Tag Archive for: Dragons

EAGLES DON’T BLINK IN CONFERENCE CLASH

By Ty Bartell

HUBBARD, Ohio — The Hubbard Eagles delivered a dominant performance at home Friday night, overpowering the Niles McKinley Red Dragons with a final score of 41-6.

Hubbard started strong with a Michael Hazimihalis 90-yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown! Alexander Hackwelder followed it up, scoring a 7-yard rushing touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the Eagles led 13-0. Rome Odem then added a 14-yard rushing touchdown, with Caleb Mackay converting the extra point to extend the lead to 20-0.

In the second quarter, Hackwelder struck again with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, and Mackay’s successful extra point made it 27-0. Hubbard’s Elijah Cochrane recovered a fumble, giving the Eagles possession at McKinley’s 32-yard line.

Niles McKinley managed to get on the board with a 50-yard rushing touchdown by D’onte’ Williams, though the extra point was missed. The Eagles responded with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Antonio Burkley, and Mackay’s extra point put Hubbard up 27-6.

The third quarter saw Hackwelder connect with Michael Hazimihalis for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Mackay’s extra point extended Hubbard’s lead to 41-6. With a 35-point lead, the running clock was initiated.
The final quarter saw no additional scoring as the clock continued to run, concluding the game with a score of 41-6.

Hubbard, now 4-0, will continue its Northeast 8 (NE8) conference play with a road game against the Poland Seminary Bulldogs, who are 3-1. Niles McKinley, with a 1-3 record, will aim to rebound when they host the Lakeview Bulldogs, also 3-1. Both games are scheduled for September 20 with kickoffs at 7 p.m.

DRAGONS COME UP SHORT IN THRILLER WITH WEST G

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- The Lakeside Dragons (1-3) fought fiercely but came up just short in a 36-24 loss to the West Geauga Wolverines (1-3) in a back-and-forth contest on Friday night.

The action kicked off with West Geauga’s Daegan Katz finding the end zone on a 1-yard run with 4:29 left in the first quarter. After a successful extra point, the Wolverines led 7-0. Lakeside responded swiftly, with quarterback Omar Ambriz connecting on a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jay Anthony Williams at the 3:21 mark. However, the missed extra point left the Dragons trailing 7-6.

West Geauga added to their lead late in the quarter when Addie Cook drilled a 26-yard field goal, pushing the score to 10-6 with just under a minute left. The Wolverines extended their lead in the second quarter when Katz scored his second touchdown of the game, another 1-yard run, bringing the score to 17-6 after the extra point.

Lakeside made a statement just before halftime, as Ambriz connected with Zion Thomas for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 9 seconds left in the half. The Dragons’ attempt at a 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving them trailing 17-12 at the break.

The Dragons came out strong in the third quarter, with Williams showcasing his versatility once again, this time with a 24-yard touchdown run that gave Lakeside an 18-17 lead at the 5:56 mark. The momentum seemed to swing back to the Wolverines, however, as Keegan Finn hit Nate Goden on a 12-yard touchdown pass late in the third. West Geauga regained the lead, 23-18.

The most electric play of the game came with just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter, when Williams stole the ball during a handoff and raced 80 yards to the end zone, putting Lakeside ahead 24-23. But West Geauga wasn’t done. Finn answered with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Culek to reclaim the lead, 29-24.

West Geauga sealed the victory with just over a minute remaining as Finn scrambled for a 5-yard touchdown run, bringing the final score to 36-24.

Despite the loss, Lakeside’s resilience and big plays kept them in contention throughout the game. They’ll look to bounce back in Week 5 on the road against the Hawken Hawks (3-1), while West Geauga will host the Edgewood Warriors (1-3) in what promises to be another exciting matchup.


Key Highlights:

  • Jay Anthony Williams: 6-yard TD reception, 24-yard TD run, 80-yard fumble return TD
  • Omar Ambriz: Two touchdown passes (to Williams and Thomas)
  • Daegan Katz (West Geauga): Two 1-yard TD runs
  • Keegan Finn (West Geauga): Two passing TDs and one rushing TD

RAIDERS FINISH OFF PERFECT WEEK

CANFIELD OH- South Range capped off a perfect week of volleyball on Thursday, taking down Niles with a dominant sweep (25-11, 25-11, 25-17) on their home court.

Anna Toy led the attack with 18 kills, 9 digs, and 2 aces, while Hayden Carey dished out 16 assists, added 11 digs, and served up 3 aces. Addison Freedy was on fire with 8 kills and a whopping 8 aces, and Parker Zwingler contributed 9 assists to keep the offense flowing.

Next up, South Range steps outside of conference play on Monday with a road trip to Edgewood. Niles will look to bounce back on Tuesday as they host Poland in league action.

DRAGONS RELY ON TIE TO FLY TO THE BALL ON DEFENSE

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- In this special player profile video, Sam Torres sits down with Tierre Anderson, the junior linebacker for the Lakeside Dragons, who has been making an impact on both the starting lineup and the scout team. Anderson, a full-time starter at middle linebacker, was recently named the Dragons’ Scout Team Player of the Week—a recognition of his relentless effort and commitment to excellence during practice.

Anderson has earned a reputation for being a force on the field, but what stands out is his dedication to making every rep count, even when playing scout team offense or defense. “When I go out there, it’s really for me,” Anderson explains. “I’ll line up wherever they need me—on the D-line, at middle linebacker—and use that time to work on my hands, my moves, and my eyes. I’m getting my teammates better, but I take that time to improve my own game too.”

As the Dragons prepare for their upcoming clash against West Geauga, Anderson knows the work he’s put in on the scout team will translate to game day. Facing a West Geauga team that’s had a tough start, Anderson understands the importance of refining his technique. “I’ve got to work on my hands, keeping my head up, and making sure my eyes go where they need to go,” he says, highlighting his attention to detail.

Beyond his performance on the field, Anderson’s mindset and approach reflect a maturity beyond his years. His tenacity has earned him respect from his coaches and teammates, and he’s determined to keep pushing the Dragons toward success. Be sure to check out the full video as Anderson dives deeper into his role on the team, his preparation, and what it means to be a Lakeside Dragon.

Stay tuned for more from this rising star and watch as Anderson continues to be a cornerstone for Lakeside both in practice and under the Friday night lights.

This player profile sponsored by Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

NILES WINS THE DRAGON WAR AGAINST LAKESIDE

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- In a hard-fought Week 3 contest, the Niles Red Dragons earned their first win of the season, defeating the Lakeside Dragons 26-6. Both teams entered the game looking to rebound from early-season struggles, but Niles controlled the tempo with key plays on both sides of the ball to secure the victory.

Niles struck first in the second quarter with 11:50 on the clock, as Vinnie Broll broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 6-0. Niles extended their lead midway through the quarter when Germaine Dean powered through the defense for a 23-yard touchdown run. A missed extra point kept the score at 12-0 heading into halftime.

The third quarter started explosively for Niles, with Avon Fryer returning the opening kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown, making it 18-0 after another missed extra point. Lakeside answered late in the third, as Omar Ambriz connected with Zion Thomas for a 15-yard touchdown pass, but a failed extra point left them trailing 18-6.

Niles sealed the win in the fourth quarter when Joey Lehman found Avon Fryer for a 24-yard touchdown pass. Although the two-point conversion attempt was no good, the Red Dragons added to their lead when Lakeside was tackled in their own end zone for a safety, bringing the final score to 26-6.

Niles (1-2) will look to build momentum in Week 4 at home against the undefeated Hubbard Eagles (3-0), while Lakeside (1-2) will aim to bounce back at home against the West Geauga Wolverines.

DRAGONS BARTONE IS IN THE ZONE

Ashtabula, OH- As Lakeside High School’s football season heats up, all eyes are on senior running back and linebacker, Nate Bartone, affectionately known as “The Bulldozer.” For the past four years, Bartone has been a driving force on the Dragons’ roster, showcasing his relentless work ethic, fierce playing style, and undeniable leadership both on and off the field.

In an exclusive sit-down interview with Sam Torres, Bartone reflected on his time with the Dragons, expressing how much fun it’s been to play and represent Lakeside. Torres, visibly impressed with Bartone’s consistency and performance over the years, eagerly shared his excitement for what’s to come as the season progresses, naming Bartone as this week’s Dragon Player of the Week.

With a nickname like “The Bulldozer,” it’s clear Bartone’s presence is felt with every snap. Whether charging through defenses as a running back or delivering game-changing tackles as a linebacker, his impact is undeniable. This upcoming profile video will give fans an inside look at the young athlete who has given his heart to the game, and what’s next as his senior season unfolds.

Be sure to catch the full interview and highlights in the Player Profile video sponsored by Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

 

LAKESIDE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JUSTIN SANFORD

ASHTABULA OH- Lakeside volleyball is proud program with plenty of success under their belt.  This season they look to make that continue. Head coach Michael Stafford has the squad feeling the hype of the season.  He knows exactly how much talent he has on the roster and he’s excited for it has to offer.  The Dragons did lose a big senior class last year, but that doesn’t mean they are short on leadership.  There is still a core of experience at the front of their group that will guide the team through the ups and downs that the season will bring.

Coach Stafford took the time to talk with Anthony Hartwig about the season ahead.  He talks about his roster, the expectations of his team and the conference they play in, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Michael Stafford exclusively on YSN.

Presented By:

GREEN WAVE LEAVES NILES STRANDED

By Ty Bartell

 

NILES, OH — The Holy Name Green Wave secured their first win of the season with a 14-0 shutout against the Niles McKinley Red Dragons on Friday night. Both teams came into the week two matchup searching for their first victory, but it was Holy Name that came out on top.

After a scoreless first quarter, Holy Name broke the deadlock late in the second quarter. Quarterback Connor Jamison scored on a 1-yard sneak with just 17 seconds left in the half, and the extra point put the Green Wave up 7-0 heading into halftime.

The Green Wave extended their lead in the third quarter when Jamison connected with Juwan Bryant on a 23-yard touchdown pass with 3:14 remaining. The successful PAT made it 14-0, which would prove to be the final score, as neither team scored in the fourth quarter.

Niles McKinley (0-2) will aim for their first win next week when they travel to face the Lakeside Dragons (1-1) in a matchup of Dragons on Friday, September 6th, with a 7 p.m. kickof

BULLDOGS DON’T BUDGE IN THE NE8

NILES OH- Lakeview continued their NE8 dominance on Thursday night, cruising to a quick sweep over Niles (25-9, 25-6, 25-8).

Mallory Mailach led the way with 18 service points and 28 assists, while Mara Schmader added 10 service points. Molly Stuart and Mailach each fired off 6 aces. Reagan Price was unstoppable with 10 kills, and Ali Parise added 2 blocks. On defense, Addison Allen, Reagan Price, and Mara Schmader each chipped in 7 digs.

Lakeview is back in action on Tuesday when they travel to South Range. Niles will hit the road on Wednesday, heading to East.

GIRARD GLIDES PAST THE DRAGONS

NILES OH- Girard made quick work of league rival Niles on Tuesday night, sweeping them aside in straight sets (25-9, 25-5, 25-8).

Bailey Walters led the attack with 14 kills, while Nico Cochran added 10. Chloe Plant was in command, dishing out 30 assists. From the service line, Alexis Pieton racked up 15 points, with Walters adding 9. Walters and Cochran also delivered 4 aces each, with Ava Serrano chipping in 3. On defense, Kyra Bell had 8 digs, while Walters and Serrano each picked up 5. At the net, Pieton, Brooke Perry, Cochran, Walters, and Fiona Allen each recorded a block.

Girard will get right back at it on Wednesday as they test themselves hosting Crestview.