Tag Archive for: Dylan Smesko

LOWER DEALS AT HIGH LEVEL; RAIDERS SALUTE GENERAL BROWN

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC– It didn’t take long for South Range to remind everyone why they’re a dangerous lineup from top to bottom. The Raiders took over Thursday’s matchup against General Brown with a monster third inning and never looked back, cruising to a 12-1 run-rule win at the Grand Strand Classic.

From the opening pitch, South Range came out with intent. In the top of the first, Brennen Klasovsky got the Raiders on the board with a deep fly to center that allowed Julian Tranovich to tag and score from third. That early 1-0 lead set the tone.

The Raiders opened the floodgates in the second inning. After an error and a passed ball moved runners up, Nico Papuga grounded out to bring home another run. Then, with two outs and a runner on, Dylan Smesko drove a shot into the left-center gap and never hit the brakes—motoring around for an inside-the-park home run that brought the dugout to its feet and gave South Range a 4-0 edge.

But the third inning is where things got completely out of hand.

South Range sent 11 hitters to the plate and racked up seven runs on six hits, forcing General Brown’s starter out of the game. Gavin Hiscox started the party by putting a ground ball in play to score a run. Papuga followed with a hard-hit RBI single, then Jake Shumate punched one through the right side to score another.

With two on, Lincoln Cleevely stepped up and hammered a bases-clearing single into right-center, driving in three and blowing the game wide open at 10-0. Not to be left out, Gaven Nagy added an RBI single of his own to cap the scoring at 11-0.

The offense was relentless, but South Range’s arms and defense were just as sharp.

Wilson Lower was dominant on the hill. The right-hander pounded the zone all game, striking out nine while walking just three across five strong innings. He allowed only three hits and one earned run, a fifth-inning RBI single by General Brown’s Doldo that briefly slowed the momentum but couldn’t stop it.

South Range’s defense was rock-solid, making all the routine plays and flashing some glove work behind Lower. Nagy was also a menace on the bases, swiping four bags as part of a seven-steal performance for the Raiders.

In total, South Range racked up 12 hits, with Cleevely (2-for-3, 3 RBI), Papuga (2-for-4, 2 RBI), and Smesko (2-for-3, 2 RBI, HR) all leading the charge. Tranovich and Andrew Brian each collected a pair of hits as well, keeping the lineup steady from top to bottom.

General Brown mustered three hits and turned a double play defensively, but couldn’t keep pace with the Raiders’ offensive onslaught.

Now 4-0 on the week in Myrtle Beach, South Range will look to keep rolling when they take on Jackson next in what could be their toughest test of the trip.

RANGE RULES THE DAY AT RIPKEN

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- The South Range Raiders made the most of their trip to Myrtle Beach on Tuesday, grabbing two big wins in a doubleheader that showed both grit and firepower.

Game 1: South Range 6, Central Valley Academy 5 (Walk-Off)
Game one was a nail-biter that ended in walk-off fashion thanks to Gaven Nagy’s clutch single in the bottom of the seventh. The Raiders trailed 4-0 early after a rough third inning but battled back to even things up behind key hits from Luke Rohan and Dylan Smesko.

South Range tied the game at five in the fifth when Rohan ripped a double down the left field line. From there, it was all about staying steady and waiting for their moment — and Nagy delivered. Rohan picked up the win on the mound, tossing two scoreless innings in relief after Shaun Updegraff handled the first five frames.

At the dish, Andrew Brian, Gavin Hiscox, and Smesko all had two hits apiece, while Smesko and Rohan each knocked in two runs. South Range also turned a smooth double play to help hold off the late push from Central Valley.

Game 2: South Range 16, Highland Regional 6 

If Game 1 was about clutch drama, Game 2 was all gas, no brakes. South Range erupted for 16 runs on 10 hits and eight walks, torching Highland Regional in a five-inning mercy-rule win.

Julian Tranovich set the tone early with a missile over the left field fence in the first — a two-run shot that got the Raiders rolling. He finished 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. In the second, Brennen Klasovsky stepped up with a big two-run single to push the lead to 6-1, then came back later with another RBI knock to cap off a 3-for-5 day that included 4 RBIs and a run scored.

South Range broke things wide open in the fourth, pouring in five more. Gavin Hiscox went 1-for-3 with 2 runs scored, 2 walks, and 2 stolen bases. Lincoln Cleevely also contributed a pair of runs, 2 stolen bases, and an RBI groundout. Gaven Nagy stayed hot with another RBI and a 1-for-3 effort at the plate, also swiping a bag.

Shumate still found a way to get on base three times via walks and came around to score twice. Dylan Smesko chipped in with 2 RBIs on a pair of fielder’s choices and scored a run as well.

Tranovich earned the win on the mound, going four innings with three hits and three runs allowed while striking out four. He also worked around four walks. Jake Shumate closed things out with a clean fifth, helping the Raiders seal their second win of the day.

Defensively, South Range turned two crisp double plays and didn’t allow any free bases on errors. On the basepaths, they ran wild — collecting 8 total steals, spreading the pressure across the board.

The Raiders will be back in action on Thursday at 1:30, the game will be carried live on YSN.

SOUTH RANGE TOO MUCH FOR INDIANS

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CANFIELD, OH- South Range powered past the Girard Indians in a high-octane game, rolling to a 48-30 victory on November 8, 2024. They kicked things off with an explosive first quarter, with Aiden Dominguez punching through the defense for a 42-yard touchdown, and Tristan Toy following up with a 2-yard score. By the time halftime rolled around, South Range held a solid lead at 21-10.

Dylan Sesko would open up the second half with a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to ignite the Raider faithful.  However, the Indians fought back, with Dom Tallone connecting with Nick Rafferty and then adding a field goal to narrow the gap. But South Range had more up their sleeve. Dominguez kept breaking through, racking up 117 rushing yards on 16 carries, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Toy made his mark, too, with three touchdowns and a sharp 20-yard pass to Heath Crouse for another score.

The defense didn’t let up either. Luke Starkey led the charge with 10 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss, keeping the Indians from building momentum. And in the fourth, Drew Starkey snagged a fumble recovery and bolted 42 yards to the house, sealing the game with his first-career varsity touchdown.

South Range’s balanced game on both sides of the ball proved too much for the Indians, as they walked away with a 48-30 win and a statement game heading into the next round.  This will set up a Week 13 matchup between the undefeated Raiders, and Sugarcreek Garaway.

SMESKO BRINGS IT BACK

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CANFIELD, OH-  The atmosphere was electric at Rominger Stadium as South Range senior Dylan Smesko sprinted 88 yards to the end zone in one of the most thrilling plays of the season. The dramatic kickoff return came just before halftime, regaining momentum for the Raiders against Springfield.

“I was running with my pants on fire,” said Smesko, describing his mindset during the play. “You just see open field and hope no one’s right in front of you.”
South Range’s 2024 season kicked off memorably, marking the fourth consecutive win over Springfield for Smesko and fellow seniors. “We want to get better every day, progress every week,” Smesko emphasized, noting the tough schedule ahead. With six home games and four away, Smesko is excited to maximize playing time in front of hometown fans.

Beyond the field, Smesko’s aspirations stretch into the realm of technology. The senior has his sights set on studying cybersecurity in college. “It looked interesting and kind of fun, honestly. A high-risk, high-reward situation,” he shared.

In the locker room, Smesko spoke highly of his teammates. He highlighted Patrick Lally as a key motivator, Luke Starkey as a steadfast “Stonewall,” and Tristan Toy as the team’s goofball who lightens the mood.

When discussing his legacy, Smesko stressed the importance of hard work. “I want future players to remember that I always worked hard and played hard,” he said, reflecting values instilled by his parents.

As South Range gears up to face Salem next week, Raider Nation is buzzing with anticipation. With leaders like Smesko, their season promises many more electrifying moments.

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DON’T MESS WITH SMESKO

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CANFIELD, OH- In this episode, we dive deep into the world of South Range football and get to know one of their talented players, Dylan Smesko. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the life, experiences, and passions of this outstanding junior athlete.

From his nerves before interviews to his favorite Gatorade flavor, we cover it all. Discover the secrets behind South Range’s close-knit team and the role models that have shaped Dylan’s journey. We’ll also explore his leadership on the field, his love for speed, and his dream job in cybersecurity.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories and aspirations of this rising star in the world of football. So, sit back, relax, and tune in to this captivating episode of YSN, as we present the South Range Player Profile: Dylan Smesko.

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