Harley Novak Archives - Your Sports Network

CANFIELD, OH- At the beginning of the millennium, the WNBA had a catchphrase of “We’ve got next.” Little did they know that the revolution and evolution of women’s sports would take over the scene over the next two decades.

In the craziness that is 2020, there has been a lot that people look back and wish they could change, but one of the few great things that have come in this year has been happening in South Range. When you look down the roster of the Raiders, you may not even notice because of the uniqueness of the name, however, senior soccer standout and now placekicker for the football team, Harley Novak has been setting the world on its ear and forcing it to listen to her story.

Novak has walked into a boy’s sport, and a complicated year, and has kicked the situation right through the uprights without fear.

This, however, isn’t the first time this young lady has been in the spotlight, though. As you’ll learn on this week’s South Range Player Profile: No Fear Novak.

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JEFFERSON OH- Friday night the Raiders made the long drive up route 11 to face the Jefferson Falcons, the long drive was worth it. South Range came away with a 52-20 win on Friday night to improve to 4-0 on the season. It was a beautiful night for high school football. Both teams came out ready to go. Jefferson started out slow and couldn’t get a drive together. A blocked punt gave the Raiders great field position and it didn’t take them long to take advantage of it. Raiders had the ball inside the 30 yard line and scored quickly. The drive was capped off by a 9yd strike from Michael Patrone to Corey Penick for the touchdown. The next drive for Jefferson was promising but an interception gave the ball right back to the Raiders. South Range again drove right back down the field and scored on a 4 yard pass to Luke Blasko. But Jefferson wasn’t going to go away. Sophomore QB Grant Hitchcock took his team right back down the field and he connected with Austin Jones for a 24 yard touchdown to cut the lead to 14-7. Raiders next drive stalled and Jefferson had some momentum. But the Raiders defense came to play Friday night. They were able to hold off the Falcons drive and get the ball back for Patrone and company. The Raiders scored 3 more times before halftime.

South Range keep that rolling into the second half and was able to get a running clock into the 3rd quarter. Jefferson had some promising drives but just weren’t able to finish them off. But they are a young team with a lot of talent. Hitchcock is only in his first year at starting qb and has a bright future. He was able to finish with 249 total yards on the evening. Senior running back Daniel Bruckman contributed with 90 yards of his own on the ground.

The Raiders offense was clicking on all eight cylinders. The run game, pass game, defense, and special teams all looked very good for them Friday night. Michael Patrone had 364 total yards. 220 passing and 144 on the ground. He threw for 5 TDs. That is a school record. Dylan Dominguez had 163 total yards, 2 rushing TDs, and 2 receiving TDs. And senior kicker Harley Novak chipped in with 10 points of her own, making all 7 extra points and making a 26 yd field goal in the forth.

Both teams have their final regular season home games next week as Jefferson welcomes in Girard, and the Raiders will take on Struthers.

*Contributed by YSN’s Paul Munson