Tag Archive for: Baird Brothers

O’BRIEN NAMED 2023 BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In the heart of football country, where passion for the game runs deep, one standout athlete has risen above the rest. Ashton O’Brien, the senior quarterback for Cardinal Mooney, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year title through an astonishing vote count that surpassed the million mark. This achievement is a testament to O’Brien’s exceptional talent, leadership, and the unwavering support he enjoys from his community.

O’Brien’s journey to becoming the Big Dog of the Year has been marked by a series of outstanding performances on the field and a dedication to excellence that has set him apart. Throughout his tenure at Cardinal Mooney, O’Brien has not only exhibited exceptional quarterbacking skills but has also etched his name in the record books, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

One of the defining qualities of O’Brien’s playing style is his ability to perform under pressure. His calm demeanor in high-stakes situations has proven crucial in guiding Cardinal Mooney to multiple playoff appearances, including the most recent one in 2023. O’Brien’s leadership on the field has been a driving force behind the team’s success, instilling confidence in his teammates and earning the respect of opponents.

The Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year vote, with over a million voices rallying behind O’Brien, reflects not only his individual achievements but also the immense pride and support of the Cardinal Mooney community. Fans, alumni, and football enthusiasts alike have recognized O’Brien’s contributions to the team and the legacy he is leaving behind.

O’Brien’s impact goes beyond statistics and records; it extends to the intangibles that make a great quarterback. His work ethic, sportsmanship, and dedication to his craft have inspired not only his teammates but also aspiring young athletes in the community. The Big Dog of the Valley honor is not just an acknowledgment of his on-field achievements but a recognition of the positive influence he has had on and off the gridiron.

Looking back at O’Brien’s career, it’s clear that his success is the result of a combination of natural talent, hard work, and a genuine love for the game. Cardinal Mooney has been fortunate to have such a stellar athlete leading their team, and O’Brien’s impact will likely be felt for years to come.

As Ashton O’Brien concludes his high school football journey, the Baird Brothers Big Dog of theYear title stands as a fitting tribute to a quarterback who has not only set records but has also won the hearts of the community. The future undoubtedly holds exciting prospects for O’Brien, and Cardinal Mooney will forever remember the quarterback who led them to victory, leaving an indomitable legacy in the storied history of their football program.

COURTNEY LANDS BIG DOG STATUS IN WEEK 7

HANOVERTON, OH- United’s Mr. Do It All, Luke Courtney added one more title this week: Big Dog of the Valley.

The Eagle Quarterback and Kicker extraordinaire garnered the most votes in the weekly contest to etch his name into the history books.

Courtney has helped lead United to a 6-1 mark thus far this season, and has his team comfortably looking to Week 11 seeding already.

Congratulations to the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Valley Winner for Week 6, Luke Courtney!

CREEKSIDE PUNCHES TICKET TO CHAMPIONSHIP

STRUTHERS OH- In a back and forth affair that went deep into extra innings, Creekside advanced to the 18U Championship with a 8-7 win over Roth Brothers in 10 innings. Creekside scored 3 runs in the top of the 10th and had to hold off a furious rally. Roth scored 2, but couldn’t tie up the game and force an 11th inning.

Aaron Posey was crucial to Creekside’s offense going 1-4 with a run scored and 3 RBI. Shane Wockley went 2-4 with a run scored and 1 RBI. Grant Voytovich was 2-5 with a run scored and a RBI.

Cam Hollobaugh was his productive self for Roth going 1-4 with 2 RBI. Zach Lockwich went 2-2 with 1 run scored 3 walks, and a RBI. LJ Evans went 2-6 with a run scored and a RBI.

Brady Hansen picked up the win on the mound for Creekside. He went 2 innings and gave up 1 earned run on 2 hits. He struck out 1 batter.

CREEKSIDE RUNS AWAY WITH GAME 1

STRUTHERS OH- Creekside had no trouble on Saturday’s semifinal game with Roth Brothers as they took Game 1 of the series 13-3. Creekside scored 13 runs on 10 hits while only allowing 3 runs on 4 hits.

Grant Voytovich was a monster for Creekside, he went 2-3 with a run scored and 3 RBI. David Duffalo would not be overshadowed as he went 3-3 with a walk and 3 RBI. Brady Hansen went 1-1 with a walk, 3 runs scored, and a RBI.

Zach Lockwich put together a strong effort for Roth going 1-2 with a RBI. LJ Evans went 1-3 with a run scored. EJ Taylor collected the second and final RBI for Roth.

Ben Petske collected the win on the bump for Creekside. He went 3 innings giving up 2 earned run on 4 hits. He struck out 3.

BIG DOGS ANNOUNCED FOR WEEK 7

EAST PALESTINE, OH- With only a few weeks to go, our contenders for our weekly prize of Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley continue to sizzle and impress with their statistics, and their votes.  This week two VERY deserving candidates were crowned and will now be in the running for the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year in their respective sports.

Without further ado, here are the King and Queen of Week 7:

 

VOLLEYBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

Emma Ludwig -East Liverpool

(vs. Steubenville) 28 kills/3 blocks/2 aces

 

FOOTBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN

Aiden Hall -Struthers

9-11 Pass/164 yards/2 TD/10 Rush/72 Yards

 

Congratulations to this week’s winners, you have made your family, friends, fans, school, and communities proud!  Best of luck this week!

WEEK 6 BAIRD BROTHERS BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

After a big week of voting, we have two champions that have emerged in Week 6!  Our weekly contest presented by Baird Brothers had some downright amazing competition, but the support by the fanbases has been totaled.  Both winners are now eligible for the Big Dog of the Year in their respective sport which is presented to one of the area’s top student-athletes from participating schools.

Congratulations to this week’s victors.

 

VOLLEYBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN

Greta Cartwright -Wellsville- (vs. East Palestine) 24 Assists/4 Aces

 

 

FOOTBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN

Pat Guerrieri – Cardinal Mooney – (vs. East) 86 Yards Passing/72 Yards Rushing/3 TD

WEEK 5 BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

Is the football season really halfway complete?  For some teams the answer is yes, for others, it’s only a third of the way through.  Our Big Dogs of the Valley Presented by Baird Brothers has 5 weeks in the books, and we’re ready for two new Big Dogs to be crowned.

Both winners are now eligible for the Big Dog of the Year which is a seasonal award given to one of the area’s top players from participating schools.

With over 36,000 votes this week, your Big Dogs are:

 

VOLLEYBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

Tess Neville – CRESTVIEW – (vs. United) 14 Points/13 Kills/7 Digs/2 Blocks/2 Aces

 

FOOTBALL

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN/YSN

 

Tyler Lippiatt – UNITED – (vs. East Palestine) 12 Rushes/186 Yards/2 TD/10 Tackles

WEEK 4 BAIRD BROTHERS BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In one of the biggest voter turnouts this season, the final tallies were totaled.  With over 26,000 votes cast in Week 4, we have your winners! Both student-athletes now qualify for the Big-Dog of the Year title handed out this November, congratulations to both athletes and their schools.

 

VOLLEYBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

ELLY EXLINE- SALEM

16 Kills/16 Digs/10 Points/2 Aces vs. Crestview

 

 

 FOOTBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN

MICHAEL VOITUS – POLAND

2 RECEPTIONS/ 2 TD/ 59 YARDS vs. South Range

WEEK 3 BAIRD BROTHERS BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In one of the closest votes in recent history, the final tallies were counted- and counted again for this week’s announcement.  With over 16,000 votes cast in Week 3, we have your winners!  Both student-athletes now qualify for the Big-Dog of the Year title handed out this November, congratulations to both athletes and their schools.

 

VOLLEYBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

MADDIE LIBERATI – LISBON

20 Kills/8 Points/40 Digs/2 Assists vs. Wellsville

 

 

FOOTBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

MARCO FERRY – LEETONIA

9 Rushes/303 Yards/5 Touchdowns vs. Chalker

 

 

WEEK 2 FALL 2019 BAIRD BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

It was a close race this week, but with over 18,000 votes cast in Week 2, we have your winners!  Both student-athletes now qualify for the Big-Dog of the Year title handed out this November, congratulations to both athletes and their schools.

 

VOLLEYBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN/YSN

BRENNA AUER- CRESTVIEW

10 kills/25 digs vs. Mooney

 

 

FOOTBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: MANDY CORBIN

TROY CARTER- WELLSVILLE

173 Yards Passing/3 TD/1 Rush TD vs. Edison