Tag Archive for: defensive end

FOREVER YOUNG

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In the latest episode of “The Devils Hour” on YSN, hosted by Billy Cappabianca, Jackson Young—junior tight end and defensive end for the Western Reserve Blue Devils—offered an insightful look into his busy life both on and off the field.

Young, who juggles football, basketball, and track, also finds time to manage a slew of animals as part of the Junior Fair program, a task he says teaches him invaluable responsibility. “I get up, go to the barn, and when I get home from practice, I’m heading back to the barn,” Young shared.

Family support plays a crucial role in Young’s life. He spoke fondly of his younger brother Bennett, a freshman, and the pivotal influence of his parents. His dad, in particular, acts as a motivator, often pushing him to go harder and stay focused during games.

The episode also touched on the Blue Devils’ first loss of the season, which Young views as a wake-up call that will galvanize the team heading into the playoffs. “It stung a little bit, but I think that will help us persevere farther into the playoffs,” he remarked.

As the season progresses, Young and his team look forward to three key league matches against Waterloo, Minnow Ridge, and Jackson Milton, aiming for a strong playoff push.

Highlighting his season thus far, Young proudly recounted blocking his first field goal, a moment he credits to the excitement and encouragement from fans and teammates alike.

With a promising future ahead, Jackson Young’s balance of athletic, academic, and personal responsibilities marks him as a standout leader for the Blue Devils. His commitment and passion demonstrate the bright potential within this young athlete.

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THE FIRE BURNS IN ISAAC

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In a candid interview at Ben’s Restaurant for YSN’s “The Devil’s Hour,” senior Isaac Burnett sat down with guest host Billy Cappabianca to discuss his final high school football season. Burnett, a senior leader on both the offensive and defensive lines, shared insights into the team’s dynamics and his personal aspirations.

Reflecting on the transition within the offensive line, Burnett acknowledged the challenges of integrating new players following the graduation of three key linemen. “Last year and the year before, we were some strong guys,” Burnett said, expressing pride in how the new team members have stepped up to the challenge.

Cappabianca, with fond memories of Burnett’s familial ties, steered the conversation toward the intricacies of game strategy. Burnett described the communication and coordination required on the offensive line, emphasizing non-verbal signals and tactical plays like pulling as a tackle—one of his favorites.

On the defensive side, Burnett’s role as a defensive end demands vigilance and strategy. “All I’m just thinking is outside contain,” he noted, reflecting on his focus during each play. His leadership and enthusiasm were evident, particularly in high-stakes moments, which Cappabianca witnessed firsthand while calling the games.

The recent defeat against Springfield has served as a learning moment for the team. “We just know that we have to execute all the time,” Burnett remarked, echoing the sentiments of their coach. With three regular-season games remaining, Burnett emphasized the team’s goal to end the season with a strong record and a deep playoff run.

In his final thoughts, Burnett shared his personal objective to mentor younger teammates and ensure a strong season finish, aiming for a 9-1 record and a successful playoff journey.

As the interview concluded, Cappabianca commended Burnett for his leadership and dedication. The future looks promising for Burnett and the Berlin Center squad as they prepare for the season’s remaining challenges.

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EVERYBODY IS CHASIN’ JASON

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POLAND, OH- In the heart of Poland, Ohio, Bulldogs Bar and Grill buzzed with excitement as local sports enthusiasts gathered for another riveting episode of the Poland Bulldog Show. The standout feature of the evening was an engaging conversation between host Saul and multifaceted Bulldog player, Jason Stefancin.

Jason, who has made a name for himself by mastering various positions on the field, discussed the physical and emotional challenges athletes endure post-game. “After a mentally and physically draining game like Friday night, I like to detach by hanging out with friends and watching football,” said Jason. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on past performances, epitomized by the team’s adherence to Coach Pav’s 24-hour rule—to evaluate the game, then move forward.

Saul probed deeper into Jason’s weekly approach, revealing a mentality of constant improvement. “It’s all about being better than last week,” Jason noted. “Whether it’s addressing penalties or turnovers, or scouting the strengths of our next opponents, the focus remains unwavering.”

Despite the setbacks experienced on the field, the camaraderie in the locker room remained strong. “It’s quiet after a loss; you can hear a pin drop,” Jason stated. “But it’s about picking each other up and getting ready for the next battle.”

A highlight from the recent game was Jason’s flawlessly executed onside kick, displaying his prowess and strategic thinking. “I’ve done it countless times in practice. Pav trusts us to make those plays,” he said, acknowledging the crucial role of special teams.

Jason’s journey this season also saw him transition from focusing solely on kicking and punting to taking on roles as a receiver and defensive back. “I’ve always wanted to be more involved, and the coaches have given me that opportunity. I strive to excel in practice, so they trust me to perform during the game,” Jason humbly shared.

As the Bulldogs prepare to face Hubbard this weekend, fans are eager to witness Jason and his teammates leave it all on the field once again. The Poland Bulldog Show continues to provide a platform where local heroes like Jason Stefancin share their stories, challenges, and unwavering dedication to the game.

Stay tuned for more highlights and interviews from your favorite Bulldog athletes, exclusively on the Poland Bulldog Show.

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VINNY VIDI VICI

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POLAND, OH- At Bulldogs Bar and Grill, the familiar buzz of chatter and clinking glasses gave way to the latest episode of the Poland Bulldog Show. Host Matt Romeo, exuding his usual charisma, welcomed this week’s guest, Vinny Tafaro. Vinny, a dedicated student athlete, was ready to share some insights into his busy life.

They began with the basics. As school resumed, Vinny admitted that math was his favored subject, a choice that immediately connected him with Matt’s own high school days. However, Matt wryly confessed that gym class had always been his real favorite.
The discussion soon veered into the challenges of balancing academics with athletics. Vinny spoke candidly about his daily routine—focusing on schoolwork from morning to afternoon, then shifting gears to football practice. His strategy of taking one task at a time, whether it was homework or hustling on the field, evoked respect.

As the conversation progressed, Matt didn’t miss a beat, bringing up their forthcoming away game against the Firelands Falcons. Vinny detailed the team’s consistent practice regimen, emphasizing that their preparation remained unchanged whether at home or on the road.

With the NFL season on the horizon, Matt couldn’t resist steering the talk towards football fandom. Vinny revealed his preference for college football, specifically Ohio State, but also had a soft spot for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. This led to an impromptu fantasy football query. Matt, eyeing his number one draft pick, solicited Vinny’s advice. Surprisingly, Vinny suggested drafting Austin’s Travis Henderson, a college player, showcasing his forward-thinking approach.

Curious about Vinny’s inspirations, Matt inquired about players he admired. Vinny’s eyes lit up as he mentioned Aaron Donald, the stellar defensive lineman from Pitt, whose hand techniques and athletic prowess he aspired to emulate. Matt, noticing Vinny’s linebacker-like build, found a parallel to Aaron’s own versatility.
Finally, they delved into Vinny’s workout regiment. Vinny outlined a rigorous routine, hitting the gym almost daily with a disciplined focus on constantly pushing his limits. His dedication to improvement left an indelible impression on Matt.

As the conversation wrapped up, Matt expressed his gratitude for Vinny’s time and insights. With that, they signed off, promising more enriching discussions on the next episode of YSN.

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NEWMAN IS OLD SCHOOL

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CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another edition of “YSN/Canfield: Player Profile,” where we delve into the lives and experiences of athletes from the Canfield Cardinals. In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Seth Newman, a senior and defensive end for the team.

We discuss the tight-knit bond of the senior class, their ability to overcome adversity, and the traditions that have shaped them. Seth shares his reflections on personal growth, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and his plans for the future beyond high school.

Stay tuned as we uncover the story of this remarkable player and the lessons he has learned both on and off the football field. Get ready for an inspiring and candid conversation with Seth Newman on today’s episode: Canfield Player Profile.

 

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EAST PALESTINE PLAYER PROFILE: BULLDOG ROUNDTABLE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- In today’s episode, “East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable,” we gather an exclusive panel of talented players from the East Palestine Bulldogs football team. Shane Richardson, Ayvre Klingensmith, RJ May, and Anthony Lehman are joining us, each representing a different grade level – senior, sophomore, freshman, and junior, respectively.

Hosted by the “Voice of the Bulldogs” Tim Figley, this roundtable discussion takes us through the journey of these dedicated athletes, from their offseason training and team improvements to memorable moments and individual accomplishments throughout the season.

As we dive deeper into their experiences, we uncover the challenges they’ve faced, the impact of other sports on their performance, and the camaraderie that drives them forward. From heart-pumping touchdowns to game-changing tackles, this episode provides an intimate look at the mindset and dedication required to excel in high school football. So, get ready to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and the unwavering passion of these remarkable Bulldog athletes. Stay tuned for an episode that’ll have you cheering from the sidelines.

This is YSN: East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable. Let’s get started!

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FOSTER KEEPS KYLEN IT

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In this episode, we have a special guest, Kylan Foster, a senior linebacker from the Austintown Fitch Falcons.

Kylan takes us on a journey through his football career, discussing his passion for hitting people and being an aggressive player on the field. We learn about his underdog mentality, his love for the game, and his desire to excel as an individual.

Join us as we get to know Kylan, his aspirations for the future, and his thoughts on upcoming challenges, including a big rivalry game against Central Valley.

Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with an exceptional athlete. Let’s jump right in on YSN.

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AUSTINTOWN FITCH FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH TJ PARKER

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In this episode of Coach’s Corner, we once again dive into the thrilling world of Fitch Football. Fresh off a resounding 40-6 victory over Euclid. We sit down with Coach T.J. Parker to discuss the game and extract valuable insights from his perspective.

The coach reflects on the team’s performance, highlighting the challenges they faced and the key plays that sparked their success. We also explore the added pressure and excitement of being named the Cleveland Browns game of the week, and how the team handled the spotlight. But the journey doesn’t stop there.

We shift our focus to the upcoming border battle against Central Valley, a formidable opponent with an impressive schedule. Coach Parker shares his thoughts on the distractions that come with such a high-stakes game and how his team maintains focus. Join us as we delve into the world of Friday night lights, strategic plays, and the resilience of these young athletes.

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