Tag Archive for: MVAC

LADY TIGERS SKATE PAST JFK IN THRILLER

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH- In an exciting soccer match-up between the Springfield Lady Tigers and the Warren JFK Lady Eagles, fans were treated to a thrilling contest that ended with Springfield emerging victorious with a final score of 3-2.

The game got underway with both teams showcasing their determination and skill on the field. Springfield took an early lead as Sami Shafer netted a goal, putting the Lady Tigers ahead 1-0. This early advantage set the tone for Springfield’s performance.

Shortly after, Hannah Stouffer added to Springfield’s lead with another goal, extending their lead to 2-0. The Lady Tigers displayed excellent teamwork and offensive prowess in the first half.

However, the Warren JFK Lady Eagles were not to be outdone. They fought back with determination, and Saumya Sheth scored a goal to put JFK on the scoreboard, closing the gap to 2-1.

In the second half, both teams continued to battle fiercely. Springfield’s Kristina Vecchione found the back of the net, further extending her team’s lead to 3-1. However, the Lady Eagles weren’t ready to concede defeat. Laney Condoleon scored a goal for JFK, bringing them within striking distance at 3-2.

Throughout the match, assists played a crucial role in the goals scored. Maddie Page, Kendall Maughan, and Kristina Vecchione provided the necessary assists to help Springfield secure their victory.

In the goalkeeper department, Ally Guerriero of Springfield made seven crucial saves, helping to maintain her team’s lead. On the opposing side, Riley Curd of JFK made five saves in her effort to keep her team in the game.

In the end, Springfield’s strong start and teamwork paid off as they secured a hard-fought victory with a final score of 3-2. With this win, the Lady Tigers improved their season record to 7-2-2, while the Warren JFK Lady Eagles’ record stood at 6-3-1. It was a thrilling and competitive soccer match that showcased the talent and determination of both teams on the field.

MCDONALD PAINTS THE ‘LOO BLUE; ZAJACK GOES FOR FIVE SCORES

ATWATER, OH- In a high-octane football clash between the McDonald Blue Devils and the Waterloo Vikings, it was McDonald who emerged as the dominant force, securing a convincing victory with a final score of 42-12.

The game got off to an electrifying start for McDonald as Drew Zajack, their quarterback, showcased his versatility by executing a QB keeper from 4 yards out, putting the Blue Devils on the scoreboard with a 7-0 lead. Zajack continued to shine, adding to McDonald’s lead in the first quarter by running in another touchdown, this time from 6 yards away, with just 17 seconds left on the clock, making it 14-0.

The second quarter saw McDonald extending their lead further as Drew Zajack once again displayed his rushing prowess, scoring an 8-yard touchdown to bring the score to 21-0 with 9:01 remaining in the first half.

Waterloo, determined to get back into the game, managed to put together their first scoring drive with 6:38 left in the half. Jayden Hakin, the Vikings’ quarterback, connected with Bobby Harouff for a 6-yard touchdown pass, reducing the deficit to 21-6.

After halftime, Drew Zajack wasted no time resuming his impressive performance, scoring a 14-yard touchdown run to extend McDonald’s lead to 28-6 with 7:00 left in the third quarter. McDonald’s offense continued to shine, this time through the air, as Kyle Puckett found Jordan Taylor from 6 yards away with 2:56 left in the frame, increasing their lead to 35-6.

Waterloo, not willing to relent, saw Jayden Hakin take matters into his own hands as he rushed in from 6 yards out, closing the gap to 35-12 with just seven seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Drew Zajack put the finishing touches on this impressive performance, scoring another touchdown just over a minute into the final quarter. His fifth touchdown of the game sealed the deal for the McDonald Blue Devils, resulting in a convincing 42-12 victory.

In the end, McDonald’s (4-2) stellar offensive display and Drew Zajack’s exceptional performance led them to this resounding win, leaving the Waterloo Vikings (2-4) with a tough outing on the gridiron.

BIG SAVE SETS SPRINGFIELD APART FROM REBELS

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH-It doesn’t get much better than the  soccer match-up between the Crestview Rebels and the Springfield Tigers, both teams gave it their all on the field. The game unfolded with a nail-biting clash of strategies and skills, resulting in a final score of Springfield 2, Crestview 1.

The first half saw Crestview taking an early lead with a goal by Karagin Miller, giving them a 1-0 advantage. The Rebels displayed excellent teamwork and offensive prowess to secure this initial advantage, leaving Springfield trailing.

As the second half commenced, Springfield was determined to turn the tide in their favor. Their persistence paid off when Hannah Stouffer netted a goal, drawing the Tigers level with Crestview at 1-1. The game was now evenly balanced, and both teams battled fiercely for control.  Emma Sanders of Springfield would net the eventual game-winning goal.

With just 18 seconds remaining in the game, the tension reached its peak when Ally Guerriero of Springfield protected the back of the net, denying a penalty shot and securing a vital lead for her team. This late-game save left the Crestview Rebels with little time to respond.

Maddie Page of Springfield was instrumental in their offensive efforts, providing a crucial assist that led to Hannah Stouffer’s goal. Teamwork and quick passes played a significant role in Springfield’s success.

The goalkeepers on both sides displayed exceptional skill and composure throughout the match. Ally Guerriero of Springfield made a total of 8 saves, including an impressive feat of stopping 2 penalty kicks in the second half, showcasing her exceptional shot-stopping abilities. Crestview’s Lexie Huff also demonstrated her goalkeeping prowess with 5 crucial saves to keep her team in the game.

In the end, it was Springfield Local High School who emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1, improving their season record to 5-2-2. The Crestview Rebels, with a record of 5-4-1, fought valiantly but fell just short in this closely contested soccer match.

VIKINGS SET TONE EARLY IN ROAD WIN OVER NEWTON FALLS

NEWTON FALLS, OH- It only took 1:05 into the first quarter for the LaBrae Vikings to set the tone on the road against their rival Newton Falls in a 41-7 route on Friday evening.

The Vikes were able to score defensively on a scoop and score on defense when LaBrae forced a fumble and took it to the house from 33 yards out to put them up 7-0 with the Max Young extra point,

Moments later, LaBrae forced another fumble inside the 5-yard line of Newton Falls only to recover it, and punch in another score on their first offensive play of the night, making it 14-0 just 65 ticks into the contest.

LaBrae would control the line of scrimmage for the majority of the night, moving the Tigers line around to be able to rush for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.  The backs were paced by Gabe Green who ran for 49 yards on three carries.  Davin Derry had 7 carries for 48 yards as well.

Kenny Yoho bottled lightning through the passing game with a couple of strikes from 11 yards, and 26 yards out respectively which included a highlight reel catch from Gabe Green to seal the win.

For Newton Falls, Carter Rapczack led the way on the ground going 16 carries deep for 100 yards with the Tigers’ lone score on the night.

Labrae advances to 2-3 on the year with the win, while Newton Falls drops to 3-2.

THE FLIGHT OF THE BLUE JAY; CONN NAILS GAME WINNER

NORTH JACKSON, OH- In an intense and closely contested high school football matchup, the Jackson Milton Blue Jays managed to secure a narrow 23-20 victory over the Mineral Ridge Rams.

The game was marked by several key moments: The first quarter saw both teams making long runs, with Mineral Ridge’s Jacob Russell and Ian Erb showcasing their skills. However, neither team managed to score, and the first quarter ended with a 0-0 tie.

In the second quarter, Jackson Milton broke the deadlock when Aiden Stanke rushed for a 7-yard touchdown, putting the Blue Jays on the board with a 7-0 lead after a successful PAT by Jaylon Soto.

Mineral Ridge quickly responded with a long pass to Brady Balestrino, setting up a 17-yard rushing touchdown by Ian Erb. A successful PAT by #1 Landon Pal tied the game at 7-7.

Jackson Milton turned the ball over on downs, allowing Mineral Ridge to capitalize with an 11-yard rushing touchdown by Ian Erb. However, the PAT was missed, leaving the score at 13-7 in favor of Mineral Ridge at halftime.

In the third quarter, Jackson Milton mounted a comeback, with Aiden Stanke scoring his second rushing touchdown, this time from 17 yards out. A successful PAT by Sam Conn gave the Blue Jays a 14-13 lead.

The fourth quarter continued to see a back-and-forth battle. Aiden Stanke added his third rushing touchdown, a 2-yard run, to extend Jackson Milton’s lead to 20-13. However, the two-point conversion attempt failed.

Mineral Ridge fought back with another 2-yard rushing touchdown by Ian Erb, tying the game at 20-20 after a successful PAT by Landon Pal.

The game was ultimately decided in the closing moments of the fourth quarter when Jackson Milton’s Sam Conn kicked a 20-yard field goal, giving the Blue Jays a narrow 23-20 lead.

With no time left on the clock, Jackson Milton emerged as the victors in this closely contested battle, securing the 23-20 win- and staying undefeated on the year.

VIKINGS DEFENSE TOO MUCH FOR EAGLES

Youngstown, OH- In a commanding display of defensive prowess and strategic playmaking, the Labrae Vikings outshined the Valley Christian Eagles in a resounding 20-0 victory. The game, filled with thrilling moments, showcased Labrae’s dominance on both ends of the field.

The opening quarter witnessed Labrae’s Jay McGary breaking through the defensive lines with a 12-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point by Max Young. This early offensive strike set the tone for Labrae’s determination to seize control of the game.

As the second quarter unfolded, the momentum continued to favor Labrae. With 5 minutes and 49 seconds left, Valley Christian’s Ja’Sean Lindsay’s pass was intercepted by Labrae’s Treyton Derry, adding to Labrae’s growing advantage.

The fourth quarter intensified the pressure on Valley Christian. Labrae’s Kenny Yoho showcased his precision with a 17-yard pass to Eric Riebold, extending the lead to 14-0 after Max Young’s extra point. Labrae’s defense remained unyielding, with Ja’Sean Lindsay of Valley Christian throwing yet another interception, this time claimed by Labrae’s Mike Henderson. In a swift response, Treyton Derry sprinted 20 yards for another Labrae touchdown, although the subsequent 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

The final score of 20-0 reflected Labrae’s exceptional defensive performance, effectively neutralizing Valley Christian’s run game and consistently capitalizing on turnovers. The victory secured Labrae’s position with a 1-1 record, as they now prepare to face off against the Niles Red Dragons in week 3. Meanwhile, the Valley Christian Eagles, also with a 1-1 record, are set to host the Brookfield Warriors in their upcoming week 3 encounter.

MCDONALD DIGS DEEP TO CRASH CLIPPERS

MCDONALD, OH- In a closely contested football matchup between the Columbiana Clippers and the McDonald Blue Devils, it was the McDonald Blue Devils who emerged victorious with a final score of 21-14. The game was filled with exciting plays and competitive action that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The first quarter kicked off with a bang as the Columbiana Clippers wasted no time making their mark on the scoreboard. Liam Surgenevic of Columbiana broke free for an impressive 67-yard touchdown run, putting his team ahead 7-0. Aidan Radcliff successfully converted the PAT to extend their lead.

The second quarter saw a response from the McDonald Blue Devils. With just 40 seconds left on the clock, Drew Zajack of McDonald powered through for a 3-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 7-7. James Hipple’s accurate PAT kick ensured that both teams remained even going into halftime.

As the action resumed in the third quarter, Columbiana was determined to regain their lead. With only 57 seconds remaining in the quarter, Parker Bush managed a 2-yard touchdown run, giving his team a 14-7 advantage over the McDonald Blue Devils. Aidan Radcliff once again successfully converted the extra point.

The fourth quarter proved to be the most intense and pivotal phase of the game. The McDonald Blue Devils staged an impressive comeback. With 9 minutes and 8 seconds left on the clock, Drew Zajack connected with Jordan Perry for a remarkable 68-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score once more at 14-14. James Hipple’s PAT was spot on.

With the clock winding down and the game hanging in the balance, McDonald’s Drew Zajack stepped up again, this time with a 1-yard touchdown run. With just 3 minutes and 16 seconds left in the game, McDonald surged ahead to a 21-14 lead after another successful PAT by James Hipple.

Despite the Columbiana Clippers’ efforts to mount a late-game comeback, the McDonald Blue Devils’ defense held firm, securing their 21-14 victory when the final whistle blew.

BLUE DEVILS WIN A THRILLER ON THE ROAD

Conneaut, OH- The game between the Conneaut Spartans and the Western Reserve Blue Devils was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The scoreboard reflected the intense competition, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess and determination to secure victory.

In the second quarter, Conneaut’s Max Gleason kicked off the scoring with a 5-yard running touchdown, followed by a successful extra point, giving Conneaut an early 7-0 lead. However, Western Reserve’s Luke Henning quickly responded with a 6-yard running touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7 after the extra point.

As the clock ticked down in the second quarter, Max Gleason once again seized the spotlight with an impressive 71-yard run for another Conneaut touchdown. The extra point extended their lead to 14-7. Not to be outdone, Western Reserve’s Luke Henning connected with Ethan Cannon for a 23-yard pass, resulting in a touchdown and tying the game at 14-14 just before halftime.

The third quarter saw Max Gleason’s dominance continue, as he powered through for a 3-yard touchdown run, putting Conneaut ahead 21-14 after the successful extra point. However, Western Reserve’s Luke Henning refused to let his team fall behind, orchestrating a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to even the score at 21-21 following the extra point.

With the game hanging in the balance, Conneaut’s Bryce Spurlin stepped up and nailed a 40-yard field goal, giving Conneaut a narrow 24-21 advantage with 6:33 left in the fourth quarter. The tension remained high as Luke Henning led Western Reserve’s offense down the field, ultimately executing a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:26 left on the clock. The extra point pushed Western Reserve into the lead, 28-24.

Despite a valiant effort from the Conneaut Spartans, time ran out, and the Western Reserve Blue Devils emerged victorious with a final score of 28-24. The Conneaut Spartans, now 1-1, would face the Independance Blue Devils in an away game in week three, while the Western Reserve Blue Devils, also 1-1, would host the Columbiana Clippers. The game showcased the resilience and skill of both teams and left fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming matchups.

BLUE DEVILS TOO HOT TO HANDLE

MCDONALD, OH- The Southern Local Indians faced off against the McDonald Blue Devils in an intense football match that delivered excitement and drama until the very end. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams battled for dominance on the field in week one.

**1st Quarter:**
The game started with both teams struggling to break the deadlock, with the score remaining 0-0. However, Southern Local quickly shifted the momentum in their favor with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion rush. This put Southern Local ahead 8-0. McDonald received the kickoff and managed to drive down the field, culminating in a 40-yard passing touchdown from Kyle Puckett to Casey Miller. Unfortunately for McDonald, the point-after attempt was missed, leaving the score at 8-6 in favor of Southern Local at the end of the first quarter.

**2nd Quarter:**
The second quarter witnessed back-and-forth action, with both teams displaying strong defensive efforts. McDonald’s Drew Zajack scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown, but the two-point conversion was unsuccessful. Southern Local responded with a 5-yard rushing touchdown of their own by Jamar Allen, but once again, the two-point conversion was not converted. The half ended with a score of 14-12 in favor of Southern Local.

**3rd Quarter:**
McDonald came out strong in the third quarter, with Drew Zajack finding the end zone once again on a 7-yard rushing touchdown. However, the two-point conversion attempt was once again unsuccessful. Southern Local answered with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion rush, pushing their lead to 22-18 by the end of the third quarter.

**4th Quarter:**
As the game entered its final quarter, McDonald’s Kyle Puckett orchestrated a crucial 29-yard passing touchdown to Jordan Perry, putting them ahead 24-22. The point-after attempt was converted, extending McDonald’s lead to 25-22. In a dramatic turn of events, McDonald recovered a fumbled kickoff return by Southern Local. McDonald managed to maintain possession of the ball and run out the clock, securing their hard-fought victory with a final score of 25-22.

The game was a testament to the resilience and determination of both teams, as they battled through touchdowns, conversions, interceptions, and fumbles. Despite the ups and downs, the McDonald Blue Devils managed to emerge victorious in a thrilling contest against the Southern Local Indians, with a final score of 25-22.

PHOTO CREDIT: LOOKING AT LORI'S VIEW

NEWTON FALLS OUTLASTS EP

NEWTON FALLS, OH- The Newton Falls Tigers looked to open up their season with a victory on their own turf, and did just that to the tune of 48-34 over East Palestine on Friday Night.

The Tigers stormed out of the gates with a combined 42 points in the first half, while only giving up a pair of Bulldog scores and the mid-way point.  However, the Bulldogs would bounce back in the second act, outscoring the Tigers 22-6 to build momentum toward Week 2.

The Newton Falls Tigers started the game with a rush, as Kegan Howard scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown, taking an early lead of 6-0 in the first quarter. However, the point-after attempt was missed, leaving the score at 6-0.

East Palestine responded by receiving the kickoff but was unable to capitalize, resulting in a punt to Newton Falls. The Tigers quickly extended their lead with a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Carter Rapczak, putting them ahead 12-0 after a successful point-after attempt by Nick Lampman.

East Palestine managed to break through as RJ May returned a kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 14-6 after a missed extra point.

The first quarter ended with Newton Falls leading 14-6.

In the second quarter, the Tigers continued to control the game. Gage Phares rushed for a 6-yard touchdown, and Caden Short added a 13-yard rushing touchdown. The Tigers’ defense also recovered a fumble from East Palestine. With successful point-after attempts by Nick Lampman, Newton Falls extended their lead to 35-6 by halftime.

The third quarter saw East Palestine make an attempt at a comeback. Jesse Lipp rushed for a 5-yard touchdown, and Tanner Morrow rushed for a successful two-point conversion, bringing the Bulldogs’ score to 18. However, Newton Falls responded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Gage Phares, increasing their lead to 48-18.

East Palestine fought valiantly in the fourth quarter, with Zach Schnelle and RJ May each adding a rushing touchdown, along with successful two-point conversions. Despite their efforts, the final score remained 48-34 in favor of Newton Falls.

Kegan Howard finished 7/10 for 76 yards and a score under center, while posting 31 yards on the ground and adding another TD along the way.  Carter Rapczak led all rushers with 146 yards on 11 totes, and punched in for scores twice.  Caden Short ran for 35 yards, Gage Phares ran for 97 on 13 carries and found the endzone twice as well.  Jesse Chitwood made the most of his one reception by finding the endzone.

For East Palestine, Owen Jurjavcic went 7/12 through the air for 65 yards and a tuddy, while showing off the ground game as well with 13 carries for 67 yards.  The Bulldog rushing attack was paced by senior Jesse Lipp on 13 carries for 65 yards and a pair of scores.  Freshman RJ May had six carries for 40 yards on the ground and 3 receptions for 39 yards and a score while returning a kick for a touchdown as well.