Tag Archive for: High School Football

IRISH HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SLAY DRAGONS

/in /by

​By Tim Corso 

 

YOUNGSTOWN OH-Ursuline rolled past Lakeside Friday night 50-0, in what was a quick contest at Stambaugh Stadium.

​Dan Reardon always seems to have some tricks up his sleeve, and tonight he pulled one out on the opening kickoff.

​Kicker Brandon Tabak cued a perfect onside kick that left the Dragons in a helpless scramble on what would be a successful Irish attempt.

​With the ball at midfield for Ursuline, runs by D.C. Ferrell, Jack Ericson, and Christian Lynch led to the Irish getting out to an 8-0 lead after the drive was capped by a 2-yard run from Lynch.

Ericson tossed a touchdown while getting it done with both his arm and legs in the win.

​The ensuing Lakeside possession resulted in Dragon quarterback Alex DiSalvatore fumbling inside his own 10, then watching the reigning Mahoning County Defensive Player of the Year, Ty’Req Donlow scoop the ball up and double the Irish lead.

​Reardon’s squad had it going all night long, and while it’s hard to pinpoint one player in this loaded Ursuline offense, Lynch put his speed and strength on display tonight with well over 100 yards on the ground to go with three scores. The Princeton commit had touchdown runs of 69 and 25 in addition to his first one.

​The stout Irish offense is nothing to scoff at, but neither are the other “two phases” for them. Their defense pitched the shutout, while forcing three turnovers, and the special teams not only had some early game magic but got a touchdown of their own on a 72-yard Ferrell punt return that resulted in six.

​It was a good night to be an Ursuline fan, as the game was under two hours, the second stringers gained valuable playing time, and a pretty 50-0 hung on the scoreboard as the Irish fight song rung through the night, and all the way back to Wick Avenue.

​Ursuline (3-0) will travel to Rayen Stadium next Friday, September 8, for a Steel Valley Conference clash with East (1-2) in the conference opener. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

 

​

COWBOYS WRANGLE FIRST WIN

/in , /by

Youngstown, OH- In an intense high school football matchup, the Youngstown Chaney Cowboys (0-1) clashed with the Boardman Spartans (0-2) in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The first quarter remained scoreless as both teams fought for control.

The second quarter brought a flurry of action. With 8:41 left, Chaney’s Matt Jones bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 2-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, giving Chaney a 7-0 lead. But the Spartans quickly retaliated, as Marcus Rutledge electrified the crowd with an 85-yard kick return for a touchdown, though they missed the extra point, making it 7-6 in favor of Chaney. The Cowboys responded with another touchdown at 6:31, courtesy of Matt Jones’ 5-yard run, and the extra point was successful, extending their lead to 14-6. Boardman refused to back down and, with just 37 seconds left in the quarter, Willy Torres powered through with a 6-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, narrowing the score to 14-13.

The third quarter continued to showcase the Chaney Cowboys’ offensive prowess, as Bryson Douglas scored an 8-yard touchdown run with 3:39 left. The extra point was good, giving Chaney a 21-13 lead.

The final quarter saw no additional scoring, and the game concluded with the Chaney Cowboys emerging victorious with a final score of 21-13. The standout performance of the game came from Chaney’s defense, led by the impressive Elijah Carter, who recorded multiple sacks and tackles for loss.

With this win, the Chaney Cowboys improved their record to 1-1 and are set to face the Marlington Dukes (3-0) in week 3, while the Boardman Spartans dropped to 0-3 and will square off against the Howland Tigers (0-3) in their next matchup. Football fans can expect more thrilling action as these teams continue their season-long journeys.

FITCH MAKES ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS

/in /by

CANTON OH- Austintown Fitch wasted no time in responding after suffering their first loss of the season, delivering a resounding 35-3 victory over GlenOak. The first quarter saw Fitch taking an early lead as Deshawn Vaughn connected with Dominic Perry for a 14-yard touchdown pass, putting them ahead 7-0. GlenOak quickly responded with Tony Kelly nailing a 27-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 7-3 by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Fitch continued to assert their dominance as Vaughn found Dan Evans with a 1-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 14-3. The teams headed into halftime with Fitch in control.

The third quarter witnessed Fitch furthering their lead as Vaughn’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Hill made it 21-3. Deon’Dray Richard added to the score with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing Fitch ahead 28-3 by the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was marked by Fitch’s continued offensive prowess, with Richard recording a 6-yard touchdown run, sealing the commanding 35-3 victory.

With this emphatic win, Fitch now sets their sights on Week 4, where they’ll host St. Ignatius, eager to continue their winning momentum and make a strong statement in the season. This game highlighted Fitch’s resilience and determination to bounce back after their first loss.

LAKEVIEW SHOWS GRIT IN HIGH SCORING WIN

/in /by

CORTLAND OH- In a thrilling and high-scoring contest, Lakeview emerged victorious over Liberty with a final score of 41-30. The first quarter witnessed explosive plays from both sides, with Liberty taking an early lead as Tawann Tutwiler connected with Brashawn Hicks for a 61-yard touchdown pass, making it 6-0 in favor of Liberty. Lakeview swiftly responded as Boom Gillis powered through with a 2-yard touchdown run, shifting the momentum in their favor at 7-6.

The second quarter saw Lakeview continue to capitalize on their offensive prowess. Thomas Easton added to the score with a 1-yard touchdown run, extending Lakeview’s lead to 13-6. Gillis contributed again with a 1-yard touchdown run of his own, pushing the score to 19-6 as the teams headed into halftime.

Liberty made an electrifying comeback in the third quarter. Dwayne Moody ignited the rally with a remarkable 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, narrowing Lakeview’s lead to 19-12. Tutwiler’s 26-yard touchdown run brought Liberty even closer at 19-18. Moody added another impressive touchdown, this time a 75-yard run, giving Liberty the lead at 24-19. However, Lakeview responded swiftly, with Easton finding the end zone with a 40-yard run and a successful 2-point conversion, putting them ahead 27-24 as the third quarter ended.

The fourth quarter was equally intense, with Lakeview’s Thomas Easton recording a 20-yard touchdown run, expanding their lead to 33-24. Liberty’s Tutwiler answered with a 22-yard touchdown run of his own, bringing the score to 33-31. However, Lakeview held firm as Boom Gillis powered through with a 3-yard run, and a successful PAT put the game out of reach at 40-31. The final score was 41-30 in favor of Lakeview.

With this thrilling win, Lakeview now looks ahead to the start of NE8 play in Week 4 as they face South Range. Liberty will return home to host Crestview as they kick off MVAC play. This game showcased the determination and offensive firepower of both teams in an exhilarating battle on the football field.

 

BEAVERS CAN FOCUS ON CHALLENGE AHEAD

/in /by

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a dominating display of football prowess, Beaver Local left no room for doubt as they blanked Jefferson with a commanding 43-0 victory. The first quarter set the tone for the Beavers, as they recovered a Kaige Boczar fumble at Jefferson’s 36-yard line, quickly capitalizing with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Austin Cline to Brock Severs, taking an early 7-0 lead. Jefferson struggled to convert on 4th down at the Beavers’ 31-yard line, allowing Cline to connect with Taylor Johnston for a 5-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Beaver Local’s relentless offense continue to shine, with Cline tossing a 25-yard touchdown pass to Johnston, furthering their lead to 21-0. The Beavers executed an onside kick to perfection, recovering the ball at Jefferson’s 27-yard line, leading to Tyler Prideau’s 1-yard touchdown run, expanding their advantage to 28-0. Jefferson struggled to gain momentum, failing to convert on downs, and Kaleb Mays missed a 41-yard FG attempt. The half concluded with Beaver Local firmly in control, leading 28-0.

The third quarter saw no respite for Jefferson, as Cline connected with Johnston once more for a 3-yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 35-0. Beaver Local’s dominance was sealed with a 30-yard touchdown run by Brock Severs, and they successfully converted a 2-point play following a busted PAT attempt, ultimately sealing their triumphant 43-0 victory.

With this commanding win, Beaver Local looks ahead with momentum to their highly anticipated Week 4 matchup against their arch-rivals, East Liverpool, in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

HUBBARD FIGHTS THROUGH THE TIGERS

/in /by

By Jamie Thomson


HUBBARD, Ohio – Prior to tonight’s game, Hubbard and Howland had met 44 times since their inaugural matchup in 1930. Over the past 90 years, both teams had exactly 22 wins a piece, drawing the all-time series to a draw.

Only one team could emerge with the series lead, and the Howland Tigers (0-3) had early aspirations of upsetting the Eagles on the road. Forcing a three and out on the opening drive of the game, Howland would take over with favorable field positioning. After a pass-interference call on third down would extend the Tigers drive, Howland would convert a few plays later from just nine yards out when John Perry connected with Gabriel Gamichia.

Hubbard would respond on the ensuing drive with a five-minute drive traversing ninety yards before Alex Hackwelder would score his first touchdown of the night from six yards out, knotting the game at seven. The teams would trade scoreless possessions before swapping touchdowns prior to the half. Both Perry and Hackwelder would find paydirt on the ground for their teams.

Exiting the break, Howland would put together an eight minute and fifty-five second drive that would result in no points. Key sacks would swing momentum in the corner of the Blue and White with 3:05 left in the third quarter, and just 4 minutes later, Alex Hackwelder would punch in his third rushing touchdown of the night. The junior quarterback would score once more in his career night, a thirteen-yard scamper to put the Eagles ahead by two scores and the game on ice. Hubbard secured the series edge with a 28-14 victory.

BIG PERFORMERS

HUBBARD:

Alex Hackwelder: 10/12 passing, 133 passing yards, 19 carries, 50 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs

Garland Warren: 12 carries, 48 rushing yards

HOWLAND:

Brendan Day: 23 carries, 73 rushing yards

John Perry: 38 total yards, 2 total TDs (1 rushing, 1 passing)

UP NEXT

Hubbard: For the fourth straight season, Hubbard has gotten out to a 3-0 start. The Eagles will look to continue their perfect beginning of the year next Friday night as they travel to Bo Rein Stadium for a matchup with the Niles Red Dragons (2-1). Hubbard has won 16 straight matchups against the Red Dragons, dating back to 1996.

Howland: While the Tigers drop to 0-3 with the loss, the three defeats have all come to quality teams. Unfortunately for Howland, the road doesn’t get much easier in the coming weeks. While the Tigers will faceoff with a winless Boardman Spartans (0-3) team next week, the Spartans have played tough competition in their own right and are not to be underestimated.

BLUE JAYS STEAM FORWARD

/in /by

By Eric Hughes 

NORTH JACKSON OH- Jackson-Milton defeats Windham in dominant fashion, 50-6, to remain undefeated and improve to 3-0.

The Blue Jays came out of the gates swinging, scoring 29 points in the first quarter alone.

QB Cayden Mitchell scored a 6-yd TD run only three minutes into the game and nailed the PAT to take an early 7-0 lead.

Mitchell came back the next drive and threw a 9-yd TD pass to TE Jonah French to make the score 13-0 but missed the PAT.

Windham started marching down the field on the following drive, but QB Dylan McCune’s pass was intercepted by DB Jack McDevitt, who returned it 89 yards for a Blue Jays touchdown. A successful 2-pt conversion run by Aiden Stanke gave Jackson-Milton a 21-0 lead with 51 seconds left in the first quarter.

Windham’s next drive only lasted one play, as McDevitt picked off another one with 43 seconds left in the quarter.

It only took one play for the Blue Jays to capitalize, as Cayden Mitchell threw a 51-yd TD pass to Vincent Fay. Jase Greco punched it across on the 2-pt attempt to make the score 29-0 heading into the second quarter.

The Blue Jays didn’t take their foot off the gas after dominating the first quarter, as RB Keegan White scored a 16-yd TD run with 8:15 to go in the first half. Sam Conn replaced Cayden Mitchell at kicker for the remainder of the game, and made a PAT to make the score 36-0 before halftime.

Jackson-Milton’s offense took advantage of the running clock after halftime and sustained a 10-minute drive that ended in a 2-yd TD run by Aiden Stanke. Conn made another PAT to extend the lead to 43-0 with 1:45 left in the third quarter.

The Blue Jays delivered the dagger on the following drive, as RB Joey Zayas broke off a 45-yd run for a TD with 7:20 left in the game. Conn’s PAT made the score 50-0.

Windham was able to avoid the shutout, as RB Carlos Bruton had a 63-yd house call with 3:40 left to cut it to 50-6. The PAT was no good.

Jackson-Milton has outscored their opponents, 124-20, through the first three weeks and are rolling, but they will have a tough test next Friday when they square off against their MVAC rivals, the undefeated Mineral Ridge Rams, on the road.

VIKINGS DEFENSE TOO MUCH FOR EAGLES

/in , /by

Youngstown, OH- In a commanding display of defensive prowess and strategic playmaking, the Labrae Vikings outshined the Valley Christian Eagles in a resounding 20-0 victory. The game, filled with thrilling moments, showcased Labrae’s dominance on both ends of the field.

The opening quarter witnessed Labrae’s Jay McGary breaking through the defensive lines with a 12-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point by Max Young. This early offensive strike set the tone for Labrae’s determination to seize control of the game.

As the second quarter unfolded, the momentum continued to favor Labrae. With 5 minutes and 49 seconds left, Valley Christian’s Ja’Sean Lindsay’s pass was intercepted by Labrae’s Treyton Derry, adding to Labrae’s growing advantage.

The fourth quarter intensified the pressure on Valley Christian. Labrae’s Kenny Yoho showcased his precision with a 17-yard pass to Eric Riebold, extending the lead to 14-0 after Max Young’s extra point. Labrae’s defense remained unyielding, with Ja’Sean Lindsay of Valley Christian throwing yet another interception, this time claimed by Labrae’s Mike Henderson. In a swift response, Treyton Derry sprinted 20 yards for another Labrae touchdown, although the subsequent 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

The final score of 20-0 reflected Labrae’s exceptional defensive performance, effectively neutralizing Valley Christian’s run game and consistently capitalizing on turnovers. The victory secured Labrae’s position with a 1-1 record, as they now prepare to face off against the Niles Red Dragons in week 3. Meanwhile, the Valley Christian Eagles, also with a 1-1 record, are set to host the Brookfield Warriors in their upcoming week 3 encounter.

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

VIKINGS SECURE FIRST WIN

/in /by

LEETONIA OH- In a resolute performance on the road, Waterloo secured their first victory of the season, triumphing over Leetonia with an emphatic 21-0 scoreline.

The opening quarter set the tone for Waterloo’s dominance, as Landon McClain electrified the field with a spectacular 78-yard TD return off the kickoff. Aaron Hart’s successful PAT extended their lead to 7-0.

Waterloo’s drive, starting from their own 15, was interrupted by a pivotal play when Dylan Johns intercepted the ball at Leetonia’s 6-yard line with 2:50 on the clock. Leetonia’s possession from the 6-yard line, however, faced challenges with consecutive errant snaps, leading them to punt from deep within their territory.

As the second quarter commenced, Waterloo capitalized on a short punt, taking over at Leetonia’s 20-yard line. Following a 5-yard penalty, Jaydin Hakin connected with Bobby Harouff for a 16-yard gain, positioning Waterloo at the 9-yard line. Just two plays later, Hakin himself dashed into the end zone with a 5-yard TD run, propelling Waterloo to a 14-0 lead at 10:13. Aaron Hart’s successful PAT solidified the advantage.

At halftime, Waterloo commanded a comfortable 14-0 lead, showcasing their determination on both ends of the field.

As the third quarter unfolded, Leetonia faced a turnover on downs at their own 15-yard line with 4:00 remaining. Waterloo’s ensuing possession took only three plays, with Jayden Hakin completing a 1-yard TD run at 3:39. A successful PAT widened the gap to a commanding 21-0.

The fourth quarter saw both teams battling fiercely, but neither managed to break through for any additional points, resulting in a scoreless period.

The final whistle confirmed Waterloo’s triumphant display, securing a shutout victory with a final score of 21-0.

Looking ahead, Waterloo (1-1) will return home for Week 3, where they are set to face off against Lisbon. Meanwhile, Leetonia (0-2) is geared up for a Week 3 challenge on the road against Strasburg. The victory marks a pivotal moment for Waterloo, setting the stage for an exciting journey in the coming weeks.

HOBAN USES BIG SECOND HALF TO SAIL TO VICTORY

/in /by

ERIE PA- In a clash that showcased their unbeatable spirit, Hoban maintained their spotless record with a resounding victory in Week 2, triumphing over Erie Cathedral Prep with a commanding score of 44-12.

The first quarter brought early action and drama:
– At 6:29, Erie Cathedral Prep’s Luke Costello bulldozed his way to a 1-yard TD run, though the extra point attempt was thwarted. The scoreboard read 6-0 in favor of ECP.
– Just before the quarter ended, Hoban’s Tysen Campbell electrified the stadium with a stunning 60-yard punt return for a TD. Ryan Burns’ successful extra point kick swiftly shifted the momentum, placing Hoban in the lead at 7-6.

As the game intensified, the second quarter saw more points on the board:
– Erie Cathedral Prep’s Suhtaun Lewis muscled through for a 1-yard TD run at 6:55. Although the 2-point conversion attempt fell short, ECP regained the lead at 12-7.
– Hoban responded with finesse, as Boykin connected with Syncere Hill for a 15-yard passing TD at 3:16. Despite a blocked extra point, Hoban narrowed the gap to 13-12.

The halftime break provided both teams an opportunity to regroup and strategize.

In the third quarter, Hoban’s resurgence continued:
– At 4:09, Boykin’s precision pass found Jalen Hightower for a 2-yard passing TD. Ryan Burns’ successful extra point extended Hoban’s lead to 20-12.
– Hoban’s Caleb Jones powered through for a 15-yard TD run at 3:22, and Burns’ precise extra point widened the gap to 27-12.

The fourth quarter sealed Hoban’s domination:
– At 11:51, Burns nailed a 26-yard field goal, bolstering Hoban’s lead to 30-12.
– Caleb Jones contributed once again with a 1-yard TD run at 9:22, as Burns’ successful extra point kick pushed the score to 37-12.
– The game’s excitement reached its zenith at 6:22, as Brayton Feister sprinted an impressive 52 yards for a TD. Jeremy Hammel’s extra point kick was on target, securing Hoban’s commanding 44-12 victory.

The final score marked Hoban’s triumphant reign: Hoban 44, Erie Cathedral Prep 12.

With their undefeated status intact, Hoban now looks forward to returning home for their next challenge, as they prepare to face Trinity Episcopal on Saturday at 7:00 PM. Their 2-0 record stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and exceptional teamwork.