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HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JOSH SCOTT

November 8, 2023/in Coach's Corner/by Anthony Hartwig

COLUMBIANA OH- When building a program that has a community that supports the culture, it takes someone with the heart of a lion. Aptly named, The Heartland Christian Lions boys basketball Head Coach Josh Scott is someone with a ton of heart! The always respectable and dangerous Lions sported a 12-11 record a year ago, and although they lost some senior leadership, Heartland Christian feels like this season has potential to be a big one!

Lions skipper Josh Scott got the chance to speak with YSNs TY Bartell about the excitement surrounding the upcoming season, the schedule in place for The Lions and the keys needed for Heartland to take the next step on the the court. All that and more in this first edition of Coaches Corner for the 2023-24 season with Josh Scott. Stay up-to-date with all Heartland Christian Athletics with live coverage, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

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HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH SCOTT LIBB

November 8, 2023/in Coach's Corner/by Anthony Hartwig

By Ty Bartell

COLUMBIANA OH- The Heartland Christian Lions girls basketball team has looked for consistency at the
helm and have found it with Head Coach Scott Libb. Returning as the skipper for another season, Coach Libb looks to continue building his culture while translating it to success for The Lions. Scheduling independently, Heartland Christian believes they have put together a schedule and a squad the community will want to see this season!

YSNs Ty Bartell got the chance to speak with Head Coach Scott Libb about the growth of The Lions from last season to the current one, the team goals for the season and who he thinks will make a splash this year! Heartland opens their season on Wednesday, November 22nd on the road against LaBrae. Keep updated with all Heartland Christian Lions live coverage with scores, stats, stories and more on YSN

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QUAKERS FIND FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

September 30, 2023/in Football/by YSN Staff

MINERVA, OH- In an Eastern Buckeye Conference showdown, Salem secured their first win of the season in style, defeating Minerva with a dominant score of 36-7, and sophomore quarterback Gavin Colbert made a memorable impact in his first start under center.

Colbert showcased his talent by throwing three touchdown passes during the first three quarters, helping the Quakers clinch the victory at Hines Stadium on Friday night. This win marked Salem’s break from an eight-game losing streak, propelling them to a 1-6 overall record and a 1-1 standing in the EBC. Meanwhile, Minerva, struggling with a 26-game losing streak and an overall record of 0-7, fell to 0-2 in league play.

The Quakers opened the scoring in the game with two quick touchdowns late in the first quarter. Will Harmon was on the receiving end of a 21-yard pass from Colbert, followed by a 32-yard reverse run, pushing Salem ahead 13-0.

Salem’s defense played a pivotal role, recovering a Minerva fumble on the Lions’ first series, setting up the Quakers’ first score. The defense also demonstrated its prowess by snagging three interceptions, with Cyle Burt contributing two of them.

Marcus Phillips added to the offensive onslaught with a 14-yard touchdown reception, further extending Salem’s lead to 20-0 in the second quarter. Colbert, filling in for the injured starting quarterback Cletis Monroy, showcased his skills with 134 passing yards in the first half.

The third quarter witnessed a resolute defensive effort by Salem when Minerva threatened with a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line. The Quakers’ defense held strong, stopping Minerva at the 1-yard line on a crucial fourth-down play.

Salem continued to build on their lead, with Derek Oesch scoring on a 3-yard pass from Colbert, bringing the score to 26-0 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter.

Minerva finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter when Devon Patterson broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run up the middle, putting them on the scoreboard and crossing the 100-yard mark for the game.

Salem closed out the game with two more scores, including a 23-yard field goal by Troy Gibson and a 32-yard run by Marcus Phillips following Burt’s second interception.

As both teams return to league play next Friday, Salem will face Carrollton, while Minerva takes on Marlington.

BLUE STREAKS ZAP PAST LIONS

September 15, 2023/in Football, HIGH SCHOOL/by Sam Torres

Madison, OH- Protecting their home field on senior night, the Madison Blue Streaks dominated the Orange Lions with a final score of 42-0. The game kicked off with Madison’s quarterback, Carson Alley, making an early mistake as he threw an interception to Orange’s Ely Robinson with 8 minutes and 27 seconds remaining in the first quarter. However, this would prove to be the only highlight for Orange as Madison quickly seized control of the game.

Carson Alley redeemed himself later in the first quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point kicked by Ben Amos. This put Madison in the lead with a score of 7-0. The second quarter continued to be a showcase for Madison’s offense. James Poe scored a 4-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, extending Madison’s lead to 14-0 with 10 minutes and 22 seconds left in the quarter.

Carson Alley continued to impress, connecting with his receivers for three more touchdowns in the second quarter. First, a 14-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Radkowski, followed by an 18-yard touchdown pass to Noah Barnes, and finally, a 7-yard touchdown pass to Knolan Albert. Each of these touchdowns was accompanied by successful extra point kicks, propelling Madison to an impressive 28-0 lead with just 28 seconds left in the second quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Sonny Salajcik add to Madison’s lead with a 9-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was once again good, bringing the final score to a commanding 42-0 in favor of the Madison Blue Streaks.

With this victory, the Madison Blue Streaks improved their record to 4-1 which is their best start since 2015. The Blue Streaks are set to face the Lakeside Dragons (3-1) in the upcoming CVC Lake Division game in week 6, which promises to be an exciting matchup. On the other hand, the Orange Lions, now at 2-3, will be on the road against the Chagrin Falls Tigers (2-3) in week 6, looking to bounce back from this tough loss.

DRAGONS OFFENSE SCORCHES LIONS

September 8, 2023/in Football, HIGH SCHOOL/by Sam Torres

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Pepper Pike, OH- The Lakeside Dragons came into week 4 looking to rekindle their flame and that was achieved friday night in Pepper Pike. The Lakeside Dragons dominated the Orange Lions with a final score of 36-7. The game unfolded with several remarkable plays that kept fans of the green and gold cheering all night.

The first quarter started explosively when Lakeside’s Alex DiSalvatore launched a sensational 72-yard touchdown pass to Matt Wagner, putting Lakeside ahead 6-0. Unfortunately, the two-point conversion attempt failed. However, Lakeside quickly bounced back, as Nate Bartone scored a 9-yard touchdown run, and he personally converted the two-point play, extending the lead to 14-0.

The second quarter saw Lakeside’s Alex DiSalvatore connecting with Caleb Stitt for a 35-yard touchdown pass, and Matt Wagner secured the two-point conversion with a catch. This impressive play brought the score to 22-0. Lakeside continued to dominate when DiSalvatore rushed for a 5-yard touchdown and Sincere Turner caught the two-point conversion, making it 30-0 in favor of Lakeside.

In the third quarter, Nate Bartone showcased his skills again with a remarkable 36-yard touchdown run, but the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 36-0.

Orange continued their fight into the fourth quarter when Alex Ford broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run, and the extra point was good, putting them on the board at 36-7.

The final whistle blew with the Lakeside Dragons claiming a resounding victory, improving their record to 2-2. They look ahead to face the struggling West Geauga Wolverines (0-4) at home in week 4. On the other hand, the Orange Lions, also at 2-2, will hit the road to take on the formidable Madison Blue Streaks (3-1) who is begining to find their old identity for their next matchup.

RESERVE KEEPS GETTING BETTER

August 29, 2023/in Volleyball/by Anthony Hartwig

COLUMBIANA OH- Western Reserve keeps getting more dominant by the day. On Monday to start off the week the Blue Devils made quick work of Heartland Christian in straight sets. (25-15 25-14 25-16)

Izzy Mauro had a tremendous night both with defense and offense. She put together 5 blocks, and 5 kills. Alyvia Hughes was dangerously close to a double double finishing the night with 10 kills, 9 digs, and an ace. Lisa Eichert was firmly in the stat book with 6 kills, and 7 digs. Angelina Cappabianca was busy all night. She had 4 blocks 5 kills 4 assists and 1 ace. Hayley Fellows continued to set well for the Blue Devils finishing with 18 assists and an ace as well.

Western Reserve has a big matchup scheduled next as they travel to McDonald to try to stay at the top of the MVAC. Heartland returns to action Wednesday as they go to East Palestine.

PHOTO CREDIT: MAHONING VALLEY SPORTS

RAMS RUMBLE TO SECOND WIN

August 26, 2023/in Football/by Anthony Hartwig

PEPPER PIKE OH- The Rams embarked on a journey to Pepper Pike and orchestrated a resounding victory over the Orange Lions, triumphing with a decisive 49-14 scoreline. This win propelled the Rams to a commendable 2-0 record for the season, establishing their dominance early on.

Ian Erb emerged as the standout player for the Rams, showcasing his incredible versatility and impact on the field. He demonstrated prowess in both rushing and receiving, accumulating a remarkable 307 yards of total offense. Erb’s performance was truly multifaceted, with 214 yards gained on the ground and an additional 93 yards through the air. His contributions extended to the end zone, where he notched an impressive 5 total touchdowns—4 through rushing and 1 via receiving.

Quarterback Owen Shingledecker orchestrated the offense with finesse, amassing 129 passing yards and contributing 1 touchdown pass to the team’s success.

Brady Balestrino showcased his skill set, racking up 24 receiving yards while also adding a dynamic 17-yard rushing touchdown to the Rams’ impressive tally.

Defensively, the Rams exhibited exceptional cohesion and determination. The Mineral Ridge defense executed with speed and physicality, containing the Orange Lions’ potent offense to a mere 14 points. Ethan Pemberton’s interception added a pivotal defensive play to the game, while Matt Mounier’s fumble recovery further underscored the Rams’ prowess on the defensive end.

As a collective effort, the Mineral Ridge team demonstrated their prowess and determination, working cohesively to secure the victory. With their sights set on continued success, the Rams are gearing up to face the challenge presented by St. Thomas Aquinas next Friday as they travel to Louisville.

LIONS ROAR PAST DRAGONS

August 26, 2023/in Football, HIGH SCHOOL/by Sam Torres

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, NDCL (Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin) dominated the field against Lakeside in a resounding victory with a final score of 38-8. The game showcased NDCL’s strong offensive prowess and unwavering defense, leaving Lakeside struggling to gain ground.

The 1st quarter set the tone as NDCL’s Angelo Tamburrino bulldozed through Lakeside’s defense, scoring a 6-yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, giving NDCL an early lead of 7-0. The 2nd quarter saw Tamburrino’s versatility as he caught a 19-yard pass for another touchdown, extending NDCL’s lead to 14-0. Tamburrino continued to shine, adding a 4-yard rushing touchdown to the scoreboard. With the successful extra point, NDCL surged ahead 21-0.

After halftime, NDCL’s Ryan Cuitkovic showcased his kicking skills with a 37-yard field goal, widening the gap to 24-0 in the 3rd quarter. Tyler Newton joined the scoring frenzy with a 29-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point, leaving Lakeside trailing at 31-0.

In the 4th quarter, NDCL’s Caleb Cirrino made his mark with a 6-yard touchdown run, solidifying NDCL’s dominance at 38-0. However, Lakeside refused to go down without a fight. Devan Miller broke through NDCL’s defense for a remarkable 70-yard touchdown run. A 2-point conversion run by Alex DiSalvatore added to Lakeside’s score, bringing the tally to 38-8.

As the clock wound down, NDCL emerged victorious with a commanding 38-8 lead, showcasing their strength and cohesion on both sides of the field. NDCL (1-1) would go on to face Bedford in week 3, while Lakeside (1-1) have a matchup against Ursuline (2-0) in the upcoming week.

ORANGE SNAPS 18-GAME SKID WITH OPENING NIGHT WIN

August 19, 2023/in Football/by YSN Staff

BEACHWOOD, OH- The Orange Lions open the season with 49-0 win over its arch-rival Beachwood at Beachwood High School. The Lions took the opening kickoff and drove the length of the field which ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by Alex Ford. Ford would not be done, as he added two more touchdown runs later in the game and threw for one touchdown.

The Lion’s defense would also make a stand, with Beachwood opening series, the Lions were able to force a bad snap that went out of the endzone to take 9-0 lead over the Bison. The Lions would keep Beachwood out of the scoring column to earn the shutout.

Alex Ford would finish the game with 79 yards rushing and was 4/5 throwing the football for 65 yards. The Lions held Beachwood to -16 yards of offense while the Lions amounted to 270 yards of offense.

The Lions will host Mineral Ridge on Friday in the team’s home opener. The Rams won their first game 29-22 in the final seconds over Pymatuning Valley.

*Contributed by Tim Porter