HUBBARD GRINDS OUT A DEFENSIVE BATTLE

/in /by

By Jamie Thomson


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Garland Warren punched in a 5-yard touchdown run with 1 minute and 17 seconds remining in the ballgame to lead Hubbard (1-0) past Youngstown East, 10-6, on Friday night.

The Eagles’ game winning drive came after a forced three and out and a short punt the netted just 20-yards for the Golden Bears, setting Hubbard up at the East 30.

The 6-play possession took just over 2 minutes off the clock, and helped the Eagles escape with a miraculous victory in a game that felt was firmly in the hands of the Golden Bears. Hubbard survived four turnovers while forcing three in the process.

Still, the Golden Bears had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds. After seeing starting quarterback Andrew Blackmon exit the game due to an injury, East backup quarterback Daryan Brownlee forced the ball down the field with urgency. The Golden Bears would get all the way down to the Eagle 24-yardline before time would expire.

Hubbard had the ball in East’s redzone on three separate occasions prior to the game winning drive but were only able to muster points once. Sophomore kicker Caleb McKay’s 29-yard field goal early in the second quarter would prove to be vital in the closing moments.

BIG PERFORMERS

HUBBARD:

Garland Warren: 9 carries, 40 rushing yards, 1 TD

YOUNGSTOWN EAST:

Thomas Davis: 9 carries, 42 rushing yards, 1 TD

UP NEXT

Hubbard: Opening the season with a road win for the first time since 2016 (the Eagles lost their only other opportunity in 2019) Hubbard will now head home for a cross-state matchup against the Greenville (PA) Trojans who have yet to kick off their regular season. The two squads faced off last season in a matchup that saw Hubbard escape with a 8-3 victory.

Youngstown East: Back-to-back season with back-to-back opening week losses to the Hubbard Eagles has the Golden Bears tied for last in the SVC. While the two catholic schools (Ursuline and Mooney) won their openers, the two publics both fell to 0-1 (East and Chaney). The Golden Bears will look to get back on track against a familiar foe in the East Cleveland Shaw Cardinals (0-1). Shaw will make the long drive to Rayen Stadium coming off a 58-0 shellacking against Mayfield.

ROCKETS BLAST PAST CLIPPERS IN OVERTIME

/in /by

COLUMBIANA, OH-In a breathtaking battle on the gridiron, the Lowellville Rockets clashed with the Columbiana Clippers in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. The final score, 22-21 in overtime and in favor of Lowellville, epitomized the nail-biting nature of the contest.

The game kicked off with Columbiana’s Kian Hartley exhibiting his skills, as he dashed his way 6 yards into the endzone, followed by a successful PAT by Aidan Radcliff, giving Columbiana the early lead at 7-0 with just 1 minute and 16 seconds left in the first quarter. Hartley continued his dominance, adding a 5-yard touchdown run to his tally, and Radcliff’s accurate kick extended Columbiana’s lead to 14-0 at the 9:03 mark.

However, Lowellville was far from ready to concede. Michael Ballone orchestrated a remarkable drive, connecting with Matthew Lucido on a 4-yard touchdown pass, which Lucido followed with a successful PAT, narrowing the gap to 14-7 with 3 minutes and 54 seconds left in the second quarter. The Rockets’ determination only grew stronger as Ballone and Lucido combined forces once again, this time for a 27-yard touchdown pass, and Lucido’s successful PAT leveled the playing field at 14-14 with 4 minutes and 15 seconds remaining in the quarter.

The third quarter saw both teams continuing to deliver heart-pounding action. Columbiana’s Liam Surgenevic found his way into the endzone with a 20-yard touchdown run, complemented by Radcliff’s PAT, regaining the lead for Columbiana at 21-14. Lowellville, however, answered the call once more as Ballone exhibited his versatility, darting 20 yards for a crucial touchdown, and his subsequent pass to Lucido for the 2-point conversion tied the game at 21-21.

Overtime was nothing short of a drama-filled spectacle. Lowellville’s offense shone as Ballone threw a touchdown pass to Lucido, who secured his second touchdown catch of the day, followed by his second PAT. With a thrilling 22-21 victory, Lowellville emerged triumphant in a game for the ages. Matthew Lucido’s two touchdown catches, two PATs, and the decisive 2-point conversion stood as a testament to his pivotal role in the victory. Meanwhile, Michael Ballone’s two touchdown passes and a 20-yard rushing touchdown showcased his all-around prowess.

Columbiana’s Kian Hartley left his mark with two impressive touchdown runs and an interception, while Liam Surgenevic’s 20-yard touchdown run in overtime highlighted his significant contributions.

ORANGE SNAPS 18-GAME SKID WITH OPENING NIGHT WIN

/in /by

BEACHWOOD, OH- The Orange Lions open the season with 49-0 win over its arch-rival Beachwood at Beachwood High School.  The Lions took the opening kickoff and drove the length of the field which ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Alex Ford.  Ford would not be done, as he added two more touchdown runs later in the game and threw for one touchdown.

The Lion’s defense would also make a stand, with Beachwood opening series, the Lions were able to force a bad snap that went out of the endzone to take 9-0 lead over the Bison. The Lions would keep Beachwood out of the scoring column to earn the shutout.

Alex Ford would finish the game with 79 yards rushing and was 4/5 throwing the football for 65 yards. The Lions held Beachwood to -16 yards of offense while the Lions amounted to 270 yards of offense.

The Lions will host Mineral Ridge on Friday in the team’s home opener.  The Rams won their first game 29-22 in the final seconds over Pymatuning Valley.

 

*Contributed by Tim Porter

RANGE CLAIMS FIRST VICTORY ON TIGER TURF

/in /by

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH- On a night that the Springfield Tigers opened their brand new turf field, it was South Range who laid claim to it throughout the night.  The defending State Champions concluded opening week with a decisive score of 41-14 in favor of the Raiders.

Right from the outset, the Raiders showcased their offensive prowess. At the 7:17 mark, Tristan Toy connected with Brady Crumbacher on a 19-yard touchdown pass, quickly putting South Range on the scoreboard at 6-0. The two-point conversion attempt was successful, with Jimmy Powell finding Dylan Smesko, extending the Raiders’ lead to 8-0.

The Raiders continued their offensive surge with a 31-yard touchdown run by Tristan Toy, extending their lead to 14-0. The point-after attempt was converted by Luke Starkey, further solidifying South Range’s dominance at 15-0 with 2 minutes and 6 seconds remaining.

Early in the second quarter, Blake Ewert added to the Raiders’ lead with a 3-yard touchdown run, putting South Range ahead 21-0. Luke Starkey’s successful extra point made it 22-0 in favor of the Raiders.

South Range’s offensive onslaught continued as Aidan Dominguez powered through for a 1-yard touchdown run, expanding their lead to 28-0. Despite a missed two-point conversion attempt, the Raiders’ lead remained unchallenged.

The Springfield Tigers managed to respond before halftime, as Dante Gentile recorded a 5-yard touchdown run, putting the Tigers on the scoreboard at 28-7 following Kaysen Kosek’s successful extra point.

As the clock wound down in the first half, Blake Ewert found the end zone once again with a 7-yard touchdown run, further solidifying South Range’s dominance with a score of 35-7 as Luke Starkey’s point-after attempt was good.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Raiders held a commanding 35-7 lead over the Tigers.

Aidan Dominguez continued to impress with a 24-yard touchdown run, extending South Range’s lead to 41-7. Although the extra point was blocked, the Raiders maintained a strong advantage.

Springfield managed to narrow the margin with a 3-yard touchdown run by Wyatt Kuboff, accompanied by Kaysen Kosek’s successful extra point, bringing the score to 41-14.

South Range will open up their renovated stadium next week against Green, while Springfield will jump on the bus and head to Brookfield.

VALLEY RISES PAST REBELS IN WEEK ONE

/in /by

COLUMBIANA, OH- The Valley Christian Eagles clashed with the Crestview Rebels in an exciting game that saw a series of impactful scoring drives for three top area running backs.

Early in the game, the Eagles’ Ja’sean Lindsey showcased his agility and determination with a 3-yard touchdown run, giving Valley Christian an initial 6-0 lead with 8 minutes and 15 seconds remaining in the quarter.

Valley Christian’s Ike Lake continued the offensive onslaught, finding the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown run, pushing the Eagles’ advantage to 14-0. Lake’s impressive performance on the ground included 63 yards on 8 carries and 2 touchdowns, solidifying his impact on the game.

While Ja’sean Lindsey had a strong night running the ball, amassing two scores and 217 yards on 20 carries, the Eagles defense was equally formidable. Cadyn McElhaney intercepted a pass, showcasing the team’s splash play ability on both sides of the ball.

The Rebels fought back, as Jake Noling powered through the Eagles’ defense for a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 14-6. Noling proved to be a key player for the Rebels, accumulating seven carries for 45 yards and both of Crestview’s scores.

However, Valley Christian responded swiftly. Ja’sean Lindsey added another touchdown to his impressive performance, this time with a 1-yard run, extending the Eagles’ lead to 22-6 with 7 minutes and 39 seconds left in the game.

As the game entered the fourth quarter, Jake Noling dug deep, finding the end zone with a 2-yard touchdown run. While the Rebels drew nearer, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Eagles’ lead. The final score stood in favor of Valley Christian, as they secured the victory on opening night 30-12.

POTTERS SEAL THE DEAL TIGHT

/in , /by

East Liverpool, OH- The East Liverpool Potters dominated the Minerva Lions in a lopsided football match, ending with a commanding final score of 50-0. The first quarter set the tone for the Potters’ success, with Jaymin Haney’s 21-yard touchdown run providing an early lead. Despite a missed PAT attempt, the Potters gained a 6-0 advantage.

The Potters’ defense proved equally potent as Michael Hartey’s 16-yard fumble recovery translated into another touchdown, boosting the score to 13-0. Their offensive prowess was on full display when Dorian Burchett’s impressive 90-yard pass reception from quarterback Gavin Wright culminated in yet another touchdown just before the first quarter concluded, securing a commanding 20-0 lead.

The second quarter saw no slowdown in the Potters’ offensive onslaught. Gavin Wright’s accurate passing led to two more touchdowns, as Blake Adkins and D’Shawn Kirby each hauled in 34-yard and 10-yard pass receptions, respectively. Jaymin Haney returned to the spotlight with a 28-yard touchdown run, further extending the Potters’ lead to an insurmountable 34-0.

In the third quarter, the Potters continued their unrelenting march towards victory. Gavin Wright connected with Quinton Conrad for a 30-yard touchdown reception, increasing their lead to a staggering 47-0. Despite missing the PAT attempt, the Potters maintained their complete control over the game.

The final score of 50-0 in favor of the East Liverpool Potters highlighted their dominance on both sides of the ball. Their exceptional offensive plays, coupled with a formidable defense, ensured that the Minerva Lions were unable to mount any significant challenge throughout the game. This comprehensive victory serves as a testament to the Potters’ skill and strategy, leaving no doubt about their place as the superior team on the field. The Potters will host the Crestwood Red Devils at home in week 2.

EAGLES GOLDEN IN HOME OPENER

/in , /by

Hanoverton, OH- In an early football matchup between Waterloo and United, United dominated the field with an impressive performance. Right from the start, Waterloo quarterback Jayden Hakin attempted a pass, only to see it intercepted by United’s Logan Casto at the Waterloo 12-yard line. United quickly capitalized on this turnover with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Parker Newburn, who managed to recover a fumble in mid-air from Andrew Ogilvie. With a successful PAT by Luke Courtney, United took an early 7-0 lead.

As the first half progressed, United’s offense showcased its prowess. Andrew Ogilvie secured a 3-yard rushing touchdown, capping off an impressive 72-yard drive, and with another successful PAT by Luke Courtney, United extended their lead to 14-0. The momentum continued as Luke Courtney connected with Parker Newburn for a 51-yard touchdown pass, pushing United’s lead even further to 21-0.

Waterloo managed to find their rhythm just before halftime. Jayden Hakin connected with Bobby Harouff for a 41-yard touchdown pass on the last play of the half, giving Waterloo their first points of the game. However, they missed the PAT, leaving the score at 20-6 as they headed into halftime.

In the second half, United’s dominance continued. Luke Courtney added to the scoreboard with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, further extending United’s lead to 28-6 after a successful PAT. Waterloo’s struggles persisted as they fumbled the ball on their own 36-yard line, allowing Luke Courtney to capitalize on the opportunity with a 32-yard rushing touchdown. Although United missed the PAT this time, they still increased their lead to 34-6.

United’s offensive prowess was relentless, as Parker Newburn contributed a 12-yard rushing touchdown to cap off a 53-yard drive, solidifying their dominance at 40-6 with a successful PAT. With a running clock due to the substantial lead, the game concluded with a resounding victory for United, with a final score of 41-6.

Looking ahead, United would carry their 1-0 record into a matchup against East Canton, while Waterloo aimed to rebound with a game against Leetonia, holding a 0-1 record

FITCH BEGINS CAMPAIGN WITH A BANG

/in /by

EUCLID, OH- The Austintown Fitch Falcons faced off against the Euclid Panthers in a high-energy game that culminated in a commanding 40-6 victory for the Falcons.

The Falcons wasted no time asserting their dominance as returning standout Deshawn Vaughn intercepted a pass and showcased his athleticism with a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving Fitch an early 7-0 lead with 4 minutes and 40 seconds on the clock.

Continuing their offensive momentum, Vaughn connected with Brady Evans on a 13-yard touchdown pass at the 2:11 mark. Unfortunately, the point-after attempt was missed, leaving the score at 13-0 in favor of Fitch.

Vaughn’s aerial precision remained a key factor as he delivered a 39-yard touchdown pass to Dan Evans III, extending the Falcons’ lead to 20-0 with 9 minutes and 41 seconds left in the game.

The Euclid Panthers fought back, as Robert King found Jerome Davis-Gayles with a 9-yard touchdown pass, putting Euclid on the scoreboard at 20-6 (though the extra point was missed) with 2 minutes and 30 seconds remaining.

Fitch’s offensive prowess was undeniable, with DJ Williams powering through the Panthers’ defense for a 1-yard rushing touchdown just before the end of the quarter, bringing the score to 27-6 in favor of the Falcons.

The Falcons continued to dominate the field in the second half. DJ Williams showed his versatility with an 18-yard rushing touchdown, extending Fitch’s lead to 34-6 after a 3-minute and 58-second drive.

Not to be outdone, Deon’Dray Richard sealed the deal for Fitch with a remarkable 34-yard rushing touchdown in the final 52 seconds of the game. Despite the missed extra-point attempt, Fitch solidified their victory with a final score of 40-6.

Fitch goes to 1-0 on the season, while the Panthers are left looking for their first win on the year.

RAMS TRIUMPH IN THRILLING 4TH QUARTER SHOWDOWN

/in , /by

Mineral Ridge, OH- In a heart-pounding clash between two formidable high school football teams, the Mineral Ridge Rams emerged victorious against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers with a final score of 29-22. The game, which showcased intense back-and-forth action and spectacular plays, had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The game kicked off with both teams displaying their offensive prowess. The Mineral Ridge Rams, led by quarterback Ian Erb, wasted no time in making their mark. With just over three minutes left in the first quarter, Erb executed a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful PAT by kicker Landon Pal. The Rams took an early 7-0 lead, setting the tone for an exciting contest. The Pymatuning Valley Lakers were quick to respond, showcasing their resilience. Quarterback Ryan Croston orchestrated a 12-yard touchdown run with just 23 seconds left in the quarter. Running back Ty Vickery then added a two-point conversion, putting the Lakers ahead with a score of 8-7 at the end of the first quarter.  As the second quarter unfolded, the Lakers continued to showcase their offensive prowess. Ty Vickery, the standout running back for Pymatuning Valley, powered through the Rams’ defense for a 2-yard touchdown run. However, the subsequent two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Lakers with a 14-7 lead. The Rams refused to be outdone. Ian Erb orchestrated an impressive drive down the field and connected with wide receiver Brady Balestrino for a remarkable 26-yard touchdown pass. Despite having the PAT blocked, the Rams closed the gap to a single point, with the Lakers leading 14-13. The third quarter showcased the Rams’ determination to regain control of the game. Ian Erb’s versatility was on full display as he executed a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful 2-point conversion pass to none other than Brady Balestrino. The Rams surged ahead with a score of 21-14, setting the stage for a thrilling final quarter. As the tension mounted in the fourth quarter, both teams continued to fight tooth and nail for supremacy. Ryan Croston, the Lakers’ quarterback, demonstrated his passing skills by connecting with wide receiver Jaren Nowkowski for a 33-yard touchdown pass. Ty Vickery once again added a crucial two-point conversion, swinging the lead back to the Lakers at 22-21. However, the Rams were determined to have the final say. Quarterback Owen Shingledecker showcased his arm strength with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Brady Balestrino in the waning moments of the game. Shingledecker then completed a vital 2-point conversion pass to Ian Erb. With the scoreboard reading 29-22 in favor of the Rams, the stage was set for a dramatic finish. With mere seconds remaining on the clock, the Lakers desperately sought to tie the game. However, Rams’ defensive back Owen Shingledecker intercepted a pass from Ryan Croston as time expired. The Rams emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest, securing a hard-fought 29-22 win. The clash between the Mineral Ridge Rams and the Pymatuning Valley Lakers will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling games of the season. With momentum shifts, explosive plays, and a game-deciding interception, both teams demonstrated their dedication and skill on the field. The Rams’ triumphant finish underscored their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, leaving fans eager for their next electrifying matchup.

CHANEY COMES UP JUST SHORT IN TWO DAY CONTEST

/in /by

AKRON, OH- In one of the most interesting  football showdowns you’ll see, the Chaney Cowboys clashed with Akron East in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle (and over the course of two days.) The final score, 14-13 in favor of Akron East, highlighted the intensity and drama that unfolded on the field. The game kicked off with a surge of energy as Chaney’s Matt Jones bulldozed his way 19 yards into the endzone, powered by a successful kick from Drew Gault. This early touchdown placed the Cowboys in the lead, 7-0. Akron East swiftly countered as Ibraheem Kamakra embarked on an impressive 47-yard run to find the endzone with just 1 minute and 27 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Kamara’s successful kick tied the game at 7-7.

The second quarter saw Akron East seizing control. Ziare Stevens electrified the crowd with a remarkable 70-yard dash, giving his team the lead for the first time at 14-7. However, the game was temporarily halted due to inclement weather, ultimately leading to a postponement. The next afternoon, with determination ablaze, Chaney returned to the field with hopes of staging a comeback and securing a victorious start to their season.

The fourth quarter marked the decisive moment of the game. Matt Jones, displaying his prowess once more, surged into the endzone for his second touchdown, with just 1 minute and 44 seconds left on the game clock. With the score now 14-13 in favor of Akron East, Coach Seth Antram and the Cowboys decided to go for the two-point conversion, a daring move that ultimately fell short.

As the final moments ticked away, the clock expired, and the Cowboys found themselves agonizingly close to victory. The scoreboard read 14-13, with Akron East emerging as the victors in a hard-fought battle. Despite Chaney’s valiant efforts, the day would not yield their first win of the season.