Tag Archive for: Blue Devils

MAHONING VALLEY SPORTS

MCDONALD DIGS DEEP TO CRASH CLIPPERS

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MCDONALD, OH- In a closely contested football matchup between the Columbiana Clippers and the McDonald Blue Devils, it was the McDonald Blue Devils who emerged victorious with a final score of 21-14. The game was filled with exciting plays and competitive action that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The first quarter kicked off with a bang as the Columbiana Clippers wasted no time making their mark on the scoreboard. Liam Surgenevic of Columbiana broke free for an impressive 67-yard touchdown run, putting his team ahead 7-0. Aidan Radcliff successfully converted the PAT to extend their lead.

The second quarter saw a response from the McDonald Blue Devils. With just 40 seconds left on the clock, Drew Zajack of McDonald powered through for a 3-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 7-7. James Hipple’s accurate PAT kick ensured that both teams remained even going into halftime.

As the action resumed in the third quarter, Columbiana was determined to regain their lead. With only 57 seconds remaining in the quarter, Parker Bush managed a 2-yard touchdown run, giving his team a 14-7 advantage over the McDonald Blue Devils. Aidan Radcliff once again successfully converted the extra point.

The fourth quarter proved to be the most intense and pivotal phase of the game. The McDonald Blue Devils staged an impressive comeback. With 9 minutes and 8 seconds left on the clock, Drew Zajack connected with Jordan Perry for a remarkable 68-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score once more at 14-14. James Hipple’s PAT was spot on.

With the clock winding down and the game hanging in the balance, McDonald’s Drew Zajack stepped up again, this time with a 1-yard touchdown run. With just 3 minutes and 16 seconds left in the game, McDonald surged ahead to a 21-14 lead after another successful PAT by James Hipple.

Despite the Columbiana Clippers’ efforts to mount a late-game comeback, the McDonald Blue Devils’ defense held firm, securing their 21-14 victory when the final whistle blew.

BLUE DEVILS WIN A THRILLER ON THE ROAD

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Conneaut, OH- The game between the Conneaut Spartans and the Western Reserve Blue Devils was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The scoreboard reflected the intense competition, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess and determination to secure victory.

In the second quarter, Conneaut’s Max Gleason kicked off the scoring with a 5-yard running touchdown, followed by a successful extra point, giving Conneaut an early 7-0 lead. However, Western Reserve’s Luke Henning quickly responded with a 6-yard running touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7 after the extra point.

As the clock ticked down in the second quarter, Max Gleason once again seized the spotlight with an impressive 71-yard run for another Conneaut touchdown. The extra point extended their lead to 14-7. Not to be outdone, Western Reserve’s Luke Henning connected with Ethan Cannon for a 23-yard pass, resulting in a touchdown and tying the game at 14-14 just before halftime.

The third quarter saw Max Gleason’s dominance continue, as he powered through for a 3-yard touchdown run, putting Conneaut ahead 21-14 after the successful extra point. However, Western Reserve’s Luke Henning refused to let his team fall behind, orchestrating a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to even the score at 21-21 following the extra point.

With the game hanging in the balance, Conneaut’s Bryce Spurlin stepped up and nailed a 40-yard field goal, giving Conneaut a narrow 24-21 advantage with 6:33 left in the fourth quarter. The tension remained high as Luke Henning led Western Reserve’s offense down the field, ultimately executing a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:26 left on the clock. The extra point pushed Western Reserve into the lead, 28-24.

Despite a valiant effort from the Conneaut Spartans, time ran out, and the Western Reserve Blue Devils emerged victorious with a final score of 28-24. The Conneaut Spartans, now 1-1, would face the Independance Blue Devils in an away game in week three, while the Western Reserve Blue Devils, also 1-1, would host the Columbiana Clippers. The game showcased the resilience and skill of both teams and left fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming matchups.

KLOCK STOPPING TALENT

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MCDONALD OH- In the intricate world of volleyball, Megan Klockner stands tall as a setter—a position often likened to that of a quarterback in football. With remarkable finesse and strategic prowess, Klockner has become the driving force behind the McDonald High School volleyball team. But her journey to this point has been marked by challenges and resilience that have only fueled her determination to excel.

In 2022, Klockner’s season was cut short by an untimely injury—an adversity that tested her mettle both physically and mentally. However, the setback only served to strengthen her resolve. Now, in 2023, she’s back in action and at full strength, reminding us all of the tenacity that defines her character.

Few stories illustrate perseverance as vividly as Klockner’s. Overcoming obstacles has become a hallmark of her journey. A true testament to her spirit is the unwavering support of her father, Mike Klockner, who also happens to be the head coach of the team. Their dynamic goes beyond the typical player-coach relationship, embodying a shared passion for the sport and an unbreakable bond.

Klockner’s commitment to her craft extends beyond the high school season. In the off-season, she engages in high-level club volleyball, a testament to her dedication to continually hone her skills. This dedication was evident in her 2022 stats, where she amassed 191 assists over 24 sets played, averaging an impressive 8 assists per set. Her contributions spanned across the court, with 78 digs, 14 aces, and 6 blocks showcasing her all-around prowess.

The start of 2023 has brought fresh opportunities for Klockner to shine. In just two games, she’s managed an astounding 52 assists, averaging 8.7 assists per set, along with 8 aces and 16 digs. These statistics exemplify not only her skill but also her ability to elevate the team’s performance.

As Klockner’s high school journey nears its conclusion, the future holds exciting prospects. With her sights set on college, she plans to continue her volleyball journey, ready to make an impact on a new stage. Megan Klockner’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unrelenting passion for the sport she loves—an inspiration to her teammates, peers, and all who witness her remarkable journey.

 

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KLOCKNER HITS MILESTONE IN MCDONALD’S SWEEP

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MCDONALD OH- McDonald’s volleyball team showcased their dominance on the road, sweeping Jackson Milton in a commanding victory with sets of 25-18, 25-17, and 25-15.

The McDonald team demonstrated impressive individual performances. Megan Klockner’s masterful playmaking skills were evident with 29 assists and 12 digs, achieving a double-double. Notably, Klockner reached a significant milestone by achieving her 1,000th career assist at McDonald. Gianna Costantino displayed her all-around prowess with 16 kills and 15 digs, securing her own double-double. Juliana Krumpak contributed 9 kills to the team’s offensive effort, while Miley Titus showcased her defensive capabilities with 14 digs.

This victory solidifies McDonald’s skill and teamwork on the court. With these standout performances, the team continues to excel, and their dominance is evident as they move forward in their season.

WESTERN RESERVE GETS BIG WIN IN MVAC PICTURE

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a riveting volleyball contest, Western Reserve emerged victorious over Mineral Ridge in an intense 5-set encounter, showcasing their determination and skill. The match scores demonstrated the close battle: 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 21-25, and a nail-biting 17-15 in the final set.

Alyvia Hughes proved to be a standout performer for Western Reserve, contributing a total of 17 kills, 4 aces, and 10 digs to her team’s success. Lisa Eichert mirrored Hughes’ prowess with 17 kills and added 8 digs to her repertoire. Quincy Miller exhibited her playmaking abilities, leading the team with 17 assists, while Dailen Brown’s impressive net presence resulted in 7 blocks that stifled Mineral Ridge’s attack.

With this hard-fought victory, Western Reserve is geared up for their upcoming home opener against Heartland Christian on Thursday. On the other side, Mineral Ridge will host Jackson Milton, setting the stage for another exciting round of volleyball action. Both teams’ competitive spirits are sure to make for compelling matchups as they continue their season campaigns.

BLUE DEVILS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

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VIENNA OH- In a thrilling volleyball matchup, McDonald dominated Mathews with a decisive 3-set victory. The scores were notched at 25-5, 25-7, and 25-13, showcasing McDonald’s exceptional performance across the board.

Gianna Costantino and Julianna Krumpak were the stars of the game, each recording 7 kills that left Mathews scrambling to defend. Megan Klockner’s masterful playmaking came to the forefront as she set up an impressive 23 assists, setting the stage for her team’s success.

Costantino displayed her versatility by leading the defense as well, racking up 8 digs, while Miley Titus added 7 digs to keep the rallies alive. Klockner’s serves proved to be a game-changer, as she confidently delivered 12 service points and fired 5 aces past the opposition.

With their combined efforts, McDonald showcased their unity, skill, and determination, leaving no doubt that they were the superior team on the court. Mathews fought valiantly but couldn’t match McDonald’s prowess, resulting in a well-earned victory for the triumphant McDonald squad.

MOTHER KNOWS BEST; WESTERN RESERVE SWEEPS THE BULLDOGS

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POLAND OH- It was the definition of a family affair on Monday as the Hughes family got together for some fun to open up the volleyball season.  Aleah Hughes-Diamond is the head coach at Poland, while her mom, and younger sister Alexis are on the coaching staff for Western Reserve. Aleah’s youngest sister Alyvia is a senior at Western Reserve.  You know what they say? Mother always knows best. This reigned true as the Blue Devils swept their way through Poland for their first victory of the season (25-5 25-6 25-19).

Hughes was one kill away from a double double as she led the Blue Devils offense with 9 kills, and dug up 11 balls.  Lisa Eichert was a solid swinger for Reserve as well finishing with 7 kills. She also collected 16 service points, and a pair of aces.  Ally Jones led the defense in the back row with an impressive 15 digs.  Abby Blair and Izzy Mauro both had a pair of blocks at the net.

Olivia Minehart led Poland with 5 kills, and Izzy Greco added 4.  Bella Khoury played well in the back row gathering 9 digs.  Mya Scott set up the offense well with 6 assists on the night.

Both teams are back in action on Tuesday as Western Reserve travels to Mineral Ridge for a big MVAC matchup, and Poland opens up NE8 play at home vs Struthers.

BLUE DEVILS TOO HOT TO HANDLE

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MCDONALD, OH- The Southern Local Indians faced off against the McDonald Blue Devils in an intense football match that delivered excitement and drama until the very end. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams battled for dominance on the field in week one.

**1st Quarter:**
The game started with both teams struggling to break the deadlock, with the score remaining 0-0. However, Southern Local quickly shifted the momentum in their favor with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion rush. This put Southern Local ahead 8-0. McDonald received the kickoff and managed to drive down the field, culminating in a 40-yard passing touchdown from Kyle Puckett to Casey Miller. Unfortunately for McDonald, the point-after attempt was missed, leaving the score at 8-6 in favor of Southern Local at the end of the first quarter.

**2nd Quarter:**
The second quarter witnessed back-and-forth action, with both teams displaying strong defensive efforts. McDonald’s Drew Zajack scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown, but the two-point conversion was unsuccessful. Southern Local responded with a 5-yard rushing touchdown of their own by Jamar Allen, but once again, the two-point conversion was not converted. The half ended with a score of 14-12 in favor of Southern Local.

**3rd Quarter:**
McDonald came out strong in the third quarter, with Drew Zajack finding the end zone once again on a 7-yard rushing touchdown. However, the two-point conversion attempt was once again unsuccessful. Southern Local answered with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion rush, pushing their lead to 22-18 by the end of the third quarter.

**4th Quarter:**
As the game entered its final quarter, McDonald’s Kyle Puckett orchestrated a crucial 29-yard passing touchdown to Jordan Perry, putting them ahead 24-22. The point-after attempt was converted, extending McDonald’s lead to 25-22. In a dramatic turn of events, McDonald recovered a fumbled kickoff return by Southern Local. McDonald managed to maintain possession of the ball and run out the clock, securing their hard-fought victory with a final score of 25-22.

The game was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams, as they battled through touchdowns, conversions, interceptions, and fumbles. Despite the ups and downs, the McDonald Blue Devils managed to emerge victorious in a thrilling contest against the Southern Local Indians, with a final score of 25-22.

WESTERN RESERVE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH KRISIE HUGHES

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BERLIN CENTER OH- The quest for a championship is a long road. For Western Reserve Volleyball it all starts in the summer. The Blue Devils have a MVAC trophy in their sights. It wouldn’t be any small feat either. The MVAC Scarlett Tier is one of the most highly contested conferences in the YSN family. You could make four solid cases for a team to end the season at the top. Western Reserve is going to work to their limits every day to try to be that team. Head coach Krisie Hughes sets that standard. We’ll know a lot about the Blue Devils from the jump as their second game of the year will be against reigning MVAC champions Mineral Ridge.

Coach Hughes was kind enough to take the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig about the upcoming campaign.  They talk about how the core of leadership will help the future of the program, squaring off with her daughter in the first game of the season, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Krisie Hughes only on YSN!

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MCDONALD VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MIKE KLOCKNER

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MCDONALD OH- It’s that time of year again. The summer months are winding down, which means the volleyball nets are starting to come out. In what should be a fantastic season for area volleyball, McDonald hopes to be consistently in the conversation.  With third year head coach Mike Klockner coming back to take the reins, McDonald will be a tough out. They return almost everyone on their roster, only graduating two seniors.  Their schedule will prepare them for whatever they face in the district bracket. Their MVAC schedule is hard enough, but they’ve added the likes of Lakeview, Crestview, and Canfield to their slate.

Coach Klockner was kind enough to give some time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to help preview the season.  Hear from coach about returning players, the team’s biggest strengths, and so much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner With Mike Klockner only on YSN!

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