Tag Archive for: Ashtabula St John

HERALDS STUMBLE LATE IN SEASON OPENER

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Bristolville, OH — The Saint John Heralds opened their 2024-25 basketball season on Tuesday night with a road matchup against the Bristol Panthers. Despite a strong offensive effort led by their senior core, the Heralds couldn’t keep pace with Bristol’s fast transition game, ultimately falling 77-57.

Bristol relied on their speed and relentless transition offense to gain the upper hand, outscoring Saint John 14-10 in the first quarter. The Heralds responded with a strong 22-point second quarter, but Bristol maintained control by matching their scoring output and heading into halftime with a 40-32 lead.

Both teams traded buckets in a balanced third quarter, each putting up 16 points, but Bristol’s pace overwhelmed the Heralds in the fourth. The Panthers closed out the game with a 21-9 run, using fast breaks and quick ball movement to seal the victory.

Senior Dylan Newsome led the Heralds with 13 points, showing his scoring versatility. Fellow seniors Grayson Petros and Vin Narducci each added 11 points, with Narducci connecting on one of the team’s four three-pointers. Senior Aaron Wychock chipped in three points, playing a solid role on defense.

Sophomore Chase Newsome added 11 points, including two three-pointers, and Junior Don Crawford contributed six points, rounding out Saint John’s offensive efforts.

The Heralds hit four three-pointers in total, with two from Chase Newsome and one apiece from Dylan Newsome and Vin Narducci. While the scoring was well-distributed, Saint John struggled to match Bristol’s tempo in transition, which proved to be the difference in the game.

The loss drops the Heralds to 0-1, but they’ll look to regroup quickly as they head back on the road to face the Horizon Science Academy Dragons on Saturday, December 14.

2024 ALL YSN FOOTBALL TEAM ANNOUNCED

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COLUMBIANA, OH- Each year, YSN honors the student-athletes that we felt made the greatest impact on their teams throughout the football season.  This year was no different than others with each school rich with talent on both sides of the football, many deserved to have their names in lights.

We strived to provide a comprehensive list based on suggestions by fans, announcers, coaches, and an executive team at YSN.  The list takes into consideration the amount of wins during a season, and the team (in most cases) received that number of honorees.  If a team went undefeated in the regular season, they were granted an additional player of representation.

Players of the Year are based on statistics compiled, as well as character and leadership traits witnessed throughout the year.  While we understand there are champions in every community, our internal point system takes into account several factors, and then the winners are discussed and voted on by the YSN Executive Team.

Congratulations to all of the players listed in 2024, you’ve done a remarkable job of representing your community, your team, and your families.

2024 ALL-YSN FOOTBALL TEAM

Ashtabula St. John
– Ryan Williams
– Will Anderson
– Grayson Petros

Austintown-Fitch
– Rocco Diflorio
– Deon’Dray Richard
– Demarr Rogers
– Marky Fitzgerald
– Dylan Krohn
– Trenton Ciccarelli
– Booker Newberry

Beaver
– Amari Jackson
– Qualan Cain
– Brady Mayo
– Travis Cleear
– Ty Cosky
– Isaac Sessie
– Drey Hall
– Gabe Lutton

Beaver Local
– Taylor Johnston
– Brock Severs
– Kane Curran
– Carson Temple

Boardman
– Zach Haus
– Marcus Rutledge
– Vince Butto
– Ryan Smith
– Keith Smith Jr
– Vince Atwood III

Brookfield
– Rico Smith
– Christian Davis
– Josh Rankin

Campbell Memorial
– Demetrius Lambert Jr
– Mihali Koullias
– Kevin Timlin

Canfield
– Angelo DeLucia
– Enzo Cocca
– Sean Bolling
– MJ Pompoco

Cardinal Mooney
– Carlos Gomez
– Rocco Zabel
– Vince Gentile

Champion
– Michael Sanders

Chaney
– Matt Jones
– Allen Hill Jr
– Allex Hill

Columbiana
– Spencer Pruitt
– Liam Surgenovic
– Devin Brode

Conneaut
– Ryan Turner
– Josh Sabo

Crestview
– Max Hawkins
– Jake Noling
– Jameson English
– Mikey Proctor
– Ethan Kane
– Caidyn McElHaney
– Kyle Booth
– Wyatt Hart

East (Youngstown)
– Daryan Brownlee
– Keylin Warren
– Dyonn Perry
– Tyris Davis
– Drelyn Tubbs
– Derrick Hayes

East Liverpool
– De’Shawn Kirby
– Blake Adkins
– Quinton Conrad
– Gavin Wright
– Dre’Keim Abercrombie
– Michael Harty

East Palestine
– Owen Jurjavcic
– RJ May
– Kyler Bourne
– Peyton Rutledge
– Zach Schnelle
– Anthony Lehman

Edgewood
– JJ Dufour

Garrettsville Garfield
– Jack Neikirk
– David Bates
– Brandyn Bogucki
– Harper Troyer
– Ryder Cain
– Logan Sell
– Ivan Trent
– Colin McGranahan
– Aidan Hill

Girard
– Josiah Hunter
– Dom Tallone
-Nick Rafferty
– Mykel Collier-Dixon
– Andrew Whitfield
– Allen Hess-Cardona

Grand Valley
– Andrew Soltis

Howland
– Davae Honzu Jr

Hubbard
– Braydon Songer
– Gabe Hamrock
– Geno Leshnack
– Mathew Chaney
– Michael Hazimihalis

Jackson-Milton
– Keegan White
– Vincent Fay

Jefferson
– Kaige Boczar
– Matthew Webster
– Michael Riffle

LaBrae
– Easton Armstrong
– Kenny Yoho
– Owen Boone
– Treyton Derry
– Eric Reibold
– Ethan Magoulick
– Dillon Bate

Lakeside
– Devan Miller
– Tierre Anderson
– Jay Anthony Williams
– Omar Ambriz

Lakeview
– Gunner Derr
– Hayden Newton
– Landon Hall
– Thomas Easton
– Leo Parise

Leetonia
– Carson Beck

Liberty
– Dawaun Moody
– Luch Dinardo
– Juju Ferrell
– Chamir Franklin
– Brady Morgan

Lisbon
– Ashton Hinchliffe
– Grant Minor
– Colt Tullis

Lowellville
– Ricky Wilrich
– Geno Perry
– Josh Pazel
– Anthony Vrabel
– Nick Donatelli
– AJ Boehlke

McDonald
– Kyle Puckett
– Drew Zajack
– Casey Miller
– Gionni Carkido
– James Hipple
– Tobias Domitrovich
– Jordy Perry

Mohawk
– Bobby Fadden
– Blake Logan
– Sam List
– Jack Chapman
– Connor Hart
– Dakota Crawford

Mineral Ridge
– Jacob Russell
– Jonathan Rozzi
– Brady Balestrino
– Owen Shingledecker

Newton Falls
– Gage Phares

Niles
– Avon Fryer

Orange
– Russell Tye
– Jonah Frey
– Ely Robinson
– Avery Goldan
– Cole Schriebman
– Branden Wang
– Jacob Decipeda

Perry
– Walter Moses
– Luke Sivon
– Trent Taylor
– Owen Mckoon
– Armani Chiappone

Poland
– Jas Stefancin
– Vito Komara
– Oliver McCully
– Tyler Canfield
– Yianni Hazimihalis
– Chase Jones
– Pano Xipolitas
– Josh Macejko
– David Xipolitas

Pymatuning Valley
– Ryan Croston
– Ty Vickery
– Jaren Nowakowski
– Jayce Fulkman
– Luke Giddings
– Jon Finello
– Matthew Adkins
– Sean Croston
– Elliot Jones

Salem
– Cleetis Monroy
– David Manges
– Brandon Kana

South Range
– Tristan Toy
– Luke Starkey
– Gaven Nagy
– Aidan Dominguez
– Troy Combs
– Nate Lewis
– Heath Crouse
– Patrick Lally
– Dylan Smesko
– Andrew Brian
– Michael Chadbourne

Southern
– Timy Potts
– Braxton Sloan
– Richie Sloan
– Landen Heffner
– Noah Chase
– Brady Brown

Springfield
– Dante Gentile
– Wyatt Kuboff
– Thomas Sheely
– Kaesen Kosek
– Carson Cunningham
– Aiden Appel
– Joey Centofanti

Struthers
– Devin Braham
– Jason Dukes
– Tyler Cole
– Robert Carcelli
– Aiden Russell
– Adin Nicholas
– Anthony Pastella
– Blayne Kuehn

United
– Parker Newburn
– Kollyn Wells
– Zac Figley
– Trent Ellison
– Logan Wood
– M’Kyan Haynes
– Sydney Casto
– Brayden Schwartz
– Mason Laibe

Ursuline
– DC Ferrell
– Joe Balog
– Devonte Taylor
– AJ Snyder
– Drake Campbell
– John Frangos
– Jy’Quise Liason
– Tairan Davis
– Da’Shaun Will

Valley Christian
– Ja’Sean Lindsey
– Ahmire Dixon
– Deion Miller
– Alfred Coward
– Jackson Bragg
– Jerrell Miles
– Jymier Burrage

Warren JFK
– Fred Bolchalk
– Steven Thomas
– Noah Elser
– Ian Odille
– Michael Bartoe
– Marcus Komora
– Lamarcus Provitt
– Ethan Laslo

Waterloo
– Landon McClain
– Kade Thomas
– Matthew Ralston
– Brady Hakes

Wellsville
– Terrell Watkins

West Branch
– Jeremiah Thomas
– Boston Mulinix
– Joey Jackson
– Anthony Perry
– Gavin Gregory
– Cooper Anderson
– Jack Flickinger
– Cam Summers
– Garin Harlan
– Clayton Day
– Cohen Campbell

Western Reserve
– Jack Darney
– Dom Ricciardi
– Chris Pater
– Nate Hemberger
– Dylan Krut
– Alec Abrams
– Isaac Burnett
– Nate Alexander
– Andriy Chuta Suy

Windham
– Carlos Bruton
– Jack Eye
– Brandon Petrich
– Omar Duran
– Dylan McCune
– Matt Kolaczek
– Nick Hopper
– Jayquon Smith

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Awards
– MVP DC Ferrell (Ursuline), Jeremiah Thomas (West Branch)
– Kicker of the Year: Anthony Ruggles (Austintown-Fitch)
– Offensive Player of the Year: Ja’Sean Lindsey (Valley Christian), Devin Braham (Struthers)
– Defensive Player of the Year: Nate Hemberger (Western Reserve), Luke Starkey (South Range)
– Freshman of the Year: Michael Xipolitas (Poland)
– Coach of the Year: DJ Ogilvie (United)
– Team of the Year: Orange

HERALDS NARDUCCI LEAVES IT ALL ON THE FIELD

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Ashtabula, OH- Saint John High School’s senior quarterback, Vin Narducci, closed his high school football career with a defining season and an unforgettable final game. In a recent conversation with Sam Torres, Narducci, who was named the 440 Sports Show Player of the Week for Week 10, reflected on his journey from offensive lineman to quarterback and the impact of his coaches, teammates, and years of dedication. With 925 passing yards and seven touchdowns on the season, Narducci’s final game showcased his growth, as he threw for 225 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions to lead the Heralds to a decisive 30-0 victory over the Mathews Mustangs.

Narducci’s unique path to quarterback began in his sophomore year, supported by the trust of his coaches—especially Offensive Coordinator Ryan Bento, whose encouragement helped him develop into a confident leader under center. Narducci credits Bento’s guidance for fueling his growth as a player and acknowledges the strength of his offensive line and a strengthened running game that transformed the Heralds’ offense into a multifaceted threat this season.

Playing through challenges, including injuries, Narducci said he always told himself, “Even though it hurts right now, it will hurt more in five years if I have to wonder if I could have played through it.” This resilient mindset, along with his deep connection with his teammates, especially the nine other seniors he has played alongside since childhood, marked his final season as a special chapter.

Also a standout on the basketball court, Narducci attributes his footwork and agility on the field to his time on the hardwood. Next year, he plans to attend Bowling Green University to pursue a degree in environmental science, with the goal of one day taking over his father’s business.

This player profile video captures Narducci’s reflections on his journey, the relationships he built, and his dedication to the Saint John Heralds—a fitting tribute to an athlete who truly embodied resilience and team spirit.

Player profile sponsored by: Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehab Center

HERALDS END THE SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Vienna, OH- The Saint John Heralds closed out their season in dominant fashion with a resounding 30-0 victory over the Mathews Mustangs, marking a season finale that showcased their defense, versatility, and explosive plays.

The Heralds wasted no time setting the tone early in the first quarter. Just under two minutes into the game, Will Anderson picked off Mathews’ quarterback Dane Brubaker, giving Saint John an early advantage. Capitalizing on the turnover, Vin Narducci found Gus Petros for a 35-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion to put the Heralds ahead 8-0.

Saint John’s defense continued its relentless pressure into the second quarter. Mathews drove deep into Heralds’ territory, only for Chase Newsome to step up with a clutch interception in the end zone, which he returned to Mathews’ 48-yard line. With 5:19 left in the half, Narducci connected with Don Crawford for a 21-yard touchdown, and another two-point conversion extended the lead to 16-0, firmly establishing Saint John’s control of the game.

Mathews attempted to rally in the third quarter, managing to intercept a Saint John pass on a trick play. But the Heralds’ defense held firm, recovering a fumble just a few plays later. Moments after the recovery, Sully Twining took off for an impressive 29-yard touchdown run. Though the two-point attempt fell short, Saint John still extended their lead to 22-0.

In the fourth quarter, Saint John kept up the pressure, sealing the game when Narducci launched a 49-yard touchdown pass to Anderson, who showcased his athleticism on both sides of the ball. A successful two-point conversion brought the score to 30-0, solidifying a shutout victory.

On offense, Narducci’s three-touchdown performance, complemented by Twining’s run, capped off a dominant night. The win sends Saint John into the offseason on a high note, marking a strong conclusion to the 2024 campaign.

With the win, the Saint John Heralds wrap up their season at 3-6 overall and 2-3 in the NAC, while the Mathews Mustangs finish at 1-9 and 0-5 in the NAC. This season finale provided a glimpse into the Heralds’ potential, marked by standout performances on both offense and defense, and capped by a well-earned shutout victory.

HERALDS WIN THEIR FINAL HOME GAME OF THE SEASON

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Geneva, OH- In a game defined by tough defenses and explosive plays, the Saint John Heralds pulled off a 26-8 victory over the Grand Valley Mustangs. The first quarter set the tone with both teams’ defenses dominating, as turnovers came fast and furious. Each squad managed to cause an interception and force a fumble, leaving the game scoreless after the first 12 minutes.

The Heralds found a breakthrough late in the second quarter. With just 50 seconds remaining, quarterback Vin Narducci delivered a precise 23-yard strike to Gus Petros, giving Saint John a 6-0 lead. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, but momentum had clearly swung in favor of the Heralds as they headed into halftime.

Saint John kept the pressure on in the third quarter. At 5:29, Will Anderson took a reverse 13 yards to the end zone for another score, but the Heralds missed the two-point conversion, making it 12-0. Just four minutes later, Sully Twining electrified the crowd with a 60-yard sprint for a touchdown. Despite another failed two-point attempt, Saint John appeared firmly in control at 18-0.

Grand Valley mounted a comeback effort in the fourth quarter when Sammy Goforth punched in a 2-yard touchdown run. John Foss-Peters added a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 18-8 with 9:41 to play. However, the Heralds responded decisively as Twining struck again, breaking off a 50-yard run for his second touchdown of the game at the 5:05 mark. This time, Narducci added the two-point conversion to seal the 26-8 victory for Saint John.

Sully Twining was the standout performer of the game, finishing with 127 yards on just 8 carries, finding the end zone twice. For Grand Valley, Mason Kocab’s interception helped solidify his status as one of Ashtabula County’s top defensive players, now with four interceptions on the season.

With this win, the Saint John Heralds improved to 2-6 and will prepare for a Week 10 road game against the Mathews Mustangs (1-8). The Grand Valley Mustangs, now 1-8, will face a formidable Pymatuning Valley Lakers team (8-1) at home next week.

TURNOVERS PLAGUE HERALDS IN LOSS TO SKIPPERS

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Fairport Harbor, OH- The Saint John Heralds (1-6) faced off against the Fairport Skippers (4-3) in a challenging game that saw the Skippers dominate early, despite a spirited comeback attempt by the Heralds in the second quarter. Fairport set the tone from the opening drive, and although Saint John showed flashes of brilliance, they ultimately couldn’t close the gap.

First Quarter: Fairport Starts Hot Fairport struck first when quarterback Brady Lawson connected with Dj Dambolena for a 23-yard touchdown pass at the 8:81 mark. The extra point was good, giving Fairport an early 7-0 lead. Saint John’s defense struggled to contain Fairport’s ground attack, and with 3:39 remaining, Abraham Castellano punched in a 1-yard touchdown. Though the extra point was blocked, Fairport extended their lead to 12-0. The Skippers continued their offensive onslaught, with Yomar Castellano taking a punt return 60 yards for a touchdown. A successful 2-point conversion made it 21-0 as the first quarter ended.

Second Quarter: Saint John Fights Back The Heralds found some rhythm in the second quarter. Quarterback Vin Narducci connected with Will Anderson for a 20-yard touchdown at the 11:28 mark, cutting the deficit to 21-7 after the extra point. Narducci struck again later in the quarter, this time with a 3-yard touchdown run at 4:41. Unfortunately, the extra point was no good, but Saint John had narrowed the gap to 21-13. Fairport responded swiftly, with Brady Lawson finding Dambolena again, this time for a 31-yard touchdown, putting the Skippers up 28-13 heading into halftime.

Second Half: Skippers Pull Away The third quarter was dominated by Fairport’s defense and special teams. Dj Dambolena snagged an interception early, halting the Heralds’ momentum. Abraham Castellano scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, a 3-yard effort at 1:47, though the extra point was again blocked, pushing the lead to 34-13. Just seven seconds later, Yomar Castellano intercepted another pass and capitalized with a 31-yard touchdown run. After a failed 2-point conversion, the Skippers led 40-13. Will Anderson provided a spark for Saint John’s defense with an interception as the quarter ended.

In the fourth quarter, Fairport tacked on a 14-yard field goal with 6:30 remaining to bring the score to 43-13 which started a running clock. The Heralds’ hopes of mounting a comeback faded after a forced fumble and recovery by Fairport’s Elijah Harless sealed the victory.

Looking Ahead The Saint John Heralds (1-6) will return home in Week 9 to face the Grand Valley Mustangs (1-7) in what promises to be a competitive matchup. Meanwhile, the Fairport Skippers (4-3) will take on the Mathews Mustangs (1-7) at home.

BOMBERS SURVIVE IN OVERTIME AGAINST HERALDS

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Photo Credit: Mahoning Valley Sports

Geneva, OH- In a hard-fought contest that went down to the wire, the Saint John Heralds battled valiantly but came up short in overtime, falling 32-26 to the unbeaten Windham Bombers. The back-and-forth affair featured multiple lead changes, big plays, and clutch performances from both teams, with Windham’s Jack Eye delivering the decisive blow in overtime to keep the Bombers’ perfect record intact.

The action started quickly, with Windham’s standout running back, Jack Eye, powering in a 1-yard touchdown just 9:50 into the first quarter. The Heralds defense stood tall on the 2-point conversion, keeping the score at 6-0. Saint John responded late in the first quarter as senior running back Ryan Williams bulldozed his way for a 1-yard touchdown at the 2:56 mark, tying the game at 6-6 after their own failed 2-point try.

Windham’s Eye struck again, showing off his game-breaking speed with a 74-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter. But, once more, the conversion failed, and Windham led 12-6. Not to be outdone, Williams continued to carry the Heralds offense, punching in another touchdown from 3 yards out with 6:02 remaining in the half. The game remained tied at 12 after the missed conversion.

As the clock wound down in the second quarter, the Heralds put together a methodical drive, capped off by a 1-yard quarterback sneak from Vin Narducci with just one second left in the half. This time, Will Anderson powered in the 2-point conversion, giving Saint John a 20-12 lead going into halftime.

Windham came out firing in the third quarter, with Jack Eye once again burning the defense on a 75-yard touchdown run. Carlos Bruton’s successful 2-point conversion tied the game at 20, setting up a tense second half. The game stayed deadlocked until Windham’s defense made a game-changing play, intercepting a pass and returning it 4 yards for a touchdown with 4:40 left in the fourth quarter. The Bombers failed the 2-point conversion, but now led 26-20.

With their backs against the wall, the Heralds needed a spark. They found it in the form of Narducci, who launched a 74-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Chase Newsome with just 2:12 left to play. The 2-point try to take the lead failed, leaving the score tied at 26-26 as the game headed into overtime.

In the extra period, Windham’s defense held strong, stopping the Heralds on the 4-yard line. On the ensuing possession, Jack Eye put the game away with a 1-yard touchdown run, his fourth of the night, sealing the Bombers’ 32-26 victory.

The loss drops Saint John to 1-5 (0-2 NAC) as they prepare to face the Fairport Skippers (3-3, 1-1 NAC) in week 8. Windham, now 7-0 (2-0 NAC), will look to continue their unbeaten streak against the Vanlue Wildcats (0-6) next week.

Despite the result, Ryan Williams and Vin Narducci had standout performances for the Heralds, while Jack Eye’s explosive running led the way for Windham.

HERALDS REMAIN PERFECT AFTER WIN OVER RIVAL WARRIORS

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Story by Larry Jennings
Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography
Ashtabula, OH- In a highly anticipated cross-town volleyball matchup, the St. John Heralds entered the raucous Edgewood Gymnasium on the Warriors’ Senior Night with a perfect 17-0 record, and more impressively, they hadn’t dropped a single set all season, sitting at a remarkable 51-0. Their dominance in the NAC (13-0) was put to the test by the Edgewood Warriors, who came in at 13-4 and undefeated in the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division (7-0).
The Warriors started strong, taking an early lead in the first set, but the Heralds, led by their standout middle hitter Isabelle Stern, quickly found their rhythm. Stern’s powerful kills fueled a comeback, and the Heralds claimed the first set 25-19. The second set proved to be a much tighter affair, with the Warriors feeding off their home crowd’s energy to edge out a 25-23 win, handing St. John its first set loss of the season.
With their streak broken but resolve unshaken, the Heralds responded in commanding fashion, winning the third and fourth sets 25-18 and 25-19. Stern led the charge with 15 kills, while Emma Hutchins and Gabbie Johnston added 13 and 11 kills, respectively. The precise sets from Lizzie Ducro kept the Heralds’ offense humming, while Ducro and Alexa Jordan each contributed two aces from the service line.
On the Warriors’ side, sophomore sensation Faith Vencill turned in an outstanding performance with 18 kills, keeping her team competitive throughout the match. Reagan Knox, Leigha Guyton, and Makenna Rhodes each added eight kills, with Guyton also delivering two aces.
After the match, Edgewood head coach Kyra Vencill reflected on her team’s effort. “The girls needed to keep their emotions under control. We’ll regroup and focus on tomorrow’s match against Geneva,” she said. Edgewood faces a key CVC Lake Division showdown against the Geneva Eagles at home, while the Heralds will look to continue their undefeated run as they take on Lordstown in another NAC matchup.
With the win, the St. John Heralds extend their season record to 18-0 and remain a dominant force in Ashtabula County volleyball, while Edgewood will look to bounce back and continue their strong conference play.

DEFENSIVE BATTLE WITH CRUSADERS ENDS IN HEARTBREAK FOR HERALDS

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Geneva, OH- The Saint John Heralds came up just short in a hard-fought battle against the Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders, losing 13-6 in a game defined by gritty defensive stands and late-game drama.

The Crusaders struck first midway through the opening quarter. With 6:31 left, Jimmy Hernon broke through the Heralds’ defense for a 5-yard touchdown run, putting Steubenville Catholic on the board. The two-point conversion attempt failed, keeping the score 6-0.

In the second quarter, Saint John answered back. With 8:33 left, Heralds’ quarterback Vin Narducci capped off a sustained drive by taking matters into his own hands with a 5-yard touchdown run. However, the Heralds were unable to convert the extra point, leveling the score at 6-6.

The turning point of the first half came on the final play before halftime. As Steubenville Catholic attempted to drive down the field, Saint John’s Gus Petros came up with a game-changing play, intercepting a pass from Crusaders’ quarterback Matthew Spronchi and returning it 40 yards, swinging momentum in favor of the Heralds heading into the locker room.

The third quarter was a defensive showcase for both teams. The Heralds nearly took the lead, but a high snap on a 4th-and-1 play stalled their drive on the Crusaders’ 8-yard line. Both defenses continued to come up with big plays, and neither offense could break through.

The fourth quarter saw both teams trading stops, with Saint John’s defense stepping up to make critical plays. Grayson Petros and Carlo Fasano each recorded tackles for loss, keeping the Crusaders’ offense at bay. However, a short punt by the Heralds with 4:48 remaining gave Steubenville Catholic excellent field position on the Saint John 48-yard line.

With time winding down, Steubenville Catholic engineered a late drive. With just 20 seconds left, Spronchi found Tommy Pergi on a 12-yard pass, setting the Crusaders up at the Heralds’ 5-yard line. Then, with just six seconds remaining, Jimmy Hernon punched it in from 1 yard out for his second touchdown of the game. The Crusaders’ extra point was good, giving them a 13-6 lead.

Saint John was unable to mount a final drive in the closing seconds, sealing the tough loss. The Heralds drop to 1-3 on the season and will look to bounce back in Week 5 at home against the Richmond Heights Spartans (0-1). Meanwhile, the Crusaders improve to 3-1 and will face the Fairport Skippers (2-1) at home in their next matchup.

WILLIAMS LEADS THE CHARGE FOR THE HERALDS

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Ashtabula, OH- As the Saint John Heralds gear up for a pivotal season, all eyes are on senior running back and linebacker Ryan Williams. Known for his tough-as-nails playing style and leadership on both sides of the ball, Williams is ready to make his final high school season one to remember.

In a recent conversation with Sam Torres, Williams shared insights into the team’s dynamic, specifically highlighting the camaraderie with his teammates. “You guys both seem to like to block for each other,” Torres remarked, to which Williams responded with a nod, pointing out a key moment from the Beachwood game, where his block helped spring a 20-yard touchdown run for his teammate and fellow senior Will Anderson.

Williams’ recent performance on the field has earned him widespread recognition, as he was named the 440 Sports Show Player of the Week for Week 3. Additionally, Williams is a YSN Big Dog of the Valley nominee, an honor reserved for the most dynamic players of the week, with fan voting determining the winner.

Looking ahead, Williams is hyped for several matchups, but none more than the game against Fairport. “I can’t wait for that game in the Skipper Dome. It’s going to be a good time,” he said, clearly energized by the rivalry and the chance for redemption after last year’s rain-soaked contest.

With the season underway, Williams is laser-focused on leading his team back to the playoffs for the first time in six years. “It’d be awesome to make the playoffs… and maybe win a playoff game,” Williams shared, reflecting his drive to leave a lasting legacy at Saint John.

Be sure to catch more of Ryan’s thoughts and game highlights in the full player profile video, as the Saint John Heralds aim to bring the postseason back to their storied program.

 

Player Profile presented by Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center