Tag Archive for: High School Football

RIDGE GETS ELIMINATED BY MOGADORE

SALEM OH- In a hard-fought battle in the Regional Semifinals, Mineral Ridge displayed a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against Mogadore, concluding with a final score of 21-7.

The first quarter saw Mogadore taking the lead as QB Zeke Cameron handed off to RB Aaron Rumschlag for a 2-yard TD with 1:28 remaining. Austine Constantine’s successful extra point extended Mogadore’s early advantage to 7-0.

Mineral Ridge responded in the second quarter, showcasing their offensive prowess. QB Owen Shingledecker connected with RB Ian Erb for a 19-yard TD at 10:33, and Landon Pal’s accurate extra point leveled the score at 7-7. However, Mogadore quickly answered with QB Zeke Cameron finding Devin Graham for a 52-yard TD pass at 2:14. Despite a missed extra point, Mogadore regained the lead, heading into halftime with a score of 13-7.

The third quarter remained scoreless, setting the stage for a decisive fourth quarter. Mogadore sealed the victory with QB Zeke Cameron executing a 1-yard TD run at 1:30. A successful 2-point conversion, with Cameron connecting to Layne Miller, extended Mogadore’s lead to 21-7.

Despite Mineral Ridge’s resilience, the final whistle blew with Mogadore emerging victorious with a final score of 21-7 in the Regional Semifinals. Mineral Ridge demonstrated determination and fought hard throughout the game, showcasing the spirit of competition in a challenging contest.

DANVILLE WARES DOWN THE ROCKETS

MASSILLON OH- In a hard-fought battle in the Regional Semifinals, Lowellville faced a formidable challenge against Danville, ultimately falling short with a final score of 41-21.

The first quarter set the tone as Danville’s RB Aidan Burke powered through with a 9-yard TD run at 1:20, followed by RB Cole Delaughder’s successful 2-point conversion, giving Danville an early 8-0 lead.

Lowellville responded in the second quarter as QB Michael Ballone connected with WR Matt Lucido for a 10-yard TD pass at 2:29. A completion to WR Braylen Dabney for 2 points leveled the score at 8-8. However, Danville surged back with a 25-yard TD run by RB Cole Delaughder at 1:03, leaving the score at 14-8 in favor of Danville.

The third quarter witnessed Danville extending their lead with Cole Delaughder scoring a 3-yard TD run at 5:32. Although the 2-point attempt was unsuccessful, Danville led 20-8. Lowellville fought back, with QB Michael Ballone contributing a 9-yard TD run at 3:40. K Matt Lucido’s successful PAT brought Lowellville within striking distance at 20-15. However, Danville quickly responded with a 50-yard TD run by Cole Delaughder at 3:32, maintaining a 26-15 advantage.

In the fourth quarter, Danville continued to assert dominance with QB Walker Weckesser connecting with RB Cole Delaughder for a 15-yard TD pass at 11:53, accompanied by a successful 2-point conversion, bringing the score to 34-15. Danville sealed the victory with another impressive 15-yard TD run by Cole Delaughder at 4:14, followed by a successful PAT from K Javier Sica’Gonzalez, making it 41-15. Lowellville managed to put up a fight in the waning moments, as QB Michael Ballone connected with WR Landon Esenwein for a 15-yard TD pass at 1:53. However, a fake FG attempt proved unsuccessful, and the game concluded with a final score of 41-21 in favor of Danville.

Despite the challenging loss, Lowellville showcased resilience and determination throughout the contest.

GARFIELD’S RUN STOPPED BY PIRATES

MAPLE HEIGHTS OH- In a hard-fought battle, Garfield’s football season came to an end with a challenging loss to Perry in the regional semifinals, concluding with a score of 42-14.

The first quarter saw Dare’on Howard make a significant impact with a 3-yard run at the 8:02 mark, putting Perry ahead 7-0. Soon after, Jayden Studio extended the lead with another 3-yard run at 3:18, bringing the score to 14-0.

The second quarter showcased Perry’s offensive prowess as Walter Moses connected with Owen McKoon for a 12-yard touchdown pass at 10:41, pushing the lead to 21-0. Jayden Studio continued to dominate with a remarkable 63-yard run at 8:52, further widening the gap to 28-0. Garfield fought back before halftime, with Eric Geddes finding Keegan Sell for a 5-yard touchdown pass at :26, putting them on the board with a score of 28-7.

In the third quarter, Perry maintained their momentum as Moses connected with Studio for a 12-yard touchdown pass at 3:21, extending their lead to 35-7.

The final quarter saw Jayden Studio securing a 56-yard run at 8:03, solidifying Perry’s lead at 42-7. Despite a resilient effort from Garfield, Keegan Sell managed a 12-yard run at 2:13, bringing the final score to 42-14. Though the season concluded with a tough loss, Garfield demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the game.

ROCKETS PUT THE THRUSTERS ON BLAST

In an anticipated playoff showdown, Lowellville avenged their only loss of the season, overpowering Western Reserve with a commanding 32-7 win. The Blue Devils of Lowellville sent a clear message, making their way to the Regional Semifinals in impressive fashion.

The star of the night for Lowellville was undoubtedly Santino Rivera-Ocasio, who was an unstoppable force on the field. Rivera-Ocasio carried the ball an astonishing 26 times, accumulating an impressive 252 rushing yards and scoring four crucial touchdowns. His performance left the Western Reserve defense struggling to contain him and served as the backbone of Lowellville’s triumph.

Lowellville set the tone early in the game, with the defense making a significant impact. Michael Ballone’s interception in the first quarter, shortly after Lowellville’s initial score by Luke Henning, set the tone for the night. This defensive gem foreshadowed the challenging evening that Western Reserve would endure.

It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Blue Devils of Western Reserve finally found the end zone. Quarterback Luke Henning connected with Ethan Cannon for a 14-yard touchdown, providing a glimmer of hope for Reserve. However, it was too little, too late to mount a comeback against Lowellville’s dominating performance.

With this resounding win, Lowellville advances to the Regional Semifinals, where they are set to face the second-seeded Danville. The exact neutral site for the upcoming matchup will be determined over the weekend.

RAMS ARE STILL RUNNING ALONG

ROOTSTOWN OH- In a thrilling playoff clash, Mineral Ridge continued their impressive postseason run with a hard-fought 17-9 win over Rootstown, marking their second road victory in the playoffs.

The Rams’ offense was led by quarterback Owen Shingledecker, who amassed 78 passing yards. He wasted no time putting Mineral Ridge on the scoreboard with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Pemberton in the first quarter, setting the tone for the game.

Brady Balestrino played a pivotal role in the Rams’ passing game, making five receptions for 26 yards, showcasing his reliability as a receiver.

On the ground, Jacob Russell led the way for Mineral Ridge, racking up 64 rushing yards, while Ian Erb added another 52 yards, keeping the offense moving and putting pressure on the Rootstown defense.

The Mineral Ridge defense was the true star of the night, flying all over the field and holding Rootstown to a mere 9 points. Their relentless efforts resulted in three turnovers that proved to be crucial. Kaiden McCune and Julian Rozzi each had an interception, further cementing the Rams’ dominance on the defensive end. Rozzi not only had an interception but also forced and recovered a fumble, which he returned for a game-changing touchdown.

With this impressive win, Mineral Ridge’s playoff journey continues, and their next challenge awaits. They will face off against Mogadore in the next round of the playoffs. The game is set for Friday at 7:00, at a neutral site yet to be announced at the time of this writing. Mineral Ridge’s fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this exciting playoff run, as the Rams aim to build on their successes and make their mark on the postseason.

IRISH COME UP CLUTCH AGAINST REIGNING CHAMPS

By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Canfield came into the
2023 season as the defending Division 3 State Champions. However, we all know the saying, “To be the best, you need to beat the best”. And Ursuline did just that.

The Irish rallied to top the Cardinals 16-13 in the Regional Quarterfinal Friday night.

It was a highly anticipated rematch from last year’s Regional Semifinal, where the Cardinals topped the Irish 33-25, but it was defense that showed up in last night’s clash.

After a scoreless third quarter for both teams, Ursuline’s defense came up with a big stop when it needed it most.

Moving the ball into Irish territory, Canfield came up 4th-and-1 from the Ursuline 39-yard line. Scottie Eaton, who had been running through Ursuline’s defense all night took the ball to the outside on a run looking to move the chains.

It appeared Eaton had the first down, and then some, but was tripped up by Jy’Quise Liason at the last second. That big stop propelled Dan Reardon’s troops into great field position and a chance to mount a game-winning drive.

Irish quarterback Jack Ericson lost this game a year ago but didn’t plan on it this year. He hit Sophomore Devonte Taylor for a chunk play that brought Ursuline to the Canfield 25-yard line.

Moments later, on a 3rd-and-7 Ericson found D.C. Ferrell at the 5-yard line. The drive was then capped off by Christian Lynch, who found the endzone from two yards out for his second score of the game, and 24th of the season.

The ensuing Cardinal drive, Canfield quarterback Paul Bindas was looking to move the ball with time dwindling but threw an interception into the arms of Luke Kollar.

Mike Pavlansky’s defense was able to force Ursuline into a three-and-out and set up a play that could’ve been talked about forever.

With three seconds on the clock and the game on the line, Bindas took his time and let the ball go for the endzone.

When the final whistle blew, the pigskin was laying on the turf, ruled incomplete, and resulted in an Ursuline win.

Both teams came into the came with successful offenses. Ursuline was scoring 39.9 point per game, while Canfield was at 26.

After the Canfield lead was 13-9 at half, the defenses showed up and allowed just one combined score the rest of the way.

Christian Lynch and Scottie Eaton lived up to the hype in the battle of 1k backs, but it was Lynch, the Princeton commit, who got the last laugh.

Ursuline (12-0) moves on to face Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (9-3) in the Regional Semifinal at a site TBD. Canfield’s season ends at 7-4.

GARFIELD NOT SLOWED DOWN BY A ROAD TRIP

Garfield Dominates Harrison Central in High-Scoring Affair, Final Score 56-35

In an electrifying matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, Garfield High School’s football team rolled into Harrison Central and secured a thrilling 56-35 victory.

The first quarter kicked off with a bang as Garfield took the lead early. Keegan Sell made a spectacular 32-yard run, finding the end zone at 11:06 and putting Garfield ahead 7-0. Quarterback Eric Geddes then connected with Leo Grandizio on a 59-yard touchdown pass at 9:13, extending Garfield’s lead to 14-0.

Harrison Central quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. Hayden Cassidy, their quarterback, connected with Cam McAfee on a 57-yard touchdown pass at 6:51, bringing the score to 14-7.

However, Garfield was relentless. Eric Geddes found Leo Grandizio once again, this time on a 9-yard touchdown pass at 3:22, increasing the lead to 21-7 as the first quarter came to a close.

The second quarter continued the high-scoring affair. Keegan Sell added to Garfield’s lead with a 1-yard rushing touchdown at 8:59, making it 28-13. Eric Geddes then extended the lead even further with a 5-yard rushing touchdown at 2:14, bringing the score to 35-13.

The fourth quarter was not short on action either, as Keegan Sell scored another rushing touchdown, this time from 5 yards out, at 11:56, making it 42-19. Geddes connected with Leo Grandizio once more on a 54-yard touchdown pass at 11:14, pushing the score to 49-19.

Devin Bates added another G-Men touchdown scoring on a 22-yard rush at 2:00, cutting the deficit to 56-27.

The game ended with a final score of 56-35 in favor of Garfield, as they celebrated a well-deserved victory. The G-Men’s next playoff matchup will be a neutral site game against Perry.

WILDCATS CLAW BACK AT POLAND AND MOVE ON

Struthers Gains Redemption, Advances in Playoffs with 14-9 Victory Over Poland

In a high-stakes playoff showdown, Struthers found sweet revenge for a Week 10 loss by edging out Poland in a nail-biting 14-9 victory.

The first quarter remained scoreless, as both teams grappled for control on the field. It was clear that this was going to be a closely contested match from the start.

The second quarter saw the first points on the board as Poland’s Jas Stefancin converted a 21-yard field goal, giving Poland a 3-0 lead at 7:54.

However, Struthers quickly responded in the third quarter, with running back Jason Dukes leading the charge. Dukes plowed through the defense with an 11-yard rushing touchdown at 6:41. The extra point was good, granting Struthers a 7-3 lead.

Dukes was far from finished, as he broke free with an explosive 63-yard rushing touchdown at 2:30, extending Struthers’ lead to 14-3 after another successful extra point.

Poland wasn’t willing to go down without a fight. Quarterback Dom Pagano connected with Cole Fulton for a remarkable 61-yard touchdown pass at 1:34 in the third quarter. However, the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 14-9 in favor of Struthers.

The fourth quarter remained scoreless, but it was Dukes who sealed the deal for Struthers with an interception in the end zone. This critical play ensured that Poland could not mount a comeback in the waning moments of the game.

The victory marked a crucial moment for Struthers, avenging their previous loss and propelling them further in the playoffs. The Wildcats will match up with Mentor Lake Catholic in the Regional Semifinals.

DRAGONS RUN OUT OF FIRE

MENTOR OH- In a hard-fought battle on the gridiron, the Niles football season came to a close as Mentor Lake Catholic emerged victorious with a final score of 35-21.

The first quarter saw Mentor Lake Catholic taking an early lead. Quarterback Frankie Trinetti connected with running back Josh Styles for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 8:22 on the clock. Harley Forkins successfully added the extra point, putting MLC up 7-0.

The second quarter continued to favor MLC. Quarterback Frankie Trinetti handed off to tight end DJ Sears for a 1-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-0 with 4:42 left in the quarter. Once again, Harley Forkins converted the extra point.

Mentor Lake Catholic wasn’t done in the second quarter as Trinetti found Cross Nimmo for a spectacular 62-yard touchdown pass with just 1:23 remaining. The extra point by Forkins was good, and the score stood at 21-0.

However, Niles rallied just before the half. Quarterback Anthony Budak connected with Nate Coots for a 28-yard touchdown pass as time expired in the second quarter. Anthony Georgalas nailed the extra point, cutting the deficit to 21-7.

The third quarter saw MLC extending their lead when Trinetti connected with Patrick Radigan for a 68-yard touchdown pass with 2:51 on the clock. Harley Forkins remained accurate on the extra point, making it 28-7.

In the fourth quarter, MLC wasn’t ready to relinquish their lead. Trinetti once again found tight end Cross Nimmo, this time for a 29-yard touchdown pass with 11:28 left in the game. The extra point by Forkins was good, making it 35-7.

Niles, showing resilience, managed to put more points on the board in the final quarter. Quarterback Anthony Budak handed off to Antuan Gardner for two rushing touchdowns, one for 31 yards with 10:27 remaining, and another for 5 yards with 2:10 to go. Anthony Georgalas was accurate on both extra point attempts, bringing the final score to 35-21 in favor of Mentor Lake Catholic.

 

KNIGHTS FIND THE MAGIC TO ADVANCE TO REGIONAL SEMIS

AKRON OH- In yet another commanding playoff performance, the Archbishop Hoban Knights rolled to victory, this time dismantling the Barberton Magics with a resounding final score of 41-7.

The first quarter set the tone for Hoban’s dominance. Just over two minutes into the game, Hoban quarterback Tylan Boykin connected with Jalen Hightower on a 39-yard passing touchdown. Though the extra point was unsuccessful, the Knights were on the board with a 6-0 lead.

The second quarter saw Hoban extend their lead further. Caleb Jones plowed through Barberton’s defense with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, and the extra point was good, making it 13-0 in favor of Hoban.

As the clock continued to wind down in the second quarter, Brayton Feister broke free and sprinted for a stunning 60-yard rushing touchdown. Once again, Ryan Burns nailed the extra point, extending Hoban’s lead to 20-0 going into halftime.

The third quarter showed no mercy from Hoban. Tylan Boykin connected with Jalen Hightower for another touchdown, this time a 43-yard pass. The extra point by Ryan Burns was successful, pushing the score to 27-0.

Barberton finally got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter when Dominic Wilson found Angelo Harper for an 11-yard passing touchdown. Kamran Walton’s successful extra point made it 27-7.

However, Hoban quickly retaliated with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Elbert Hill, and the extra point by Ryan Burns was good. The Knights extended their lead to a commanding 34-7.

The fourth quarter showcased more of Hoban’s offensive prowess as Brayton Feister added another touchdown to his name, this time with a 38-yard rushing score. With Ryan Burns once again making the extra point, the final score stood at an emphatic 41-7 in favor of the Knights.

Hoban’s stellar performance on both ends of the field was evident, and they continue to be a force to be reckoned with as they advance further in the playoffs. Hoban will match up with Painesville Riverside in the semifinals. A neutral site will be determined over the weekend.