Tag Archive for: Bulldogs

THE ‘CIERRI ON TOP

POLAND, OH – The Poland Bulldogs football team has been on of those football teams in the Youngstown area that has always been led by great players but has also always been one of the premier programs in the area. This year’s squad is no different as they are led by a great group of seniors and one of those senior is Matt Boccierri. Matt “bleeds” Poland blue and loves the challenge of leading this team week to week. His play on the football field speaks for itself as he is always flying around making plays from his linebacker position and always seems to be in the right position to make the big play or gain the necessary yards on offense when the Bulldogs need it most!

YSN’s own, Steve Leslie was able to sit down with Matt this week at Combine Brothers to discuss his football season so far, what his thoughts are for after graduation, what his outlook is on this season and the week two match up with the Howland Tigers, and a rapid fire questionnaire where we get to learn more about what makes Matt the person and player he is!

This week’s exclusive player profile with senior Bulldogs star, Matt Boccierri is LIVE!

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POLAND BULLDOGS FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP. 1) WITH TOM PAVLANSKY

POLAND, OH – Coming off an impressive 38-6 victory in week one over the Salem Quakers, head coach Tom Pavlansky and his Poland Bulldogs are looking to keep that momentum going. The Bulldogs took over against Salem and never looked back, Coach Pav had his defense finely tuned and looking like it was in mid season form right from the opening kickoff. Up next for Poland will be another road test as they will travel up to Howland to take on an 0-1 Tigers squad looking to rebound themselves.

YSN’s own, Steve Leslie was able to sit down with Coach Pavlansky this week at Combine Brothers to discuss last week’s victory, what his takeaways were after seeing the film and what the Dogs will need to work on this week at practice, what his outlook is for the Howland Tigers game this week, and much more!

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POLAND VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ALEAH DIAMOND

POLAND OH- Its the dawn of another volleyball season, and excitement is bubbling over. Poland is very excited about the outlook of their season. They have a culture that is firmly in place now that Aleah Diamond is in her 3rd year as head coach.  That added with an impressive freshman class that had a ton of success in their middle school seasons, the Bulldogs are ready to go in 2023.  Their season opens up with a matchup against Western Reserve on August 21st.  Krisie Hughes will be on the other bench, who is coach Diamond’s mother.  It’s a good ole family rivalry to open the year.

Coach Diamond took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to discuss the upcoming season.  They talk about what the roster looks like,  who will step up as a leader for the Bulldogs this year, and so much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Aleah Diamond only on YSN.

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PHOTO CREDIT: LOOKING AT LORI'S VIEW

NEWTON FALLS OUTLASTS EP

NEWTON FALLS, OH- The Newton Falls Tigers looked to open up their season with a victory on their own turf, and did just that to the tune of 48-34 over East Palestine on Friday Night.

The Tigers stormed out of the gates with a combined 42 points in the first half, while only giving up a pair of Bulldog scores and the mid-way point.  However, the Bulldogs would bounce back in the second act, outscoring the Tigers 22-6 to build momentum toward Week 2.

The Newton Falls Tigers started the game with a rush, as Kegan Howard scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown, taking an early lead of 6-0 in the first quarter. However, the point-after attempt was missed, leaving the score at 6-0.

East Palestine responded by receiving the kickoff but was unable to capitalize, resulting in a punt to Newton Falls. The Tigers quickly extended their lead with a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Carter Rapczak, putting them ahead 12-0 after a successful point-after attempt by Nick Lampman.

East Palestine managed to break through as RJ May returned a kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-6 after a missed extra point.

The first quarter ended with Newton Falls leading 14-6.

In the second quarter, the Tigers continued to control the game. Gage Phares rushed for a 6-yard touchdown, and Caden Short added a 13-yard rushing touchdown. The Tigers’ defense also recovered a fumble from East Palestine. With successful point-after attempts by Nick Lampman, Newton Falls extended their lead to 35-6 by halftime.

The third quarter saw East Palestine make an attempt at a comeback. Jesse Lipp rushed for a 5-yard touchdown, and Tanner Morrow rushed for a successful two-point conversion, bringing the Bulldogs’ score to 18. However, Newton Falls responded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Gage Phares, increasing their lead to 48-18.

East Palestine fought valiantly in the fourth quarter, with Zach Schnelle and RJ May each adding a rushing touchdown, along with successful two-point conversions. Despite their efforts, the final score remained 48-34 in favor of Newton Falls.

Kegan Howard finished 7/10 for 76 yards and a score under center, while posting 31 yards on the ground and adding another TD along the way.  Carter Rapczak led all rushers with 146 yards on 11 totes, and punched in for scores twice.  Caden Short ran for 35 yards, Gage Phares ran for 97 on 13 carries and found the endzone twice as well.  Jesse Chitwood made the most of his one reception by finding the endzone.

For East Palestine, Owen Jurjavcic went 7/12 through the air for 65 yards and a tuddy, while showing off the ground game as well with 13 carries for 67 yards.  The Bulldog rushing attack was paced by senior Jesse Lipp on 13 carries for 65 yards and a pair of scores.  Freshman RJ May had six carries for 40 yards on the ground and 3 receptions for 39 yards and a score while returning a kick for a touchdown as well.

 

BULLDOGS BREAK OFF THE CHAINS IN SEASON OPENER

By Jerrod Niederhiser 

POLAND OH- Salem was looking to start off the new season in a good way, but after a promising first drive of the season, it was all Poland, en route to a 38-6 victory in week one. The Quakers entered the 2023 campaign with a lot of new faces in key spots, after the graduation of record-setting signal caller Jackson Johnson, as well as weapons and key contributors on both sides of the ball, and the newcomers experienced some to be expected growing pains at the hands of the Bulldogs.

After a scoreless 11 minutes and 59 seconds in the 1st quarter, Dom Pagano got the Bulldogs on the board and got into the endzone from one yard out to make it 7-0 (XP by Stefancin was good) Poland. Pagano would add another TD run, this time of 11 yards, in the 2nd to make it 14-0. After a 24 yd FG by Stefancin, Danny Nittoli would punch in a 4 yard run to end the half at 24-0 in favor of Poland.
Any hopes of Salem getting back into the game were quickly dashed on the opening kickoff of the 2nd half when Cole Fulton returned the kick 88 yards to the house to give Poland a 31-0, and initiate the running clock. He (Fulton) would add another TD run to finish off the scoring for Poland on the night, making it 38-0 after three.
Salem’s lone score would come at the 8:32 mark of the 4th, with Cletis Monroy punching it in from 1 yard out (XP blocked) making it a 38-6 game, which is where it would end up.
On the night, Poland’s rushing attack was led by Cole Fulton (9-106), Pagano (6-27) and Nittoli (8-30). For Salem, Monroy had 29 yards on the ground and another 48 through the air (1 INT), while Marcus Phillps had 14 carries for 50 yards.
Salem returns to action next week at home vs. Beaver Local, while Poland travels to Howland.

LAKEVIEW VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH HEATHER GUTHRIE

CORTLAND OH- Lakeview has seen an era of prosperity inside their volleyball program in the recent past. They’ve been one of the more dominant programs in the area for years.  Last season was one of their best as they were led by a great senior class that was part of 3 league championships.  Those seniors have now graduated and all eyes are on what’s next for the Bulldogs.  If you ask head coach Heather Guthrie however, there is no cause for alarm. It’s true that there may be a new look to the Bulldogs this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be successful.  They bring hungry young talent that are anxious to prove that Lakeview has a lasting program.

Coach Guthrie was kind enough to take the time to sit down with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to give us a in depth preview of the upcoming season.  They talk about the legacy of leadership last year’s seniors left, what the strengths of this team will be now, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner With Heather Guthrie only on YSN!

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EAST PALESTINE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JOHN BISTARKEY

EAST PALESTINE OH- Are you ready for a blast from the past? In East Palestine that is the name of the game in their volleyball program.  John Bistarkey who coached the Bulldogs from 2002-2007 saw an opportunity to come back in to the fold this season to return as head coach.  Bistarkey says that this might be the most talented team he has coached. That’s reason for excitement in Bulldog country.  He is trying to instill a winning culture and confidence into this talented riddled team.  If he succeeds East Palestine could be a big discussion point in the EOAC picture.

John Bistarkey took some time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig. He gave a great look inside what East Palestine might look like this season. They also talk what brought him back, what makes East Palestine a great place, and much more. Check out episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with John Bistarkey only on YSN!

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CALL HER A VICTORY ANNABELLE

CORTALND OH- When talking with soccer coaches across the area, it doesn’t take long to realize that big reason the growth of the game is picking up pace in the area is because the dedication of the clubs that student athletes can get in before they step foot on a high school field. One of the more successful clubs in the area is Soccer Vision Academy. The 15u team is stocked full of YSN talent. Every player on the roster represents a school in the YSN family.

Lakeview’s own Annabelle Humphrey serves as one of the main leaders of the team. She is a huge reason why they have trekked all the way to the US Club Nationals in Denver.  Humphrey brings the leadership from club season straight to the field during the fall. She quickly became one of the biggest young stars in the game during her freshman season at Lakeview.  Her second year with the Bulldogs promises to be a great one as she’ll bring the momentum of this club season where her team has won so much.

Annabelle took the time to chat with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to discuss her club team’s success. She also talks about being a part of such a successful team, building bonds with her teammates, and much more. Check out this exclusive Player Profile only on YSN.

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ROCKIN WITH DORAN

CORTLAND OH- Soccer is growing more and more in our neck of the woods every year. Not only is the success of the local soccer teams during the high school season proof of that, but so is the competitiveness of the club scene.  Soccer Vision Academy has taken a massive step with their 15u girls team. Through a long club season they have earned their way to a trip to the US Club Nationals in Denver Colorado later on this summer. SVA features a roster that exclusively holds YSN athletes. The experience that these athletes are getting has made them some of the best young stars on the soccer field. One of the players featured on the roster is Lakeview’s McKenna Doran.

Doran has already made a big name for herself during her freshman season with Lakeview Doran was key to the Bulldogs run.  She promises to be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of her career at Lakeview, and she’s going to play a big part in SVA’s success in Denver.

Doran took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about her club team’s success. They also talk about how much confidence a run like this gives her, what it’s like playing with so much local talent, and much more. Check out this exclusive player profile only on YSN.

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LAKEVIEW GRABS AN UPSET IN EXTRAS

LEVITTSBURG OH- Lakeview snatched the lead late in the game in a 7-6 victory over Columbiana on Tuesday. The game was tied at six with Lakeview Bulldogs Varsity batting in the top of the eighth when Maggie Pavlansky tripled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run.

Lakeview built a four-run lead in the seventh inning and then held off Columbiana’s charge. Columbiana scored four runs in the failed comeback on an error, a, a, and a single by Mackenzi Gamble.

Columbiana fired up the offense in the first inning. Gamble singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

Columbiana evened things up at six in the bottom of the seventh inning when Gamble singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

After Lakeview scored one run in the top of the fourth, Columbiana answered with one of their own. Lakeview scored when Kennedy Bartlett doubled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run. Columbiana then answered when Ella Chadwick induced Cameron Perkins to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored.

Chadwick toed the rubber for Lakeview. The righty surrendered two runs on four hits over four and a third innings, walking one.

Gamble started the game for Columbiana. The pitcher went six innings, allowing six runs on 13 hits, striking out six and walking zero. Caitlyn Pleska threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.

The Bulldogs collected 15 hits on the day. Gianna Caruso, Izzy Haines, Pavlansky, Isabella Isenberg, Reagan Price, and Bartlett all had multiple hits. Caruso led the offense with three hits in four at bats.

Gamble went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Columbiana in hits.