CARDINAL MOONEY WINS ITS 500TH GAME

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Cardinal Mooney has arguable the most prestigious football programs in the area. One walk inside the Mooney gym will quickly reveal the state level type of success the Cardinals have had over the years. Friday night was a special night for not just the players on the current roster, but every player and coach that has come through the door. Mooney’s 37-0 win over Youngstown East gave the program its 500th win in its illustrious history.

Ashton O’Brien continued to impress and grow throughout the season. He was able to escape the picker and make plenty of plays down the field. A big highlight was a touchdown pass that threaded the needle to Carlos Gomez.  Noah Thomas was a hard runner all night. He scored a couple touchdowns on his way to a great performance.

Mooney now Carrie’s a two game winning streak into week 7. They will host Brush at Mineral Ridge on Friday.  East will stay at home to host Howkand on Friday night.

TIGERS RALLY TO WIN SECOND STRAIGHT

/in /by

SPRINGFIELD, OH- The Goonies never say die.  Neither do the Springfield Tigers.

The Tigers trailed by three scores to start the game and stormed back in the second half to defeat their MVAC foe, McDonald Blue Devils 37-21 on Homecoming.

For the Tigers, Kolten Ruark had a standout night with three touchdowns, and 154 yards through the air.  Ryan Carcelli led the ground attack with 130 yards on the night, while Dylan Sheely was feeling it, hauling in 3 touchdown receptions and 63 yards to go with them.

The Tigers advance to 2-4 and will lock horns with Waterloo next week, while McDonald drops to the same record and will travel to Western Reserve in Week 7.

 

SOUTHERN CLAIMS BIG WIN OVER WELLSVILLE

/in /by

SALINEVILLE, OH- Southern Local played host to Wellsville on a night that had a chill in the air, and the hospitality had a bit of the same in a 64-6 trouncing of the Tigers.

Let’s not forget that this rivalry goes back generations, and Southern emphatically made a point in the conference with 421 yards of offense while only allowing 66 total yards on defense.

It didn’t take long for Southern to get on the board with Wyatt Morris cruising in from 24 yards out to get things started.  The next Wellsville possession, Gavin Kountz’s pass was intercepted by Cameron Sloan and was taken back to the house to make the score 14-0.  The next possession, the Indians called on the Big Dog of the Valley winner again, and Morris scampered in from 40 yards away to make it a 22-0 affair.  The final score of the quarter would come from Noah Perfetto from the 4-yard line to put the Indians up 30-0.

The scoring in the second frame started with Wellsville when Gavin Kountz found Charlie Wilson in the back of the endzone for the Tiger’s only score of the night.

Southern would resume their push with Timmy Potts keeping the rock on a QB draw to put the Indians up 38-6.  The next drive for Wellsville, Kountz’ pass was intended for Eddie Stock, and was picked by Aiden Spahlinger and taken back for a score.  On the next offensive drive, Southern would get Colton Soukup involved with a connection from Potts on a 59-yard strike for 6, putting Southern up 51-6 with 3:57 to go in the half.

In the second half on a running clock, Southern would continue to showcase their weapons when Landen Heffner punched one in from 25 yards out, and Brody Brown would finalize the scoring on a 15 yard rush that found paydirt as well.

The Indians finished with 348 yards on the ground, with Wyatt Morris leading the way to 147 yards on 10 attempts with two scores.  Brody Brown toted the rock 9 times for 72 yards and a tuddy.  Landen Heffner had 4 carries for 38 stripes and a score, while Ryan Exline had 4 chances with 37 yards.

For Wellsville, Kasen Ramsey had six touches in the backfield for 25 yards to lead the Tigers.  Eddie Stock had one catch for 19 yards to lead the orange and black in receiving yards.

 

PERFECT VIEW FOR VANHORN

/in /by

SALEM OH- was able to meet up with defensive standout Brandon VanHorn of the Salem defense. Brandon talked about how his role on the defense has evolved over his three years as a starter and how being looked at as a leader is important to him.   He also broke down his week 1 interception and week 5 fumble recovery for a touchdown and how he just wants to do whatever is needed to win.

*Contributed By YSN’s Jarrod Niederhiser

 

Presented By:

 

COLUCCI CARRIES THE FLAG

/in /by

BOARDMAN, OH- Chris Colucci has always envisioned himself as “the guy” even when he was just getting started in football.

With heroes like James Harrison, and his father Chuck Colucci- Chris has paved a path not only for himself but for others to follow at South Range.

Colucci began the season as the Raiders only returning starter on the line, and instead of making the narrative about himself- challenged his teammates to overcome excuses before the finger was ever pointed in their direction.  Simply stated, Colucci had no interest in his group being the weakest link on a championship-caliber chain.

We sat down with the Senior standout and discussed how things progressed to this point, and some of the fruits that have been picked at this point- as well as what’s still on the vine for Raider Nation.

PRESENTED BY

THE POWER OF PALOWITZ

/in /by

* Contributed by Anthony Romo *

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Being a football player during your days at Ursuline High School can seem like they are the best days of your life. It is what you do after your days on the gridiron that matter the most. Former Irish Football standout Ethan Palowitz has quickly found his purpose off the field, and he didn’t have to go far to get his opportunity.

Palowitz, a Freshman at Youngstown State University, has taken advantage of a big opportunity handed to him by the sports media department, as he has taken a role of helping with graphic designing for YSU Athletics while also pursuing an education. While using Adobe apps like Photoshop, Palowitz has become a very valuable part of sporting events, as he is able to quickly post graphics to YSU’s respective social media accounts for fans to stay updated with what is going on at the university. Ethan, who has gained much experience with editing for athletes while putting together graphics such as commitment posts for those who decide to play at the next level and want a cool way of presenting that, has also gained a lot of respect from his peers with his skill at what he does.

Hear Ethan talk about what drew his passion to editing, his playing days at Ursuline, his future goals in life, and more!

PRESENTED BY:

 

BOARDMAN OFFENSE BAFFLES BEARS

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Boardman could do no wrong on offense, as their scheme left East looking around on Saturday afternoon. When the smoke cleared it was the Spartans on top 42-8.

It was advantage Boardman from the start as the Spartans went right down the field on their first drive. They capped it off with a 10 yard touchdown run by Willy Torres.  The next time the Spartans got the ball, lightning would strike fast.  Thomas Andujar found KeJaun Robinson for a 60 yard burst through the air.  There was no stopping the Spartans offense from that point on.

Biardman moves to 3-2 on the season and have a big test next week as they welcome in Benedictine.  East will also be at home in Week 6 as they host Mooney.

VALLEY PUTS ON A SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW

/in /by

CAMPBELL OH- An epic week five of high school football was capped off with style and power by the Valley Christian Eagles who continued their undefeated war path as they enforced a running clock for the entirety of the second half against Lisbon before taking home the win 45-18. Player of the game went to Ve’Shun Gurley as he pulled down to Randy Moss style catches and took them both to the endzone.

Lisbon had their struggles offensively for the majority of the game as the rush from the larger Valley Christian continued to blow through the line with relative ease and forced the Lisbon offense to minimal gains all night long. Lisbon did score two defensive touchdowns as Hunter Dailey intercepted a pass from Jon’Trell Mixon and returned it all the way early in the third quarter. Dailey would come up again in the fourth quarter as a fumble by the second unit of Valley Christian would open up a hole for Hunter Dailey to grab a scoop and score for their final points of the night.

Valley Christian through their first four plays from scrimmage on the night had three touchdowns, including two that came on 91-yard plays. Valley Christian had touchdowns from just about every single offensive player on the night. Their run blocking just proved too much for Lisbon all night long as they were able to do just about anything they wanted to.

Injuries have continued to hurt Lisbon along their three-game losing streak as they now move (2-3). They are going to look to get healthy over the next week as they prepare for their fourth home game of the season as they take on the Bulldogs of East Palestine (1-4). Valley Christian now (5-0) will continue to storm the beaches of the EOAC as they will play host to the (0-5) Leetonia Bears next Saturday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Alek Koberna

 

SOUTH RANGE POURS IT ON POLAND

/in /by

CANFIELD, OH- A week ago, many local critics were looking at South Range as a team on the brink of distress, and they had good reason following a game that challenged the Raiders physically and mentally against Struthers.  They heard it for seven days: six turnovers, the pressure is too much, etc.

However, on Friday the narrative was flipped on its side, and South Range looked like they not only regained focus, but a chip on their shoulder, and the leadership they had possessed from last year’s squad when they defeated Poland 48-0 on Friday night.

A win that many might look at as what Poland had been missing, may be remember at season’s end as South Range’s turning point.

Billy Skripac led South Range’s attack in the first drive offensively by scampering in for a 7-yard score to take a lead they would never give back.  Skripac kept things going just minutes later on a 33-yard connection to Ayden Leon that developed just as Coach Allegreto had drawn up on the grease board.

In the second frame, more of the same from South Range as Hunter Knauf punched in a score from 2-yards away to make the score 20-0.  The Skirpac to Leon would reconnect just minutes later on a 14-yard slant pass that put the Raiders up 27-0.  With 45 seconds left before the break, Jake Starkey would blast his way into the endzone from 6 yards out to put South Range up at the half by 34.

It was more of the same in the second half as Blake Ewert broke away in the third stanza from 32 yards out to put Range up 41-0.  Sophomore Tristan Toy would put the exclamation mark on the game with a 19-yard touchdown to Dean Depizzo to finalize the scoring at 48-0.

South Range’s defense was a big part of the story, as they held Poland to only 19 yards of total offense on the night.  Poland only crossed into Raider territory once the entire game.

The Raider offense was on fire with 406 yards of offense that included 261 rushing yards, and 145 yards through the air.  Turnovers were not a factor this week as Raider signal callers were 3-0 ratio from a TD to interception perspective.  South Range also racked up 21 first downs to Poland’s 3.

Skripac went 7/8 through the air for 116 yards and two scores.  Tristan Toy was a perfect 2/2 for 29 yards and a tuddy.  Blake Ewert had half a dozen carries for South Range.  The “E-Train” chugged his way to 75 yards and a trip to the endzone.  He was supplemented by fellow backfield mates, Tyler Remish who had 68 yards on five carries, and Hunter Knauf who had five carries as well for 25 yards and a score.

Ayden Leon had a pair of catches for 47 yards, both of which resulted in six points for the Raiders.  Shane Lindstrom hauled in 3 catches for 33 yards, Dean Dipizzo had 2 for 29, and both Jake Starkey and JD Crouse had another snag for 18, respectively.  Starkey and Crouse led the defense as well- Jake had six tackles and Crouse had four- which included a sack.

For Poland, Matt Boccieri led the way with 15 yards on seven attempts rushing.  JP Genova stepped up with a 5/8 completion night for 22 yards and a pick.  Paul Greco led the Dogs on defense with 5.5 tackles.  Boccieri had 4 tackles, one of which was a tackle for loss.

South Range (5-0) will now turn to one of the area’s most coveted matchups this week as they take on Girard (5-0) at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 6.  Poland (2-3) will look to get back to even as they return home to take on Niles.

PURCHASE GAME PHOTOS HERE

TIGERS CLAW OUT PALESTINE

/in /by

WELLSVILLE OH- Wellsville is quietly putting together an impressive season in 2022. In Week 5 they cruised to their third win of the year 56-14.

The offensive explosion didn’t come right away. The Tigers offense only managed 6 points in the first quarter. While their defense stayed strong, their offense quickly picked up momentum.  The Tigers scored 28 points in the second quarter, and never looked back. Tyrell Watkins had a monster night catching the ball. He caught three balls and gained 112 yards, with two touchdowns.

Jesse Lipp still had a good day for East Palestine as he gained 113 yards on 14 attempts.  Noah McKay ran 7 times for 70 yards.

Both teams hit the road in Week 6 as Wellsville will travel to Southern, and East Palestine will travel to Lisbon.