AUSTINTOWN OH- In a thrilling matchup, Canfield showcased resilience to extend their winning streak to eight games, holding off a late rally by Fitch. The game hung in the balance until the final moments, and Canfield emerged victorious with a 51-48 win.
Tony Russo and Sam Castronova each contributed 12 points for Canfield, playing key roles in the team’s offensive efforts. Fitch’s Marcell Finkley delivered an outstanding performance, claiming the game-high with 20 points, while Carter Owens added 17 points in a commendable effort.
Fitch managed to seize a late one-point lead, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. However, Canfield responded with poise, sinking crucial shots and free throws down the stretch to secure the hard-fought victory.
With this win, Canfield continues their impressive streak and will enjoy some well-deserved time off before facing Green on January 14th. Fitch, determined to bounce back, will host Boardman in their upcoming matchup on Tuesday.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/36C5C976-AC10-49A0-B6E9-5E07A2199F7B-scaled.jpeg11772560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2024-01-06 12:22:272024-01-06 12:22:27CARDINALS WIN STREAK STILL GOING
JEFFERSON OH- The last name Hitchcock rings through the halls of Jefferson Area High School. The latest installment of the legacy is current senior Grant Hitchcock. Grant has had an immaculate career at Jefferson at the helm of the Falcons offense. His brother Lucas ran the show, and in 2015 became the program’s leading scorer. Grant spent the year chasing his brother’s record. Now he has the bragging rights as he’s shattered his brother’s record with over 3,500 career passing yards.
Grant is very close to another season with both 1000 passing and rushing yards. That was one thing he was proud of last season. What is more important to him though is the fact that the team is winning this season. The Falcons finished the regular season with a 7-3 record and have earned a home playoff game. They’ll host Poland in the first round. Grant has always put team first. Through circumstances the team has faced this season, Grant has been asked to do many different things in the offense. He has spread out wide, sometimes he carries the bulk of the rushing responsibilities, and sometimes he just sits under center and does his thing.
Grant took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to discuss his final season with the Falcons. They talk about what the team’s edge is this season, what he’s been able to improve at this year, and so much more. Make sure to check out the latest Jefferson Football Player Profile only on YSN!
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/C7F091A1-6E65-4AAD-B23C-C777AF6E3D24.jpeg422717Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-10-26 05:19:222023-07-15 03:50:46HITCHCOCK NOTORIOUS FOR MAKING BIG PLAYS
POLAND OH- Senior night in Poland as the Jefferson Falcons traveled to Poland as both teams are looking to increase their ranking in playoffs. Jefferson was able to come away with the victory. 3 different players for the Falcons scored rushing touchdowns. Jefferson wins 27-13 in week 9.
Jefferson started out their scoring second play of the game with a 56 yard touchdown run by Running Back Luke Funtash. Flacons with the lead in the early going. Second quarter was all Falcons as well. Kicker Jensen Yarosh made two fields from 30+ yards making the game 13-0 going into the locker room.
Poland would make the second half interesting. After Running Back Trent Hodge scored a 4 yard touchdown run for the Falcons, Quarterback Cole Fulton scored two consecutive rushing touchdowns in the third quarter for Poland making the game 20-13. It was all Quarterback Grant Hitchcock and the Falcons from there scoring the final touchdown of the game from 3 yards out. Falcons win 27-13. Poland will travel to Struthers next week while Jefferson will travel to Lakeview. Catch both games live on YSNLive.com.
* Contributed By YSN’s Anthony Melone
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/B293900B-22EF-42B8-916B-32CB11AAF2F1.jpeg6771128Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-10-15 03:07:012022-10-15 03:07:01JEFFERSON SPOILS SENIOR NIGHT
Coming off a loss in Week 6, The Austintown Fitch Falcons looked to bounce back on the road in Week 7. Going from Division 2 Massillon Washington to Division 1 Strongsville, Fitch had the goal of getting back to the run on offense, while putting up better defensive stands. Going into the first possessions, one thing was made very clear, a defensive battle was to be expected. With The Mustangs showing poise and confidence in their red zone and goal line defense against a dangerous, quick-striking, Austintown offense. Forcing fumbles near the goal line, Strongsville was able to create key turnovers that stalled multiple drives by The Falcons. However, Fitch was able to break through on a 21 yard connection from DeShawn Vaughn Jr. to Dominic Perry to help put Austintown up 7-0. The touchdown by Perry marks three consecutive games where the receiver has scored.
After giving up the initial touchdown, The Mustangs were able to get in field goal range and cut their deficit to 4 points, 7-3. Back and forth defensive stops by both teams ensued, with Fitch not helping themselves in the penalty game. Getting themselves behind the chains on offense numerous times, Strongsville made them pay for key mental mistakes. DeShawn Vaughn Jr. showcased why he is not just a threat when he is behind center, grabbing his third defensive interception of the season to set Fitch up before the half. Running it back on offense, Vaughn went to Dan Evans III immediately following his pick to put The Falcons up 14-3.
A second half shutout by the Austintown defense set up three more scores in the second half to help Fitch seal their sixth victory of the season 35-3. The Falcons (6-1) will face their final road test of the regular season, traveling to Wadsworth (5-2) to battle The Grizzlies.
Scores by Quarter
Q1: Fitch 7 – 0 Strongsville
Q2: Fitch 7 – 3 Strongsville
Q3: Fitch 7 – 0 Strongsville
Q4: Fitch 14 – 0 Strongsville
Final: Fitch 35 – 3 Strongsville
Stats (Fitch)
Passing-
DeShawn Vaughn Jr. : 16/17, 231 YDS, 4 TD.
Rushing-
Jamell James: 16 CAR, 94 YDS.
D.J. Williams: 14 CAR, 98 YDS, 1 TD.
DeShawn Vaughn Jr. : 12 CAR, 82 YDS.
Receiving-
Dan Evans III: 9 REC, 100 YDS, 2 TD.
Dom Perry: 2 REC, 55 YDS, 1 TD.
Cam Smith: 2 REC, 35 YDS, 1 TD.
Jayden Eley: 1 REC, 21 YDS.
Jamell James: 1 REC, 16 YDS.
Donovan Bell-Sullivan: 1 REC, 4 YDS.
Defense-
Christian Latone: 3 TAK, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 1 FR.
Coming off a thrilling and dramatic five set win against The Louisville Leopards the night prior, The Austintown Fitch Falcons welcomed in Cardinal Mooney for their first and only match with The Cardinals this season! Mooney came in with a mix of experience and new faces, one name that always shines bright is, multiple sport athlete, Maria Fire! Along with Fire, Mooney brought in some good height that has caused issues for so many offenses at the net this year.
However, a motivated and determined Falcons squad would not be denied on Thursday. Coming in with supreme focus, Fitch looked sharp from the first serve. Speaking of which, Austintown compiled some phenomenal serves across the board, making all the difference against The Cardinals. Wisely, in an attempt to counteract the height the Mooney possesses, The Falcons worked the ball to the outsides with Rylie Simons setting up dimes to the tune of 23 assists, forcing Mooney’s block attempts to fall out of bounds.
Jocelyn Jourdan had double figures in kills once again, putting her 44 away from breaking the program’s all time record (989, Sarah Obradavich). However, the phenomenal freshman play of Kylie Folkwein made all the difference. With a total of 11 aces behind the service line, Folkwein now has 17 in two games, bringing her season total to 34!
Mooney (6-6) will have an opportunity to get back in the win column; however, the task will not come easy with The Cardinals taking the bus ride down to Berlin Center to do battle with The Western Reserve Blue Devils (8-4). That matchup is slated for Monday, September 26th.
The win keeps Fitch (12-1) rolling, but no rest for the weary, as Austintown travels to Girard (11-2) who is coming off a big win against Lakeview. That match will also occur on Monday, September 26th and will be on YSN!
Set Scores
Fitch 25 – 13 Mooney
Fitch 25 – 9 Mooney
Fitch 25 – 3 Mooney
Match: Fitch 3 –0 Mooney
Stats (Austintown)
Kylie Folkwein: 6 Kills, 11 Aces, 9 Digs, 2 Assists. (Player of the Game)
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/A5F49EFC-84A7-4876-985C-24C20F2C70CF-scaled-1.jpeg13192560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-09-23 15:29:502022-09-23 15:29:50FALCONS TOP MOONEY IN STRAIGHT SETS
In a rivalry that needs no introduction, saw The Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons welcome in The Boardman Lady Spartans on Wednesday night!
The first quarter was low-scoring and scrappy, as most AAC conference games are. The AAC is also a conference that, on the girls side, is very young overall.
Howland and Canfield lead the way with the most experience, but for Boardman and Fitch, the two teams have combined two seniors in Julia Senediak (Fitch) and Emma Mills (Boardman).
Throughout all that youth in The AAC, some stars have started to emerge this year and for years to come!
For The Lady Spartans, junior Cami Goske was a force on the boards for a team that averages over 30 rebounds a game (31.2).
Second quarter would be a fight for points, as Fitch edged Boardman in the second 8-6, to bring the score in favor of The Lady Falcons 19-14 at the half.
Speaking of young stars that have emerged, junior Zayda Creque posted another great night in the box score, with 17 points of offense, but also has *Unofficially* broke The Austintown Lady Falcons record for 3s in a season! Previously at 56, Creque now has 58 distance shots and counting!
Boardman also has a young guard star in sophomore Mackenzie Riccitelli. The Lady Spartans scoring leader had another fantastic night! With her dribbling wizardry and court awareness, it helped her drop dimes throughout the game! She felt the veins freezing up in the fourth as well, hitting some huge 3s late to keep Boardman close to the very end!
The Player of the Game went to opposing sophomore guard, Fitch’s Ayla Ray, who is The Lady Falcons current leader in rebounds, assists and steals per game on the season. Ayla had a 21 point performance on Wednesday, that led both teams in scoring!
Her performance helped lead The Lady Falcons to their second conference win of the year, 54-48 over their rival Boardman, after not capturing a conference win the season prior!
Boardman (5-11) will stay in the AAC as the host #8 The Canfield Lady Cardinals (11-5) on Saturday, January 29th.
For Austintown (11-7), they will battle Warren Harding (4-9) for the second time this year, this time on The Lady Raiders court. That matchup will also occur on Saturday, January 29th!
Postgame Interview With Jeff Wilson:
Postgame Interview With Ayla Ray:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2709C896-8C6A-498F-BEA1-80D3AF9F4705.jpeg17722399Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-01-27 16:49:272022-01-27 16:49:27FITCH GETS LONG AWAITED WIN OVER SPARTANS
AUSTINTOWN OH- The Austintown Fitch volleyball program is, no doubt, one of the best in the entire state.
However, Fitch’s success is credited, in large part, to the setters of this Falcons squad. That of course being Erin Burke and Sammi Misik.
The two senior setters are part of a very dynamic Falcons offense. One that sees them compiling another impressive record on their road to the ultimate goal come tournament time.
There is no doubt the top kill-getters and captains of this Austintown squad are nothing short of special. However, as any volleyball enthusiast will tell you, an offense will only go as far as you setters take them. This, of course, rings true in the Austintoewn community.
In an injury that occured to Erin Burke, early on in The Falcons season, they needed someone to step up. That came in the form of Sammi Misik. Who not only led the Falcons to a multitude of victories at her time as setter, but also made Austintown as a team that much stronger.
This of course sounds all too familiar to when Erin Burke took over the setting for superstar Emma Bartlett.
As Ty Bartell discusses with the two Falcons setters about the team and goals this season. They also take the time to reflect on their time spent with Coach Jody Bartlett and the Austintown community as a whole.
In a segment we like to call “Setting the Nest”, these are the two Falcons seniors in Sammi Misik and Erin Burke.
AUSTINTOWN OH- In a game that was easily a candidate for game of the year. Two powerhouse programs duked it out on Friday night, in what was nothing short of a slug fest.
The Austintown Fitch Falcons and Ursuline Fighting Irish exchanged scores throughout the entirety of the game. Mirroring each other every step of the way in scoring, turnovers, and special teams.
The Falcons utilized a strong balanced attack of passing and rushing down the stretch. With DJ Williams and Tyree Mitchell’s names being called a majority of the second half.
However, The Irish picked a four-leaf clover in DeMarcus McElroy to turn to. With an impressive 4 touchdowns to go along with 359 yards on the ground Friday night. Good enough for 2nd all time in Ursuline history.
As both sides exploded on offense the entire game, two plays from The Irish defense stood out. With both a 2-point conversion stand and a blocked field goal attempt from The Irish, foiling Austintown’s comeback efforts in the final 30 seconds of the game.
The Irish (3-1) travel to Warren to take on The Harding Raiders (1-3) for week 5. As The Falcons(2-1) look to refocus, with another holy matchup versus The Cardinal Mooney Cardinals (0-3) on September 17th.
*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/B0A83AE8-3F8C-4ABF-A7EA-2F05CE665BFA.jpeg415722Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-09-11 19:53:272021-09-11 19:53:27IRISH WIN INSTANT CLASSIC IN AUSTINTOWN
BOARDMAN OH- The Fitch Falcons have found a groove again. They have now rattled off three wins in a row after suffering their first loss of the year to Marlington. The Falcons got their third straight victory with a sweep over Boardman on Tuesday night. (25-20 25-18 26-24)
Leading the Falcons on the night was Jocelyn Jourdan who finished with a eye popping 22 kills. She also served up 3 aces. Erin Burke returned to the lineup and finished with 19 assists, and 2 aces. Ella Sahli played solid defense in the back row coming up with 9 digs. Julia Jordan was all over the stat sheet totaling 6 kills, 7 digs, and 3 aces.
Fitch will look to keep the win streak moving on Thursday as they travel to Warren Harding. Boardman hits the road as well on Thursday traveling to Canfield.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/E052C5B0-E81A-4A8E-BCC4-B0A6CEABD0D5.jpeg642997Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-09-08 15:29:472021-09-08 15:29:47FALCONS MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW
