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SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 8) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- As the scent of autumn fills the air and the leaves begin to turn, the South Range Raiders football team braces itself for the final hurdle before the playoffs. In an engaging discussion at Giangelo’s for the South Range Raiders Show, Coach Dave Rach opened up about the team’s relentless drive and the challenges ahead.

With an impressive undefeated streak, the Raiders recently clinched a crucial victory over Niles at Beau Rhine Stadium, a feat Coach Rach attributes to the team’s daily commitment to improvement. “Our guys know how special Friday nights are,” said Rach. “We want to get our money’s worth every time we lace them up.”

Looking ahead to their next matchup against Louisville, Rach emphasized the importance of treating every game like a playoff bout. Transitioning from conference to non-conference games, the Raiders are not allowing themselves any room for complacency. “We’re at the point where every game feels like a playoff game,” Rach noted. Facing Louisville, a team with a deceptively challenging record and significant on-field talent, South Range aims to test and prove its mettle one more time before entering the postseason.

Furthermore, Rach highlighted the value of senior leadership within the team, singling out Shaun Updegraff and Hunter Cooper for their contributions both on and off the field. Despite an injury sidelining Cooper, his commitment to supporting his teammates has not waned, providing a morale and strategic boost during practices.

While the focus remains on football, Rach’s lighter side was revealed as the conversation shifted to Halloween. Ranking the holiday’s favorite movies and expressing his unique array of fears—from snakes to clowns—Rach’s responses offered a humorous respite from the intense football discourse.

With only one regular season game left, the South Range Raiders are zeroing in on the playoffs with a sense of purpose and unwavering focus. As they prepare to face the Louisville Leopards, Coach Rach and his squad are poised to showcase the growth and resilience that have defined their season.

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SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORRNER (EP 6) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders showcased their resilience under pressure in a thrilling victory over the Poland Bulldogs last night. Despite an early 14-0 deficit, the Raiders rallied to secure the win, pushing their record further into the green.

Head coach Dave Rach commended his players for their poise and determination. “I don’t think there was ever any doubt among our guys,” he said. “We had to remain poised and keep plugging away, and that’s exactly what we did.”

The turning point came late in the first quarter when the Raiders scored their first points with just 12 seconds left. What followed was a dominant second and third quarter, though Rach admits there were moments where they could have put the game away earlier if not for a few penalties and turnovers.

Poland’s freshman standout, David Zipolit, provided a formidable challenge, but the Raiders managed to adapt and contain his explosive abilities as the game progressed. Rach acknowledged the toughness Poland brought to the table but felt reassured by his team’s ability to stay focused amidst adversity.

Looking ahead, the Raiders are now gassing up the buses for their first away game of the season against the Girard Indians. Girard is known for its strong, well-coached team, characterized by their ability to cover the field both offensively and defensively. “They pack it in pretty tight and make it hard to run the ball,” Rach noted, emphasizing the need for high-level execution to secure a win.

Beyond football, Coach Rach also shared a glimpse into his off-field life, revealing that his son is playing flag football and that he’ll be dressing up as an elephant for Halloween as part of a middle school staff initiative. “It’s a blast to watch my kids do something they enjoy,” Rach said, showcasing his dedication to family life.

The Raiders are prepared to face Girard with the same tenacity that helped them overcome Poland. As the season winds toward the playoffs, South Range fans can expect more thrilling football and perhaps a few sweet surprises—like Coach Rach’s penchant for Fun Dip.

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NATE LEWIS AND THE NEWS

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CANFIELD, OH- Under the bright lights of South Range football, few athletes have risen to prominence as swiftly and impressively as number 14, Nate Lewis.
Emerging as a dynamic player this season, Lewis’s journey has been far from straightforward. After being sidelined by an early-season injury last year, Lewis faced the challenging task of constant rehabilitation. “It was really hard just going to practice every day and not being able to do anything,” he revealed. However, perseverance paid off as, during the last three games, Lewis became a pivotal figure for the Raiders, proving his mettle on the field.

Host DJ Yokley describes Lewis as “an absolute weapon,” noting his unmatched speed and agility. Not surprisingly, Lewis attributes his swiftness to his track background, where he competes in events like the 4×1 and the 4×2. While he admits he didn’t fully enjoy track, it undeniably honed his speed and endurance.

Lewis’s on-field chemistry with teammate Tristan is particularly noteworthy. Yokley likens their connection to that of NFL legends Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, citing an almost telepathic ability to locate each other during gameplay.

Off the field, Lewis is a typical teenager. He enjoys video games, with Minecraft and the new NCAA football game being among his favorites. He also aspires to be remembered for his hard work and dedication, traits instilled in him by his family. “Definitely my parents and my grandparents,” Lewis acknowledges, emphasizing the support and values they have imparted.

When asked about his future ambitions, Lewis remains uncertain, but his current focus is clear: to continue excelling both in sports and academics, where his favorite subject is math.

As a student-athlete, Lewis exemplifies the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance. His story is not just about athletic success but also about character and determination. South Range and the broader community have a lot to look forward to from this rising star.

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SMESKO BRINGS IT BACK

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CANFIELD, OH-  The atmosphere was electric at Rominger Stadium as South Range senior Dylan Smesko sprinted 88 yards to the end zone in one of the most thrilling plays of the season. The dramatic kickoff return came just before halftime, regaining momentum for the Raiders against Springfield.

“I was running with my pants on fire,” said Smesko, describing his mindset during the play. “You just see open field and hope no one’s right in front of you.”
South Range’s 2024 season kicked off memorably, marking the fourth consecutive win over Springfield for Smesko and fellow seniors. “We want to get better every day, progress every week,” Smesko emphasized, noting the tough schedule ahead. With six home games and four away, Smesko is excited to maximize playing time in front of hometown fans.

Beyond the field, Smesko’s aspirations stretch into the realm of technology. The senior has his sights set on studying cybersecurity in college. “It looked interesting and kind of fun, honestly. A high-risk, high-reward situation,” he shared.

In the locker room, Smesko spoke highly of his teammates. He highlighted Patrick Lally as a key motivator, Luke Starkey as a steadfast “Stonewall,” and Tristan Toy as the team’s goofball who lightens the mood.

When discussing his legacy, Smesko stressed the importance of hard work. “I want future players to remember that I always worked hard and played hard,” he said, reflecting values instilled by his parents.

As South Range gears up to face Salem next week, Raider Nation is buzzing with anticipation. With leaders like Smesko, their season promises many more electrifying moments.

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TOY STORY 2

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CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another episode of South Range Player Profile, the podcast that brings you all the latest updates on South Range Raiders sports.

In this week’s episode, we have a special player profile segment featuring freshman volleyball player, Anna Toy. Get ready to hear about Anna’s journey into the sport of volleyball, her dedication to the game, and how she has become an integral part of the South Range Raider team.

Join us as we dive into Anna’s story and discover what makes her such a talented and promising athlete. Stay tuned, because this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

 

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