Tag Archive for: Devil’s Hour

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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KING KRUT

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In a recent spirited episode of YSN’s “The Devil’s Hour,” guest Dylan Krut, a junior at Western Reserve High School, shed light on his football journey and the camaraderie within his team. The episode, hosted by Billy Capabianka, marked Capabianka’s debut as he filled in for the usual host, Christopher Colucci.

Krut, who plays as the starting right guard on the offensive line and contributes on defense as a defensive tackle, expressed enthusiasm about his role. “I get to pull a lot, actually,” Krut shared, highlighting his excitement for plays that allow him to move with the ball, a sentiment echoed by Capabianka from his own days on the offensive line.

The conversation delved into the challenges and triumphs of building a cohesive offensive line unit. With only two returning starters, including Krut, the team faced the task of integrating new members. “It was different getting a good connection, but we’re getting there,” Krut explained.

Reflecting on a tough game against Springfield, Krut emphasized the importance of learning from adversity. “We just got a chip on our shoulder going into this week,” he said, looking ahead to their upcoming conference game against Waterloo.

Family support also plays a crucial role in Krut’s sports journey. With his brother Dominic on the team as a freshman wide receiver and defensive back, and his parents’ unwavering support, Krut acknowledges the critical backing from his home front.

As the season progresses, Krut is focused on personal and team goals. “I just want to get some more pancakes, a little bit more tackles, some TFLs [tackles for loss], and win out the rest of the regular season,” he stated.

With their sights set on the conference games and playoffs, the Western Reserve offensive line, under the guidance of Coach Derek Accord, continues to build strength and unity. Krut’s passion and commitment shine through, exemplifying the spirit of high school football and the bond within the team.

YSN’s “The Devil’s Hour” provided an engaging platform for Krut to share his journey, underscoring the importance of teamwork, resilience, and family in high school sports.

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FRIENDS AND FELLOWS

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In an engaging episode of “The Devil’s Hour” on the YSN podcast, senior volleyball setter Haylee Fellows from Western Reserve High School shared insights on her team’s current season, the significance of community support, and her future aspirations. The discussion shed light on the rigorous journey of the team and Haylee’s personal growth as a player and a leader.

As the team grappled with the loss of four pivotal seniors from the previous year, Haylee acknowledged the initial hardships of filling such large shoes. “We all knew coming in that it was going to be harder losing those four seniors,” she remarked. Despite a challenging start, perseverance and hard work during the summer and school season have brought significant improvements. “We’re playing a lot harder, we’re playing a lot better,” she affirmed.

Diving into the nuances of volleyball, Haylee explained the difference between positions, highlighting her own journey as a setter from 7th grade, chosen for her speed and precise hand skills. Her passion for the sport has been unwavering since her first practice, driven by the unique excitement of the game. “It’s just fun diving everywhere, and I just really like it,” Haylee said.

Looking to the future, Haylee praised the underclassmen who are poised to step into leadership roles. She specifically mentioned Quincy Miller, a junior already demonstrating significant leadership qualities. Haylee expressed confidence in the younger players on the JV team, seeing a bright future for the program.

The episode also touched on the importance of community support, particularly the presence of large, enthusiastic crowds at their games. Haylee emphasized how the crowd’s energy boosts the team’s performance, even sharing how supportive spectators can provide tactical advantages during matches.

On a personal note, Haylee plans to attend Youngstown State University to pursue nursing, though she currently has no plans to continue playing sports at the collegiate level. When asked lighthearted rapid-fire questions, she revealed her love for sour candy and her job at Handles, where French Silk Pie is her current favorite ice cream flavor.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Haylee Fellows and the Western Reserve volleyball team, inspired by their resilience and camaraderie.
For more in-depth coverage and interviews, listen to “The Devil’s Hour” on YSN.

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NATE THE GREAT

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- The first week of the high school football season kicked off with a bang as Nate Alexander, junior defensive back for Western Reserve, delivered a spectacular performance that had fans on the edge of their seats. In an adrenaline-filled game against Crestview, Alexander secured the defensive player of the game title with an impressive interception that shifted the momentum in his team’s favor.

Reflecting on his standout play, Alexander shared his insights on the summer preparations that led to this moment. “We knew Crestview’s running backs were coming hard, and we were ready to hit them back,” he explained, brimming with excitement from his first varsity start. His clutch interception was not only a pivotal moment but also a personal triumph.

Last week’s game against McDonald was no short of a thriller, going all the way into overtime. “Their kicker got hurt, so we kind of knew they were going to go for two,” Alexander said, explaining the team’s strategy. The game ended on a high note for Crestview, effectively shutting down McDonald’s two-point conversion attempt.

As the season progresses, Alexander’s focus now shifts to Louisville, a team that knocked Crestview out of the playoffs last year. “We really want to get it back for our seniors,” he admitted, motivated by last season’s bitter end. With a promising season ahead, Alexander and his teammates are keen to make amends and push deeper into the playoffs.

Outside the gridiron, Alexander is looking at a future in physical therapy, inspired by his own experiences overcoming a freshman year injury. While college plans are still forming, he hopes to stay close to home, mentioning Kent State and Youngstown State University as possible destinations.

Whether it’s dreaming of physical therapy, enjoying team campouts, or plotting their next big win, Alexander’s passion for his sport and his future is evident. With the Browns and OSU as his favorite teams and a love for Skittles and Glacier Freeze Gatorade on road trips, this humble hero is set to make his mark both on and off the field.

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BLUE BERGER WITH A SLICE OF JACK

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BERLIN CENTER, OH-  In a recent episode of “The Devil’s Hour,” hosted live at Ben’s in Berlin Center, seniors Nate Hemberger and Jack Darney shared their experiences, aspirations, and team dynamics with host Chris Colucci.

Jack Darney, who tore his ACL at the end of last season, discussed his grueling recovery process. “It was long and very repetitive,” he admitted. However, Darney’s determination has brought him back to the field three months ahead of schedule. “I’m nine months out—usual recovery is about a year,” he noted.

Nate Hemberger, with an impressive 35 tackles in just two games, revealed his mindset on game nights. “I just like to hit everybody,” he said with a smile. This tenacity and focus are attributes he carries both on and off the field.

Looking ahead, the seniors are eager for the challenges of their final high school season. This week, they face the Columbiana Clippers, known for their strong running game. “We’re expecting a lot of runs up the middle,” Nate explained, while Jack added insight into their defensive strategy, “Their best guys are in the middle, so we plan on running right at them.”

Both players also reflected on their last year at Western Reserve. While Nate looks forward to college opportunities, Jack candidly stated, “I’m just excited to get out of here.” Despite their differing perspectives, both agreed that their team’s intensity and purposeful practice sessions are what make the Blue Devils special.

The episode wrapped up with a nod to rising talents, like Noah Gonzalez and freshman Dom Croup, who are already making impactful contributions to the team.
As the Blue Devils prepare for Friday’s game against Columbiana, the community’s support is palpable. Chris Colucci encouraged fans to continue showing up for their weekly podcast recordings at Ben’s, creating a lively and supportive environment for these young athletes.

For now, all eyes are on the Blue Devils as they continue their season with high hopes and relentless determination.

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

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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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