LAKERS RUN GAME MAKES A HUGE SPLASH

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Photo Credit: Kelly York Summers

Andover, OH- Hoping to make their homcoming a sweet one, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers clashed with the Southeast Pirates in a high-scoring battle that had fans cheering the whole game. The Lakers displayed their dominance on the ground, led by the dynamic duo of Ryan Croston and Ty Vickery. The final score read Pymatuning Valley Lakers 64 – Southeast Pirates 34, leaving the Lakers with a triumphant victory.

The first quarter saw Pymatuning Valley strike first, as Ryan Croston bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion run by Ty Vickery, giving the Lakers an early 8-0 lead. Southeast answered back with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Antonio Mejia to Jack Muldowney, but their two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 8-6 in favor of Pymatuning Valley.

The Lakers continued to pour on the points in the first quarter, with Ryan Croston finding the end zone again on a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by another successful two-point conversion, this time by Ty Vickery, extending their lead to 16-6. Before the quarter ended, Ty Vickery added to the lead with a 5-yard touchdown run and another two-point conversion, making it 24-6 in favor of Pymatuning Valley.

In the second quarter, Ryan Croston broke loose for a spectacular 37-yard touchdown run, and Ty Vickery’s two-point conversion run was good, stretching the lead to 32-6. Southeast fought back with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Antonio Mejia to Case Meyers, and Gavin Bertka’s extra point brought the score to 32-13.

Just before halftime, Ty Vickery found the end zone again with a 2-yard touchdown run, and his two-point conversion run was successful, giving the Lakers a commanding 40-13 lead at the break.

The third quarter saw Southeast’s Antonio Mejia connect with Austin Mejia for a 30-yard touchdown pass, and with the extra point from Gavin Bertka, the score tightened to 40-20. The Pirates continued their comeback efforts in the fourth quarter, with Antonio Mejia throwing a 56-yard touchdown pass to Austin Mejia, and Bertka’s extra point made it 40-27.

But Pymatuning Valley had an answer every time, as Ryan Croston and Ty Vickery continued their dominant performance. Croston’s 8-yard touchdown run and Vickery’s two-point conversion pushed the lead to 48-27. Southeast battled on with Antonio Mejia’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Case Meyers, and Bertka’s extra point cut the deficit to 48-34.

In the waning minutes of the game, Ty Vickery added two more touchdowns to his impressive performance with runs of 44 and 50 yards, along with successful two-point conversions on both occasions, sealing the Lakers’ 64-34 victory.

The Pymatuning Valley Lakers showcased an unstoppable rushing attack, with Ty Vickery leading all rushers with nearly 300 yards on the ground, 4 touchdowns, and 8 two-point conversions. Ryan Croston also had a remarkable game, amassing over 200 yards rushing and contributing 4 touchdowns of his own. Defensively the Lakers were just as impressive with multiple tackles for loss and snagging 3 interceptions including one by Alex Simon who brings his season total to 3.

With this victory, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers improved to 3-3 and are set to begin conference play on the road against the Fairport Harding Skippers (2-4) in week 7. Meanwhile, the Southeast Pirates, with a 5-1 record, will kick off their Portage Trail Conference campaign at home against the St. Thomas Aquinas Knights (0-6) in week 7.

HERALDS FALL IN FINAL MOMENTS AT HOME

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Geneva, OH- In an exciting but ultimately heartbreaking ending, the St. John Heralds clashed with the Mathews Mustangs, providing fans with a nail-biting contest that went down to the wire. The final score read St. John Heralds 28, Mathews Mustangs 30, but this game will be remembered for its dramatic twists and explosive plays.

The first quarter set the stage with both teams failing to put points on the board, but the second quarter quickly picked up the pace. St. John’s quarterback, Vin Narducci, connected with Donald Crawford for a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to Sully Twining, putting the Heralds ahead 8-0. Narducci struck again with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Will Anderson, though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, extending their lead to 14-0.

Mathews wasn’t about to let the game slip away, as Dom Spagnoletta found Connor Thompson with a 12-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 14-7 just before halftime.

The third quarter proved to be another thrilling chapter in this contest, with Spagnoletta showcasing his versatility, scoring a 15-yard rushing touchdown and securing the extra point to tie the game at 14-14. However, Narducci and Anderson once again proved to be a lethal duo, connecting on a 47-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, reclaiming the lead for the Heralds at 22-14.

The fourth quarter unleashed more fireworks, as Mathews’ Trenton Hyde delivered a 45-yard touchdown pass to Spagnoletta, and a successful 2-point conversion knotted the score at 22-22. Then, with just over two minutes remaining, Spagnoletta powered through for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, and the Mustangs converted another 2-point attempt, taking a 30-22 lead.

But the Heralds weren’t finished yet. In a stunning turn of events, Narducci unleashed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Severino, electrifying the crowd. Although the 2-point conversion failed, the Heralds were back within striking distance at 28-30.

As the clock wound down, Mathews had a chance to seal the game, but St. John’s defense held strong, stopping them on a crucial 4th down turnover on downs at the 30-yard line with just 55 seconds remaining.

Narducci once again displayed his arm strength, connecting on a 40-yard pass igniting the crowd. The Heralds comeback would fall short at the 17-yard line with 33 seconds left when Mathews’ defense held firm, denying St. John on a 4th down attempt with just seconds remaining, securing a heart-pounding 30-28 victory.

In a game defined by explosive plays, Narducci shined brightly with an impressive 340 passing yards and four touchdowns. Anthony Severino, Ryan Williams, and Will Anderson were standout receivers, each amassing over 100 yards in receptions.

With this thrilling contest in the books, the St. John Heralds (2-4) will look to carry their offensive momentum into their upcoming clash with NAC opponent Windham Bombers (2-3) in week 7, while the Mathews Mustangs (1-5) will travel to face the Mineral Ridge Rams (4-1) in what promises to be another exciting matchup. Football fans can’t wait to see what these teams have in store for the rest of the season.

MUSTANGS WIN OVERTIME THRILLER IN HOME OPENER

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Orwell, OH- In a matchup that needed overtime to decide the winner, the Grand Valley Mustangs faced off against the Wickliffe Blue Devils in their home opener. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for victory.

The second quarter saw Wickliffe’s Ralph Jackson breaking through the Mustangs’ defense with a 13-yard touchdown run, putting the Blue Devils on the scoreboard with an extra point. The score stood at Grand Valley 0 – Wickliffe 7.

The Mustangs came roaring back in the third quarter, as Bobby Rogers bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 3-yard touchdown run. Sammy Goforth executed a flawless 2-point conversion run, giving Grand Valley the lead at 8 – 7.

But Wickliffe wasn’t to be outdone, with Jimmie Feaster responding with a 3-yard touchdown run of his own in the same quarter, along with a successful extra point. Wickliffe regained the lead at 14 – 8.

The seesaw battle continued, and in the third quarter, Sammy Goforth connected with Aiden Baker on a spectacular 30-yard touchdown pass for the Mustangs. However, the 2-point conversion attempt fell short, leaving the score tied at 14 – 14.

As regulation time ended, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Overtime was upon us, and it was Grand Valley’s Andrew Soltis who emerged as the hero, plunging into the end zone from 1 yard out to secure the thrilling victory for the Mustangs. The final score read Grand Valley 20 – Wickliffe 14.

This victory marked a significant moment for the Grand Valley Mustangs, improving their record to 2-3 and winning their first home game of the year. Looking ahead to week 6, the Mustangs are set to face the formidable Kirtland Hornets (4-1) in the CVC Valley division play at home. Meanwhile, the Wickliffe Blue Devils (1-4) will return home to take on the Trinity Trojans (1-4) as they kick off CVC Metro division play.

 

DRAGONS STRUGGLE AT HOME VS WOLVERINES

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Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- In a hard-fought battle at Lakeside Stadium, the Lakeside Dragons faced off against the West Geauga Wolverines in an exciting Friday night showdown. From the very start, it was evident that both teams were determined to give their all on the gridiron.

The first quarter saw West Geauga’s Nassir Levy making an impressive 9-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, putting the Wolverines ahead 7-0. As the clock ticked down, Finn Keenan extended the Wolverines’ lead with a 3-yard touchdown run, securing another extra point for a 14-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Nassir Levy continued to dominate, scoring a 1-yard touchdown run with yet another successful extra point, pushing the lead to 21-0 for West Geauga. The Lakeside Dragons were struggling to find their footing, but the Wolverines’ defense remained relentless.

The third quarter saw Nassir Levy finding the end zone once more, this time with an 8-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, extending West Geauga’s lead to a commanding 28-0.

However, the Lakeside Dragons refused to back down. In the fourth quarter, Nate Bartone broke through West Geauga’s defense with a 13-yard touchdown run. Although the 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, Lakeside finally got on the board, trailing 28-6.

The Dragons continued their resurgence with Alex DiSalvatore scoring a 5-yard touchdown run, but once again, the 2-point conversion fell short, making the score 28-12 in favor of West Geauga.

In the waning minutes of the game, Nassir Levy sealed the victory for the Wolverines with a 4-yard touchdown run, securing the extra point and bringing the final score to 35-12 in favor of West Geauga.

Despite the loss, the Lakeside Dragons showed resilience and determination, and they will look to bounce back as they face the Madison Blue Streaks in their upcoming CVC Lake Division matchup in week 6. Meanwhile, the West Geauga Wolverines will hit the road to take on the Hawken Hawks in their CVC Chagrin Division opener, hoping to build on their hard-earned victory.

FALCONS STRUGGLE AGAINST LONGHORNS

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Jefferson, OH- In a challenging matchup against the Lutheran West Longhorns, the Jefferson Falcons faced a tough battle on the gridiron. The game started with Lutheran West’s Jalany Theodore connecting with Xavier Vizcarrondo for a 38-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for the Longhorns. They successfully converted the extra point, taking an early 7-0 lead.

Jefferson quickly responded, with Kaige Boczar breaking free for a spectacular 44-yard touchdown run. Unfortunately, the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 7-6 in favor of Lutheran West. However, the Longhorns continued to assert their dominance, as Kendrick Boddie added another touchdown with a 14-yard run, and Theodore found Greg Fuentes for a 36-yard touchdown pass, both accompanied by successful extra point attempts. This propelled Lutheran West to a commanding 21-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Longhorns extended their lead in the second quarter when Kendrick Bodie rushed for a 20-yard touchdown, and once again, the extra point was good. By halftime, the score stood at 28-6 in favor of Lutheran West.

In the third quarter, Kendrick Boddie added another touchdown to his impressive tally with a 4-yard run, and the extra point was converted, making it 35-6 in favor of the Longhorns.

The fourth quarter saw Lutheran West’s Jalany Theodore connecting with Jamyan Theodore for a 13-yard touchdown pass, with the extra point adding to their lead. However, Jefferson managed to find the end zone one more time when Kaige Boczar broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run, and this time the extra point was successful. Despite the late effort, the final score favored Lutheran West with a convincing 42-13 victory.

With this result, the Jefferson Falcons (0-5) will now shift their focus to hosting the Conneaut Spartans (3-2) as they kick off conference play in the CVC Lake Division for week 6. Meanwhile, the Lutheran West Longhorns (3-2) will be heading on the road to face the Perry Pirates (5-0) in week 6, as they begin their campaign in the CVC Chagrin Division

WARRIORS WEAR OUT TIGERS

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East Ashtabula, OH- Coming off a tough loss in week 4, the Edgewood Warriors secured a resounding victory over the Chagrin Falls Tigers with a final score of 40-0.

The game kicked off with a touchdown by Edgewood’s Zeke Lucas, who powered through for a 1-yard run, setting the tone early on. The extra point was successful, giving Edgewood a 7-0 lead. Edgewood continued to steamroll through the first quarter when Tony Hall added another 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, extending their lead to 14-0.

The second quarter saw no respite for Chagrin Falls, as Anthony Hunt found the end zone with an 11-yard rushing touchdown, and Seth Enos contributed a 16-yard touchdown run. Both extra points were good, leaving the Tigers trailing significantly at 28-0 going into halftime.

Edgewood showed no signs of letting up in the third quarter. Tony Hall connected with Riley Baldwin on a 38-yard pass for yet another touchdown, although the extra point was missed. The Warriors continued to dominate with Seth Enos’s 11-yard touchdown run, though the extra point again went wide.

With a commanding 40-0 lead, Edgewood sealed the game in the fourth quarter. Tony Hall emerged as the standout player, accumulating 155 passing yards and a touchdown, 101 rushing yards and another touchdown, while also making an interception on defense.

This impressive win improved the Edgewood Warriors’ record to 4-1, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated clash with the undefeated Geneva Eagles in week 6. Meanwhile, the Chagrin Falls Tigers, now standing at 2-3, will face off against the Orange Lions in their next matchup. The Edgewood Warriors have surely left their mark on the field, demonstrating their strength and determination in this commanding victory.

BLUE STREAKS ZAP PAST LIONS

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Madison, OH- Protecting their home field on senior night, the Madison Blue Streaks dominated the Orange Lions with a final score of 42-0. The game kicked off with Madison’s quarterback, Carson Alley, making an early mistake as he threw an interception to Orange’s Ely Robinson with 8 minutes and 27 seconds remaining in the first quarter. However, this would prove to be the only highlight for Orange as Madison quickly seized control of the game.

Carson Alley redeemed himself later in the first quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point kicked by Ben Amos. This put Madison in the lead with a score of 7-0. The second quarter continued to be a showcase for Madison’s offense. James Poe scored a 4-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, extending Madison’s lead to 14-0 with 10 minutes and 22 seconds left in the quarter.

Carson Alley continued to impress, connecting with his receivers for three more touchdowns in the second quarter. First, a 14-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Radkowski, followed by an 18-yard touchdown pass to Noah Barnes, and finally, a 7-yard touchdown pass to Knolan Albert. Each of these touchdowns was accompanied by successful extra point kicks, propelling Madison to an impressive 28-0 lead with just 28 seconds left in the second quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Sonny Salajcik add to Madison’s lead with a 9-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was once again good, bringing the final score to a commanding 42-0 in favor of the Madison Blue Streaks.

With this victory, the Madison Blue Streaks improved their record to 4-1 which is their best start since 2015.  The Blue Streaks are set to face the Lakeside Dragons (3-1) in the upcoming CVC Lake Division game in week 6, which promises to be an exciting matchup. On the other hand, the Orange Lions, now at 2-3, will be on the road against the Chagrin Falls Tigers (2-3) in week 6, looking to bounce back from this tough loss.

CRUSADER’S 2ND QUARTER TOO MUCH FOR THE HERALDS

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Steubenville,OH- With one of the most action packed 2nd quarters you will ever see, the Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders cruised past the St. John Heralds, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 34-7.

The first quarter began with an impressive 7-yard touchdown run by Steubenville Catholic’s BJ Fallon, followed by a successful extra point kicked by Daniel Bolster, giving the Crusaders an early lead of 7-0. Both teams showcased strong defenses, preventing any further scoring in the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Steubenville Catholic extending their lead, with BJ Fallon showcasing his skills once again, scoring two more touchdowns with runs of 10 and 50 yards. Bolster’s precise kicking game was instrumental, as he converted both extra points. Additionally, Tyler Ialenti added another touchdown with a 1-yard run, although the two-point conversion attempt failed. Tommy Pergi contributed with a 7-yard touchdown run, and Bolster remained consistent with extra point conversions. The Crusaders dominated the second quarter, ending it with a commanding lead of 34-0.

The third quarter remained scoreless as both teams continued to put up strong defensive efforts.

In the fourth quarter, St. John’s Vin Narducci connected with Will Anderson for an impressive 76-yard touchdown pass. Emanuele Fantozzi’s successful extra point put the Heralds on the board with a score of 34-7.

One of the game’s pivotal moments occurred in the second quarter when Daniel Bolster executed back-to-back kickoffs that stopped on the 1-yard line, forcing St. John to start their offensive series deep in their own territory.

Despite the loss, the St. John Heralds had some bright spots, including senior Hank Wagner grabbing his 3rd sack of the year, Vin Narducci’s 118 passing yards on 7 completions, and Will Anderson’s impressive performance with 4 receptions for 104 yards and 1 touchdown.

The final score remained Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders 34 – St. John Heralds 7. The Crusaders improved to 4-0 and are set to face the Fairport Harding Skippers (1-3) in week 4, while the Heralds, now 1-3, will host the Chalker Wildcats (2-0) in their upcoming game.

WARRIORS STUMBLE ON THE ROAD

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Photo Credit: Edgewood Athletics

Gates Mills, OH- In an action-packed game, the Hawken Hawks clashed with the Edgewood Warriors in an exciting battle on the gridiron.

The first quarter saw the Hawken Hawks off to a blazing start, with Jordan Johnson’s 2-yard touchdown run and Julian Javoris’s successful extra point kick, giving them an early lead of 7-0. The Hawks continued to dominate with Donovan Moorhead connecting with Tommy Wright for a 2-yard touchdown pass, followed by another successful extra point, extending their lead to 14-0. The first quarter fireworks didn’t stop there as Jordan Johnson returned a punt for an impressive 50-yard touchdown, and with the extra point, the Hawks surged ahead 21-0. Edgewood finally got on the board when Tony Hall found Jacob Ernst with a 6-yard touchdown pass, but they missed the extra point, making it 21-6 in favor of the Hawks.

The first quarter ended with a bang when Kene Obi intercepted Tony Hall’s pass and raced 48 yards for a pick-six, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, giving the Hawks an imposing 29-6 lead.

The second quarter witnessed Edgewood’s Hunter Braat intercepting Donovan Moorhead’s pass and returning it 65 yards for a touchdown. Although they failed to convert the 2-point attempt, Edgewood closed the gap to 29-12. However, Hawken quickly responded with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Moorhead to Obi, accompanied by an extra point, reestablishing their dominance at 36-18. Jordan Johnson’s incredible 62-yard run for a touchdown, coupled with a successful extra point, extended Hawken’s lead to 43-18 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Edgewood making a valiant effort with Tony Hall connecting with Jacob Ernst for a 16-yard touchdown pass, but they couldn’t convert the 2-point attempt, leaving the score at 43-24. Hawken answered back with Lucas Brandt’s 16-yard touchdown run, followed by a good extra point, making it 50-24. Edgewood refused to back down, with Tony Hall finding Anthony Hunt for a 17-yard touchdown pass, along with a successful 2-point conversion, closing the gap to 50-32.

In the fourth quarter, Jordan Johnson added another touchdown for Hawken with a 10-yard run, although they missed the extra point, resulting in a score of 56-32. Edgewood rallied once more, with Tony Hall connecting with Anthony Hunt on a 52-yard touchdown pass, but the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 56-38 in favor of the Hawken Hawks.

With this impressive victory, the Hawken Hawks improved to a 3-1 record, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against the Conneaut Spartans in week 4. Meanwhile, the Edgewood Warriors, also at 3-1, will prepare to host the Chagrin Falls Tigers in their upcoming contest

MUSTANGS GALLOP PAST THE BISON FOR FIRST WIN

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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.