Tag Archive for: coaching

WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH JOHN ARMENI

BERLIN CENTER, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Coaches Corner with Coach John Armeni,” the focus was on Western Reserve’s victorious Week Twelve playoff game and the upcoming rematch against Lowellville. Coach Armeni shared his insights and thoughts on the team’s performance, individual records broken, and the importance of the offensive line.

Week Twelve of the playoffs has been a whirlwind for Coach Armeni and his team. It’s hard to believe that the regular season has already reached its end, with playoff football now captivating the community. The atmosphere during their last game against Lisbon was electrifying, with the players showing immense excitement and determination. Practice sessions even took place in the snow, adding an extra challenge to their preparations.

Regarding the victory over Lisbon, Coach Armeni credited their offense for having little trouble during the game. Their offensive line dominated, allowing them to open up running lanes and get their skill players involved. Defensively, there were some struggles early on, but adjustments were made, leading to an improved performance. One crucial moment in the game was calling a timeout and being able to score right before halftime, which boosted their momentum and ultimately propelled them to victory.

Nathan Hemberger, an exceptional talent and the league leader in tackles, played a significant role in the game against Lisbon. Not only did he score six rushing touchdowns, but he also blocked a punt and scored a touchdown off the block. Hemberger’s outstanding contributions broke multiple records, including the most touchdowns scored in a game, most touchdowns in a season, and the school record for Western Reserve. Additionally, Air Henning, with both a thousand yards passing and rushing, showcased his importance to the team’s success.

Coach Armeni emphasized that the personal accomplishments and records are a testament to the team’s overall success. Of course, he acknowledged that none of it would be possible without the support and efforts of the offensive line. The linemen have been dominant recently, and their contributions should not go unnoticed.

Looking back at the regular season, Coach Armeni noted that their biggest win was against Louisville, a fiercely competitive opponent. He praised Lowellville’s coaching staff and their talented roster, including strong linemen and skilled athletes. Western Reserve’s game plan was to control the tempo, which they executed successfully, resulting in a hard-fought victory. As they head into the rematch, the team aims to replicate their previous strategy and turn the game into a battle rather than a track meet.

Coach Armeni mentioned that his players have responded well to the playoffs and are focused on playing their best football. While personal accomplishments and records are great, the primary goal remains winning games and advancing further in the playoffs.

As Western Reserve gears up for their rematch against Louisville, the entire community is filled with anticipation and excitement. The team’s dedication, the spectacular performances, and the resilience of their offensive line have all contributed to their success. With the playoffs in full swing, Coach Armeni and his players are determined to continue their winning streak and make their mark in the postseason.

 

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH COLLIN DOTSON

BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s defensive coordinator, Coach Collin Dotson, shared his insights on the team’s successful season and their upcoming rematch against Lowellville.

Coach Dotson, who has been coaching alongside Head Coach John Armeni since 2015, expressed his admiration for Coach Armeni as a mentor and friend. He described the experience of working with him as “unbelievable” and emphasized the importance of the tight-knit coaching staff at Western Reserve.

When asked why he chose football as his coaching path, Coach Dotson credited his experiences as a player at Howland for instilling in him a passion for leadership and mentoring young men. He shared his love for being around student-athletes and the opportunity to give back by offering them a positive experience like he had as a player.

Speaking about his time at Western Reserve, Coach Dotson highlighted the incredible support from the community. He described the community as tight-knit and caring, with a genuine love for their coaches and players. Coach Dotson attributed much of the team’s success to this community support and emphasized that it was not mere lip service. The genuine care and affection within the community inspired the coaching staff to reciprocate that love.

The camaraderie among the coaching staff at Western Reserve also played an essential role in their success. Coach Dotson spoke highly of the diverse backgrounds and expertise brought by each member of the staff. From former players to veteran coaches, the staff’s tight bond, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements this season.

With a senior-heavy roster, Coach Dotson applauded the leadership and resilience displayed by the players. Despite experiencing numerous coaching changes during their high school careers, these seniors have learned to adapt and have become a tough group of young men. Coach Dotson expressed his gratitude for their buying-in mentality and wished he could have had them on the team for more years.

As the defensive coordinator, Coach Dotson’s aggressive mentality shines through in his coaching style. He enjoys the versatility and freedom that coaching defense provides. Instead of sitting back and playing it safe, Coach Dotson and his defense line up in multiple formations, coverages, and blitzes, making it challenging for opposing teams to counter their strategies.

In terms of their successful season, Coach Dotson stressed the importance of performing well both in the conference and the non-conference games. He highlighted the competitiveness of their conference, including challenging matchups against teams like Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Lowellville, with whom they now have a rematch.

Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Lowellville, Coach Dotson mentioned the advantage of having faced their offense before, allowing for better game planning and adjustments. He expressed confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils, currently the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-2 record, undoubtedly owe their success, in part, to the hard work and dedication of Coach Collin Dotson and the entire coaching staff. As they continue their playoff journey, their cohesive bond and aggressive defensive approach will undoubtedly be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.

 

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IT’S HAMMER TIME

BOARDMAN, OH- In this episode, we have a special guest joining us – the talented Gabe Hammerton, who has been a fixture of our coverage since his early days. Gabe comes from a sports-heavy family, with his father serving as the assistant athletic director and head girls basketball coach.

While he used to play baseball, Gabe decided to focus on tennis and soccer, ranking tennis as his best sport.

We dive into Gabe’s journey, including his team’s challenging start to the season, his leadership style learned from his dad, and his aspirations to go pro in basketball.

Get ready for an exciting conversation as we learn more about Gabe Hammerton’s player profile.

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David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH DAVID RACH

CANFIELD, OH-  In today’s episode of South Range Football Coach’s Corner, we dive into a riveting conversation with Coach David Rach from the South Range Raiders football team.

Join us as we explore the aftermath of a tough loss to a Division II team in Green, the emotions in the locker room, and the valuable lessons learned. We also delve into Coach Rach’s bold coaching decisions, the unwavering faith in his team, and the fearless mindset that drives the players. Plus, we discuss the importance of honoring Coach Yeagley and the celebration of the majestic new stadium that has left everyone in awe.

Get ready to be inspired by the resilience, determination, and passion that defines Raider Nation. Let’s jump right in!

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David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH DAVID RACH

BOARDMAN, OH-  In this episode, titled “South Range Football Coach’s Corner (Ep 2) with David Rach,” we dive into the exhilarating world of coaching with South Range head coach, David Rach. Join us as we discuss his first-ever game as a head coach, the preparation and anticipation leading up to the game, and the emotions he experienced throughout the week.

From the nerve-wracking moments to the proud triumph of securing a victory, Coach Rach shares his insights and reflections on this unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for an inside look at the South Range Raiders’ journey and the passion that drives this football program. It’s time to step into the Coach’s Corner with David Rach!

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