Tag Archive for: Falcons

FALCONS BACK ON TRACK AFTER WIN AGAINST BOARDMAN

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BOARDMAN, OH-Austintown Fitch got off to a strong start with a three-and-out defensive stop and then rattled off 36 straight points. Senior Dan Evans III contributed with a spectacular 79-yard punt return in the first quarter. Other scoring plays in the first half included a 2-yard run by freshman Deon’Dray Richard and two field goals of 27 and 31 yards by junior Anthony Ruggles.

Richard, who finished with two touchdowns and 115 rushing yards, stepped up after senior running back DJ Williams left the game due to injury. The Falcons’ defense played a pivotal role, limiting Boardman’s offensive opportunities, resulting in a shutout.

Boardman made several attempts at fourth-down conversions, following Evans’s punt return, but went 0-for-5 on fourth-down tries. Austintown’s defense, led by junior linebacker Rocco DiFlorio, applied pressure and held Boardman to just 87 total yards and five first downs.

Fitch applied pressure to Boardman’s quarterback, leading to a safety when he was flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone. Austintown sealed the victory with a seven-yard touchdown pass from DeShawn Vaughn Jr. to sophomore Allen Hill Jr.

Fitch will now turn the page to Week 10 to take on Warren G Harding, while Boardman will finish the campaign against Canfield.

WARRIORS RECLAIM HOADLEY CUP IN WIN OVER FALCONS

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Jefferson, OH- Hoping to bounce back from a 3 game skid, the Edgewood Warriors showcased their strength and precision on the gridiron, securing a resounding victory against the Jefferson Falcons. The final score: Edgewood 54, Jefferson 7.

The game got off to a scorching start in the first quarter when Tony Hall, Edgewood’s star quarterback, displayed his precision with a 30-yard pass to Zach Carlton-Hull. The Edgewood faithful erupted as the tackle was made at the 2-yard line. Just moments later, Hall punched it in from 1 yard out, and Samuel Linder’s extra point was good, giving Edgewood an early 7-0 lead.

Hall continued to shine as he connected with his receivers for three more touchdowns in the first quarter alone. A 27-yard strike to Hunter Braat, a magnificent 50-yard bomb to Ben Schwartfigure, and another 1-yard toss to Jacob Ernst all found their mark, putting Edgewood up 21-0.

The second quarter saw no respite for Jefferson, as Hall and Ernst connected again for a 1-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-0. A missed extra point briefly halted the Warriors’ scoring spree, but they maintained a commanding 34-0 advantage.

Jefferson managed to find the end zone in the third quarter, as Kaige Boczar scored on a 7-yard run, making it 34-7 in favor of Edgewood. However, the Warriors promptly responded with Hall and Ernst connecting once more, stretching their lead to 41-7.

In the final quarter, Zeke Lucas broke free for an impressive 81-yard touchdown run, and Edgewood continued their showcase. Hall closed out his phenomenal performance with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Hunt, bringing the score to 54-7.

With this victory, the Edgewood Warriors improved to a 5-4 record and 1-3 in the CVC Lake Division. The team now prepares for the highly-anticipated “Battle for Bridge” against crosstown rivals, the Lakeside Dragons, in week 10. This clash carries added significance as both teams vie for  spots in the OHSAA playoffs in their respective divisions.

On the other side, the Jefferson Falcons faced a tough loss and are still searching for their first win this season with an 0-9 record and 0-4 in the CVC Lake Division. They will go on the road to challenge the formidable Geneva Eagles, who boast an 8-1 record and a perfect 4-0 division record.

Notably, Tony Hall emerged as the standout performer of the day, contributing a remarkable seven touchdowns to Edgewood’s victory. With this win, the Edgewood Warriors also reclaimed the Hoadley Cup, ending the Jefferson Falcons’ two-year reign over the coveted trophy.

ANOTHER UNDEFEATED AAC SEASON FOR AUSTINTOWN

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- It has been an incredible past few seasons for The Austintown-Fitch Falcons volleyball team. Winners of four consecutive All-American Conference (AAC) championships, while losing just a single conference match during that span, The Falcons had rattled off an impressive 23 AAC wins in a row! Going undefeated in the conference the past two seasons, Fitch looked to make three straight, but standing in their way? A road trip to Trumbull County in a battle with The Howland Tigers!

The Falcons wasted little time coming out with a fury and taking full advantage of momentum and blasting Howland 25-9 in set one. A wake up call for The Tigers, Howland was much more competitive in the second set and showed plenty of grit, making life tough on The Falcons offense. Fitch would squeeze out the set two win by the skin of their teeth with the 25-21 win, taking a two set to none advantage on the road. Credit The Tigers continuing to battle through the deficit and putting up a respectable fight in set three. However, Fitch was too much in the latter stages with key rallies to claim the 25-17 set win, taking the match in straight sets.

Jordan Smith led the way with the double-double of 10 kills and 11 digs. Afton Roby had a good night all-around with 9 kills and 4 aces behind the service line. Kylie Folkwein (7 kills) and Morgan Roby (6 kills) als contributed on the attack for The Falcons. Rylie Simons and Izzy DiRenzo kept pace in their roles with Simons recording 29 assists and 9 digs and DiRenzo notching 17 digs and 4 assists.

Fitch (17-4) has now completed their third straight undefeated AAC season as they look ahead to their final regular season matchup on the road against Marlington (18-3) on Thursday, October 12th. Howland (8-14) will now look ahead to the tournament where they will face off with a different cast of Falcons, as they visit Field (9-12) in a tournament matchup! Stay informed with all AAC scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

SIMONS SAYS SHES A STATE RANKED SETTER

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- In the sport of volleyball the position of setter is similar to that of a quarterback in football, or even better, a point guard in basketball. The motor that makes everything go, if you lack someone viable at that position, it makes life a little more difficult on the offensive side. That is not the case for the Austintown-Fitch Falcons volleyball team. With a spectacular sophomore setter in Rylie Simons!

One of the best in not just her school, not just the tri-county area, but the entire state of Ohio! Simons has set The Falcons up for 734 assists on the season so far, good enough for 7th in the state! Among many other great setters, Simons is the only sophomore in the top 10 ranking of assist in the state, with all other leaders being upperclassmen.

Simons, for the second straight season, has averaged over 10 assists a set while eclipsing her 1,000th and 1,500th career assists mark this season. Should Simons keep the course of what she has been doing, she has the chance to have over 3,000 career assists, a feat that only four players have accomplished in the state of Ohio’s history! The Simons family is no stranger to success either, with Lanie Simons the all-time digs leader at Fitch and Todd Simons the all-time scoring leader in basketball, Rylie is the third Simons to hold a career record at Fitch, getting the assist record this season.

As Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell brought the superstar setter on for Running Point, they discussed her amazing season, the Simons family success at Fitch and what a typical game day routine looks like. All that and more in this very special edition of Player Profile with Rylie Simons!

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DIRENZO IS A NO GO FOR ATTACKERS

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Offense wins games and defense wins championships is the old adage, right? At least that
has been the case for the Austintown-Fitch Falcons volleyball team, who have won 4 consecutive All-American Conference (AAC) championships and have been the definition of lockdown in the time frame. Defense, of course, starts with a team’s libero or defensive specialist, the defensive anchor of any squad. The Falcons have that position covered this season by junior Izzy DiRenzo!

Getting her first season as the full-time defensive specialist, DiRenzo has a team high 256 digs this season, while averaging 6 a set and over 21 a match! Also both team highs. Sacrificing herself to thwart some of the best attackers in, not only the area, but the entire state! Learning her craft in middle school, hardwork and determination have been pointers to Izzy’s success. Fueled by her family support and moms Italian-style home cooking, DiRenzo also has a very natural “lead by example” aura through her play style.

You will not want to miss out on this very special edition of Player Profile as Ty Bartell got the chance to chat with the lockdown Austintown defensive specialist, Izzy DiRenzo!

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AIR ROBY

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- When speaking to high school volleyball coaches, many of them will tell you one of their
favorite types of players are the utility type. The kind that can and will play while exceeding at any position for the sake of the team. Austintown-Fitch Falcons sophomore Morgan Roby is one of those types of players. A swiss army knife type that has seen playing time at multiple positions, stepping up to cover injuries during the season.

Playing as an outside hitter, opposite side hitter and libero this year, Roby has racked up 213 digs so far this season, tied for third on the team, while averaging over 10 a match. Roby has also recorded 83 kills in her sophomore campaign, servicing as a threat on the attacking side. One of the most remarkable Roby skills? Her unbelievable vertical, at an amazing 27.1 inches, the highest on the team and one of the highest in the school!

Her ability to jump out of the gym and willingness to adapt to several positions is not even Roby’s best quality. That would be her ability to be a constant bright spot on the team with infectious positivity! Looking up to her older brother, Morgan has aspirations of playing athletics at the collegiate level and has the work ethic to match.

YSNs Ty Bartell got the chance to talk with The Falcon sophomore in this edition of Player Profile where they discussed the current season, the support from her family and that amazing jumping ability!

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FOLKLORE, OR FOLKWEIN? YOU DECIDE

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- When speaking about athletics in larger high schools, it becomes increasingly difficult to
participate and start in multiple sports. The bigger the school means more competition within and less spots for everyone on the team. Not to mention, the time commitment that comes with being a multiple sport athlete and the sacrifices that need to be made to accommodate a time schedule like that.

For Austintown-Fitch sophomore, Kylie Folkwein, it is just another day at the office! Entering Austintown as a freshman phenom last year, Folkwein found herself involved in volleyball, basketball and softball while having important roles and playing time in all three! Managing to rack up 144 kills in volleyball a season ago, Folkwein looked to build upon a strong freshman season. Ranking second on the team in kills (194) and kills per set (2.8), Kylie has also gotten down defensively as she is tied for third on the team in digs (213) at the time of this article.

With improved numbers all the way around this season, many may begin to wonder “Doesn’t she play for a prolific travel softball team? How can that be?” Well folks, it’s not folklore, it’s Folkwein! As Ty Bartell got the chance to sit down with the sensational sophomore for her first of many Player Profiles this season.

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ITS NO MYTH, SMITH HAS RISEN TO THE TOP

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- It is never said that the goals we set out for ourselves will be easy to accomplish. Various levels of dedication, hard work and adversity will need to be experienced, depending on the path that is taken. For Austintown-Fitch senior Jordan Smith, she knows all too well about clawing her way to the top. Smith leads The Falcons in kills (255), kills per set (3.6) and is second on the team in digs (224), digs in a match (11.2) and receptions (210) at the time of this article.

Involved in volleyball at a young age, Smith found interest in the sport and had her dad, a former beach volleyball player, there to help her develop and give Jordan the confidence needed to succeed. Working her way up through the middle school ranks, Smith was initially a little intimidated trying out for a big program like Fitch. Unable to make varsity at first, Smith worked on her craft and developed herself through the freshmen and junior varsity teams her freshman and sophomore years. Down at times, wondering if it was going to pan out, Smith kept her head down and kept working.

Starting on varsity her junior year last season, Jordan finally found herself where she wanted to be! Capturing 112 kills her junior year, Smith took a lot away from former Falcon, now Youngstown-State Penguin, Jocelyn Jourdan on playing the game, interacting with teammates and keeping a good attitude. Bringing what she learned into her senior year, Smith is now one of the important leaders on a Fitch team that has captured their fourth consecutive All-American Conference championship!
In this very special edition of Player Profile, Ty Bartell gets a chance to talk with the Fitch senior on her journey to the varsity level, her leadership skills, favorite memories and so much more!

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CANFIELD FINISHES THE REGULAR SEASON UNBEATEN

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The Canfield girls’ soccer team capped off a remarkable regular season with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Austintown Fitch, securing an impressive 16-0-1 overall record and a perfect 8-0-0 mark in conference play.

Leading the charge for Canfield was Maci Toporcer, who delivered a standout performance, netting an incredible four goals. Her scoring prowess was on full display, leaving the opposition with no answers. Joining her on the score sheet were Hanna Wahib, Gabby Orr, and Rachel Lamb, each contributing to the team’s offensive dominance.

The Canfield squad showcased not only their goal-scoring abilities but also their teamwork and playmaking skills. The assist chart was a testament to their collective effort, with contributors including Maci Toporcer, Hanna Wahib, Lexi Toporcer, Carlyn McCormick, and Gabby Orr. Their ability to set up scoring opportunities for their teammates played a vital role in Canfield’s commanding victory.

With the regular season now behind them, Canfield’s girls’ soccer team heads into the postseason with an unblemished record, brimming with confidence and determination. Their collective skill, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence make them a formidable contender as they aim to continue their success in the upcoming tournaments.

FALCONS LOSE GROUND AGAINST THE TIGERS

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Fitch faced a formidable Massillon Washington team and encountered a tough challenge, falling to the Tigers with a final score of 42-7.

In the first quarter, Ja’Meir Gamble wasted no time, breaking through for a 59-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for Massillon. Dorian Pringle added another touchdown with a 1-yard run, putting Massillon ahead 14-0.

Fitch rallied in the second quarter when Deshawn Vaughn Jr. connected with Dan Evans III on a 57-yard screen pass for a touchdown, bringing the score to 21-7 in favor of Massillon. However, Massillon answered with a touchdown of their own as DaOne Owens found Braylyn Toles for a 6-yard pass, ending the half at 28-7 in favor of Massillon.

The third quarter continued to be challenging for Fitch as Massillon added to their lead with touchdowns from DaOne Owens and Ja’Meir Gamble, extending the lead to 42-7.

Massillon’s ground game was the driving force behind their success, accumulating a remarkable 446 rushing yards. Ja’Meir Gamble led the way with 235 yards, while DaOne Owens contributed 135 yards. Owens also made his presence felt through the air, going 5 for 14 with 60 yards and a touchdown. In contrast, Vaughn completed 20 of 39 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Fitch’s standout performer was Dan Evans III, who led the game in receiving with 7 catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, Kyler Wiggins of Massillon made a key interception in the first half, returning it for 52 yards. Rocco DiFlorio led the game in tackles with 17.