Tag Archive for: McDonald rivalry

LANDEN ON YOUR RADAR

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Lowellville, OH – Lowellville High School’s football team is riding high after a remarkable playoff victory against McDonald, thanks in part to the versatile talents of junior standout Landen Tych. Tych, who plays a myriad of positions including tackle, center, tight end, and linebacker, has been described as a driving force behind the team’s success.

In a recent episode of the YSN Live podcast, host Eric Hughes sat down with Tych to discuss his journey in football, the recent victory, and his future aspirations. Reflecting on the exhilarating win over McDonald, Tych described the locker room atmosphere as electric, emphasizing the collective pride and determination that propelled the Rockets to their triumph. Starting his football career in fourth grade alongside his friends, Tych has grown into a critical player who relishes his role as a blocker. Despite the position often being overshadowed by the glamor of running backs and receivers, Tych noted the importance of always being in the right place at the right time to support his teammates.

When asked about his favorite position, Tych expressed a preference for playing tight end and defensive end, especially enjoying the partnership with teammate AJ Belke. He also praised quarterback Ricky Perry for his leadership and reliability on the field. Off the field, Tych’s interests are diverse. A multi-sport athlete, he has also played basketball and baseball, although football remains his favorite. His commitment extends beyond sports, as he focuses on lifting and spending quality time with friends. Influential coaches and teammates from his eighth-grade team, along with his grandmother and friend Caden Italiano, have been pivotal in his development and steadfast support.

As Tych looks toward the future, he envisions a career in engineering post-graduation, showcasing his dedication to both academics and athletics. With one more year left in high school, Lowellville fans can certainly expect more of Tych’s remarkable talent to come. Eric Hughes concluded the interview by thanking Tych for his time, with the junior graciously responding, “You’re welcome.” As the season progresses, Tych’s contributions on and off the field will undoubtedly continue to inspire the Rockets and their community.

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THE DEVILS HOUR : DOM ZIMBARDI AND PARKER NAMIE

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western High School’s senior football players Dominic Zimbardi and Parker Namie shared their experiences and expectations for their final season on the YSN podcast, “The Devils Hour.”

The Western Blue Devils are off to a strong start, having showcased resilience and strong teamwork in their recent win against Columbiana despite the challenges introduced by a rain delay. “It was slow at first,” Zimbardi recalled, “but once we started bumping some jams, the mood lifted, and we played our best football.”

Namie echoed this sentiment, noting the team’s ability to overcome hurdles, both on and off the field. “We didn’t want to go through the rain delay, but we picked up once we were back out there,” he said.

The anticipation and excitement are palpable as the Blue Devils prepare for their upcoming game against McDonald, a significant rivalry game often referred to as the “Blue Devils vs. Blue Devils” showdown. According to Zimbardi, their preparation is meticulous, with focused training sessions led by coach Mark Vijelik to counter McDonald’s Wing T offense. “We’re working very hard and are ready to have a battle up front,” Zimbardi assured.

The seniors also highlighted the importance of team bonding, recounting a memorable retreat over the summer at Coach Alessi’s house. The retreat included activities that ranged from building campfires to the physically demanding task of pushing an ATV. “It was pretty exhausting,” Namie admitted, but it brought the team closer together.

As they look forward to the rest of the season, both Zimbardi and Namie have their eyes on graduation, symbolizing the end of a rewarding yet demanding high school journey. “High school really is just a job without pay,” Zimbardi remarked, reflecting on the balance between being a student and an athlete.

With a promising season ahead, the Western Blue Devils’ senior players are determined to leave a lasting legacy on the field. Fans and followers can expect a spirited performance this season as the team aims to finish strong.

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JOHN ARMENI

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BERLIN CENTER, OH-The atmosphere at Ben’s Restaurant was electric as Chris Colucci sat down with Coach John Armeni to discuss Western Reserve’s promising start to the season on the latest episode of YSN Podcast titled “The Devils Hour with Coach John Armeni.”

Fresh off a victory against Crestview, Coach Armeni was in high spirits. “It’s always nice to be one to know,” he remarked, highlighting the exhaustive preparation that went into the game. The team showcased their defensive prowess, led by an all-Ohio middle linebacker and other returning defensive stars. Despite some first-game jitters and a need for improvement, the team’s resilience and strategic execution were evident.

Transitioning from last season’s standout quarterback, Luke Henning, to new quarterback Chris Pater has been one of the significant changes for the team. Coach Armeni expressed confidence in his young squad’s ability to step up, praising their talent and motivation.

Taking on the dual role of head coach and offensive coordinator this year, Coach Armeni acknowledged the new challenges. “It’s just about juggling a lot of different hats,” he admitted, but his passion for the game and the players’ spirit makes the additional responsibilities manageable.

Looking ahead, Western Reserve is bracing for a tough season against formidable opponents such as Springfield, Lowville, and Trinity. Coach Armeni emphasized the focus on one game at a time, despite the challenging schedule. “The basic belief I have is that if you want to be good, you have to play good teams,” Armeni affirmed.

The team faces logistical hurdles as six of their games are on the road this season. Nevertheless, Armeni remains optimistic, seeing it as a badge of honor that other teams shy away from playing Western Reserve.

As the Berlin Center community gears up for the Canfield Fair, Coach Armeni emphasized the importance of minimizing distractions and maintaining focus. The players are reminded that fair week will be much more enjoyable at 2-0.

With a grueling season ahead, filled with rivalry games and playoff aspirations, the spirit in Western Reserve’s camp remains high. Coach Armeni shared a glimpse of his life off the field, cherishing moments with his family at the pool, ball games, and amusement parks.

The YSN Podcast episode wrapped up with a call to the community to pack Ben’s Restaurant and show unwavering support for the Blue Devils.  “If you build it, they will come,” celebrated Coach Armeni. And come they will, as Western Reserve fans eagerly anticipate an exciting season of high school football.
For the latest updates and in-depth coverage, tune into YSN’s upcoming episodes featuring more interviews with coaches and players throughout the season.

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