SPRINGFIELD TIGERS FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP. 11) WITH SEAN GUERRIERO

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH – The Springfield Tigers and head coach Sean Guerriero are set up with a fantastic road for the state playoffs as they earned the seven seed. The Tigers are all about one game at a time but fans are starting to think long term for a playoff run. Up first for Springfield will be a home game as they will take on the Monroeville Eagles on Friday night.

YSN’s own, Steve Leslie was able to sit down with Coach G this week at the Tiger’s Table to discuss the upcoming playoff game with Monroeville, what he thinks the Tigers need to do to get a first round win and advance, a little future look at who the Tigers could all line up with this post season, and so much more!

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TIGERS READY TO MAUL THE COMPETITION

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH – The Springfield Tigers have secured the number seven seed in the OHSAA State Playoffs in Division VII, Region 25. Coming off tying for the MVAC championship with Lowellville and Western Reserve, Springfield will look to make a push this post season. The Tigers are set to play host to the Monroeville Eagles on Friday night in the first round.

YSN’s own, Steve Leslie was able to sit down with Hayden Pavlock and Sean Guerriero this week at the Tiger’s Table to discuss the upcoming playoff game with Monroeville, what they have thought about their senior seasons so far, what they think the Tigers need to do to get a first round win and advance, and so much more!

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RAMS GET SECOND IN A ROW OVER MCDONALD

MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a thrilling showdown, Mineral Ridge hosted McDonald and continued their recent success against the Blue Devils, clinching a convincing 40-7 victory. This win marked the second consecutive triumph for Mineral Ridge in their rivalry matchup.

The standout of the game was undoubtedly Ian Erb, who led the way for Mineral Ridge’s ground attack with an impressive 117 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Erb’s stellar performance showcased his skill and determination in the backfield. Quarterback Owen Shingledecker contributed to the aerial attack with 43 passing yards and connected with Ethan Pemberton for a 24-yard touchdown, adding to the Rams’ point total.

Brady Balestrino also found the end zone with a touchdown on the ground, demonstrating the Rams’ multi-faceted offensive capabilities. However, it was Mineral Ridge’s tenacious defense that stole the spotlight. They played with speed and physicality, swarming to the ball and allowing their rivals to score just 7 points. The defense also forced two crucial fumbles during the game, one recovered by Brady Balestrino and the other by Preston Holbrook.

With this impressive win, Mineral Ridge improved their record to 6-4, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run. The Rams will eagerly await the announcement of their next opponent over the weekend as they prepare for the next chapter of their football journey.

WARRIORS PUT THE FOOT DOWN ON SALEM

West Branch Delivers Dominating 49-0 Victory Over Salem in Rivalry Clash

In the latest thrilling installment of their enduring rivalry, West Branch asserted their dominance in commanding fashion, securing a resounding 49-0 win over Salem.

The ground game was the engine of West Branch’s triumph. Boston Mulinix led the charge with 9 carries for an impressive 127 yards and three touchdowns. Beau Alazaus contributed 39 yards on 2 carries, while Garin Harlan carried the ball 5 times for 55 yards, including one touchdown.

Beau Alazaus showcased his proficiency through the air, completing 10 of 19 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. He connected with Jeremiah Thomas for 3 receptions and 38 yards, while Joey Jackson proved to be a standout target with 3 receptions for a whopping 125 yards and one touchdown.

Joey Jackson’s impact wasn’t limited to the offensive end, as he recorded a crucial interception return for a touchdown, bolstering West Branch’s commanding performance. Not to be outdone, Jeremiah Thomas added to the spectacle with a 40-yard punt return for a touchdown, electrifying the crowd and solidifying West Branch’s dominance.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-20-fb-west-branch-salem/10-20-salem-west-branch/101EOS1D/i-MdjSmZ6

LAKEVIEW FEELING GOOD HEADING INTO POSTSEASON

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a season-defining matchup, Lakeview left a significant mark and gathered valuable momentum for the upcoming playoffs, securing a hard-fought 20-14 victory over Beaver Local.

Lakeview’s offensive firepower was on full display, with Boom Gillis leading the charge. Gillis carried the ball 15 times, racking up an impressive 212 yards and contributing two crucial touchdowns. The entire Lakeview offense displayed its prowess, accumulating a remarkable 412 total yards.

Thomas Eaton also played a pivotal role for Lakeview, making 20 carries for 148 yards, further emphasizing the team’s ground game dominance. On the defensive front, Andrew Brown stood out with three interceptions, showcasing Lakeview’s ability to make key stops.

On the Beaver Local side, Austin Cline played an integral role, completing 10 out of 19 passes for 139 yards. Cline contributed a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, displaying his dual-threat capabilities. Beaver Local’s running game was spearheaded by Cline and Keaton Heddleston, with Cline accumulating 93 rushing yards and Heddleston being a reliable target with 5 catches for 60 yards, including one touchdown reception.

CLIPPERS ARE BACK INTO THE PLAYOFFS

COLUMBIANA OH- In a thrilling football matchup, Columbiana secured their first playoff appearance since 2017 with a hard-fought 16-6 victory over Valley Christian.

Valley Christian made an early statement as Ja’Sean Lindsey powered through for a 5-yard touchdown on the Eagles’ first drive, putting them ahead 6-0. However, Columbiana responded in the second quarter with a well-executed play. Hayes McCoy orchestrated a shovel pass to Liam Surgenavic, resulting in an 18-yard touchdown that marked the Clippers’ first points of the game.

The third quarter saw the Clippers extending their lead as Kian Hartley bulldozed his way through for a 4-yard touchdown, firmly solidifying Columbiana’s control over the game.

LAKERS STAY PERFECT IN NAC PLAY

Photo Credit: Kelly Summers

Windham, OH- In a dominant display of ball control and defense, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers secured an impressive victory against the Windham Bombers, blanking their opponents with a final score of 36-0. It was a statement win for the Lakers, highlighting their superiority on both sides of the ball.

The game kicked off with a bang in the 1st quarter, as Ryan Croston bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 9-yard touchdown run. The Lakers didn’t stop there, successfully converting a 2-point attempt to take an early 8-0 lead. Croston continued to shine, breaking free for a spectacular 42-yard touchdown run, though the 2-point conversion was denied, leaving the score at 14-0.

In the 2nd quarter, Ty Vickery extended the Lakers’ lead with a 5-yard touchdown run, but another failed 2-point conversion attempt kept the score at 20-0. The Lakers showed no mercy in the 3rd quarter, with Jayce Fulkman muscling his way into the end zone with a 6-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. The Lakers now led comfortably at 28-0.

The final quarter saw Luke Giddings recover a fumble and return it for a touchdown, further sealing the Lakers’ commanding lead. With another successful 2-point conversion, the final score was set at 36-0.

Pymatuning Valley’s quarterback, Ryan Croston, emerged as the standout performer of the game, scoring two rushing touchdowns and amassing an impressive 113 yards on the ground.

With this decisive victory, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers improved their season record to 7-3, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in the NAC. Their next challenge will be in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs as they host the Crestview Rebels, who have a record of 5-5 overall and 5-2 in the MVAC.

Unfortunately, for the Windham Bombers, their season ends with a record of 2-8 overall and 1-4 in the NAC, as they failed to qualify for the OHSAA playoffs. The Lakers’ performance in this game surely left an indelible mark, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run.

EAGLES RUSHING ATTACK TOO MUCH FOR FALCONS

Geneva, OH- In a difficult matchup for the Falcons, the Jefferson Falcons faced off against the Geneva Eagles, resulting in a resounding victory for the Eagles with a final score of 57-13.

The first quarter saw Geneva’s Luke Smith making his mark with a 10-yard touchdown run, followed by an extra point by Owen Pfiefer. This was just the beginning as Smith later added another 8-yard touchdown run, contributing to a 14-0 lead for Geneva. Bryce Peet joined the scoring frenzy with a 13-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 21-0.

The second quarter was no different, with Bryce Peet extending his influence with a 15-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. Jason Thrower added to the scoreboard with a 2-yard touchdown run, and Hayden Diemer continued the assault with a 3-yard touchdown run, bringing the lead to an impressive 43-0.

Jefferson finally found their footing in the third quarter when Jonathan Bissell broke through with a stunning 64-yard touchdown run, followed by an extra point from Jensen Yaroush. However, Geneva’s Ricky DiPetta swiftly responded with a 2-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 50-6. Jefferson’s Kaige Boczar managed to score a 35-yard touchdown run, although the extra point was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 50-13.

The fourth quarter saw Ricky DiPetta with another touchdown, this time from 1 yard out, securing the win for Geneva with a final score of 57-13.

With this victory, the Geneva Eagles improved to an impressive 9-1 record, 5-0 in the CVC Lake Division, and are set to host the Hawken Hawks in the first round of the OHSAA Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Jefferson Falcons ended their season with a 0-10 record, 0-5 in the CVC Lake Division, after the loss to Geneva.

POLAND ESCAPES AT HOME IN OVERTIME

POLAND OH- In a thrilling football matchup, Poland found themselves in a nail-biting overtime situation against Struthers. It was a battle that would be defined by one crucial defensive stop on a game-winning two-point conversion attempt by the Wildcats. Ultimately, the Bulldogs escaped with a heart-pounding 28-27 win in overtime.

The Bulldogs struck first, capitalizing on a Struthers fumble to take possession at their own 47-yard line. Poland’s offense methodically worked down the field, and quarterback Dom Pagano put them ahead with a 6-yard touchdown run, making it 7-0 Bulldogs with 4:45 left in the first quarter.

Struthers quickly responded after holding the Bulldogs to a three-and-out. Quarterback Jason Dukes connected with Devin Braham on a 56-yard touchdown pass to tie the game 7-7 early in the second quarter. Struthers added to their tally with Braham keeping the ball for a touchdown, taking a 14-7 lead.

Poland, not to be outdone, mounted a 57-yard drive before halftime. They capped it with a 1-yard touchdown run by Pagano, knotting the score at 14-14 going into halftime.

After a fumble by Poland, Struthers took a 21-14 lead on a 27-yard touchdown run by Dukes, just over a minute remaining in the third quarter. But the Bulldogs wouldn’t back down, responding in the fourth quarter as Cole Fulton scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, making it 21-21 with 10 minutes left in regulation.

The intense battle continued into overtime, with the score tied at 21-21. The Bulldogs swiftly took the lead in the extra period as Pagano connected with Danny Nittoli on a short screen play, putting them ahead 28-21.

On Struthers’ chance to score, Braham responded with a 1-yard touchdown to make it 28-27. The Wildcats lined up to go for 2 and win, but then we’re called for a fall start penalty which backed them up.

Struthers was not phased by the penalty. They were still determined to win or lose on one play. They executed a tricky looking play call, snapping the ball to Najier Howard, who then handed it off to Dukes in the backfield. Dukes then scrambled to his left and tried to find a receiver in pay dirt, but it fell incomplete, sealing the thrilling 28-27 victory for the Bulldogs.

FITCH WINS ANOTHER WILD ONE OVER HARDING

WARREN OH- In an exhilarating football showdown, Fitch once again delivered a wild win over Warren Harding, staging a remarkable comeback from a 13-0 halftime deficit to secure a nail-biting 14-13 victory.

The first quarter remained scoreless, with both teams testing each other’s defenses. The second quarter, however, witnessed Warren Harding taking the lead with Javonte Jones breaking free for a 36-yard touchdown run, and Jake Daugherty successfully converting the extra point, establishing a 7-0 advantage. Harding continued their offensive prowess as Ryan Powell executed a 4-yard touchdown run, although Fitch’s Davion Pritchard managed to block the extra point, leaving the score at 13-0 in favor of Harding.

The third quarter marked a turning point in the game as Fitch’s Deon’Dray Richard bulldozed his way through for a 3-yard touchdown run. Anthony Ruggles converted the extra point, bringing Fitch back into the game at 13-7. The highlight of the match came as DeShawn Vaughn Jr. connected with Junie Higgs for a 15-yard touchdown pass at 5:18, with Ruggles once again converting the extra point, swinging the lead in favor of Fitch at 14-13.

The final moments were packed with intense defensive plays, as Fitch’s Rocco Diflorio forced a fumble, which was expertly recovered by Davion Pritchard. Dan Evans III made a crucial play, blocking a field goal attempt from 32 yards. Dylan Krohn contributed with an interception, securing Fitch’s lead.

On the other side, Warren Harding’s DeShawn Wynn forced a fumble and made an important recovery, while Tyler Smith managed to secure an interception.