Tag Archive for: NFL

MADE FOR ZAID

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CANFIELD, OH– As the South Range Raiders celebrate another successful season, senior Nick Zaid joined DJ Yokley at Giangelo’s in Boardman for the latest edition of the South Range Raiders show. Known for his humility and reserved nature, Zaid opened up about his love for his community, the significance of representing them on Friday nights, and the support he’s received since childhood.

Zaid, who has been an integral part of the Raiders this season, spoke fondly of the unwavering support from the South Range community. “They’ve always been there since day one. We’ve grown as a family,” he expressed. The senior shared the pride he feels donning the Raider jersey, acknowledging the role he plays as a hero and role model to the younger generation.

Having primarily been a baseball player, Zaid made the switch to football during his senior year. The decision was driven by his desire to have fun with friends and play alongside his younger brother, a junior. “It’s my senior year and I want to enjoy it with my friends and my brother,” he shared. He admitted that the experience of sharing the field with his brother has been both competitive and fulfilling, adding a unique dynamic to their relationship.

Outside of his high school sports, Zaid is an avid NFL fan, with a particular affinity for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Influenced by his family’s passion for the team, Zaid’s current favorite player is T.J. Watt. Reflecting on his baseball journey, Zaid revealed that he’s been playing since the age of three, favoring positions like first base and outfield.

Academically, Zaid excels in mathematics, a subject he finds comes naturally to him. Among his mentors, Coach Rach stands out for welcoming him into the football team and making him feel like part of the family, even when he joined later in the year.

When asked about how he’d spend a million dollars, Zaid humorously responded with a true fan’s dream: Steelers season tickets.

Nick Zaid’s story is a testament to the strong community ties and the supportive environment at South Range, which encourages its students to strive for excellence both on and off the field.

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BEHIND PAZEL’S EYES

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Lowellville, OH – YSN had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh Pazel, Lowellville’s stellar wide receiver, at Bedford Trails to discuss his journey in football and beyond. Starting his football career in third grade with flag football and transitioning to tackle football by fifth grade, Pazel has become a cornerstone of the Lowellville Rockets football team.

In the interview, Pazel explained his early inspiration came from watching YouTube videos, igniting a passion for the sport. Playing for a smaller school like Lowellville, Pazel values the close-knit community feeling, stating, “You just want to go out and show everyone all your skills.”

Known for forming one-half of a formidable receiving duo with Bruce, Pazel elaborated on the dynamic between them: “The only way you can stop either of us is through a double team. You can’t double team both of us.” Their synergy has significantly contributed to the Rockets’ strong passing game this season, bolstered by sophomore quarterback Ricky Woolwich. “I even worked with him last year, preparing for this year, and everything’s just really clicking,” Pazel remarked. Beyond football, Pazel is an all-around athlete, participating in basketball and track. While he loves basketball the most, he acknowledges the success he’s had in track. Commenting on his basketball skills, particularly his jumping abilities, Pazel humorously noted his varied success with dunks last season but affirmed, “I can get up there.”

Pazel credits his success and development to coaches like Coach Career and, of course, his parents, who have been his steadfast supporters. Drawing inspiration from NFL greats like Odell Beckham Jr. and Julio Jones, Pazel strives to emulate their explosive play styles. As for his pre-game rituals, Pazel prefers to mentally lock in, listening to music and preparing himself visually. Despite being a junior, Pazel already has clear aspirations for his future. He plans on pursuing a career in photography, an art form he finds “the coolest thing ever” for its ability to showcase creativity.

CLEVELAND LEADERS PUSH BACK ON NEW STADIUM PLANS

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The debate over the future of the Cleveland Browns’ stadium has taken center stage, sparking considerable controversy among fans, business owners, and local officials. During a recent segment of the WFMJ 5PM telecast, hosted by Lindsay McCoy and guest DJ Yokley, the conversation focused on the outcry from Cuyahoga County leaders who are adamantly opposed to relocating the stadium to Brook Park.

Cleveland officials articulated their concerns succinctly, highlighting the potentially devastating economic impact on downtown businesses. “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Hilton Hotel, and many more hotels, restaurants, bars, and small business owners who’ve invested in the downtown. Our first point is to protect and advance that investment,” noted one official during the episode.

During their discussion, Lindsay McCoy and DJ Yokley shed light on the two sides of this contentious issue. Yokley explained that the opposition is rooted in the potential economic fallout for Cleveland’s downtown. “It’s not going to be in Cleveland anymore. The businesses downtown build their businesses based around sporting events, live sports, parking, things of that nature that make the city revenue,” he elaborated. Yokley also pointed out that the current stadium is relatively new, having been in use for less than 30 years. “They’ve potentially opportunistic retrofit to the old Browns stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium. That’s on the table,” he said.

However, supporters of the proposed Brook Park stadium have their own set of arguments. Yokley summarized their viewpoint: “It’s a bright and shiny object. It’s one of those situations where you look at this and you go, okay, we can have the first of something in the country. It’s next to the airport, so it’s very convenient. It can host more than just football games – NCAA championships, Super Bowls – which would bring in a ton of revenue for the Cleveland area.”

The conversation quickly pivoted to the financial implications for fans. “Anytime that there’s an investment, there’s a cost to anything, those ticket prices are going to go up, and eventually you’re going to push out those season ticket holders that have had it for generations because they just can’t afford it anymore,” Yokley observed. He stressed that while a new, state-of-the-art dome stadium might be attractive, it raises the question, “Will you be able to go? Because can you afford those tickets?”
Lindsay McCoy touched on the trend of NFL teams moving their facilities out of city centers. “A lot of them are – the Dallas Cowboys, they are not located technically in Dallas. This would be one of those scenarios,” she pointed out.

Yokley agreed, noting, “They only have so much land in these cities, and they’re kind of gridlocked to where they can put these giant facilities that everybody wants.”

In closing, DJ Yokley highlighted the ongoing negotiations and the Browns’ commitment to exploring all options. “Jimmy Haslam and that group are saying we’re looking at all the options now. They’re going to look at the options that best suit them. Obviously, they’re business people,” he remarked. He added that the ultimate decision would also have to consider what’s best for the fans, who are at the heart of this issue.

The segment concluded with a note of anticipation from Yokley, “I’m waiting for everything to kind of come to fruition. One way or the other, the Browns, if they can put a good product on the field, could mean good things for them in the future.”

As negotiations continue and the debate rages on, Cleveland’s leaders and fans are watching closely, knowing the outcome will significantly impact the city and its cherished football team.

BOARDMAN FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 6) WITH DJ DOTA

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BOARDMAN, OH-  In this episode of “Boardman Football Coach’s Corner,” we have a special guest joining us – DJ Dota, the head coach of the Boardman Spartan football team. Coach Dota reflects on a tough week for the team, with both wins and losses on the depth chart, as well as some key injuries. He discusses the importance of building depth and preparing the players for any situation.

The conversation also delves into the difference between being injured and being hurt, and how the team works to keep players healthy and in optimal condition. Coach Dota highlights the role of their athletic trainer in ensuring the well-being of the players.

Additionally, they touch on the challenges of getting enough reps for the second-string players and the difficulty of simulating game-like conditions.

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DAN EVANS 3.0

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In today’s episode ofPlayer Profile, we dive into the exciting world of high school football with a profile on the talented Dan Evans III from Austintown Fitch High School. Dan, also known as “D111,” has made quite the name for himself with his record-breaking performances and numerous college offers.

We’ll hear from Dan as he reflects on his journey, his senior year, and the recruitment process amidst the new normal of COVID.

But it’s not all about football with Dan. We’ll also learn about his competitive nature, his love for video games, and his favorite NFL wide receivers. And of course, we’ll discuss the important role his family and fans play in his life on and off the field

. Get ready for an exciting and insightful profile on one of Youngstown, Ohio’s most electrifying football players.

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DON’T MESS WITH THE ZANDER

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CANFIELD, OH-  Today we have an exclusive interview with a standout player from the South Range Raiders, Zander Mercer.

Join us as we dive into the life of this senior blindside tackle and uncover his love for the game, his aspirations for the future, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Get ready for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with Zander Mercer.

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FOSTER KEEPS KYLEN IT

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In this episode, we have a special guest, Kylan Foster, a senior linebacker from the Austintown Fitch Falcons.

Kylan takes us on a journey through his football career, discussing his passion for hitting people and being an aggressive player on the field. We learn about his underdog mentality, his love for the game, and his desire to excel as an individual.

Join us as we get to know Kylan, his aspirations for the future, and his thoughts on upcoming challenges, including a big rivalry game against Central Valley.

Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with an exceptional athlete. Let’s jump right in on YSN.

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REMEMBERING FRANCO HARRIS

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BUTLER, PA- All sports fans grow up with heroes and personal favorite players in their favorite sport or favorite team.  For many fans in the area, Franco Harris was oftentimes at the center of their fanhood in some way or somehow.  Whether it be the “Immaculate Reception” or the community involvement wherever he went, Franco Harris changed the culture of the franchises he came in contact with.

YSN’s Mike Ackelson has special memories dating back to his eighth birthday as part of Franco’s Army and he talks about his memories of his favorite football team.

LEGENDS OF THE PAST: KEVIN TUMINELLO (BOARDMAN)

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BOARDMAN OH- The Boardman Spartans football program’s history is riddled with high end talent. Especially when you look into the 90’s and 00’s. One of best offensive lineman to come out of that period is Kevin Tuminello.

Kevin, a graduate from Boardman in 2003 spent his senior season as a captain. He was 1st team Steel Valley, and special mention Division 1 All State. Always a hard worker in the classroom as well Kevin warned many awards given to student athletes.

Kevin continued his athletic and academic career at Georgia Tech. He was seen by a coach on film who was recruiting another player. Kevin worked his way from a 1 star recruit when his a recruitment process started to a 3 star by the time he committed to Georgia Tech. He played for the Yellow Jackets between 2004-2007. Majoring in Construction Management, Kevin continued to excel not just on the football field, but in the classroom at one of the toughest institutions in the country. Kevin earned multiple awards and accommodations for his work in school. He was named Academic-All ACC three years. His senior season he won the Senior Academic Excellence Award.  Not to overshadow his work on the field Kevin was named 2nd Team All ACC In 2007.

After he graduated from Georgia Tech Kevin signed an unstaffed free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints. In 2018 Kevin was inducted into the Boardman Hall of Fame.

Anthony Hartwig had the opportunity to talk with Kevin about his career at Boardman, his time at Georgia Tech, and much more. Enjoy YSN’s latest Legend of The Past as we shine a light on a great Spartan, Kevin Tuminello.

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BEAVER FEVER; WHEN THE PAST GIVES PRESENT FOR FUTURE

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- Through the partnership with Beaver Local School District, YSN was fortunate enough to be afforded the opportunity to follow around a couple of special Beaver Alum on a day that will not soon be forgotten.

Jamin Pastore (2001) and Derek Wolfe (2008) revisited their stomping grounds with a purpose and a new opportunity for Beaver Local athletes for years to come.  The pair are teaming up to donate $1,000,000 back to their alma mater in order to turf the football/soccer field and build an indoor facility in which student-athletes can train throughout the year without worrying about the weather.

It was truly a special day in which there were as many smiles as there were dollars exchanged.  Wolfe and Pastore would say throughout the day that if they could change the life of one child, that the donation would be well worth it.

As you take a look at the video throughout the day, it certainly didn’t take long for these two school standouts to go from home town heroes to Beaver Local Legends.

YSN PRESENTS: WHEN THE PAST GIVES PRESENT FOR FUTURE