric Geddes connected with Deacon Sommer on a 36-yard touchdown pass, extending Garfield’s lead to 13-0. Bittence’s successful point-after attempt further solidified their position at 14-0.

The first quarter concluded with Garfield in command at 14-0.

In the second quarter, Eric Geddes orchestrated a 19-yard rushing touchdown, extending Garfield’s lead to 20-0. Bittence’s accurate point-after attempt increased the lead to 21-0.

As the third quarter commenced, Leo Grandizio delivered an 85-yard kick return touchdown, showcasing Garfield’s special teams’ prowess. With Bittence’s point-after attempt, the lead extended to 28-0.

Keegan Sell added to his earlier touchdown with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, solidifying Garfield’s lead at 34-0. Bittence’s successful extra point further extended the lead to 35-0.

The third quarter concluded with Garfield maintaining their dominant lead at 35-0.

Entering the fourth quarter, Collin McGranahan powered through with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, further emphasizing Garfield’s control of the game. Bittence’s point-after attempt was successful, extending the lead to 42-0.

The game concluded with a resounding victory for the Garfield G-Men, as they showed a balanced offensive and special teams effort, along with a stifling defense en route to a comprehensive 42-0 win to start their year.

MOONEY WINS THRILLER OVER LAKE CATHOLIC

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MENTOR, OH- Lake Catholic and Cardinal Mooney, both steeped in tradition, met for their season opener, displaying great promise in their clash. Despite their efforts, the Lake Catholic Cougars, led by junior quarterback Frankie Trinetti, narrowly fell short with a score of 29-26 against the Cardinals at Jerome T. Osborne Stadium.

A pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter as Mooney seized the lead after capitalizing on a fumble recovery. In the dying seconds, the Cardinals converted a crucial fourth down and seven to secure their hard-earned victory.

The opening half showcased Trinetti’s skills and the offensive weapons at Lake Catholic’s disposal. Trinetti’s impressive performance saw him complete 14 out of 22 pass attempts, accumulating 239 yards and securing four touchdowns.

After Mooney surged ahead with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, the Cougars and Trinetti rallied admirably. Responding to Mooney’s initial touchdown drive, Ashton O’Brien led the Cardinals 80 yards in 11 plays, capping the drive with a 5-yard keeper touchdown. A successful PAT gave Mooney a 7-0 lead.

Despite a minor setback—a Trinetti interception returned for a 45-yard touchdown by Mooney’s Rocco Gentile—the Cougars displayed resilience. Trinetti orchestrated a gritty 72-yard, nine-play drive, connecting with junior tight end Cross Nimmo for a 15-yard touchdown pass to put the Cougars on the scoreboard. However, the PAT attempt fell short.

The Cougars continued to battle, knotting the score at 14-14 midway through the second quarter with a methodical 83-yard drive culminating in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Trinetti to Nimmo, followed by a successful 2-point conversion.

The seesaw nature of the game persisted as Mooney responded with an eight-play, 72-yard drive. A 36-yard touchdown pass from O’Brien to Carlos Gomez, along with a successful PAT, put the Cardinals back in front, 21-14.

The final moments of the first half were action-packed for the Cougars, as Trinetti orchestrated two touchdowns in quick succession. The first came from a 77-yard touchdown pass to DJ Sears, pulling them within one point. Subsequently, with just 10 seconds left, Trinetti found Nimmo for a 53-yard touchdown pass, allowing the Cougars to enter halftime leading 26-20, despite missed PAT attempts.

Both defenses tightened up in the scoreless third quarter, setting the stage for a decisive fourth. Mooney took advantage of a Lake Catholic fumble, resulting in a 29-yard touchdown pass from O’Brien to Tyon Flowers, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, propelling Mooney to a 29-26 lead.

In the waning moments of the game, Mooney’s defense secured a pivotal interception, but Lake Catholic countered with a clutch interception by Ace Peterlin. However, Mooney’s defense held strong, preventing a late-game comeback and sealing their 29-26 triumph.

PHOTO CREDIT: LOOKING AT LORI'S VIEW

NEWTON FALLS OUTLASTS EP

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NEWTON FALLS, OH- The Newton Falls Tigers looked to open up their season with a victory on their own turf, and did just that to the tune of 48-34 over East Palestine on Friday Night.

The Tigers stormed out of the gates with a combined 42 points in the first half, while only giving up a pair of Bulldog scores and the mid-way point.  However, the Bulldogs would bounce back in the second act, outscoring the Tigers 22-6 to build momentum toward Week 2.

The Newton Falls Tigers started the game with a rush, as Kegan Howard scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown, taking an early lead of 6-0 in the first quarter. However, the point-after attempt was missed, leaving the score at 6-0.

East Palestine responded by receiving the kickoff but was unable to capitalize, resulting in a punt to Newton Falls. The Tigers quickly extended their lead with a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Carter Rapczak, putting them ahead 12-0 after a successful point-after attempt by Nick Lampman.

East Palestine managed to break through as RJ May returned a kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-6 after a missed extra point.

The first quarter ended with Newton Falls leading 14-6.

In the second quarter, the Tigers continued to control the game. Gage Phares rushed for a 6-yard touchdown, and Caden Short added a 13-yard rushing touchdown. The Tigers’ defense also recovered a fumble from East Palestine. With successful point-after attempts by Nick Lampman, Newton Falls extended their lead to 35-6 by halftime.

The third quarter saw East Palestine make an attempt at a comeback. Jesse Lipp rushed for a 5-yard touchdown, and Tanner Morrow rushed for a successful two-point conversion, bringing the Bulldogs’ score to 18. However, Newton Falls responded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Gage Phares, increasing their lead to 48-18.

East Palestine fought valiantly in the fourth quarter, with Zach Schnelle and RJ May each adding a rushing touchdown, along with successful two-point conversions. Despite their efforts, the final score remained 48-34 in favor of Newton Falls.

Kegan Howard finished 7/10 for 76 yards and a score under center, while posting 31 yards on the ground and adding another TD along the way.  Carter Rapczak led all rushers with 146 yards on 11 totes, and punched in for scores twice.  Caden Short ran for 35 yards, Gage Phares ran for 97 on 13 carries and found the endzone twice as well.  Jesse Chitwood made the most of his one reception by finding the endzone.

For East Palestine, Owen Jurjavcic went 7/12 through the air for 65 yards and a tuddy, while showing off the ground game as well with 13 carries for 67 yards.  The Bulldog rushing attack was paced by senior Jesse Lipp on 13 carries for 65 yards and a pair of scores.  Freshman RJ May had six carries for 40 yards on the ground and 3 receptions for 39 yards and a score while returning a kick for a touchdown as well.

 

CANFIELD REFUSES TO BE COMPLACENT AS REIGNING CHAMPIONS

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In a stunning display of determination, the Canfield football team proved that they were far from being complacent after their state championship victory. Coming off the high of a recent triumph, Canfield was eager to assert their dominance despite losing a significant senior class.

The game kicked off with Canfield showing their mettle right from the start. The first quarter saw Canfield control the ball for an impressive 10 minutes, putting immense pressure on the West Branch defense. The intensity peaked when Canfield’s defense intercepted West Branch Quarterback Beau Alazaus, setting the stage for a game-changing sequence. Canfield’s initial drive culminated in a 31-yard field goal by Ethan Rittenour. Seizing the momentum after the interception, Canfield orchestrated a flawless play that resulted in a one-yard touchdown run by Danny Inglis. Not content with just one touchdown, Inglis extended Canfield’s lead with a breathtaking 39-yard touchdown run on the following drive.

However, West Branch refused to be silenced and fought back valiantly. They managed to break their scoring drought with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Alazaus to Cooper Anderson, injecting new energy into the contest.

As the game progressed into the second half, West Branch continued their resurgence. Alazaus showcased his prowess by connecting with Joey Jackson for a 22-yard touchdown pass. But Canfield was quick to respond. Bindas led a drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Mazzella, underscoring Canfield’s versatility and offensive strength.

Alazaus remained a formidable presence on the field, notching his third touchdown of the day by finding Anthony Perry for an 18-yard touchdown pass by the end of the third quarter.

With the game hanging in the balance, Canfield reasserted their dominance in the fourth quarter. Inglis unleashed a 35-yard touchdown run that left spectators in awe of his skill and determination. Paul Bindas continued to excel, contributing a 12-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach for West Branch.

The statistics spoke volumes about Canfield’s performance. Bindas demonstrated his versatility with an impressive 8-12 passing record, amassing 122 yards and a touchdown through the air, while also contributing 61 yards on 17 carries with a rushing touchdown. Inglis’s presence was equally remarkable, as he ran for 89 yards and scored an incredible three touchdowns.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Canfield 38, West Branch 19, solidifying Canfield’s reputation as a powerhouse on the field and showcasing their unwavering spirit and talent.

Canfield will look forward to Week 2 when they travel to Mansfield Senior.  West Branch will get back to work and prepare for a trip to Woodridge next week.

WARRIORS RED HOT IN HOME OPENER

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Ashtabula, OH- In a thrilling clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Liberty vs. Edgewood game showcased explosive plays, impressive touchdowns, and a resounding victory for Edgewood. From the very first snap to the final whistle, both teams fought valiantly, but it was Edgewood that emerged triumphant with a final score of 58-20.

The game kicked off with a bang as Chamir Franklin of Liberty ignited the excitement with a breathtaking 75-yard run touchdown. However, the extra point attempt fell short, setting the stage for an intense battle. Edgewood responded swiftly, with Tony Hall orchestrating a seamless 7-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Braat. Although the extra point was missed, the score was knotted at 6-6.

Edgewood continued to make its mark in the first quarter, this time with Anthony Hunt’s electrifying 25-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion, with Tony Hall connecting with Jacob Ernst, extended Edgewood’s lead to 14-6 at the close of the first quarter.

As the second quarter commenced, Tony Hall demonstrated his versatility by not only throwing touchdown passes but also executing a 5-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion involving Hall and Austin Zall further solidified Edgewood’s dominance, pushing the score to 22-6.

In the third quarter, Edgewood’s offense remained relentless. Tony Hall’s connection with Zeke Lucas resulted in a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass. Despite the missed extra point, Edgewood’s lead expanded to 28-6. Another Hall-to-Zall connection, this time for 5 yards, added to Edgewood’s mounting advantage, with the score now at 34-6.

Liberty, determined to stage a comeback, fought back with an 8-yard pass from Tawann Tutwiler to Dwayne Moody, reducing the gap to 34-12. The team’s persistence paid off once again as Tutwiler found Julius Ferrell for a 14-yard touchdown pass. A successful two-point conversion narrowed the margin further, with the score standing at 34-20 at the end of the third quarter.

Edgewood’s momentum was unyielding in the final quarter. Seth Enos sprinted 27 yards for a touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion, bolstering the score to 42-20. Zeke Lucas then broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run, with another successful two-point conversion making it 50-20 in favor of Edgewood.

The final moments of the game were punctuated by Edgewood’s relentless spirit. A 15-yard interception return for a touchdown, masterfully caught by Seth Enos, was complemented by a successful two-point conversion run by Tony Hall, sealing the deal with a remarkable 58-20 victory.

Statistically, Tony Hall’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. Hall completed 14 out of 25 passes for 181 yards, throwing an impressive three touchdowns. Zeke Lucas demonstrated his prowess on the ground, amassing 112 yards on 14 carries and notching two touchdowns. Hunter Braat and Anthony Hunt added to Edgewood’s offensive showcase with crucial touchdown receptions.

With this dominant victory, Edgewood (1-0) heads into week 2 with their sights set on a matchup against Grand Valley (0-1). On the other side, Liberty (0-1) will seek to rebound as they face Girard (1-0) away in week 2. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and impressive displays of athleticism on the gridiron.

TIGERS CAUGHT BY THE TAIL IN OPENER

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WELLSVILLE, OH- The Wellsville Tigers were turning the page on a new era in Tiger Country, as new coach Camden Douglas looked to make a quick impression in his young career.  Steubenville Central Catholic had other plans in a 37-6 victory to open the season.

The game ignited with an explosive start as Tyler Ialenti of SCC showcased his prowess, darting 16 yards for a touchdown just 5 minutes and 31 seconds into the game. His successful point-after attempt put SCC in the lead at 8-0.

The second quarter was a seesaw battle as Wellsville’s Clayton Kersey answered back with a determined 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 8-6 with 4 minutes and 26 seconds left. However, SCC’s Tyler Ialenti displayed his versatility, embarking on a 50-yard run for another touchdown, bolstering SCC’s lead to 15-6 with just 1 minute and 58 seconds remaining in the half. The excitement didn’t stop there, as Ialenti struck again with a 4-yard rushing touchdown just as the clock expired, securing a 2-point conversion in the process and sending SCC into halftime with a 23-6 lead.

The third quarter unfolded with more fireworks as Tyler Sprochi showcased his speed and agility, returning a kick an impressive 65 yards for a touchdown just 15 seconds into the quarter. SCC’s extra point kick extended their lead to 30-6, putting the game firmly in their control.

The fourth quarter saw no respite in SCC’s dominance. Tommy Pergi broke through the defense with a 23-yard run for a touchdown, adding to SCC’s commanding lead. The successful extra point kick brought the score to 37-6 with 4 minutes and 22 seconds left, solidifying SCC’s triumph.

 

SALEM QUAKERS FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP. 1) WITH RON JOHNSON

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* CONTRIBUTED BY JARROD NIEDERHISER

SALEM, OH – I caught up with Salem head football coach Ron Johnson as he and the Quakers prepare themselves for the 2023 season opener against Poland. Coach Johnson talked about the summer program and the build up to kickoff, as well as all the many new faces this season and how they look to adopt their “next man up” mentality moving forward through out the year.

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WILDCATS PUT UP THEIR DUKES AGAINST BEAVER LOCAL

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- In a football clash brimming with excitement and dramatic turns, the Struthers Wildcats squared off against the Beaver Local team in a game that would leave an indelible mark on both players and fans. The final score, 37-20 in favor of Struthers, reflected the relentless battles fought on the field, and some stellar play for the pair of signal callers.

The first quarter set the tone as Beaver Local’s Austin Cline displayed precision, connecting with Taylor Johnston for an 11-yard passing touchdown, giving his team an early 7-0 lead with 5 minutes and 30 seconds left. Struthers responded swiftly as Jason Dukes tore through the defense, scoring a 37-yard rushing touchdown and bringing the score to 7-6 with just 2 minutes left in the quarter. The game’s tempo escalated when Struthers’ Robert Carcelli intercepted a pass from Cline, preventing Beaver Local from extending their lead, and maintaining the score at 7-6 with 21 seconds remaining in the quarter.

The second quarter unfolded with a relentless back-and-forth battle. Struthers’ Na’Jier Howard exhibited finesse, connecting with Jason Dukes for a 25-yard screen pass touchdown, shifting the lead to Struthers at 14-7 with 9 minutes and 48 seconds left. A subsequent fumble by Beaver Local’s Brock Severs on the kickoff further challenged their momentum. Dukes continued to dazzle as he notched an 11-yard rushing touchdown, bolstering Struthers’ lead to 22-7 with 8 minutes and 53 seconds left. Despite a valiant effort, Beaver Local’s Austin Cline’s fourth-and-goal quarterback sneak failed, allowing Struthers to maintain their advantage at 22-7 with 4 minutes and 30 seconds left. However, Cline’s determination shone through as he connected with Taylor Johnston for a 6-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 22-14 with just 51 seconds left in the half.

As the third quarter commenced, Struthers continued to assert their dominance. Dukes demonstrated his versatility, executing a 1-yard quarterback sneak touchdown after a meticulous 7-minute drive, expanding Struthers’ lead to 30-14 with 4 minutes and 51 seconds remaining. Beaver Local, on the other hand, faced difficulties, as Cline’s incomplete pass on fourth down and 9 from Struthers’ 20-yard line led to a stalled drive, leaving the score at 30-14 with 42 seconds left.

The fourth quarter brought a whirlwind of action, with both teams striving to make their mark. Struthers’ Devin Braham carved a path on the field, accumulating 70 rushing yards during a 3-and-a-half-minute drive. However, a failed fourth-down attempt at the Beaver Local 5-yard line kept the score steady at 30-14 with 9 minutes and 16 seconds left. Beaver Local continued to fight as Cline orchestrated a 7-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Prideau, though the two-point conversion attempt fell short, leaving the score at 30-20 with 5 minutes and 47 seconds left. Struthers’ Braham solidified his team’s victory with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, sealing the final score at 37-20 with just 1 minute and 21 seconds remaining.

Struthers notch their first win of the season, in what promises to be an exciting season for the Wildcats, while Beaver Local will look to next week to try and pick up their first victory of the 2023 campaign.

BULLDOGS BREAK OFF THE CHAINS IN SEASON OPENER

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By Jerrod Niederhiser 

POLAND OH- Salem was looking to start off the new season in a good way, but after a promising first drive of the season, it was all Poland, en route to a 38-6 victory in week one. The Quakers entered the 2023 campaign with a lot of new faces in key spots, after the graduation of record-setting signal caller Jackson Johnson, as well as weapons and key contributors on both sides of the ball, and the newcomers experienced some to be expected growing pains at the hands of the Bulldogs.

After a scoreless 11 minutes and 59 seconds in the 1st quarter, Dom Pagano got the Bulldogs on the board and got into the endzone from one yard out to make it 7-0 (XP by Stefancin was good) Poland. Pagano would add another TD run, this time of 11 yards, in the 2nd to make it 14-0. After a 24 yd FG by Stefancin, Danny Nittoli would punch in a 4 yard run to end the half at 24-0 in favor of Poland.
Any hopes of Salem getting back into the game were quickly dashed on the opening kickoff of the 2nd half when Cole Fulton returned the kick 88 yards to the house to give Poland a 31-0, and initiate the running clock. He (Fulton) would add another TD run to finish off the scoring for Poland on the night, making it 38-0 after three.
Salem’s lone score would come at the 8:32 mark of the 4th, with Cletis Monroy punching it in from 1 yard out (XP blocked) making it a 38-6 game, which is where it would end up.
On the night, Poland’s rushing attack was led by Cole Fulton (9-106), Pagano (6-27) and Nittoli (8-30). For Salem, Monroy had 29 yards on the ground and another 48 through the air (1 INT), while Marcus Phillps had 14 carries for 50 yards.
Salem returns to action next week at home vs. Beaver Local, while Poland travels to Howland.