Tag Archive for: Austintown Fitch

COWBOYS SPOIL FITCH’S HOME OPENER

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*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- In a post-thanksgiving opening night of boys basketball, many around the valley were treated to fun nights.

As old west-side rivals Chaney Cowboys did battle with The Fitch Falcons to open the 2nd straight athletic season on the boys side for the year. 

Both teams came into the matchup having lost a couple of significant pieces off the 2020-21 teams. 

However, both teams bring a lot of athleticism to each game and love to run, and did they ever! As both teams tried to push the pace early and often, trying to come away with fastbreak buckets. 

It was close early on, but by the 2nd quarter, The Cowboys were ready to take their hats and go home. Putting up multiple scoring runs, thanks in-part to some suffocating defense throughout the night. 

Much like round 1 in football, this one was not even close. Chaney responds back to Fitch with a clear and decisive 66-33 victory. 

The Falcons side presents itself with a lot of youth and athleticism, and with some basketball experience to raise those IQ levels for the sport, Fitch should get better as the season goes along.

Chaney has an abundance of height, speed and skill, especially early on in the season. Foul trouble could be an issue for The Cowboys in some games, but nothing they cannot clear up, as Chaney looks to be an early powerhouse in the area. 

The rivalry will continue as the rubber match between these two is scheduled at Chaney Tuesday, January 25th, 2022. 

Fitch will look to right the ship with another tough draw against The Hudson Explorers Tuesday, November 30th. 

While Chaney will be in action down in Columbus on Saturday, November 27th in a High School Hoops Showcase, before their home opener Friday, December 3rd against another AAC opponent in The Boardman Spartans. 

 

Player of the Game: Isaiah Williams (Chaney) 13 points 6 assists, and 5 steals.

Postgame Interview With Andre Brown:

 

Postgame Interview With Isaiah Williams:

FALCONS START THE SEASON STRONG

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ASHTABULA OH- The Lady Falcons Basketball team put together a great four quarters on both ends of the floor defeating Ashtabula Lakeside on Wednesday evening by a score of 66-21.

The victory was the first for first-year head coach Jeff Wilson.

Junior Zayda Creque lead the way with 23 points and sophomore Ayla Ray added 14 points.

The team is back on the court on Saturday when they travel to Salem for a 1:30 PM tip-off.

*Contributed By Russel Houser at austintownathletics.com

AUSTINTOWN FITCH BOYS BASKETBALL (EP 1) COACH’S CORNER WITH BRIAN BEANY

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Success runs deep in the halls of Austintown Fitch. They say success breeds success, and that doesn’t ring more true than the basketball team. The Falcons hope to build off the excitement and leadership of the football season. The Falcons bring back a lot of players who know how to score. Despite losing Todd Simons, there are plenty of reason to be excited if you are a Fitch fan. The Falcons will look to consistently feed the nest this year against a tough schedule.

Head Coach Brian Beany was kind enough to jump on YSN’s Running Point to help us get a look at the Falcons upcoming season. He talks with Ty Bartell, and Anthony Hartwig about the leadership he has in the locker room, the culture of Fitch, and so much more. Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Brian Beany is live.

Presented By

 

AUSTINTOWN FITCH BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JEFF WILSON

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to sit down with Jeff Wilson, and he’s been doing some great things professionally and personally since our last conversation.

Most noticeably Wilson takes over the helm of the 2021-2022 Austintown Fitch Girls Basketball Team with the intentions of making an immediate impact on the Falcon program.

Wilson discusses the plan of attack for Fitch, the names you’ll hear all season long, as well as the outstanding staff he’s assembled.

All that and more on this week’s Austintown Coach’s Corner with Jeff Wilson.

Presented by:

FITCH’S THRILLING SEASON MEETS ITS END

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Knights Armor is Sperling Silver

On a chilly November night in Akron Ohio. The Austintown Fitch Falcons went to battle with The Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights on Friday. 

The Falcons wasted little time bringing the excitement. With a missed snap over the head of Devin Sherwood, which was recovered and resulted in a 37-yard pass to Jaden Eley.

These plays are reminiscent in the minds of the Austintown community, as they have witnessed them for the better part of 3 years. 

Fitch found the endzone first, as Sherwood hit pay dirt with his legs. Josiah Berni tacked on the extra point, and The Falcons took an early 7-0 lead. 

However, The Knights showcased their speed early. As De’Vonta Baskerville retired the kickoff to the house for an instant game tying touchdown. 

Akron also showcased the junior running back sensation in Lamar Sperling, who found the endzone twice in the first quarter, en route to a 5 touchdown performance. 

Devin Sherwood battled hard throughout. Racking up 266 yards through the air and 64 on the ground. Including 2 touchdowns on the ground and 1 in the air on the night.

Austintown proved that they could contend with the high octane offenses of the Akron-area schools all season.

Turnovers were a big factor in Fitch falling behind early, but The Falcons defense held its own against the field position given to The Knights. 

Fitch battled till the very end, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to Cam Smith in the 4th quarter to make it 41-28. But Hoban was able to burn enough time off the clock with the added possessions.

At the end of the day, Fitch just ran out of time and The Knights were able to secure the victory. 

In a season of ups and downs, exciting plays, and most importantly The Falcon Faithful being back in full force for Friday night lights.

It truly made it a season to remember. As Fitch says farewell to a truly special quarterback, one that will be talked about in Falcons history for years to come.

Along with Devin Sherwood, The Falcons will also lose the 1-A option for Fitch the last few seasons. As the record-holding receiver in Tyler Evans will also ride off into the sunset as a special part of Falcons history. 

17 seniors are departing Fitch this season, including…

Devin Sherwood, Tyler Evans, Donnie Ellis, Devin Pounds, Tyree Mitchell, C.J. Schisler, A.J. Byrd, Sam Moxley, Jacob Jones, Kris King, Donovan Oliver, Colin Moore, Dom Khron, Aaron Hively, Ethan Short, Earnest Croom, and Connor Kent. 

As we at YSN wish them the best in their future endeavors, and thank them for a truly unforgettable season.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

FALCONS SEASON ENDS AGAINST CHARDON

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SOLON OH- The Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons, coming off a dramatic win over The Aurora Lady Greenmen, were set to square off in a Halloween eve matchup with The Chardon Lady Hilltoppers.
The only thing scary about the Saturday match was how good both defenses were. Getting into extensively long volleys back and forth with each other in set 1. There were multiple ties and lead changes throughout.

Chardon went on a huge run in the middle of the set, one that saw them capture a 22-11 lead on The Lady Falcons, before Fitch could end the run.
Austintown fought hard, but the lead was too much to overcome. As Chardon was victorious in set 1 by a score of 25-18.

By the next set, Jocelyn Jourdan and The Lady Falcons rode their momentum all the way to a 9-3 lead to start set 2.
The Lady Hilltoppers, with a hill to climb, battled back to take the lead 18-13. Thanks in part to some great net defense by Chardon.
Fitch scored twice out of the final timeout used by Coach Bartlett to trim the lead and get the serve. However, as Chardon has all season, they battled back. As the score was 22-20 Chardon in the late stages of set 2.

Fitch had the serve, trailing by two, The Lady Falcons were able to score once before The Lady Hilltoppers claimed a 24-21 lead.
The Lady Falcons once again battled their way to a single point deficit 24-23. That was until Emma McCartney finished it with a set-winning kill to put Chardon over 25-23.

Austintown for the second straight game in the tournament had their backs against the wall, down in sets 0-2 to Chardon.
The Hilltoppers struck quickly for a 11-4 advantage over Fitch in the third set. But if you know The Lady Falcons, you know the word “quit” is not in their nature. As they battled their way back into the set, trailing by just a point 12-13.

Chardon did a great job of halting the momentum of Fitch, retaking a 17-12 lead. Austintown once again slithered their way back into the game once again, as they trailed Chardon 16-17.
Some miss-timed swings by Fitch allowed Chardon to see their four point lead return 20-16.
Fitch used their last timeout of the set to talk things over, with the magic number for Chardon being five.

The score was 24-19 in favor of Chardon, with Austintown having the serve. However, it was just not Fitch’s day. As The Lady Hilltoppers were able to get into their offense and seal the straight set victory 25-19.

In what was certainly a magical season for The 2021 Lady Falcons. One that saw countless records broken, dozens of nail-biting finishes, and most importantly, memories that will last a lifetime.
Set Scores:

Set 1: Chardon 25 – Fitch 18
Set 2: Chardon 25 – Fitch 23
Set 3: Chardon 25 – Fitch 19
Stats
Jocelyn Jourdan: 24 Kills, 6 Digs.
Alyssa Leskovac: 5 Kills, 10 Digs, 2 Assists.
Erin Burke: 2 Kills, 5 Digs, 15 Assists, 2 Aces.
Ella Sahli: 7 Digs, 2 Assists, 1 Ace.
Sammi Misik: 3 Digs, 3 Assists, 1 Ace.
Afton Roby: 1 Dig, 1 Ace.
Julia Jordan: 1 Kill, 2 Digs, 1 Assist.
Jordan Smith: 1 Kill, 2 Assists.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

FALCONS COMPLETE INCREDIBLE COMEBACK TO EARN SPOT IN FINAL

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SOLON OH- In a matchup of #4 seeded Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons and #6 seeded Aurora Lady Greenmen on Tuesday night.

Set 1 was a tight battle with both teams jockeying for position early on in the set. Fitch opened up with a 4-0 run, The Lady Greenmen responded with a 7-1 run of their own. All in just the opening minutes of set 1.
Austintown took a timeout trailing 13-8 in set 1, after Aurora was just as sharp on defense, much like the match with The Canfield Lady Cardinals on Saturday.

After another run by The Lady Greenmen, Fitch found themselves trailing 18-10 after taking their final timeout in the first set.

Ella Sahli and Erin Burke got fitch out of their funk, with an impressive string of serving, one that saw The Lady Falcons go on a scoring run, trimming Aurora’s lead down to just 3.
But the lead was too large in set 1, and The Lady Greenmen captured the first set 25-21.

Set 2 did not disappoint, as the competitiveness and fight of both teams remained in full force. Fitch jumped out to an early 6-4 lead on Aurora.
Those Lady Greenmen do not know how to quit, but they do know how to play defense. As on the backs of their defensive talent, Aurora tied the game up at 8 a piece.

Maria Parks of Aurora served up a lead for The Lady Greenmen 14-13, their first since leading 1-0 in Set 2.

After exchanging scores back and forth, Fitch was forced to take their first timeout of the set, down 16-18.

Out of the timeout, The Lady Greenmen extended their lead 21-16. Fitch battled, but Aurora’s defense held strong again. Winning set 2 by a score of 25-22.

The marathon did not stop in set 3. As both teams again exchanged scores, all the way to a 12-11 Fitch lead. After forcing an Aurora time out with the lead, Fitch scored three straight to make it a 15-11 lead.

Fitch kept up the same energy, including a key ace by Erin Burke, forcing Aurora to burn their final timeout, trailing 21-17.

The score was 24-19 Fitch, with Aurora having the serve, playing backs against the wall defense. But it was an uncommon error in the serve game of The Lady Greenmen that sealed the se 3 victory for Fitch 25-20.

Fitch held on to the momentum going into set 4. Taking a 6-2 lead on Aurora in the early stages. The Lady Greenmen stayed resilient, much like they had in the previous sets. Going on yet another run of their own, cutting The Falcon lead to just one 7-6.

As Coach Bartlett utilized her first timeout of the set, The Lady Falcons were able to battle through and keep their head above water. Maintaining their lead as the set moved into the later stages.

Some missed swings by Aurora, paired with Jocelyn Jourdan entering takeover mode, Fitch grabbed an impressive 18-11 lead. Forcing The Lady Greenmen to burn both timeouts in the set.

Jocelyn and The Lady Falcons did not take their foot off the gas. Winning the set emphatically 25-15. Setting up a pivotal set number 5, a set in which Fitch was undefeated in the season.
Set 5 opened up with a deafening roar from the crowd to start. As Aurora had the serve to start the race to 15.

Fitch jumped out to a 7-3 lead, forcing Coach Tyler Price of Aurora into a timeout. Fitch rode that momentum to a 13-6 lead in the set, thus leaving Aurora with no timeouts, after using the second.

The Queen Captains of Alyssa Leskovac and Jocelyn Jourdan from that point said, ballgame. Fitch won set 5 by a final of 15-8.

Jocelyn Jourdan broke another school record in as many tournament games. With an impressive 33 kills in the match! Including the one that sent Aurora home.

Fitch now have their sights set on Saturday, October 30th in a matchup with Chardon set to start at 1 p.m.

Set Scores
Set 1: Aurora 25 – Fitch 21
Set 2: Aurora 25 – Fitch 22
Set 3: Fitch 25 – Aurora 20
Set 4: Fitch 25 – Aurora 15
Set 5: Fitch 15 – Aurora 8

Box Score
Jocelyn Jourdan: 33 Kills (New School Record!), 14 Digs, 1 Assist, 1 Ace.
Alyssa Leskovac: 5 Kills, 14 Digs, 3 Assists, 3 Aces.
Erin Burke: 2 Kills, 15 Digs, 41 Assists, 3 Aces.
Ella Sahli: 22 Digs, 2 Assists, 2 Aces.
Sammi Misik: 3 Digs, 1 Assist, 1 Ace.
Afton Roby: 4 Kills, 1 Dig, 2 Blocks, 1 Ace.
Julia Jordan: 7 Kills, 4 Digs, 2 Blocks, 1 Ace.
Jordan Smith: 3 Digs, 1 Assist, 2 Kills, 2 Blocks.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

FALCONS SEND NORTH HOME FOR THE WINTER

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AUSTINTOWN OH- The Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons took on The North Lady Rangers on Saturday afternoon in a D-1 Sectional Tournament game.

In the beginning stages of the first set, it was back and forth, with senior Alexis Rowan and sophomore Samantha Cantrell of The Rangers doing a great job serving. Keeping them tight with The Falcons late in the 1st set.

But it was one of The Lady Falcons scoring runs, propelling them to the 25-14 victory in set number one. Capped off with a fake-set game winner by Afton Roby that led Fitch to the 1-0 set lead.

The 2nd set allowed North to make some great adjustments. Taking the set lead 17-16 at one point. The Lady Falcons battled back and the two schools exchanged scores until The Rangers reclaimed a lead, late, 23-22 in set two. With set two evened up 24-24, Ella Sahli stepped up in a big moment!

With Sahli capturing two consecutive aces to secure the 26-24 victory in the 2nd set!
Set 3 looked to be another battle. But The Lady Falcons spread their wings, after a Rangers score made it 6-4. Fitch went on a 9-point scoring run, with Jocely Jourdan serving, capturing 2 Aces and 5 kills in a set. Giving Austintown a 15-4 lead, and making Jocelyn “The Queen of Kills” at Austintown, with a school record of 352 kills in a season!

North gave it a valiant effort to make a comeback, battling to the very last second. Out scoring Fitch 11 points to 10 down the stretch. But the damage was already done, as The Lady Falcons held it down to secure the 25-15 straight sets victory!

With the win, The Lady Falcons will now meet The Lady Greenmen of Aurora Tuesday, October 26th at Solon High School. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.

Set Scores
Fitch 25 – North 14
Fitch 26 – North 24
Fitch 25 – North 15

Stats
Jocelyn Jourdan: 9 Digs. 17 Kills. 5 Aces
Alyssa Leskovac: 9 Digs. 7 Kills. 1 Ace.
Erin Burke: 7 Digs. 35 Assists. 2 Kills. 1 Block. 1 Ace.
Ella Sahli: 10 Digs. 3 Aces.
Sammi Misik: 12 Digs.
Afton Roby: 4 Digs. 5 Kills. 4 Blocks.
Julia Jordan: 4 Digs. 6 Kills. 2 Blocks.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

FALCONS CLAIM A VICTORY A YEAR IN THE MAKING

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WARREN OH- On October 23rd, 2020 The Austintown Fitch Falcons were in the midst of a 7-0 season. After defeating Twinsburg in the first round, they were set for a 2nd round matchup with The Warren G Harding Raiders.

A matchup that The Falcons and the Austintown community know all too well. Years of back and forth between the two programs. The Falcons were able to beat The Raiders in the regular season last year.

However, it was the 2nd meeting in the 2nd round of the playoffs that is burned into the memory of Austintown a little deeper. The Raiders were able to come into Greenwood Chevrolet Stadium and upset The Falcons 24-10 back in 2020.

After almost a year to the day, Fitch had their redemption shot. As they traveled to Mollenkopf Stadium for their week 10 matchup with Warren G Harding.

The Falcons and their defense came up huge to start the first quarter. Forcing a fumble and an interception from Davion Pritchard off the very talented Dalys Jett of The Raiders.

Fitch grabbed a 10-0 lead at the end of the first, and it looked to be all Falcons in this matchup. But the more things change, the more they stay the same. As those resilient Raiders battled back, forcing a fumble and interception of their own off Devin Sherwood. As Warren grabbed the lead going into halftime 21-13.
The Falcons battled back in the second half, as DJ Williams punched in a touchdown and a pass from Sherwood to Jaden Eley for two points was good! Tying the game up 21-21.

Ryan Powell ran one in for The Raiders on the other end, reclaiming their lead at 27-21, but a key blocked kick by Fitch’s Davion Pritchard kept the deficit at six.

But Devin Sherwood proved once again, that he is a quarterback of many talents. Using his legs to score for Fitch. Another made PAT for the very consistent Josiah Berni gave Austintown the lead 28-27.

Then, as Coach T.J. Parker has shown time and time again, he is unafraid to take chances. An perfectly executed onside kick by Berni again allowed Fitch to recover in Raider territory.
A 29 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Evans, gave Fitch a 35-27 lead. Dalys Jett responded with a 20 yard seed to Tyriq Ivory on the other end. The score was 35-33 Fitch, with Warren Harding attempting a 2-point conversion. One, they were unable to convert, thanks again to a strong defensive stand by Fitch.

With Austintown getting the ball back with 4:28 left in the game. They need one more sustained drive to put this Raiders squad away and complete their redemption.

It was a big dog winner and a sophomore stud in DJ Williams that said ballgame. With a 24 yard touchdown run to clinch the game 42-33.
As The Falcon Faithful know they will host a playoff game in Region 5. Question is, will it be a rematch with The Raiders?

Stats for the game
Passing (Fitch)

Devin Sherwood 15/23, 215 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 1 Interception.
Passing (Harding)
Dalys Jett 10/20, 133 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions.

Rushing (Fitch)
DJ Williams 17 Carries, 84 Yards, 2 Touchdowns.
Devin Sherwood 14 Carries, 48 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Rushing (Harding)
Ryan Powell 11 Carries, 94 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Dalys Jett 14 Carries, 36 Yards, 2 Touchdowns.

Receiving (Fitch)
Tyler Evans 6 Receptions, 97 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Cam Smith 1 Reception, 43 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Receiving (Harding)
Delmar McMillan 2 Receptions, 37 Yards, 1 Touchdown.

Tyriq Ivory 2 Receptions, 32 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Defense (Fitch)
Cam Smith 3 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery.
Davion Prichard 5 Tackles, 2 Interceptions, 1 Blocked Extra Point
Brian Robinson 9 Tackles, 1 Tackle For Loss.
Defense (Harding)

Devin Boss 5 Tackles, 1 Interception
Kincaid Tyson 8 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble.
Dovantae McElroy 9 Tackles, 1.5 Tackles For Loss, 1 Fumble Recovery.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

FITCH GETS WALK OFF FIELD GOAL

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Dramatic finished have become a pattern for Fitch this season. So when the game against Boardman was tied 14-14 late in the game, the Falcons weren’t sweating. They’d been in tight finishes before. As time expired Junior Josiah Berni fulfilled every kicker’s dream hitting the game winning field goal to secure the 17-14 Falcon win.

The Falcons led 14-0 at the half before having to grind out a game winning drive. Their scores came from a short run in from Tyree Mitchell, and a pass from Devin Sherwood to Donnie Ellis. Sherwood was efficient as always going 16/18 through the air with 239 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell split carries with DJ Willians who gained 54, and 51 yards respectively.

Can Thomas ran back a punt return for Boardman to give them momentum after trailing 14-0. Terrence Thomas ran for 55 yards on 9 carries. Sean O’Horo went 65 yards on 12 carries.

Fitch finished the regular season with a Week 10 clash with Warren Harding. Boardman has another big test coming to town as they will host Canfield.