Tag Archive for: Indians

SOUTHERN STRIKES FAST IN WEEK TEN

Southern’s Week 10 showdown at home against Leetonia turned into an unrelenting display of dominance as they secured a commanding 47-0 victory.

The first quarter set the stage for Southern’s triumph, with a series of rapid touchdowns. Timmy Potts initiated the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving Southern an early 7-0 lead just 10 minutes and 36 seconds into the game. Ayden Frischkorn added to the onslaught, breaking free for a 10-yard touchdown run at 9:31. Ryan Exline’s 5-yard touchdown run, although the PAT was blocked, stretched the lead to 20-0 with 5:27 left in the first quarter. Landen Heffner then joined the party, with a 15-yard touchdown run and an explosive 55-yard touchdown dash, bringing the score to 33-0 and concluding a dominant first quarter.

Heffner was far from finished, adding a 39-yard touchdown run with 3:19 left in the second quarter. Southern continued their dominance into the third quarter when Colton Spahlinger sealed the game with a 3-yard touchdown run, resulting in the final score of 47-0.

On the Leetonia side, Cameron Roller’s performance was a bright spot, as he set a program single-season tackle record with an impressive total of 106 tackles.

GIRARD GRABS A FIRST ROUND VICTORY

GIRARD OH- Girard’s volleyball team made a resounding statement in their first sectional matchup of the tournament, delivering a convincing sweep in straight sets over Niles with scores of 25-8, 25-10, and 25-8. The team’s outstanding performance marked an excellent start to their postseason journey.

Several standout players led the charge for Girard, showcasing their skills and teamwork. Bree Latell was a force on the court, securing 17 kills. Alexis Pieton contributed significantly with 9 kills, while Nico Cochran added 8 kills, and Erica Teter provided 5 more, ensuring a well-rounded offensive approach.

Bailey Walters orchestrated the team’s offense brilliantly, earning 39 assists, highlighting her playmaking abilities. In the service game, Nico Cochran was instrumental, earning 14 service points and 4 aces, while Alexis Pieton and Bree Latell chipped in with 7 and 3 points, respectively. In the digs department, Nico Cochran led the way with 10, followed closely by Bree Latell with 8 and Bailey Walters with 5.

With this commanding win, Girard now advances to the sectional finals, where they will face Perry in an exciting matchup. The game is scheduled for the 2nd match at Girard HS at 2:30 PM on Saturday.

NICO KNOWS WHAT TO DO

GIRARD OH- This season, Girard’s volleyball team needed a new offensive force to fill the void left by the graduation of star hitter Lauren Pallone. While the spotlight had previously shone on players like Bree Latell, there was a question mark surrounding who would be the team’s second punch. Enter Nico Cochran, a junior outside hitter with a solid swing that has quickly become the answer to Girard’s offensive needs.

Stepping into a significant role is not a new experience for Nico. While she wasn’t the featured hitter on last year’s Girard team, she has been accustomed to leading her club teams from the front for quite some time. For Nico, taking on this new challenge in high school wasn’t about pressure but an opportunity to shine on a larger stage. Her adaptability and willingness to do whatever it takes for the team’s success have been evident throughout the season.

Athleticism and competitiveness run in Nico’s family, and it’s her parents, particularly her dad, who are often the voices she hears during the game. Whether it’s tough coaching or supportive encouragement, she has the comfort of a solid support system never too far away, pushing her to excel on the court.

Reflecting on her 2023 stats, Nico has been a force to be reckoned with, amassing 250 kills at a rate of 3.4 per set, with a .206 attack percentage. Her defensive contributions are equally impressive, with 152 digs at a rate of 2.1 per set, along with 23 blocks and 45 aces. Nico’s all-around game is a testament to her dedication and versatility.

Looking ahead, Nico is set to take even bigger strides in her senior year, where she’ll be the leader everyone looks up to for guidance. With the same excellence she’s shown in every other opportunity, she’s sure to face her senior year with determination and poise. But for now, there’s a tournament run to focus on, and Nico, along with her teammates, is eager to break through the district championships, after being stalled there in the past two seasons. With Nico’s tenacity and the team’s collective drive, Girard has all the ingredients for a successful journey ahead.

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SOUTHERN TURNS THE LIGHTS OUT ON LISBON

SALINEVILLE, OH- In a regular-season clash with a potential league championship bid on the line, Lisbon faced off against Southern Local in an intense football showdown with Southern emerging as the dominant force and securing a 42-14 victory.

The scoring unfolded as follows: Southern started strong with a touchdown by Ryan Exline, who executed a 1-yard run, followed by a successful Yago Alonso kick, putting them in the lead 7-0. Frank Shagnot continued Southern’s offensive push with an 8-yard run, and Alonso’s kick made it 14-0. Lisbon answered back with Trevor Siefke’s 1-yard run, bolstered by Ben Weber’s successful kick, closing the gap to 14-7.

Southern, however, maintained their momentum with Ryan Exline’s 3-yard run, and Alonso’s kick increased their lead to 21-7. The game’s excitement continued as Markell Smith returned a punt for a stunning 60-yard touchdown, and Alonso’s kick further extended Southern’s lead to 28-7. Ryan Exline’s 9-yard run and Frank Shagnot’s 6-yard run, both followed by Alonso’s kicks, helped Southern Local continue to dominate, leading 42-7.

Lisbon managed to put some points on the board with a 23-yard pass from Trevor Siefke to Logan Stauffer, followed by Ben Weber’s successful kick, resulting in a final score of 42-14.

Key game statistics revealed Southern’s dominance, as they accumulated 28 first downs compared to Lisbon’s 14. Their rushing game was particularly formidable, gaining 413 yards on 47 attempts, while Lisbon managed 78 yards on 25 attempts. In the passing game, Lisbon led with 161 yards on 13 completions, while Southern Local had 14 yards on one completion.

Southern’s defense displayed its strength by securing an interception, credited to Richie Sloan. Both teams experienced fumbles, with one lost by Lisbon and none by Southern Local.

Penalties played a role in the game, with Lisbon accumulating 26 yards on 3 infractions, while Southern Local had 38 penalty yards on 4 fouls. In punting, Lisbon managed 3 punts for an average of 37 yards, while Southern Local did not punt during the game.

 

*Photo Credit: JT’s Mixed Media Moments

GIRARD GOES THE DISTANCE

HUBBARD OH- In an exhilarating back-and-forth matchup, the Girard Indians managed to get the final laugh, securing a hard-fought 21-14 victory against the Hubbard Eagles. The contest was packed with gridiron drama and unforgettable moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The first quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams exhibiting their prowess, but no scoring occurred in this early period.

The second quarter ignited the scoring as both teams found their rhythm. Hubbard’s Alex Hackwelder connected with Matthew Chaney for an 8-yard touchdown pass, putting the Eagles on the board at 7-0. Girard answered swiftly with Ahmad Curd-Stephens muscling his way into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 7-7.

The back-and-forth nature of the game continued when Girard’s Tuff McConahy linked up with Anthony Bengala for a 19-yard touchdown pass, giving Girard the lead at 14-7.

After a thrilling first half, both teams showcased their defensive prowess in the third quarter, resulting in no scoring for either side.

The fourth quarter unfolded with Hubbard’s Alex Hackwelder engineering an 8-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 14-14. The momentum swung back and forth as tensions rose on the field and in the stands.

In the game’s final moments, Girard’s Tuff McConahy came through when it mattered most. He delivered a perfectly placed 15-yard touchdown pass to Stephen Sims with just 3:57 left on the clock, propelling Girard to a 21-14 lead.

The Hubbard Eagles made a valiant effort to stage a late-game comeback, but Girard’s defense held strong, denying the Eagles any further points. The clock ran out, sealing the 21-14 victory for Girard.

This thrilling matchup between Girard and Hubbard provided an incredible display of high school football. Both teams showcased their talent and determination, and Girard emerged as the victors after a game filled with remarkable plays and unforgettable moments. The players, coaches, and fans left the stadium knowing they had witnessed a classic contest that will be remembered for years to come.

KNIGHTS HEAD TO POSTSEASON UNBEATEN

By Ty Bartell

GIRARD OH- It has been needless to say, but The Archbishop Hoban Knights volleyball team has been
on an impressive roll! Undefeated this season against a who’s who of regional opponents all with one goal in mind, get to the state final four. Big goals for a talented team, but the most important thing is the confidence that they have not only in themselves, but one another as teammates and friends. Hoban hit the road on Thursday night for a matchup with The Girard Indians for the second time in as many years. In last year’s contest, The Indians took a thrilling five set match from The Knights 3-2, hoping much of the same would replicate itself Thursday night and they can finally hang that first loss on Hoban.

Set one was a fun battle with both teams stopping at various scores, all tied up, along the way. Hoban would pull away with a key rally in the latter stages of the set, capitalizing on some key Girard mistakes, effectively taking the opening set 25-19. Coming out with a fury in set two, The Knight put the pedal to the metal while Girard had trouble getting out of their own way with some uncharacteristic mistakes. The Knights would take full advantage of the errors, blasting The Indians by a score of 25-8 in set two. Leading two sets to none on the road, Hoban was sitting in the driver seat, looking for match win number 20. Girard showed a similar type of fight and intensity as the first set, capturing an early 9-3 lead. However, as Hoban has done some many times this season, they adjusted and mounted a comeback, duplicating the score of the first set with a 25-19 set three victory.

Kathleen “the Dream” Jones got it done behind the service line with 16 service points and 3 aces in the match. Meanwhile, outside hitter Amber Watson led the Knights in kills with 12. The lone senior Sophia Day came one dig shy of a double-double, notching 16 assists and 9 digs in the win. While Hoban used a collective team effort to seal up the net with five different Knights each recording a block during the match!

On the other side, Girard was led by Bree Latell with 7 kills and 7 service points. Bailey Walters led The Indians with 14 assists while pitching in an ace and 5 digs. Alexis Pieton and Nico Cochran each helped the net defense with 2 blocks a piece, while Cochran also contributed with 5 digs.

The win for Hoban (20-0) keeps their undefeated season alive as they have one more regular season matchup where they will stay on the road to meet Cuyahoga-Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) (18-2) on Saturday, October 14th. Meanwhile, Girard (16-6) will now look ahead to the tournament where they will host Northeast 8 conference opponent The Niles Red Dragons (1-17) on Wednesday, October 17th.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-12-vb-hoban-girard/10-12-vb-girard-hoban

REBELS FLEX ON SUPERHERO NIGHT

In a clash of volleyball titans, the Crestview Rebels stood tall, extending their undefeated streak with a commanding sweep against a talented Girard team. The showdown took place on the hallowed grounds of Crestview High School, and the Rebels didn’t disappoint, emerging victorious with set scores of 25-12, 25-16, and 25-23.

One of the standout moments of the match was when Crestview’s Abbey Emch showcased her immense talent and dedication. With her future college coach from the University of Pittsburgh, Dan Fisher, in attendance, Emch delivered an astonishing performance. She recorded an impressive 21 kills, displayed her formidable blocking skills with four blocks, and dug nine times, proving why she’s destined for great things.

Grace Auer, the heart and soul of the Crestview offense, was equally impressive. She showcased her versatility with six kills, 23 assists, and a stellar 10 digs. Auer’s remarkable double-double was instrumental in Crestview’s victory. Moreover, she contributed two crucial blocks, demonstrating her prowess at both ends of the court.

Lainy Auer, another key figure for Crestview, added to the offensive onslaught with six kills. She also chipped in with nine assists, eight digs, and three aces, showcasing her incredible all-around game. Julia Blasko was a defensive force with her three kills and seven digs, contributing to the Rebels’ fantastic performance.

Girard, too, deserves recognition for their impressive display. Bree Latell was at the forefront, delivering 13 kills and a remarkable achievement of surpassing 1,000 career digs with her 10 in this game. Bailey Walters orchestrated the offense with 22 assists, and Nico Cochran shone with ten kills and seven crucial digs.

GIRARD GIVES THEIR SENIORS A GOOD SEND OFF

GIRARD OH- In a special senior night celebration, Girard took to the court with enthusiasm and determination, ultimately delivering a dominating performance to secure a win over Salem with scores of 25-7, 25-13, and 25-4.

Girard’s offensive prowess was on full display, with Bree Latell leading the charge with an impressive 18 kills. Nico Cochran added 6 kills to the mix, while Alexis Pieton contributed with 4 kills. Bailey Walters orchestrated the offense brilliantly, recording 27 assists to set up her teammates for success.

The service game was a key factor in Girard’s victory, with Bailey Walters, Bree Latell, and Nico Cochran delivering strong performances from the service line. Walters led the team with 17 service points, while Latell and Cochran each contributed 13. Walters also showcased her serving accuracy with 9 aces, with Latell and Cochran adding 4 aces each.

Defensively, Bailey Walters continued to shine, not only as a setter but also as a reliable digger, tallying 7 digs. Latell, Cochran, and Molly Durkin chipped in with their defensive efforts, recording 5, 5, and 4 digs, respectively. At the net, Alexis Pieton, Bailey Walters, and Brooke Perry played a pivotal role in the blocking department, with Pieton leading the team with 3 blocks, accompanied by 3 blocks from Walters and 2 blocks from Perry.

Girard’s senior night celebration was truly special, not only due to the victory but also because of the incredible contributions of the seniors who led their team to this impressive win. The dominating performance showcased the team’s unity and determination, making it a memorable night for everyone involved.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SHINE ON SOUTHERN

LIBERTY OH- In an eagerly anticipated Saturday night showdown, Southern sought revenge against Valley Christian, who had clinched the EOAC title over them the previous season. The Indians came through with a thrilling 46-36 win in front of a prime-time audience.

The first quarter set the stage for Southern’s offensive fireworks. Landen Heffner kicked things off with a 35-yard touchdown run, giving the Indians an early 6-0 lead with 9:18 on the clock. Southern kept the momentum going as Logan Mettenburger contributed with a 7-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 12-0 at 1:31.

In the second quarter, Valley Christian made an effort to claw back into the game. Timmy Potts connected with Markell Smith on a 13-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 12-6 with 8:17 left. However, Southern responded swiftly, with Tommy Potts executing a 1-yard quarterback sneak, pushing their lead to 26-6 with 4:31 remaining.

Valley Christian managed to find the end zone before the half as Ike Lake executed a 9-yard quarterback run, making it 26-12 with just 35 seconds left on the clock.

The third quarter featured a safety, adding two points to Southern’s lead, now at 28-12. A pivotal moment came when Valley Christian returned an interception for a touchdown, closing the gap to 28-20 with 2:10 left in the quarter.

As the fourth quarter began, Heffner scored his second touchdown of the night with a 1-yard run, extending Southern’s lead to 34-20 with 10:00 remaining. Valley Christian wasn’t ready to concede, as Ahmire Dixon returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown, making it a 34-22 game.

Southern continued to find the end zone with a 60-yard touchdown run, increasing their lead to 40-22. Valley Christian responded with another kickoff return for a touchdown by Dixon, cutting the deficit to 40-28.

However, Southern put the game out of reach with Frank Shagnot’s 50-yard touchdown run, securing a 46-28 lead with 7:36 left. Valley Christian managed one more trick play, a flea-flicker that resulted in a 50-yard touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

BULLDOGS DIG UP A WIN IN ARROWHEAD

GIRARD OH- In an electrifying matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, the Poland Bulldogs came away with a thrilling 38-35 victory on the road against the Girard Indians.

The game’s excitement started early in the first quarter when Poland’s Dom Pagano made a sensational 33-yard rushing touchdown. A successful extra point by Jas Stefancin put the Bulldogs ahead 7-0. Poland extended their lead to 10-0 as Stefancin added a 26-yard field goal with 1:18 left on the clock.

Girard answered back quickly, with Tuff McConahy connecting with Stephen Sims for a 65-yard touchdown pass, accompanied by a successful two-point conversion by Zach Morris, bringing the score to 10-7.

The second quarter continued to see both teams trading blows. Dom Pagano handed off to Cole Fulton for an 8-yard rushing touchdown, extending Poland’s lead to 17-7. Girard responded as McConahy found Stephen Sims again, this time for a 12-yard touchdown pass, and another successful two-point conversion narrowed the gap to 17-14.

Poland showed their big-play potential when Pagano connected with Cole Fulton for an 80-yard touchdown pass just moments later, making it 24-14. However, Girard remained in the mix as McConahy handed off to Sims for a 3-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 24-21 with 1:31 remaining in the half.

The third quarter continued the high-scoring trend. McConahy passed to Dominicoe Simone for an 8-yard touchdown, and another successful extra point by Morris gave Girard the lead at 28-24. Poland didn’t stay behind for long as Pagano ran it in from 10 yards out for a touchdown, and Stefancin’s extra point put them ahead 31-28.

The fourth quarter kept fans on the edge of their seats as McConahy handed off to Ahmad Curd for a 3-yard rushing touchdown, putting Girard back in the lead at 35-31. Poland, however, had a swift response when Pagano connected with Danny Nittoli for an 80-yard touchdown pass with 2:38 left in the game, reclaiming the lead at 38-35.

The game concluded with a nail-biting defensive stand by Poland on a crucial Girard 4th and 1 inside the 5-yard line with just 12 seconds left. Although Girard managed to secure a first down, time ran out before they could run another play, sealing the thrilling 38-35 victory for Poland.