Tag Archive for: Conneaut

SPARTANS BOUNCE BACK ON THE ROAD

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Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

Jefferson, OH- Looking to recover from a tough loss against the very talented Hawken Hawks, the Conneaut Spartans took on the Jefferson Falcons in a high-scoring battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Spartans, hungry for victory, came out strong in the first quarter, with quarterback Max Gleason connecting with Ethan Osborne for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Bryce Spurlin’s extra point was good, giving Conneaut an early 7-0 lead.

Not content with just one touchdown, the Spartans struck again in the first quarter, this time with Max Gleason showcasing his versatility by scoring a 25-yard touchdown run. Bryce Spurlin once again nailed the extra point, extending Conneaut’s lead to 14-0.

Jefferson, refusing to back down, responded with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Burlingham to Kaige Boczar, followed by Jensen Yaroush’s successful extra point, making it a 14-7 game.

The second quarter continued to be action-packed as Conneaut’s Wyatt Payne bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 5-yard touchdown run, though the two-point conversion fell short. Nevertheless, the Spartans led 20-7.

Max Gleason wasn’t finished yet, as he punched in another 1-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 26-7. But Jefferson wasn’t going down without a fight. Dylan Burlingham connected with Kaige Boczar on a stunning 75-yard touchdown pass, and Yaroush’s extra point made it 26-14.

Conneaut’s offense remained relentless, with Bryce Spurlin tossing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Max Gleason, who was having a stellar game. The extra point was good, and the Spartans extended their lead to 33-14.

In the third quarter, Max Gleason continued to shine, scoring a 9-yard touchdown run, while Wyatt Payne added another touchdown to his name with a 21-yard run. Bryce Spurlin’s reliable leg made the extra points, and Conneaut surged ahead 47-14.

The Falcons showed their fighting spirit in the fourth quarter, with Dylan Burlingham connecting with Devin Salinas for a 16-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Spartans’ lead.

When the final whistle blew, the Conneaut Spartans emerged victorious with a final score of 47-22. This impressive win improved their record to 4-2, including a 1-0 record in the CVC Lake division. Up next, they face a tough challenge on the road against the 5-1 Geneva Eagles in week 7.

Standout performances for the Spartans included Wyatt Payne, who rushed for a remarkable 230 yards and scored 2 touchdowns while also making 2 interceptions on defense. Max Gleason also had an incredible game, rushing for 185 yards and scoring an impressive 5 touchdowns.

SPARTANS BOUNCE BACK IN WEEK 3

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Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

Independence , OH- Trying to bounce back from a tough week 2 loss, the Conneaut Spartans faced off against the Independence Blue Devils, resulting in a final score of 33-15 in favor of the Spartans. With 4 minutes and 26 seconds left in the first quarter, Conneaut’s Wyatt Payne powered through the Independence defense with a 3-yard touchdown run, putting Conneaut ahead 7-0. The Spartans continued their strong start when Independence’s Xavier Wilson fumbled the ball, which was promptly recovered by Conneaut. Then, with just 29 seconds remaining in the quarter, Wyatt Payne added another touchdown to his name with a 10-yard run. Unfortunately, the extra point attempt was no good, leaving the score at Conneaut 13 – Independence 0 at the end of the first quarter. As the second quarter neared its conclusion, Ty Covill of Conneaut extended the lead with a 2-yard touchdown run. However, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. The scoreboard read Conneaut 19 – Independence 0 at halftime. Independence came out of halftime determined to make a comeback. Rocco Ressler managed to get Independence on the board with a 5-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point. Nevertheless, Conneaut quickly answered back with Wyatt Payne securing his third touchdown of the game, this time a 4-yard run, with the extra point good. Max Gleason then showcased his skills with a 55-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Osborne, extending Conneaut’s lead. The third quarter ended with the score Conneaut 33 – Independence 7. In the final quarter, Independence’s Rocco Ressler connected with Tyler Miller for a 17-yard touchdown pass, and they successfully converted a two-point play, narrowing the gap. However, Conneaut’s lead was insurmountable, and the game concluded with a final score of Conneaut Spartans 33 – Independence Blue Devils 15.

Wyatt Payne had a standout performance, scoring three touchdowns and increasing his season total to five after just three games. Conneaut improved their record to 2-1, setting up an exciting matchup against Chagrin Falls (2-1) in week 3, while Independence remained winless at 0-3 and looked forward to a clash with Cardinal (1-2).

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.

CONNEAUT SPARTANS STORM TO VICTORY IN WEEK 1

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East Palestine, OH- In a thrilling display of athleticism and determination, the Conneaut Spartans kicked off their season with an emphatic victory over the Grand Valley Mustangs, clinching a commanding 20-0 win on the grounds of Joslin Field. Despite a brief interruption due to adverse weather conditions, the Spartans showcased their dominance and teamwork, leaving an indelible mark on the early stages of the football season.

The matchup unfolded with palpable excitement as fans gathered to witness the clash of titans in the season opener. Both the Spartans and the Mustangs demonstrated their prowess during a scoreless first quarter, engaging in a tactical battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. However, the second quarter saw the Spartans seize control of the game, unleashing an offensive onslaught that paved the way for their triumphant performance.

The opening salvo was fired by the dynamic running back Wyatt Payne, whose explosive 23-yard touchdown run ignited a roaring wave of applause from the crowd. The precision of Bryce Spurlin’s extra point kick extended the Spartans’ lead to 7-0, setting the stage for a series of remarkable plays that would further enhance Conneaut’s grip on the game.

Wyatt Payne once again emerged as a focal point of the Spartans’ offensive strategy, capitalizing on his exceptional speed and agility to break free from the Mustangs’ defense. With a dazzling 45-yard touchdown run, Payne extended his team’s lead to a commanding 14-0 with 5:50 left on the clock in the second quarter. The accuracy of Bryce Spurlin’s extra point kick further solidified the Spartans’ position.

The relentless offensive pressure from the Conneaut Spartans showed no signs of abating, as Max Gleason showcased his own remarkable skills with a well-executed 6-yard touchdown run. Despite a missed extra point kick, Gleason’s contribution pushed the Spartans’ lead to an insurmountable 20-0 with just 4:21 remaining in the second quarter.

The star-studded performance was fueled by standout players Wyatt Payne and Max Gleason, both of whom exhibited their exceptional athleticism and dedication to the game. Wyatt Payne’s outstanding display of skill and determination allowed him to accumulate an impressive 175 yards on a mere 12 carries, resulting in two awe-inspiring touchdowns. Unfortunately, a third touchdown was nullified due to a Spartan penalty, underscoring the team’s commitment to upholding their performance standards.

Max Gleason’s prowess was equally evident as he dashed through the field for a remarkable 102 yards on 13 carries, punctuated by a well-deserved touchdown that significantly contributed to the Spartans’ resounding victory. Their collective efforts, combined with the cohesion of the entire team, showcased the Conneaut Spartans’ commitment to excellence and teamwork.

The game’s conclusion was marked by a short delay caused by lightning, a testament to the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports. After a mutual agreement between the teams, the game was called with 8:26 left on the clock in the fourth quarter due to the continued threat of thunder and lightning. While the victory was undoubtedly within the Spartans’ grasp, the priority remained the safety of all participants and attendees.

With this triumphant victory, the Conneaut Spartans launch their season with an unblemished 1-0 record, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting campaign ahead. Looking forward, the Spartans are set to host Western Reserve next week, with their sights firmly set on continuing their winning momentum. On the opposing end, the Grand Valley Mustangs, now at 0-1, will take to the road as they face fellow CVC member, the Edgewood Warriors, in what is sure to be another compelling contest.

SPARTANS MARCH INTO FALL: 2023 CONNEAUT FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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East Palestine, OH- As the leaves begin to change and the air takes on a brisk edge, the anticipation of fall football reaches its crescendo. In the heart of Conneaut, Ohio, this excitement is amplified by the resurgence of the Conneaut Spartans football team, fresh off a triumphant 2022 season. With an impressive 8-3 record and the honor of hosting the school’s first home playoff game, the Spartans have their sights set on another year of success as they navigate their first season in the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC).

The 2022 season marked a turning point for the Spartans. Their remarkable 8-3 record and the electrifying atmosphere of their first-ever playoff game showcased the team’s growth, determination, and commitment to excellence. While the memory of the past season’s accomplishments still lingers, the team has set its sights on new challenges and opportunities in the CVC.

Transitioning from Pennsylvania’s District 10 to the Ohio-based CVC conference opens up new avenues for the Spartans. One of the most significant benefits of this move is the potential to accumulate more secondary points in the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s (OHSAA) playoff calculation by competing against Ohio teams. This strategic maneuver not only adds a layer of competitiveness but also showcases the Spartans’ willingness to embrace change in their pursuit of excellence.

The Spartans face the departure of Zack Rice, their all-time leading rusher, who racked up an impressive 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2022 season. Rice’s contributions were undeniable, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt. However, the team’s dynamic quarterback, Max Gleason, returns to the field. Gleason’s versatility, with 761 passing yards, 788 rushing yards, and a combined 16 touchdowns last season, makes him a formidable dual-threat presence for opposing defenses. His ability to maneuver the field with both his arm and his legs adds a multifaceted dimension to the Spartans’ offensive strategy.

Stepping into the role of the full-time running back is Wyatt Payne. Payne’s performance during the 2022 season showcased his knack for breaking open big plays, as he managed to rack up 584 yards and 7 touchdowns while sharing snaps with Rice. Payne’s combination of speed, strength, and resilience promises to be a vital asset to the Spartans’ offensive efforts this year.

The receiving corps of the Spartans will heavily rely on the athleticism of Bryce Spurlin and the wingspan of Thaddaeus Huya to create downfield threats. Their ability to outmaneuver defenders and create scoring opportunities will play a pivotal role in the Spartans’ offensive schemes.

On the offensive line, Scotty Edwards and Jaydon Anderson serve as the anchors. Their blend of strength and tactical awareness provides a solid foundation for the team’s offense. This duo’s ability to protect their quarterback and create openings for the running game is essential for the team’s success.

Defensively, the Spartans are poised to continue their dominance from the previous season. Ty Covill, the tackle artist, is back after amassing 92.5 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 5 quarterback sacks in 2022. Covill’s ability to disrupt plays and halt the progress of opposing offenses is a key component of the Spartans’ defensive prowess.

Jaydon Anderson, a cornerstone of the defense, returns after achieving 16 tackles for loss and 4 sacks during the previous season. His tenacity and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield provide a crucial advantage for the Spartans’ defense.

Wyatt Payne’s role as a ball hawk was evident in his 5 interceptions during the 2022 season. His ability to read the opposing offense and make crucial interceptions adds an element of unpredictability to the Spartans’ defensive strategy.

The move to the CVC conference brings an exciting new schedule for the Spartans. Facing eight new opponents, including Grand Valley, Independence, Chagrin Falls, Hawken, Jefferson, Geneva, Lakeside, and Madison, the Spartans are preparing for a diverse range of challenges. However, they won’t stray far from their roots, as the Ashtabula County’s oldest rivalry game against the Edgewood Warriors remains a highlight on the schedule.

Head coach Rocco Dobran’s enthusiasm is palpable as he looks forward to the upcoming season. The mix of experienced veterans and eager young talents has Dobran confident in the team’s unlimited potential and prospects for success.

The Spartans’ journey commences on August 17th, 2023, as they take on the Grand Valley Mustangs at home. For fans and enthusiasts, all of the Spartans’ games can be followed on the dedicated platform for Ashtabula County high school sports, www.YSNlive.com.

As the Conneaut Spartans embark on this new chapter, their determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence shine brightly. With a blend of seasoned players and fresh talents, they are primed to leave an indelible mark on the gridiron in 2023 and beyond.

BADGER SEEMS UNSTOPPABLE

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CONNEAUT, OHIO- The Badger Braves traveled to Conneaut to take on the Spartans. Badger struggled in the first quarter to get things into rhythm as they led the Spartans 13-12. The Braves then went on a huge offensive run, scoring 29 points in the 2nd quarter to take a 42-17 lead at the half.

The 2nd half continued to go the Braves way as Duncan Moy dropped 25 points, along with 3 three pointers. The Braves were also led by Brad Hamilton, who also had 3 three pointers on his way to 20 points and freshmen sensation, Preston Geracitano, who added 18 points.

The Braves offense was just too much for the Spartans to handle as they fell to the Braves by a final score of 74-29. The 10-0 Braves will return to play on Tuesday at home against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers. 

*Contributed By YSN’s Matt Morrison

CONNEAUT CARRIES ON THE MOMENTUM

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COLUMBIANA OH- The Clippers we’re hopeful coming in to Week 3 of the high school football season. Last week, they were plays away from victory falling in a heartbreaker to McDonald 14-13. Conneaut on the other hand came in on the other end of the spectrum. They won in thrilling fashion 20-17 in overtime over Western Reserve. They have found success behind their star running back Zack Rice who had another strong performance as Conneaut rolled 38-14.

Columbiana will try to get their first win of the season in Week 4 as they travel to Wellsville. Conneaut will travel across the border next week to take on Corry.

EDGEWOOD OPENS WITH A THRILLING WIN

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ASHTABULA OH- In their YSN debut Edgewood, and Conneaut put on an absolute show. In a old school physical grudge match, Edgewood scored a late two point conversion to win 15-14.

After a scoreless first quarter, Conneaut scored first. Wyatt Payne capped off a 71 yard scoring drive with a 4 yard touchdown.  Edgewood would respond with a flash. A 70 yard interception return for a touchdown by Jacob Ernst tied the game at 7-7.

After Payne’s second trip to pay dirt of the night, Conneaut took a 14-7 lead. With time winding down in the game, Edgewood had one final drive left in them.  After a couple of tries at the goal line, Edgewood finally punched one in as Seth Enos scored from 6 yards out.  But the Warriors weren’t done, they made the gutsy decision to go for the lead with a two point conversion. It paid off as the try succeeded and it gave Edgewood the 15-14 win.

Edgewood will hit the road in Week 2 as they play at Grand Valley on Friday. Conneaut will travel to Western Reserve for another road test.

UNITED IS READY FOR THE BIG STAGE

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HANOVERTON OH- The postseason stage always requires teams to kick it into another gear if they want their season to continue.  The top of the United batting order did just that as it answered the call en route to a 10-0 win over Conneaut Tuesday in Hanoverton.

Hitters 1-4 in the Eagles lineup amassed 10 of the 13 hits in the 5 inning victory.  Lead off hitter Samantha Lippiatt did her job at the plate all night reaching base all 4 times while collecting 3 hits and an RBI. Tori Firth continued her hitting ways at the dish.  Already the Home Run Queen of Hanoverton, Firth came through with 2 doubles plating 3 runs giving her 85 RBI for her career.

Firth, just a junior, now owns both the career Home Run and RBI records at United. Teammate Colby Burton, as she has done for most of the year, served as great protection behind Firth in the Eagles lineup going 3-3 with 3 RBI. Joshlyn Irey & Brielle Rose each contributed 2 hits for United in the victory.

Tori Firth shut down Spartans hitters in the circle going 7 innings surrendering just 2 hits and striking out 10. The victory Tuesday sets the stage for a great local postseason matchup.

United, the 11th seed,  travels to 4th seeded Crestview in the sectional final on Thursday at 5pm.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

TIGERS SHUT DOWN CONNEAUT

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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH-

Abby Joseph shut down Conneaut, throwing a complete game shutout and leading Springfield to a 9-0 victory on Tuesday

Springfield secured the victory thanks to six runs in the fourth inning. The offensive onslaught came from a triple by Joseph, a single by Briana Holt, and an error on a ball put in play by Gianna Piccuta.

The Tigers tallied six runs in the fourth inning. Holt, Piccuta, and Joseph each drove in runs during the inning.

A single by Kaitlyn Bean in the first inning was a positive for Conneaut.

Joseph was in the circle for Springfield. The bulldog allowed one hit and zero runs over seven innings, striking out 14.

Isabella Danforth started the game for Conneaut. Danforth went six innings, allowing nine runs on four hits and striking out eight.

Joseph went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Springfield in hits.

Bean led Conneaut with one hit in three at bats.

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