Firelands Archives - Your Sports Network

DEFIANCE, OH- On Saturday, Firelands took down Hubbard with a decisive 15-1 victory, fueled largely by a massive second inning where they scored ten runs.

The game started off closer than the final score would suggest, with Hubbard getting on the board first. Johnny Reyes kicked things off with a single in the first inning that brought home a run, giving Hubbard an early lead. But that lead didn’t last long.

In the top of the second, Firelands completely turned the game around, exploding for ten runs on just four hits. The key hit of the inning came from player Aaron Bower, who knocked a single that drove in three runs, blowing the game wide open.

Firelands kept the pressure on in the third inning, adding more to their already substantial lead with Liam Varndell grounding out to bring in another run.

On the mound, Nathan Draga pitched a solid game for Firelands, giving up just one run on five hits over four innings while striking out two. For Hubbard, Gabe Rusnak faced a tougher outing, lasting only a bit over an inning while allowing three runs.

Reyes was a bright spot for Hubbard, going 2-for-2 and driving in their only run. The team also managed to turn a double play in the field.

For Firelands, the offensive effort was widespread with four different players each driving in two runs. Christopher Radman showed great discipline at the plate, drawing two of the team’s six walks. Firelands was just as sharp defensively, turning a double play of their own.

Hubbard (8-7) will look to rebound in their next game against Canfield on Monday, hoping to turn things around after this tough loss.

POLAND, OH- In a non-conference high school football matchup, the Poland Bulldogs faced off against the Firelands at Poland Seminary. The game ended with a resounding victory for Poland, with a final score of 49-14.

**First Quarter:**
The game kicked off with Poland Seminary (PSHS) taking an early lead, scoring a touchdown on a 34-yard pass, followed by a successful extra point kick. Firelands (FHS) responded with a touchdown of their own, as Collin Scott ran in a 1-yard score, with Matthew Bednar adding the extra point. The quarter ended with Poland Seminary leading 7-7.

**Second Quarter:**
Poland Seminary dominated the second quarter, scoring three touchdowns. They extended their lead with a 15-yard pass, followed by a 35-yard pass, and a 2-yard rushing touchdown, converting all the extra point kicks. The halftime score stood at 28-7 in favor of Poland Seminary.

**Third Quarter:**
The third quarter continued to be in Poland Seminary’s favor, as they added another touchdown with a 16-yard pass and an extra point. The score was now 42-7 in favor of Poland Seminary heading into the final quarter.

**Fourth Quarter:**
In the final quarter, Poland Seminary sealed their victory with a 7-yard rushing touchdown and the extra point. Firelands managed to score one more touchdown with a 1-yard run by Christian Buchs, and the extra point was successful. However, it was too little, too late for Firelands as the game ended with a score of 49-14 in favor of Poland Seminary.

**Team Totals:**
– Poland Seminary had 399 total yards compared to Firelands’ 194.
– The passing yards were 161 for Poland Seminary and 89 for Firelands.
– Rushing yards favored Poland Seminary with 238 yards to Firelands’ 105.
– Poland Seminary had 17 first downs compared to Firelands’ 11.
– Turnovers were a significant factor, with Firelands committing 5 compared to Poland Seminary’s 2.

Poland’s Dominic Pagano had a standout performance, contributing to his team’s victory with a total of five touchdowns. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 155 yards and threw 4 touchdown passes, including 2 to RB Cole Fulton. Additionally, Pagano rushed for 23 yards and scored a rushing touchdown.

Poland’s RB Danny Nittoli had an impressive game, amassing 106 yards on 8 carries, including a 72-yard touchdown run.

On the defensive side, Poland’s DB Paul Greco stood out with two interceptions during the game.

Poland Seminary emerged victorious with a convincing win, maintaining their undefeated record at 3-0, while Firelands dropped to 2-2 on the season.