Tag Archive for: Featured

O’BRIEN NAMED 2023 BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

/in /by

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In the heart of football country, where passion for the game runs deep, one standout athlete has risen above the rest. Ashton O’Brien, the senior quarterback for Cardinal Mooney, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year title through an astonishing vote count that surpassed the million mark. This achievement is a testament to O’Brien’s exceptional talent, leadership, and the unwavering support he enjoys from his community.

O’Brien’s journey to becoming the Big Dog of the Year has been marked by a series of outstanding performances on the field and a dedication to excellence that has set him apart. Throughout his tenure at Cardinal Mooney, O’Brien has not only exhibited exceptional quarterbacking skills but has also etched his name in the record books, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

One of the defining qualities of O’Brien’s playing style is his ability to perform under pressure. His calm demeanor in high-stakes situations has proven crucial in guiding Cardinal Mooney to multiple playoff appearances, including the most recent one in 2023. O’Brien’s leadership on the field has been a driving force behind the team’s success, instilling confidence in his teammates and earning the respect of opponents.

The Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year vote, with over a million voices rallying behind O’Brien, reflects not only his individual achievements but also the immense pride and support of the Cardinal Mooney community. Fans, alumni, and football enthusiasts alike have recognized O’Brien’s contributions to the team and the legacy he is leaving behind.

O’Brien’s impact goes beyond statistics and records; it extends to the intangibles that make a great quarterback. His work ethic, sportsmanship, and dedication to his craft have inspired not only his teammates but also aspiring young athletes in the community. The Big Dog of the Valley honor is not just an acknowledgment of his on-field achievements but a recognition of the positive influence he has had on and off the gridiron.

Looking back at O’Brien’s career, it’s clear that his success is the result of a combination of natural talent, hard work, and a genuine love for the game. Cardinal Mooney has been fortunate to have such a stellar athlete leading their team, and O’Brien’s impact will likely be felt for years to come.

As Ashton O’Brien concludes his high school football journey, the Baird Brothers Big Dog of theYear title stands as a fitting tribute to a quarterback who has not only set records but has also won the hearts of the community. The future undoubtedly holds exciting prospects for O’Brien, and Cardinal Mooney will forever remember the quarterback who led them to victory, leaving an indomitable legacy in the storied history of their football program.

GEISS BRINGS A CHAMPIONSHIP HOME TO HEARTLAND

/in /by

COLUMBIANA OH- State championships are hard to get to, and even harder to win.  When an individual or team bring a championship trophy home to a school it brings pride to the whole community.  Pride being the biggest of key word when it comes to Heartland Christian. It’s a pride of Lions that band together in Heartland and show everyone what it means to have an attitude of a champion.  After the cross country season concluded, not only do they have the attitude of a champion, but now Heartland Christian has a brand new trophy of a champion.

Sophomore runner Rebecca Geiss has brought the glory home to the Purple Palace with a great showing in Columbus at the state championships.  She finished with a time of 17.55.0 to win the gold.  It finished a strong season for Geiss in the most tremendous way it could end. For Geiss though, it’s all about running for more than herself. She runs for her family, she runs for her community, and she runs for her faith.  She still has plenty of time to get even better before she graduates high school. We at YSN are so excited to see what Rebecca’s future holds.

Rebecca took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to recap her season, and the championship feeling.  You won’t want to miss this exclusive interview with the newest YSN member to bring home a state championship!

Presented By:

 

 

GARFIELD BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ANDREW OLESKY

/in /by

GARRETTSVILLE OH- It’s just about time for basketball season in Garrettsville.  There is a lot of excitement around the program.  For good reason too, Garfield has a fantastic core of leadership that coach Olesky will lean on all season.  Playing in a tough MVAC will test them every night. There will definitely be adversity to get through. You better believe Garfield has the tradition and work ethic to get through it on the other side.

Coach Olesky took the time to join YSN’s Running Point (brought to you by Greenwood Chevrolet) to talk about the upcoming season. He talks with Anthony Hartwig about the leadership on his roster, the winning culture at Garfield, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Andrew Olesky only on YSN!

Presented By:

LISBON BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH CHRIS HUCKSHOLD

/in /by

LISBON OH- Lisbon is gearing up for what could be one of their best basketball seasons in recent memory. They had a fairly impressive 2022-23 season, and return everyone from a year ago. This experience and talent that they’ll put on the floor will make them a thorn in the EOAC’s side.  Lisbon has a good mix of shooters on the outside and players that like to do work in the paint.  They’ll be hard to stop.

Head coach Chris Huckshold is back for another year of basketball at the helm.  This man bleeds blue and white and is not just responsible for varsity, but also the development of the youth. Hear about that and more in Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Chris Huckshold only on YSN!


Presented By:

RAIDERS FALL SHORT OF REGIONAL CHIP

/in /by

TWINSBURG, OH- It had been 364 days of tough memories for the Perry Pirates since falling in the Regionals to the eventual Division V State Champion, South Range Raiders.  On Friday night, the Pirates earned their revenge with a 32-0 shutout, and eliminated the defending champs to earn a ticket to Week 15.

The Perry offense was impressive and scored early and often to put the Raiders behind the 8-ball right from the onset.  Perry established their dominance early in the first quarter when quarterback Walter Moses connected with Brayden Richards for a spectacular 47-yard touchdown reception. The next possession adding to their lead, Moses executed a skillful 1-yard rushing touchdown later in the first quarter, bringing the score to 12-0.

Perry continued their scoring onslaught in the second quarter, with  Jayden Studio contributing a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Shortly thereafter, Moses showcased his passing prowess again, finding Luke Sivon for a remarkable 79-yard touchdown reception. The team extended their lead with successful extra points by Altor Ontanon-Lopez.

Not content with their lead, Perry closed out the second quarter with another explosive play, as Jayden Studio sprinted for a 63-yard rushing touchdown, capping off a remarkable scoring drive. Ontanon-Lopez once again delivered a precise extra point, bringing the halftime score to an imposing 32-0 in favor of Perry.

The second half saw no additional scoring, as Perry’s first-half dominance proved insurmountable for South Range.

The Raiders finished with 194 yards of offense which was one of their lowest outputs of the season.  The typically stout defense surrendered 474 yards to Perry on what was a continuous clock in the second half.  The closest the Raiders would push into Pirate territory came on the first drive of the second half when South Range marched the ball to the 10-yard line only to be intercepted in the endzone while trying to trim the deficit.

Walter Moses completed 6 of 9 passes for 162 yards and had two scores through the air.  Jayden Studio ran for 214 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries on the night, the most successful rushing game against South Range in the past 8 seasons, and only the second 100-yard rusher against this defense since South Range joined the NE8 (Antuan Gardner – 2023.)

Junior QB Tristan Toy finished the game 2/9 for 45 yards and an interception, while contributing 50 yards on the ground.  Blake Ewert finished his Raider career with a 20-yard effort on five carries, Aidan Dominguez saw 14 carries for 46 yards, and Gaven Nagy had one rush for 27 yards.  Brady Crumbacher brought in both targets receiving for 45 yards on the night.

Defensively, Luke Starkey had 10 tackles and led all defenders in that category, while Nagy chipped in 9, and Dylan Smesko had 4 for South Range.

With the loss, South Range finishes at 12-2 on the year and Regional Runner-Up in 2023.  The Raiders set to graduate this year have contributed a 50-4 record to the program during their tenure with the only losses suffered being Kirtland, Green, and Perry.

KNIGHTS MARCH ON BACK TO FINAL FOUR

/in /by

AKRON OH- Hoban showcased their dominance in the Regional Finals, securing a convincing 30-6 victory over Walsh Jesuit and advancing to the State Semifinals.

The first quarter remained scoreless, setting the stage for a second-quarter surge. Xavier Williams ignited the scoring with a 22-yard TD run, putting Hoban up 7-0. “Juice” Tylan Boykin then took the spotlight with a spectacular 74-yard QB TD run, extending the lead to 14-0 just 0:11 before halftime.

The momentum carried into the third quarter as Williams added a 49-yard TD run, pushing the score to 21-0 in favor of Hoban. The Hoban defense joined the scoring party in the fourth quarter, earning a safety for a commanding 23-0 lead. “Juice” Boykin sealed the deal with a 1-yard TD run, and with Jeremy Hammel’s successful extra points, Hoban closed the game at 30-0.

Key players contributed significantly to Hoban’s success, with Caleb Jones leading the ground attack with 113 yards on 17 carries. On the defensive end, Tysen Campbell, Jordan Pritchard-Sewell, and Tanner Mintz made crucial plays, showcasing Hoban’s well-rounded performance.

With this dominant display, Hoban marches on to the State Semifinals, leaving Walsh Jesuit with a 30-6 defeat.

STRUTHERS CANT FIGHT PAST CANTON SOUTH

/in /by

TALLMADGE OH- In the Regional Finals clash, Struthers’ postseason journey met its end with a 35-13 loss to Canton South.

The first quarter set the tone as Rome Cox’s 1-yard run put Canton South ahead 7-0.

Canton South extended their lead in the second quarter with Cox’s 1-yard run and a successful 8-yard pass from Pugh, making it 14-0. Struthers fought back with Devin Braham’s 1-yard run, closing the gap to 14-7. However, Canton South responded with a 2-yard pass from Poochie Snyder to Luke Johnson, ending the half 21-7.

In the third quarter, Canton South continued their dominance with Snyder connecting with Tre Wilson for a 44-yard pass, extending the lead to 28-7. Struthers showed resilience with AC Carter’s impressive 54-yard run, though the PAT was unsuccessful, making it 28-13. Nevertheless, Canton South sealed the victory with Snyder’s 19-yard pass to Tavon Castle, concluding the game at 35-13.

With this result, Canton South advances to the State Semifinals, while Struthers bows out of the postseason.

HILLTOPPERS GROUND GAME TOO MUCH FOR IRISH

/in , /by

Ravenna, OH- In a highly anticipated matchup between 2 powerhouse programs, the Ursuline Fighting Irish faced off against the Chardon Hilltoppers in a Division 3 matchup that ultimately ended in a 31-14 victory for Chardon.

The first quarter set the tone as Vinny Columbi’s 5-yard touchdown run capped a 70-yard drive, putting Chardon ahead 7-0. Ursuline quickly responded with Joe Balog’s 5-yard TD run, tying the game at 7-7 with 2:42 left in the quarter.

Chardon seized an opportunity in the second quarter, recovering a fumble at Ursuline’s 24-yard line. AJ Bruce’s 13-yard carry set up Vinny Columbi’s 1-yard TD run, giving Chardon a 14-7 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw Chardon extend their lead with Sam Sacerich’s 27-yard field goal, making it 17-7. However, Ursuline fought back, with Jack Ericson connecting with DC Ferrell on a 13-yard TD pass to narrow the gap to 17-14.

As the game entered the fourth quarter, Chardon continued to press their advantage. Caleb Hewitt’s 34-yard TD run extended their lead to 24-14. Ursuline, facing a crucial drive from their own 35, stalled at the Chardon 38, turning the ball over on downs with 9:45 remaining.

Chardon capitalized on the opportunity, as AJ Bruce’s 13-yard TD run sealed the victory with a final score of 31-14. Ursuline’s attempt to mount a comeback ended with a sack of Ericson on 4th down at the Chardon 33, sealing their fate.

With this loss, the Ursuline Fighting Irish concluded their season with a record of 13-1, while the Chardon Hilltoppers (11-3) advanced to the Division 3 state semi-final against the Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish in week 14.

CANFIELD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MATT REEL

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- Canfield made it further in the tournament than any other team on YSN last season. As the Cardinals matched their way to a regional final, that taste of success hasn’t left them this season. While it’s true the Cardinals lost a lot of senior leadership to graduation, don’t think that means they won’t be a force to be reckoned with this year. They still have knock down shooters, and a ton of speed on their roster. This will make them hard to beat.

Head Coach Matt Reel returns for another season at the helm of the program. He was kind enough to hop on to YSN’s Running Point brought to you by Greenwood Chevrolet to discuss the new year with Anthony Hartwig. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Matt Reel.

Presented By:

CAMPBELL MEMORIAL GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ASHLYN CLEEVELY

/in /by

CAMPBELL OH- The culture around female athletics is drastically changing in Campbell. We are seeing more and more of their programs turn the page to success and put together strong seasons. After witnessing the volleyball team have the best season in program history, Campbell fans are hoping that the girls hoops team can turn the same corner. With new head coach Ashlyn Cleevely winning is definitely in the future. She brings a top notch energy to the bench that she hopes the girls will feed on.

Coach Cleevely came on YSN’s Running Point (brought to you by Greenwood Chevrolet) this week to talk about the upcoming campaign with Anthony Hartwig. They talk about the new culture she’s trying to establish, the leaders on the floor that will help her do it, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Ashlyn Cleevely

 

Presented By: