Tag Archive for: High School Football

DRAGONS BURN HOT AT HOME

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- Looking to grab their first win in the CVC Lake Division against an old but familiar foe, the Lakeside Dragons soared to victory against the Jefferson Falcons with a commanding final score of 44-14. Lakeside’s fans at Lakeside Stadium were treated to an impressive performance by their home team.

The game kicked off with Lakeside’s quarterback, Alex DiSalvitore, showing his prowess early in the 1st quarter. With 8:05 left, he connected with Devan Miller on a 38-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for the night. Alex then followed it up with a successful 2-point conversion run, making it 8-0 in favor of Lakeside.

Devan Miller wasn’t done making an impact in the 1st quarter. With 3:10 remaining, he dashed 45 yards for another Lakeside touchdown, and the 2-point conversion was good, extending the lead to 16-0.

As the 1st quarter drew to a close, Jefferson’s Dylan Burlingham attempted to mount a comeback but was intercepted by Lakeside’s Caleb Stitt. The Dragons’ defense remained steadfast, denying Jefferson any scoring opportunities.

The 2nd quarter was marked by more frustration for Jefferson as Dylan Burlingham was intercepted once again, this time by the multi-talented Devan Miller. Lakeside continued to dominate, and with just 9 seconds left in the half, DiSalvatore found Sincere Turner for another touchdown pass. A successful 2-point conversion by Nate Bartone brought the score to 24-0 in Lakeside’s favor at halftime.

Jefferson showed some signs of life at the start of the 3rd quarter when Kaige Boczar returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, with Devan Salinas converting the 2-point attempt. However, Lakeside quickly countered with an 8-yard touchdown run by Alex DiSalvatore, though the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful. The Dragons continued to build their lead, with DiSalvatore connecting with Matt Wagner for a 19-yard touchdown pass, although the 2-point conversion was again denied.

In the 4th quarter, Jefferson finally managed to break through Lakeside’s defense with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Burlingham to Kaige Boczar. Despite the touchdown, the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 36-14.

Lakeside sealed the deal with 7:02 left in the game as Nate Bartone ran for an 8-yard touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion on a pass from DiSalvatore to Matt Wagner. The final score stood at 44-14 in favor of the Lakeside Dragons.

Devan Miller was undoubtedly the star of the game, racking up 150 yards rushing, 1 interception, and 2 touchdowns. Lakeside’s overall performance showcased their strength on both sides of the ball.

With this victory, the Lakeside Dragons improved their record to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in the CVC Lake Division. They look ahead to a challenging road game against the Geneva Eagles in week 8. On the other hand, the Jefferson Falcons, now 0-7 overall and 0-2 in the CVC Lake Division, will face the Madison Blue Streaks at home in week 8, hoping for a turnaround in their season.

LEOPARDS FIND A GROOVE

NEWTON FALLS OH- In a high-scoring showdown on the road, the Liberty Leopards displayed their offensive prowess, securing a 49-33 win over a resilient Newton Falls team.

The game’s momentum shifted dramatically when Liberty’s Brandon Benson ignited a spark while his team trailed 7-6. Benson’s electrifying 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown injected life into the Leopards’ effort.

Liberty’s offensive stars shone brightly, with quarterback Tawann Tutwiler leading the charge. Tutwiler made a significant impact with 100 rushing yards on seven carries and an impressive 9-of-16 passing for 107 yards and two touchdown strikes.

Running back Dawaun Moody contributed his share to the offensive explosion, tallying 74 yards on seven carries and punching in a touchdown. He also showcased his versatility with two receptions for 42 yards, including a touchdown catch.

Dwayne Moody made his presence felt, contributing a dynamic 41-yard touchdown run. He also showcased his receiving skills with a touchdown reception, accumulating 51 receiving yards on three catches.

On the other side, Newton Falls put up a valiant effort, led by Carter Rapczak. Rapczak carried the ball 22 times for 108 rushing yards and found the end zone three times. Through the air, he completed 8 of 11 passes for 48 yards.

Caden Short made his mark with five receptions for 28 yards, providing Rapczak with a reliable target.

In a contest defined by explosive offensive plays, both teams demonstrated their scoring capabilities. However, Liberty’s ability to capitalize on big moments and the standout performances of Tutwiler, Moody, and Benson paved the way for their 49-33 victory.

SPARTANS BOUNCE BACK ON THE ROAD

Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

Jefferson, OH- Looking to recover from a tough loss against the very talented Hawken Hawks, the Conneaut Spartans took on the Jefferson Falcons in a high-scoring battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Spartans, hungry for victory, came out strong in the first quarter, with quarterback Max Gleason connecting with Ethan Osborne for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Bryce Spurlin’s extra point was good, giving Conneaut an early 7-0 lead.

Not content with just one touchdown, the Spartans struck again in the first quarter, this time with Max Gleason showcasing his versatility by scoring a 25-yard touchdown run. Bryce Spurlin once again nailed the extra point, extending Conneaut’s lead to 14-0.

Jefferson, refusing to back down, responded with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Burlingham to Kaige Boczar, followed by Jensen Yaroush’s successful extra point, making it a 14-7 game.

The second quarter continued to be action-packed as Conneaut’s Wyatt Payne bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 5-yard touchdown run, though the two-point conversion fell short. Nevertheless, the Spartans led 20-7.

Max Gleason wasn’t finished yet, as he punched in another 1-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 26-7. But Jefferson wasn’t going down without a fight. Dylan Burlingham connected with Kaige Boczar on a stunning 75-yard touchdown pass, and Yaroush’s extra point made it 26-14.

Conneaut’s offense remained relentless, with Bryce Spurlin tossing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Max Gleason, who was having a stellar game. The extra point was good, and the Spartans extended their lead to 33-14.

In the third quarter, Max Gleason continued to shine, scoring a 9-yard touchdown run, while Wyatt Payne added another touchdown to his name with a 21-yard run. Bryce Spurlin’s reliable leg made the extra points, and Conneaut surged ahead 47-14.

The Falcons showed their fighting spirit in the fourth quarter, with Dylan Burlingham connecting with Devin Salinas for a 16-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Spartans’ lead.

When the final whistle blew, the Conneaut Spartans emerged victorious with a final score of 47-22. This impressive win improved their record to 4-2, including a 1-0 record in the CVC Lake division. Up next, they face a tough challenge on the road against the 5-1 Geneva Eagles in week 7.

Standout performances for the Spartans included Wyatt Payne, who rushed for a remarkable 230 yards and scored 2 touchdowns while also making 2 interceptions on defense. Max Gleason also had an incredible game, rushing for 185 yards and scoring an impressive 5 touchdowns.

DRAGONS ROAR LATE BUT FALL SHORT

Madison, OH- Looking to start their CVC Lake division of right, the Lakeside Dragons took on the red hot Madison Blue Streaks. It was a game filled with excitement, big plays, and moments that showcased the determination of our Dragons.

The first quarter started off with Madison’s Carson Alley connecting with Alexander Davis for a 20-yard touchdown pass, putting the Blue Streaks ahead 7-0. But the Lakeside Dragons were determined to fight back.

In the second quarter, Madison’s James Poe managed a 1-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-0. However, the Dragons answered with a spectacular 80-yard touchdown run by Devan Miller. Although the 2-point conversion attempt fell short, the Dragons were back in the game, trailing 14-6.

Madison’s offense remained potent, with Carson Alley throwing two more touchdown passes in the second quarter, to Ryan Radkowski and Max Steele. The Blue Streaks increased their lead to 28-6 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Devan Miller’s second touchdown of the game, a 2-yard run, but the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, making the score 28-12 in favor of Madison. Unfortunately, the Blue Streaks’ Alexander Davis broke free for a stunning 60-yard touchdown run to stretch their lead to 35-12.

In the fourth quarter, Carson Alley continued to impress, tossing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Max Steele. Madison was now ahead 42-12. But the Lakeside Dragons refused to give up, as Alex DiSalvatore connected with Matt Wagner for a 45-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, bringing the score to 42-20.

Ultimately, the game ended with the Madison Blue Streaks prevailing 42-20. Despite the loss, our Lakeside Dragons showcased their resilience, with Devan Miller accumulating over 100 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns, while Alex DiSalvatore contributed with a passing touchdown.

Looking ahead, the Lakeside Dragons (3-3, 0-1 CVC Lake division) will return home to face the Jefferson Falcons (0-6, 0-1 CVC Lake division) in week 7, aiming to bounce back with a victory. Meanwhile, the Madison Blue Streaks (5-1, 1-0 CVC Lake division) will be on the road against the Edgewood Warriors (4-2, 0-1 CVC Lake division) in what promises to be another thrilling contest. Despite the setback, the Lakeside Dragons are poised to regroup and continue their pursuit of success in the remainder of the season.

WARRIORS HAVE A BLAST IN MINERVA

By Michael Ginocchi 

MINERVA OH- The West Branch Football team picked up a dominant 70-0 win over Minerva on Friday night. With the win the Warriors improved to 5-1 on the season. West Branch is currently on a five game winning streak.

The Warriors started out quickly when Jeremiah Thomas scored on the second play of the game. He caught a 58 yard pass from quarterback Bo Alazaus. Alazaus did a nice job of spreading the ball around to his different receivers. The game was much out of hand when the score was 49-0 at the end of the first quarter.

This game allowed some younger Warriors to get some playing time. While most of these players won’t see much time this season, they will play a big part in West Branch’s future success as a program.

Junior quarterback Charlie Biskup was able to throw a touchdown which was his first of the season. Carson Graham and Grady Close also scored touchdowns for the Warriors. The biggest star of the night came from kicker Eliza Hurst. She made all ten of her extra points which was a school record.

West Branch will be back in action next Friday at home vs a much improved Marlington team. The Dukes will come into the game with a 5-1 record.

Stats 

QB: Bo Alazaus: 129 yds and 4 tds

Jeremiah Thomas: 27 yds 1 td

Charlie Biskup: 1 td

 

Rushing:

Boston Mulinix- 69 yds 2 td

Garin Harlin- 36 yds 1 td

Jeremiah Thomas- 75 yds 1 td

 

Receiving: 

Joey Jackson: 48 yds 2 td

Jeremiah Thomas: 58 yds 1 td

Grady Close: 41 yds 1 td

Anthony Perry: 11 yds 1 td

HORNETS STING MUSTANGS

Orwell, OH- In a challenging matchup against the Kirtland Hornets, the Grand Valley Mustangs found themselves facing an uphill battle from the very start. The Hornets wasted no time in establishing their dominance, with a flurry of touchdowns in the first quarter.

First, Kirtland’s Jake LaVerde connected with Will Sayle for an impressive 31-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point, putting Kirtland ahead 7-0. The Hornets continued to pour it on, as Rocco Alfieri dashed for a 35-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-0. Will Beers then added to the onslaught with a 20-yard touchdown run, although the extra point was missed, making it 20-0 in favor of Kirtland. The first quarter continued to be a nightmare for the Mustangs, with LaVerde finding Gino Blasini for a 15-yard touchdown pass, and the extra point made it 27-0.

The second quarter wasn’t any kinder to Grand Valley, as LaVerde showcased his versatility by rushing for a 29-yard touchdown, and the extra point made it 34-0. The Mustangs’ struggles continued when Sammy Goforth threw an interception, which was returned for a touchdown by Kirtland’s Will Beers, pushing the score to a daunting 41-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Kirtland showed no signs of letting up, with Macguire Boyd breaking free for a remarkable 60-yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, stretching the lead to 48-0. Evan Koprwoski then hauled in a 23-yard touchdown reception, and the extra point was successful, leaving the Mustangs trailing 55-0.

Ultimately, the game ended with a final score of Kirtland Hornets 55 – Grand Valley Mustangs 0. This was a challenging outing for the Mustangs, who now stand at a 2-4 overall record and 0-1 in the CVC Chagrin division. Looking ahead, they will face the Harvey Red Raiders, who hold a 3-3 record (1-0 CVC Chagrin division) in week 7 on the road. The Kirtland Hornets, on the other hand, have a strong 5-1 record (1-0 CVC Chagrin Division) and will also be on the road against the Berkshire Badgers (3-3, 1-0 in CVC Chagrin division) in week 7. The Mustangs will undoubtedly seek to bounce back from this tough loss in their upcoming matchup.

MOONEY SECURES VICTORY IN HISTORIC RIVALRY

BOARDMAN OH- In a thrilling clash that marked the 50th meeting between these historical rivals, Cardinal Mooney emerged victorious with a final score of 38-21 against Boardman, etching another chapter into their storied history.

The game burst into action with Mooney setting the tone, orchestrating touchdowns on their first four possessions throughout the first half. Quarterback Ashton O’Brien initiated the scoring drive by running in from the one-yard line to put the Cardinals on the board

However, the Spartans quickly retaliated with a remarkable five-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in a pass from Zach Haus to Mason Nawrocki from 19 yards out, leveling the score at 7-7 with just a minute remaining in the opening period.

Unfazed by the Spartans’ response, Cardinal Mooney executed an eight-play, 65-yard drive, which O’Brien concluded with a 5-yard pass to Matt Kay for a touchdown.

The Cardinals’ next touchdown showcased their creativity, as freshman Brady Desmond sprinted for an impressive 45-yard run on a fake punt. This remarkable play set up Mooney at the Boardman 11-yard line, with Thomas subsequently scoring on the next play with 4:18 remaining in the first half.

Once again, Boardman answered the challenge with a nine-play, 43-yard drive, resulting in a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Haus.

Nevertheless, the Cardinals seized momentum right back before halftime, orchestrating an 80-yard, six-play drive. O’Brien’s precision pass found Carlos Gomez behind the secondary for a spectacular 48-yard score, granting Mooney a 28-14 lead with only 57 seconds remaining in the half.

Cardinal Mooney further solidified their lead with a 13-play, 80-yard drive, punctuated by Adyn Paige’s 3-yard rushing touchdown with 2:43 left.

In the third quarter, Mooney extended their advantage with a 29-yard field goal courtesy of Chris Colautti, boosting their lead to 31-14 with 4:28 to go. Boardman, however, refused to relent, closing the gap to within ten points at the 8:42 mark of the fourth quarter with a five-yard rushing touchdown by Willy Torres.

Mooney’s Adyn Paige and Noah Thomas shone on the ground, both amassing over 100 yards rushing and contributing a touchdown each. Paige finished with an impressive 129 yards on the ground, while Thomas racked up 133.

Boardman’s junior quarterback, Zach Haus, showcased his dual-threat abilities by running for 116 yards and accumulating 157 passing yards.

 

URSULINE OVERWHELMS FALCONS IN THE NEST

AUSTINTOWN OH- In a highly anticipated showdown between two of the area’s football powerhouses, Ursuline and Fitch faced off in a thrilling contest that ultimately saw Ursuline sail to a convincing 32-14 victory.

The game kicked off with fireworks as Jy’Quise Liason of Ursuline made a monumental statement by returning the opening kickoff an astonishing 100 yards for a touchdown just 17 seconds into the game. Although Ursuline’s 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, they took an early 6-0 lead, electrifying the home crowd.

Ursuline’s dominance continued into the first quarter, with Jack Ericson scoring a 9-yard touchdown run at 3:28, extending their lead to 12-0. However, Fitch quickly retaliated with an incredible play of their own. Dan Evans III captivated the fans with an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at 3:13, and Anthony Ruggles added the extra point. What made this play even more spectacular was the lateral pass from Davion Pritchard to Dan Evans III during the return, showcasing Fitch’s creativity on special teams. The score now stood at 12-7.

The second quarter saw Ursuline’s offensive prowess come to the forefront as Jack Ericson connected with DC Ferrell on a 51-yard touchdown pass at 3:53. Anthony Tabak successfully converted the extra point, further extending Ursuline’s lead to 19-7.

As the third quarter began, Fitch displayed their resilience with DJ Williams surging into the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown run at 2:53, narrowing the score to 19-14.

Ursuline, determined to maintain their lead, responded in the same quarter with another exceptional performance by Jack Ericson. This time, Ericson showcased his athleticism by leaping over a defender on a 26-yard touchdown run with just 26 seconds left in the third quarter. Although the extra point was missed, Ursuline held a 25-14 lead.

In the game’s closing moments, Ursuline’s Christan Lynch solidified the victory with a 6-yard touchdown run at 2:11 in the third quarter, and Gavin Sedoris added the extra point, securing the final score at 32-14. Lynch, who amassed an impressive 159 rushing yards throughout the game, played a pivotal role in Ursuline’s offensive dominance.

Ericson threw for 101 yards and a touchdown, and he ran for 66 yards with a pair of scores.

Ursuline’s exceptional performance against a formidable opponent in Fitch showcased their strength and determination, earning them a well-deserved 32-14 victory. This clash of football titans delivered thrilling moments and highlighted the remarkable talent and competitiveness of both teams.

WILDCATS LET OUT FRUSTRATION ON HUBBARD

STRUTHERS OH- Struthers came into their Friday night matchup against Hubbard with a burning desire to erase the memory of last week’s tough loss. Their determination and resolve were on full display as they secured an emphatic 41-14 victory over their opponents.

The first quarter opened with a bang for Struthers as Devin Braham sprinted down the field for an electrifying 72-yard run, crossing the goal line at the 11:17 mark. This explosive play set the tone for the Wildcats, who took an early 7-0 lead.

Struthers continued their offensive assault in the opening quarter when Najier Howard bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 4-yard run at 5:35, extending their lead to 14-0.

Hubbard, refusing to be left behind, responded with determination. Garland Warren punched in a 2-yard run with just 1:01 remaining in the quarter, putting Hubbard on the scoreboard at 14-7.

However, Struthers wasted no time in regaining their dominance. In the closing moments of the first quarter, Jason Dukes broke free for an explosive 68-yard run, widening the gap to 20-7, although they missed the subsequent PAT.

The second quarter saw no let-up from Struthers. Dukes continued to shine, connecting with Kendis McLeod on a 52-yard touchdown pass at 11:06, pushing the lead to 27-7.

AC Carter joined the scoring frenzy with a 4-yard touchdown run for Struthers, even though they missed the PAT, extending their lead to 33-7.

The third quarter continued to be a showcase for Struthers’ offensive prowess. AC Carter found the end zone once more, this time with a 6-yard touchdown run, and the Wildcats converted the 2-point attempt, amassing a commanding 41-7 lead.

Hubbard rallied in the fourth quarter, with Alex Hackwelder executing a 1-yard touchdown run through a quarterback keeper, making it 41-14.

The Struthers Wildcats, determined to bounce back from adversity, delivered a remarkable performance that included explosive runs, pinpoint passes, and tenacious defense. Their 41-14 victory over Hubbard was a statement win, demonstrating their resilience and strength as a team.

LOWELLVILLE ROCKS THE RAMS

LOWELLVILLE OH- In a hard-fought Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference showdown, the Lowellville Rockets hosted the Mineral Ridge Rams, emerging victorious with a final score of 38-21.

The opening quarter saw both teams engaging in a defensive standoff, resulting in a scoreless tie at the end of the period.

Lowellville was the first to break the silence, as their kicker, Mathew Lucido, expertly slotted a field goal through the uprights, granting the Rockets a 3-0 lead. The momentum continued for Lowellville as they executed a pivotal special teams play, blocking a punt. This turnover paved the way for an 8-yard touchdown pass by Michael Ballone, who connected over the middle on a critical 4th and goal.

Mineral Ridge, however, was quick to respond with a burst of offensive energy. Senior standout Ian Erb showcased his speed with an explosive 50-yard run down to the 5-yard line. Erb completed the drive with a touchdown run, bringing the score to 17-7.

Lowellville remained relentless, with Ballone at the helm. The Rockets’ quarterback unleashed a 29-yard touchdown pass to Mathew Lucido, extending their lead.

As the game progressed into the third quarter, Ian Erb continued to make his presence known. This time, he hauled in a 50-yard touchdown catch from junior quarterback Owen Shingledecker, narrowing the gap to 24-14.

Nevertheless, the Rockets were determined to secure the win. Ballone displayed his prowess once again, tossing two more touchdown passes, including one to senior Braylen Dabney. Heading into the fourth quarter, Lowellville held a commanding 38-14 advantage.

The victory for the Lowellville Rockets in this MVAC showdown showcased their determination and offensive firepower. With precision passing and dynamic playmaking, they emerged triumphant against a tough Mineral Ridge team, securing an important conference win.