Tag Archive for: hostile environment

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 7) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- In the latest episode of the “South Range Coach’s Corner,” head coach Dave Rach sat down with host DJ Yokley at Giangelo’s on 224 to discuss the latest developments in the South Range Raiders’ football season. With six consecutive home games behind them, the Raiders now face the challenges of playing away. Last week’s opponent: the formidable Girard team.

Rach emphasized the new experiences gained from playing on the road. “We were excited to get on the road and go into a hostile environment. Our kids understood the adversities and managed to create their own energy,” Rach said. The South Range team, now seasoned through seven tough games, is beginning to integrate younger players into key roles, a strategy that Rach believes will be pivotal for a long season’s success.

Effort and adaptability are cornerstones of Rach’s coaching philosophy. “We need to become more dynamic, more explosive,” he asserted, citing the need for extended offensive tactics and a sharper defensive edge. Developing fresh talent, Rach indicated, is both a necessity and a challenge, noting, “Freshmen and sophomores are stepping up, but they need the confidence to see themselves as the coaches do.”

One significant test ahead is Bo Rein Stadium in Niles, known to be a challenging venue for the Raiders. Rach remains optimistic. “We’ve had some big losses there, but also some historic wins. We’re working toward making another good memory this Friday.”

The episode concluded on a reflective note, where Rach reminisced about his high school and college playing days, highlighting the importance of overcoming personal weaknesses—a lesson he’s keen to impart to his players. “I left a lot out there in high school, which I regret. I wish I made myself more uncomfortable and worked on my weaknesses,” he admitted.

Listeners and fans of the South Range Raiders can catch new episodes of “South Range Coach’s Corner” every week, where Coach Dave Rach continues to offer deep insights into the team’s journey, strategies, and personal reflections on leadership and growth.

 

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SAVVA SAVES THE DAY

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POLAND, OH-  In the latest episode of the Poland Bulldog Show, senior defensive tackle Savva DiRienzo provided intriguing insights into his experience playing for the Bulldogs during a pivotal season. Host Matt Romeo sat down with DiRienzo at the Bulldogs Bar and Grill, discussing everything from nerve-wracking packed houses to the calm needed before a game.

DiRienzo, who is in his first varsity football season, shared how the heightened attention this year has been both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, especially during high-stakes games. “Knowing that there’s going to be all these eyes on you, especially this week with the game being on TV, it was very nerve-wracking,” DiRienzo admitted. However, he highlighted that once the whistle blows, the focus is solely on the gridiron.

A rich discussion ensued about October football, where DiRienzo expressed his honor in participating in such meaningful matches. “The games themselves feel like any other varsity game, but the significance hits you,” noted DiRienzo, pointing out that maintaining the same level of play, regardless of external pressures, is crucial.

When asked about his pre-game rituals, DiRienzo shared a surprisingly simple routine: heading home after school and unwinding by playing on his phone. “It’s not much of a ritual, more of a routine, but it really helps calm my nerves,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of this downtime before heading into intense gameplay.

Romeo also touched on DiRienzo’s dual role as a wrestler, drawing parallels between the two sports. DiRienzo elaborated on how wrestling techniques, such as staying low and hand usage, significantly benefit his football skills. “Wrestling has drilled certain movements into me, which translates well on the football field,” he said.

As the conversation shifted to the upcoming game against Niles, DiRienzo expressed confidence and excitement. “We’ve been practicing hard, and I feel we’re going to give them a game for sure. Being able to come back home and do it is definitely very special,” he stated, acknowledging the unique atmosphere of home games.

With the Bulldogs facing a crucial must-win game, all eyes will be on DiRienzo and his teammates this Friday night. Fans can anticipate a riveting match, bolstered by the home crowd’s support.

 

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SLIV DOESN’T SLIDE

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POLAND, OH-The latest episode of the YSN Poland Bulldog Show featured star defensive tackle Nate Slivkoff in an engaging interview that shed light on his experiences on and off the field. Hosted by Matt Romeo, the episode delved into Slivkoff’s preparation, mental fortitude, and future ambitions.

Slivkoff, known for his relentless performance on the field, shared insights from last Friday’s game against South Range—a match-up he described as both draining and exhilarating. “Their hurry-up offense was absolutely brutal,” Slivkoff admitted. Despite the challenge, his anticipation for a potential playoff rematch is palpable. “I’d be excited to play against them in the playoffs, hopefully later this year,” he added.

The conversation also explored the unique adrenaline rush that high school football offers. “It’s all about seeing all the people there for your game and watching you play,” Slivkoff said. Reflecting on the ethos of meaningful games in October, the young athlete emphasized the importance of learning from past performances and correcting mistakes for future matchups.

In an intriguing twist, Slivkoff spoke about his pregame rituals, which include a silent car ride followed by a quiet walk to mentally prepare himself. “It’s not as much physical as it is mental,” he explained.

Coach Pav, a notable figure in Slivkoff’s football journey, was also mentioned in the episode. However, Slivkoff revealed that he doesn’t have him as a teacher this year. Interestingly, the senior doesn’t attend Poland High School; he studies software development at the Career Center in Canfield. “Looking forward to finding either work instantly or going straight to college,” Slipkoff said about his post-graduation plans.

As the interview wrapped up, Slivkoff remained focused on the immediate challenge ahead—the game against Niles. “The most important game of the season is the next game of the season,” he asserted, emphasizing the team’s mindset of taking one game at a time.

With such dedication both in sports and academics, Nate Slivkoff proves to be a multifaceted young talent. The Poland Bulldogs can certainly hope for great things from him as they advance through the season.

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POLAND HAZ THE RIZZ

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POLAND, OH-  In a thrilling display of high school football, the Poland Bulldogs overcame Hubbard High with a dynamic performance that set the tone for a promising season. Hosting the game at Bulldogs Bar and Grill in Poland, Ohio, the team rebounded strongly from their previous loss to Canfield, securing a decisive first half turnover that energized their defense and set the stage for an impressive victory.

At the heart of the Bulldogs’ defense was Yianni Hazimihalis, a senior standout who showcased his ball-hawking skills, earning praise from commentators and fans alike. Hazimihalis, whose cousin Michael plays for Hubbard, added a personal subplot to the game, making their match-up even more exhilarating.
“We just knew we had to come out strong, set the tone early,” said Hazimihalis. “We knew Hubbard wasn’t just going to lay down, so we focused on playing our game and sticking to our script.”

Despite the familial competition, Hazimihalis maintained sportsmanship throughout, frequently assisting his cousin after plays. “After a good run, I’d tell him, ‘Good run, Mike,’ because at the end of the day, family is family,” he commented, adding a touching element to the fierce on-field rivalry.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs face a significant challenge against a top-tier opponent in what is being billed as the high school version of a major college showdown. With a prime-time game against South Range on the horizon, Hazimihalis and his teammates are preparing for what could be their most pivotal game of the season.

“Everyone on our team’s ready. It’s our first time this year being the game of the week,” said Hazimihalis. “We’ve got a lot riding on this – conference standings, regional implications – so it should be a good one.”

As the Bulldogs continue their quest for gridiron glory, they remain grounded, focused, and ready to seize the moment, much like Hazimihalis does with his pre-game routine of deep breaths and silent reflections.

“This is my last time playing South Range on their field. I just want to soak it all in and enjoy every moment,” he added.
The Bulldogs’ next game promises not only competitive excitement but also serves as a reminder of the deep connections and personal stories that are often found within the world of high school sports.

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HOME VARONE

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POLAND, OH- The Poland Bulldogs football team showcased their resilience in a spectacular fashion this past week, rebounding from a tough loss against Canfield with a commanding 28-0 victory over Hubbard. Senior Joey Varone, the standout player of the match, joined Matt Romeo on YSN’s Pull and Bulldog Show to share insights on the team’s thrilling performance and the journey ahead.

“This game was crucial for us,” Varone stated. “The loss against Canfield put a chip on our shoulder. We felt that game should have been ours, and it fueled us to come out strong against Hubbard.”

Varone made an indelible mark with the first touchdown of the game, a pivotal moment that set the tone for the team’s dominant performance. “Scoring that touchdown felt incredible. I work my tail off in practice, and it was rewarding to contribute to my team’s victory,” he said.

Host Matt Romeo noted the impressive turnaround and asked Varone about the team’s defensive fortitude. Despite Varone’s limited play on defense this season, he praised his teammates’ efforts. “Our defense has a lot of fire. The guys in the secondary really go out there and ball out every week,” Varone commented.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs face a significant challenge as they prepare to take on South Range in what promises to be a prime-time clash. “South Range has had the better of us the past few years, but this is our chance to show we’re serious contenders this season,” Varone declared.

As the Bulldogs rally to defend their home turf and carry their momentum to away games, fans can expect thrilling encounters and outstanding performances. Joey Varone and his teammates are set on proving Poland’s prowess on the field, aiming to bring the title back home.

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