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KNIGHTS ARMOR TOO MUCH FOR FITCH

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In a premier Saturday morning matchup on the volleyball court, two of the most talented
teams under The YSN banner squared-off, with The Austintown-Fitch Falcons traveling up to Barry Gym to battle The Archbishop Hoban Knights! The Falcons were coming fresh off a straight set sweep of Ursuline to hand The Irish their first loss of the season. On the other side, The Knights had been rolling, winning the first ten matches of the season and holding a 17 set win streak against some of the toughest competition throughout the region.

With the stage set for this big matchup, the first set did not disappoint! Both teams held the lead for considerable time in the early to middle portions of the opening set. With Fitch beginning to pull away at 17-14 in the set, The Knights focused up and battled it back to even at 18-18. Both teams continued exchanging points back-and-forth until they were knotted up again 21-21. With Fitch owning a 24-23 set lead and the serve, Hoban’s Amber Watson delivered a big time kill to tie it up 24-24 and force extra points. It would be there where the Knights would finally escape with the marathon set 30-28.

Leading both squads into a big second set where the goal for both teams was get the energy levels and the mentals back to even. With Hoban trying to avoid riding in the set too high and Fitch now wanting to get down on themselves following an opening set defeat. The Falcons would capitalize early in the set and take a 7-2 advantage early on. However, as The Knight did in the prior set, they battled their way back. Eventually taking the lead and pulling away late, Hoban captured a 2-0 set lead with a 25-18 set two victory.

Making no mistakes and not messing around in the third set. Hoban controlled almost every aspect of the set and captured a convincing 25-10 set win to record the straight set match sweep of The Falcons!

The Knights Amber Watson led the way in kills once again, grabbing 15 in the three set contest. While Macie Mintz was on it defensively, leading The Knights with 16 digs “My goal was to stop every ball from touching the floor.” Mintz said. The senior captain Sophia Day was sharing the wealth, setting-up her teammates to the tune of 21 assists in the match. While it was a good day to be an “Ava” with Ava Norton getting it done behind the service line with 3 aces and 9 service points and Ava Norfolk doing it at the net with 2 blocks.

Following the win, Hoban (11-0) will look to continue their undefeated streak as they hit the road to do battle with Walsh Jesuit (1-7) on Thursday, September 21st. Fitch (9-3) will look to regroup with an All-American Conference (AAC) matchup on Tuesday, September 19th where The Falcons will host The Howland Tigers (4-8).

SOUTH RANGE FINISHES A PERFECT WEEK

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**South Range Volleyball Clinches Fourth Win in a Perfect Week**

South Range’s volleyball team wrapped up an outstanding week with a clean sweep of Grand Valley on Saturday, extending their winning streak to four consecutive matches. The Raiders displayed their dominance in a 25-12, 25-18, 25-15 victory.

The match was marked by standout performances from several key players on the South Range squad. Sarah Kuhns orchestrated the team’s offense expertly, dishing out 14 assists while also contributing two aces to keep the pressure on Grand Valley.

In the attack department, Anna Toy proved to be a force to be reckoned with, recording an impressive 10 kills and seven digs. Her offensive prowess and defensive stability were pivotal in securing the victory.

The backcourt was anchored by Ali Irons, who showcased her defensive skills with 10 digs and added two aces for good measure. Her ability to read the opponent’s plays and make crucial digs played a significant role in South Range’s success.

Madi Mook and Olivia Meli were also key contributors to the offensive effort, each recording six kills during the match. Their combined efforts added depth and diversity to South Range’s attacking offense.

VIKINGS SET TONE EARLY IN ROAD WIN OVER NEWTON FALLS

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NEWTON FALLS, OH- It only took 1:05 into the first quarter for the LaBrae Vikings to set the tone on the road against their rival Newton Falls in a 41-7 route on Friday evening.

The Vikes were able to score defensively on a scoop and score on defense when LaBrae forced a fumble and took it to the house from 33 yards out to put them up 7-0 with the Max Young extra point,

Moments later, LaBrae forced another fumble inside the 5-yard line of Newton Falls only to recover it, and punch in another score on their first offensive play of the night, making it 14-0 just 65 ticks into the contest.

LaBrae would control the line of scrimmage for the majority of the night, moving the Tigers line around to be able to rush for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.  The backs were paced by Gabe Green who ran for 49 yards on three carries.  Davin Derry had 7 carries for 48 yards as well.

Kenny Yoho bottled lightning through the passing game with a couple of strikes from 11 yards, and 26 yards out respectively which included a highlight reel catch from Gabe Green to seal the win.

For Newton Falls, Carter Rapczack led the way on the ground going 16 carries deep for 100 yards with the Tigers’ lone score on the night.

Labrae advances to 2-3 on the year with the win, while Newton Falls drops to 3-2.

WEST BRANCH BURIES THE TIGERS

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BELOIT OH- West Branch continued their impressive form with a dominant performance, blanking Howland 49-0 and showcasing their prowess on both sides of the football.

In an all-around strong offensive display, West Branch demonstrated their versatility by accumulating a total of 152 rushing yards complemented by an impressive 289 passing yards. Boston Mulinix led the ground attack, churning out 57 yards on nine attempts, while CJ Bonnot added 50 yards from six carries.

Quarterback Beau Alazaus orchestrated a highly efficient passing game, completing 19 of 32 attempts for a remarkable 268 yards through the air. Alazaus wasn’t just satisfied with completions; he made a significant impact by throwing for three touchdowns.

Jeremiah Thomas emerged as a favorite target, hauling in 11 catches for a total of 139 yards. His precise routes and reliable hands played a crucial role in West Branch’s passing success.

Not to be overshadowed by their offensive prowess, the West Branch defense delivered a standout performance. They stifled Howland’s offense, allowing a mere 59 total yards throughout the game. This defensive excellence underscored West Branch’s well-rounded approach to the game.

With this commanding win, West Branch continued their hot streak, proving to be a formidable force on both sides of the ball. Their balanced offensive attack and stifling defense make them a team to watch as they look to maintain their winning ways and build on their impressive season.

VALLEY ESCAPES A SCARE IN THE BULLDOGS HOUSE

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EAST PALESTINE OH- In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Valley Christian managed to narrowly escape East Palestine’s determined Bulldogs with a 28-13 victory on the road, maintaining their position at the top of the EOAC standings.

Valley Christian asserted their dominance early, building a commanding 20-0 lead as the game reached the third quarter. However, East Palestine was far from done. Jesse Lipp of the Bulldogs found an opening and scored from close range, marking their first points of the game.

East Palestine continued to fight back, with Zach Schnelle making a crucial play by running it in from 13 yards out, narrowing the gap to 20-13. It seemed like an upset might be in the making.

But Valley Christian wasn’t ready to concede. Ja’Sean Lindsay, in a pivotal moment, capped off a significant Eagles’ response with a 24-yard touchdown, securing a late 28-13 lead.

Ike Lake played a vital role for Valley Christian, contributing with a pair of touchdowns, one through the air and another on the ground. Additionally, Geardon Traylor provided a game-changing play with a sensational 65-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Deion Miller.

East Palestine, though on the losing side, had notable individual performances. Owen Jurjavcic was instrumental, gaining 95 yards on 16 rushes and completing 15 of 28 passes for 168 yards. Jesse Lipp showcased his versatility with a rushing touchdown and a solid contribution on the ground, gaining 53 yards.

In a game that saw shifts in momentum and intense competition, Valley Christian ultimately held onto their EOAC lead. East Palestine’s spirited performance reminded everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league, setting the stage for thrilling matchups in the games to come.

NILES CRASHES THE PARTY

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CORTLAND OH- In an unexpected turn of events, the Niles football team delivered a dominating  performance as they crashed the party at Lakeview’s home field, clinching a commanding 31-0 victory over the Bulldogs.

The night undoubtedly belonged to Antuan Gardner, who showcased his incredible talent and determination on the field. Gardner bulldozed his way to an impressive 215 rushing yards, leaving the Lakeview defense helpless in their attempts to contain him. His remarkable performance included three touchdowns, making him an unstoppable force and a true game-changer for Niles.

Quarterback Tony Budak displayed his prowess in the passing game, connecting on two passes of 40 yards or more, with one of them resulting in a spectacular 50-yard touchdown strike. His precision and ability to make big plays through the air added a crucial dimension to Niles’ offensive arsenal.

Nate Coots was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Not only did he contribute to Niles’ defensive prowess with a pair of crucial sacks and a forced fumble, but he also showcased his versatility by catching a touchdown on the offensive side.

Despite the outcome, Lakeview’s defense demonstrated resilience by forcing two turnovers. Nolan Toth’s fumble recovery and Heydon Newton’s interception showcased their determination to make plays even in the face of adversity.

With this dominant win, Niles made a resounding statement, leaving Lakeview and their fans in awe. The Bulldogs will surely look to regroup and come back stronger after this unexpected turn of events, while Niles will carry the momentum from this impressive victory into their future matchups.

 

LATE SURGE PUSHES UNITED AHEAD OF SOUTHERN

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HANOVERTON OH- In a thrilling matchup, the United High School football team executed a remarkable late-game surge to triumph over Southern Local with a final score of 35-14. The Eagles displayed their resilience and determination by scoring three touchdowns in the last four minutes of play, securing a well-deserved victory.

The star of the game for United was undoubtedly Luke Courtney, who proved to be a game-changer with his exceptional performance. Courtney was responsible for a remarkable four touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and ability to make a significant impact on the field.

This victory held special significance for United, as it marked a clear turnaround from their previous season’s performance. In a stark contrast to last year’s loss of 14-0 to Southern, United’s performance demonstrated their growth, improvement, and determination to excel on the football field.

With this impressive win, United improved their season record to a perfect 5-0, maintaining their undefeated status. Meanwhile, Southern Local, despite putting up a strong fight, saw their record shift to 3-2. The Eagles’ late-game heroics will undoubtedly serve as a source of pride for their team and their fans, signaling their determination to continue their winning streak.

IRISH STRIKE GOLD AGAINST HARDING

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By Tim Corso


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline crushed Warren Harding 56-20 last night to remain perfect on the season.

​The Irish offense scored on every possession it had in the first half in a nearly perfect offensive effort.

​It came up passing for five of the first six plays, but it was Christian Lynch that started the scoring when he took the option pitch in for a 2-yard touchdown. That was the first of a pair of touchdowns for Lynch as he punched it in from 23 yards out later in the half.

​After a three-and-out from Warren Harding, Jy’QuiseLiaison blocked a punt and gave Ursuline great field position at the Raider 38-yard line.

​Irish signal caller Jack Ericson capped the team’s 38-yard drive with a 5-yard run.

Warren Harding would answer back soon, though. Junior quarterback Chazz Coleman led the Raiders on a long touchdown drive, coming up with clutch third down conversions multiple times. The drive was capped off by a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Coleman on a broken play.

Any hope the Raiders had to come back was squandered when Tairan Davis intercepted Coleman and put Ursuline in position to score another touchdown and flirt with a running clock.

From that point though, it was the Ursuline show, featuring Ericson and his plethora of weapons.

​Ericson tallied five touchdowns, three through the air and a pair on the ground. Two of those touchdowns found D.C. Ferrell, while the other went to Devonte Taylor.

​The Ursuline defense kept its’ stout season going with numerous sacks on the night from sophomore A.J. Snyder and company. Allowing just seven points while the Varsity was in, the Irish have now allowed just 11 points per game, including a pair of shutouts.

​As for the offense, a deep and electric attack has resulted in them scoring 45.2 points per game through the halfway point on the year.

​Ursuline’s (5-0) biggest test of the season will come next week, as they travel to Austintown-Fitch (4-1) to take on the Falcons. The highly anticipated matchup begins at 7 p.m., and is sure to live up to the hype.

 

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POLAND SHOWCASES THEIR DOMINANCE

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HUBBARD OH- In a commanding display of football prowess, Poland High School delivered a resounding 53-0 victory over Hubbard in conference play.

Poland’s performance was nothing short of dominant, racking up 16 first downs and showcasing a formidable ground game with 33 rushes for 144 yards. The offensive standout of the game was Dom Pagano, who displayed both his passing and rushing abilities. Pagano completed 11 of 16 passes for 170 yards, throwing two touchdowns with zero interceptions. He also made his mark on the ground, carrying the ball 11 times for 42 yards and adding two rushing touchdowns. In total, Poland’s offense amassed an impressive 276 yards.

The defensive side of the ball was equally impressive for Poland, forcing three turnovers and holding Hubbard to a mere 16 rushes for just 7 yards. Hubbard’s offense struggled to find its footing, managing only 16 total yards throughout the game.

This lopsided victory showcased Poland’s dominance on both sides of the ball and highlighted their ability to control the game from start to finish. With a convincing win like this, Poland solidified their standing in conference play and left no doubt about their football prowess.

FITCH PUTS ON A SHOW

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AUSTINTOWN OH- In a commanding display of strength and skill, Fitch High School extended their winning streak with a resounding 41-0 victory over Stow Monroe Falls.

The first quarter set the tone for Fitch’s dominance, as DJ Williams opened the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, putting Fitch ahead 7-0. DeShawn Vaughn showcased his precision with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Dan Evans III (DE3), extending the lead to 14-0. Williams was back in action with a 1-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, leaving Fitch firmly in control at 21-0.

The second quarter continued the onslaught, with Deon’Dray Richard contributing a 6-yard touchdown run, further widening the gap to 28-0. Vaughn’s precision passing was on full display when he connected with Brady Evans for a 15-yard touchdown pass, putting Fitch ahead 35-0 as halftime approached.

Fitch’s dominance showed no signs of waning in the third quarter. Vaughn once again demonstrated his passing prowess with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Dan Evans III, who had an exceptional game. The extra point attempt was successful, sealing a commanding 41-0 lead for Fitch.

The game showcased Fitch’s formidable offense and stout defense, as they cruised to an impressive victory. With this performance, Fitch continued to build on their win streak and left no doubt about their prowess on the field.