Tag Archive for: Dalton

LAKERS FALL SHORT DESPITE LATE GAME HEROICS

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Photo Credit : Kelly Summers Photography

Andover, OH- In a big time OHSAA playoff clash, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers fought valiantly but fell just short against the Dalton Bulldogs, ending their season with a nail-biting 27-25 loss. Despite an intense fourth-quarter effort marked by multiple goal-line stands, the Lakers’ season concluded with a remarkable 10-2 record, including an undefeated run through the NAC.

The game began with Dalton striking first when the Bulldogs capitalized on a fumble recovery, running it back 30 yards to take an early 7-0 lead. Pymatuning Valley’s Elliot Jones responded with a booming 35-yard field goal, putting the Lakers on the board and narrowing the gap to 7-3.

In the second quarter, Dalton’s quarterback Hignight connected with Tomlinson on a 40-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 14-3. Pymatuning Valley’s offense fired back with a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Croston to Jayce Faulkmen, energizing the Lakers’ sideline and closing the score to 14-10. Dalton, however, struck again just minutes later with Hignight and Tomlinson connecting for another touchdown, though Pymatuning blocked the extra point to keep the deficit manageable at 20-10. Just before halftime, Jones nailed another long 37-yard field goal, sending the teams into the locker room with Dalton ahead 20-13.

The third quarter saw the Lakers surge. Croston powered his way into the end zone on a 2-yard run, though the extra point attempt missed, leaving Dalton with a slim 20-19 lead. The Bulldogs responded with another Hignight-to-Tomlinson touchdown pass, stretching their lead to 27-19. But the resilient Croston once again electrified the crowd, breaking free for a 57-yard touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion attempt kept Dalton’s edge at 27-25 heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth, Pymatuning Valley’s defense held strong, making multiple goal-line stands to give the offense a chance. Despite a relentless push, the Lakers couldn’t find the end zone again, ending their season with a hard-fought 27-25 loss. As the Dalton Bulldogs advance to face the Springfield Tigers in the Regional Semi-Final, the Lakers conclude a memorable season, proudly finishing undefeated in conference play and making a significant playoff run.

DEVILS GO DOWN IN DALTON

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DALTON, OH- The Western Reserve Blue Devils struggled to keep pace with the Dalton Bulldogs, falling 7-1 on Thursday.

The Blue Devils got an early lead when Evan Slaven walked and eventually crossed the plate in the top of the first. But that lead didn’t hold for long, as Dalton took advantage of a couple of miscues to grab a 2-1 lead in the second.

Seth Wyckoff was on point for the Bulldogs, dominating from the mound with 13 strikeouts across six innings while allowing just one hit and an unearned run. Brock Wellman, on the other hand, found the going tough for Western Reserve, surrendering six runs, though only one was earned, on nine hits through four innings.

Vance Story managed the only hit for the Blue Devils, going 1-for-2 to lead his team at the plate. Meanwhile, Dalton’s bats were hot, with 11 hits lighting up the scoreboard. Alex Hess led the charge with a 3-for-4 day, setting the tone for the Bulldogs. Brady Hignight chipped in with a couple of RBIs on a 1-for-3 outing.

The Blue Devils finish their year with a 7-15 mark.

TIGERS ERASE ANOTHER FOURTH QUARTER DEFICIT

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MASSILLON OH- Springfield got to the regional tournament thanks in part to a dramatic fourth quarter comeback in the district semifinals to beat Southern Local.  On Thursday night in the regional semifinals, the Tigers would once again need some magic late in the game.  Dalton controlled much of the middle portion of this game.  After taking a three point lead after one, and a five point lead into the half, the Bulldogs owned the third quarter and took a 29-21 lead into the final frame.  The Tigers did not panic though.  They’d been in this situation before. The Tigers won the fourth quarter 23-4 on their way to a 44-33 victory putting them one win away from a trip to state.

Jacey Mullen put up a tremendous effort again for Springfield. The senior scored a game high 17 points to lead the way. Fellow senior Madi Lesnak found her groove in the final frame as well she scored all 8 of her points in the quarter.  Jameka Brungard was also in double figures for the Tigers with 12 points.

Springfield advances to the regional championship to play the same Buckeye Central team that knocked them out in the regional semifinals a year ago.  The game is set to tip off at 7:00 at Massillon Perry High School.

MCDONALD PACKS UP FOR BIG TITLE GAME

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LISBON OH- McDonald spent their Tuesday night grinding their way to a big win in the District Semifinals. The Blue Devils were matched up with 8th seeded Dalton.  The Bulldogs are historically successful and fought like crazy. McDonald pushed their way to a four set victory.  (25-22 19-25 25-15 25-22)

Maria Rasile put on a show in the semifinals.  She finished with a triple double with 22 kills, 24 assists, and 18 digs.  Gianna Constantino also had a triple double with 12 kills, 28 digs, and 21 assists.  The defense for the Blue Devils was on full display as they got three other players in double digit digs.  Megan Zajack finished with 14 digs, Miley Titus grabbed 19 digs, and Juliana Krumpak gathered 22 digs.

McDonald will now set their sights to the Division IV Lisbon District Championship.  They will meet top seeded Wellsville.  That match is slated for 7:00 on Thursday at Lisbon High School.

JFK HEADING BACK TO STATE

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WARREN OH- The JFK Eagles are making their second trip to the state playoffs in a row! The Eagles had to fight and claw their way through regionals though. It took a narrow 20-13 win in overtime over a scrappy Dalton team that had already upset Lucas to get to this round. Antwan Brown’s interception at the goaline in overtime sealed the win.

Brown had a monster day on the ground for the Eagles. After being held quiet in the first half, he scored both his team’s second half touchdowns on 244 total yards of rushing. Caleb Hadley scored what would end up being the game winning touchdown in overtime from one yard out. The Eagles took just four plays to punch it in.

JFK advances to the state semifinals where they will match up with Newark Catholic. That game will be played at Marlington High School at 7:00 on Saturday.

DEVILS TAKE DOWN DALTON ON SENIOR DAY

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BERLIN CENTER OH- It was a matchup between two regional regulars on Saturday afternoon as Dalton made the trip down to Western  Reserve. A true defensive struggle ended with Blue Devils on top 36-33.

Offense was scarce all game, but both teams came up with big shots down the stretch. First, trailing 30-29 Reserve’s senior Kennedy Miller finished through contact and completed a three point play at the line to put Reserve up 32-30. Then Dalton freshman point guard Adessa Miller buried a three to put the Bulldogs back up 33-32. Miller, and fellow senior Dani Vuletich both hit clutch free throws down the stretch to secure the Reserve win after they fell back behind.

Vuletich finished with a double double recording 13 points, and 10 rebounds. She also had 5 blocks. Miller finished with 9 points.

Western Reserve moves on to travel to Jackson Milton on Monday.