Tag Archive for: Ashtabula St John

HERALDS HOPE TO BRING NEWS OF SUCCESS: 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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East Palestine, OH- In the world of sports, there’s a beauty in witnessing a team’s evolution, its struggles, and its unyielding determination to rise above challenges. The Saint John Heralds, a team deeply rooted in the heart of Ashtabula’s community, have been on a remarkable journey of transformation. As they gear up for the 2023 season, the Heralds are determined to leave behind the disappointments of the past and create a new narrative of success and redemption.

The Heralds’ 2022 season concluded with a record of 2-7, a tough pill to swallow for both players and fans alike. Yet, this season served as a crucial building block for the team’s future endeavors. With their second year as a member of the Northeastern Athletic Conference, the Heralds are set to showcase their growth and development on a larger stage.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Heralds’ transformation has been their renewed sense of unity and youthful vigor. In 2022, the team was characterized by its youth and inexperience, a challenge that often tested their mettle. However, as the saying goes, “adversity introduces a man to himself.” The Heralds used their setbacks as fuel to grow, learn, and emerge stronger than before.

While the departure of key playmakers like Matt Miller will be felt, the team’s heartbeat lies in its returning quarterback, Vin Narducci. Narducci’s journey from being an offensive lineman to a quarterback showcases his adaptability and determination. His impressive performance in his first year as a varsity quarterback, throwing for over 1200 yards and 8 touchdowns, offers a glimpse into his potential as a leader on the field.

Narducci’s growth has been nurtured by the support of his talented wide receivers, namely junior Sullivan Twinning and sophomore Anthony Severino. With their speed and exceptional catching abilities, Twinning and Severino are poised to create dynamic plays that keep the opposition on their toes.

In the backfield, the Heralds boast a duo that perfectly balances power and agility. Junior Ryan Williams brings his formidable strength and blocking skills, enhancing the team’s offensive prowess. Complementing him is the swift and elusive Will Anderson, a player whose playmaking abilities promise to rejuvenate the Heralds’ run game.

The offensive line’s improvement, driven by senior Hank Wagner and sophomores Anthony Petrochello, Milo Twining and Donald Crawford, further solidifies the team’s prospects. The addition of sophomore Frankie Dubsky as center reflects the team’s emphasis on both experience and strategic understanding, crucial elements in navigating intense game situations.

The Heralds’ determination to evolve extends beyond their lineup. The 2023 season introduces new opponents like Trinity, Wickliffe, Beachwood, Steubenville Central Catholic, and Lincoln West. These fresh challenges will undoubtedly test the Heralds’ progress and mettle. However, they won’t be devoid of familiar faces, as conference teams Windham, Chalker, and Pymatuning Valley continue to be part of their journey. Notably, the eagerly awaited rivalry game against Fairport Harbor in week 9 adds an extra layer of excitement to the season.

Coach Bob Dlwgosh, a guiding force behind the team’s resurgence, encapsulates the Heralds’ aspirations succinctly: “To be successful, we just need to carry this level of intensity and focus we’ve had all summer into the season and keep it for 10 weeks.” This attitude reflects the Heralds’ commitment to consistency and perseverance, traits that are vital in a sport as demanding as football.

The Saint John Heralds’ revival story is one of relentless effort, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a community united by a common goal. As they step onto the field for the 2023 season, they do so not just as a football team, but as a symbol of determination and transformation. With each play, each touchdown, and each victory, the Heralds are scripting a story of redemption that resonates far beyond the confines of a football field.

For those who can’t make it to the games in person, the Heralds’ journey will be available live on www.YSNlive.com, an opportunity for fans near and far to witness the resurgence of a team that’s ready to rewrite its destiny.

ST JOHN’S SWORD SHARP IN SECTIONAL GAME

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East Palestine, OH- With runners in scoring position, it was miller time for the Heralds. Tom Miller was clutch at the plate with runners on base on Thursday, driving in five on three hits to lead Saint John past the Wellsville Tigers 18-5 on Thursday.  Miller drove in runs on a single in the third, a single in the fourth, and a single in the seventh. Saint John earned the victory despite allowing Wellsville Tigers to score four runs in the third inning.  Wellsville’s big inning was driven by a single by Landes and an error on a ball put in play by Ramsey. The Heralds got things moving in the second inning.  Bryson Vennitti grounded out, scoring one run. Saint John exploded for seven runs in the seventh inning.  Anthony Severino, Ryan Williams, Matt Miller, Miller, and AJ Henslee each drove in runs during the inning. Will Anderson led things off on the hill for the Heralds. The right-handed sophomore hurler allowed ten hits and five runs over five innings, striking out 11 and walking zero. Landes led things off on the mound for the Tigers. The pitcher went three innings, allowing ten runs on ten hits, striking out three and walking zero.  Brewer and Heffner entered the game from the bullpen, throwing three innings and one inning respectively.

Saint John launched one home run on the day. Sophomore slugger Ryan Williams sent one packing in the seventh inning. The Heralds racked up an impressive 17 hits on the day. Truly a group effort as Tom and Matt Miller, Severino, Williams, Ezra Campbell, and Anderson each had multiple hits for Saint John.  Matt Miller led the Heralds with four hits in six at bats. The Wellsville Tigers totaled ten hits.  Brewer, Ramsey, and Landes all managed multiple hits for Wellsville Tigers.  Brewer went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Wellsville in hits. The Heralds next matchup will truly be a test as they will face off against the number 1 seed Lake Center Christian Tigers 05/23/23 at the beautiful Cene Park in Struthers.

A HERALDED START FOR ST. JOHN AS THEY FINISH UNDEFEATED IN THE NAC

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East Palestine, OH- Saint John grabbed the lead late in the game in a 16-4 victory over the Bristol Panthers on Monday.  The game was tied at four with the Heralds batting in the top of the fourth when sophomore Will Anderson singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run. Bristol scored four runs in the second inning, but Saint John still managed to pull out the victory.  The offensive firepower by Bristol was led by Zack Caldwell, and Kaiden Kohler, all driving in runs in the inning. Saint got things started in the first inning.  An error scored one run for the Heralds. Saint John knotted the game up at four in the top of the third inning and scored one run when Matt Miller singled. The Heralds racked up six runs in the fifth inning.  Saint John put the pressure on, lead by singles by Anderson, Ezra Campbell, and Tom Miller,  by Jesus Hernandez and Vin Narducci, and a walk by Bryson Vennitti.

 

Miller was on the hill for Saint John. The pitcher went two innings, allowing four runs on zero hits and walking one. Brent Songer manned the rubber for Bristol Panthers. Songer went three and a third innings, allowing ten runs on ten hits and striking out one.  Caldwell and Jayden Miller entered the game as relief, throwing one and one-third innings and one-third of an inning respectively. Saint John had 13 hits in the game with Campbell, Miller, Anderson, and Miller each racking up multiple hits for the Heralds.  Campbell went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Heralds in hits. Jack Berry led Bristol with one hit in one at bats. Saint John went undefeated in league play in their first year as members of the NAC.  Saint John will travel to 7 seeded Wellsville for round one of the OHSAA playoffs on Thursday and Bristol is set to host 13 seed Lisbon on Thursdsay.

ST JOHN SHOWS THEIR NAC FOR WINNING

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East Palestine, OH- In their first year as members of the Northeastern Athletic Conference (NAC), the Saint John Heralds have grabbed at least a share of the conference championship by beating the Bristol Panthers at home on Thursday 05/11/2023. Will Anderson didn’t allow a single run against Bristol Panthers, throwing a complete game shutout and leading the Saint John Heralds to a 4-0 victory on Thursday. In the second inning, Saint John got their offense started when Ryan Williams singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run. Anderson led things off on the mound for the Heralds Varsity. The sophomore righthander surrendered zero runs on three hits over seven innings, striking out 14 and walking zero while showing off incredible command the entire afternoon.

An early bright spot for Bristol was a single by Kaiden Kohler in the first inning. Kohler also led things off on the hill for Bristol. The pitcher went five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out four.  Brent Songer threw one inning in relief late in the game. Saint John saw the ball well all day, racking up ten hits in the game.  Anderson, Williams, and Anthony Severino each racked up multiple hits for Heralds. Anderson led Saint John Heralds Varsity Baseball with three hits in four at bats.  Saint John didn’t commit a single error in the field. Severino had the most chances in the field with 13. The Heralds will meet the Panthers again on Monday 05/15/2023 in Bristol before both teams begin their OHSAA tournament games with Saint John playing against Wellsville and Bristol to square off against Lisbon.

WYCHOCK’S PERFECT DAY AT THE PLATE FUELS HUGE HERALDS WIN

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East Palestine, OH- Aaron Wychock’s 4 hits and 5 RBIs helped lead the way for the Saint John Heralds over the Lordstown Red Devils 22-2 on Wednesday.  Wychock singled in the first, singled in the second, doubled in the fourth, and singled in the fifth. The Heralds got things started in the first inning when Anthony Severino singled on a 2-0 count, scoring one run. Saint John scored eight runs in the second inning.  The Heralds big bats were led by Ezra Campbell, Wychock, Will Anderson, Ryan Williams, and Bryson Vennitti, who all drove in runs.

Senior Jesus Hernandez started on the mound for Saint John going two innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out four and walking zero. Saint John racked up 14 hits on the day.  Wychock, Anderson, and Campbell each had multiple hits for the  Heralds.  Wychock went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead Saint John in hits.  Severino led Saint John with two stolen bases, as they owned the base paths with seven stolen bases. The Heralds will host the Bristol Panthers in another NAC battle on 05/11/23 at Smith Field in Ashtabula.

HERALDS GRAB ANOTHER NAC WIN

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East Palestine, OH- The Saint John Heralds asserted their will over the Mathews Mustangs on their way to an 8-2 victory. Saint John tallied four runs in the sixth inning. Will Anderson and Ryan Williams each had RBIs in the big inning. Williams controlled the mound for the Heralds allowing just two hits and no earned runs over six innings while striking out nine.

Tyler Pesa was on the pitcher’s mound for the Mustangs. The pitcher surrendered eight runs on eight hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out eight. Jake Williams threw one-third of an inning in relief out of the bullpen. Saint John racked up nine hits on the day. Anderson and Tom Miller all had multiple hits for the Heralds. Anderson went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Saint John in hits. Saint John is set for another conference battle vs Bristol on Thursday 05/11/23 home at Smith Field in Ashtabula at 5pm.

 

ST JOHNS SEVERINO SHOWCASES CLUTCH HITTING IN BACK TO BACK WINS

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East Palestine, OH- A walk-off home run propelled Saint John Heralds Baseball to a dramatic victory over Grand Valley Mustangs , 4-3 in game one of a Saturday double header. Saint John  trailed 3-2 in the bottom of the 11th inning when Anthony Severino homered on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs. Grand Valley Mustangs got on the board in the third inning. An error scored one run for   the Mustangs. Will Anderson was on the hill for the Heralds. Anderson went seven and a third innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out ten. Justin Hagan was on the pitcher’s mound for Grand Valley. The hurler went five innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out four and walking one. Casey Turner and Eric Ellsworth entered the game from the bullpen, throwing three innings and two and two-thirds innings respectively. Saint John tallied one home run on the day and it could not have come at a bigger moment. Severino’s bomb in the eleventh inning cemented the victory for the Heralds. Saint John racked up ten hits. Anderson, Jesus Hernandez, Aaron Wychock, and Severino each racked up multiple hits for the Heralds. Anderson led the Saint John Heralds with three hits in six at bats. John Foss went 2-for-6 at the plate to lead the Grand Valley Mustangs in hits.

With gas still in the tank Saint John secured the lead late in the game in a 14-10 victory over the Grand Valley Mustangs on Saturday in game 2 of a double header. The game was tied at ten with the Heralds batting in the bottom of the sixth when for the second time of the day Anthony Severino answered the call by hitting a single on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs. Saint John collected 13 hits and Grand Valley had eight in the run heavy affair. The Mustangs fired up the offense in the first inning, when Casey Turner singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run. Grand Valley also scored three runs in the fourth inning. Grand Valley’s big inning was driven by singles by Blake Taylor and Justin Hagan. Matt Miller started the game for the Saint John Heralds. Miller allowed four hits and three runs over two innings, striking out five and walking zero. Eric Ellsworth was on the pitcher’s mound for Grand Valley Mustangs. The Mustang surrendered three runs on four hits over two and a third innings, striking out one. Austin Hall, Justin Hagan, and Trenton Murduck each contributed in relief for Grand Valley Mustangs at various points in the game. Saint John collected 13 hits. Ryan Williams, Miller, Severino, and Ezra Campbell all managed multiple hits for Saint John Heralds Varsity Baseball. Williams led Saint John Heralds Varsity Baseball with three hits in four at bats. Hagan went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Grand Valley Mustangs in hits. Grand Valley didn’t commit a single error in the field. Kamden Cottrell had the most chances in the field with eight. The Heralds will take the field again Monday 5/08/23 against NAC opponent Pymatuning Valley and Grand Valley is set to face off against CVC for Middlefield Cardinal on Monday as well.

COACHES CORNER ST. JOHN HERALDS ALVIN RODRIGUEZ

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East Palestine, OH- The stresses and expectations of being a head coach at any school are expected by those who answer the call. Those pressures are often increased when the head coach is returning to the school they graduated from. St. John’s Alvin Rodriguez, a 2004 St. John graduate, returns for his third year as the Heralds skipper. After a successful 2022 season that included a 10-10 record and sectional championship he is looking to build and continue the success at Ashtabula county’s smallest school.

With a nice mix of youth and experience the Heralds will try to advance further into the OHSAA tournament than last year after their season ended with a loss to Bristol. The Heralds also have the new challenge of chasing after a conference title as they become the newest member of the NAC. Increased numbers in participation have Rodriguez excited about the 2023 season with 18 players on the roster this year being a huge jump from the 11 that suited up for the 2022 season.