Tag Archive for: ohio

CENTRAL VALLEY SNEAKS PAST FITCH

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In a thrilling and high-scoring football showdown, the Central Valley Vikings clashed with the Austintown Fitch Falcons, with the Central Valley Vikings emerging as the victors in a nail-biting 36-35 final score. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with explosive plays and last-minute heroics- which was a perfect setting for the stage it was on.

The first quarter began with a strong statement from the Central Valley Vikings as Steven Rutherford, their quarterback, orchestrated an impressive 15-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown run by Rutherford himself. With 6 minutes and 20 seconds on the clock, Central Valley took the early lead at 7-0.

However, the Austintown Fitch Falcons quickly answered back with a dynamic play from Davion Pritchard, who returned a kick 86 yards for a touchdown. Despite the missed PAT, Fitch closed the gap to 7-6 with 6 minutes and 8 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

As the game progressed to the second quarter, DJ Williams of the Fitch Falcons showcased his skills with a 4-yard touchdown run at the 8-minute and 35-second mark, propelling Fitch into a 13-7 lead. The Falcons extended their advantage when Deon’Dray Richard executed a 35-yard touchdown run, widening the gap to 20-7 with 4 minutes and 47 seconds left in the quarter.

The third quarter saw a resurgence from the Central Valley Vikings. Jance Henry powered through for a 2-yard touchdown run, bringing Central Valley’s deficit to 20-14 with 7 minutes and 1 second remaining. DJ Williams of the Fitch Falcons continued to be a force to be reckoned with, scoring a 21-yard touchdown run and extending Fitch’s lead to 27-14 with just 1 minute and 40 seconds on the clock. However, Steven Rutherford of Central Valley responded with a 29-yard touchdown run as the quarter ended, narrowing the gap to 27-21.

The final quarter was an absolute thriller. DJ Williams of the Fitch Falcons struck again, this time with a 15-yard touchdown run followed by a successful 2-point pass to Allen Hill Jr. Fitch took a 35-21 lead with 8 minutes and 16 seconds left on the clock. Not to be outdone, Mason Dixon of the Central Valley Vikings sprinted for a 69-yard touchdown run, inching Central Valley closer at 35-28 with 7 minutes and 56 seconds remaining.

With the clock winding down, Steven Rutherford led a remarkable 17-play, 80-yard drive for the Central Valley Vikings. In the final 14 seconds of the game, Rutherford connected with Quinn Connolly for a 14-yard touchdown pass. A 2-point conversion run by Mason Dixon sealed the deal, propelling the Central Valley Vikings to a dramatic 36-35 victory.

Fitch drops to 1-1 and will take on Canton Glenoak next week.

David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH DAVID RACH

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BOARDMAN, OH-  In this episode, titled “South Range Football Coach’s Corner (Ep 2) with David Rach,” we dive into the exhilarating world of coaching with South Range head coach, David Rach. Join us as we discuss his first-ever game as a head coach, the preparation and anticipation leading up to the game, and the emotions he experienced throughout the week.

From the nerve-wracking moments to the proud triumph of securing a victory, Coach Rach shares his insights and reflections on this unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for an inside look at the South Range Raiders’ journey and the passion that drives this football program. It’s time to step into the Coach’s Corner with David Rach!

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HOME FIELD DISADVANTAGE?!?!

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On the heels of a World Series where neither team has won a game at home, It seems compelling to thoroughly examine whether or not a fiery crowd going nuts for the home team helps to alter the outcomes of games in modern-day sports. You can argue that certain teams have an advantage because of the field they play on, Look at Boise State football and the blue turf they play on at Albertsons Stadium. They have a record of 186-39 (14 Conference Championships) since THE BLUE surface was installed before the 1986 season. The program has lost only nine times on its home field since the start of the 1999 season. Or simply because of fans roaring and shaking the stands at any soccer match! Soccer has the best home-field advantage of any mainstream sport. The home team wins 49% of the time, and the away team only wins 29% of the time. Draws make up the other 22%. To get more specific in an article published by www.latimes.com the website states that Denver athletics has the top home-field advantage in every sport [Except hockey. In past seasons the Cleveland Cavaliers broadcast team said that playing in Denver would be a challenge even if you only consider just the altitude alone. But just because a few stats or stories say that having hundreds or thousands of fans cheering for one team or individual is a definite advantage, Certain trends are taking place in particular on the high school level during in-game action that says otherwise. while doing some digging for this story I found that thirteen area football programs from four different conferences in 2019 have a combined home record of more than ten and in some cases more than twenty games below the break-even mark, (500.) at home with some schools already suffering with as many as five home losses. The schools I looked at are from the (All-American Conference) (Austin-town Fitch) (Boardman) (Crestview) The (Buckeye 8 Conference) (Beaver Local) (East Liverpool) and (Edison)

the (Eastern Buckeye Conference) (Salem) and the (Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference) (Columbiana) (East Palestine) (Leetonia) (Lisbon) (United) (Wellsville) Most of the programs have more home losses than they do wins. Also, multiple teams have a better road record than the home record. During 2017 at one point in the NHL postseason. Home teams were just (33-33) exactly .500 on the road which at the time was the combined home team’s worst playoff record since 2012 when teams had a losing record at home at 39-47. Just to play Devil’s Advocate and even up the arguments that are for and also against the home field being a serious game-changer, The final example I give in this story is the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals, football team. I’ve attended a Mooney game for seven of the last eight years and Mooney has one of the most passionate fan bases I’ve seen on the high school level, a collection of fans that I feel relate to the Cameron Crazy student section at Duke University, but on the high school level. I see similarities to Duke and like to call them the Cardinal Crazies! But with all that being said Mooney has a losing record at home where they are 1-3 and a winning record of 3-2 on the road. Some may argue that Mooney has played better teams at home. But Mooney plays top-shelf opponents every week, So I don’t buy that.

Anyway, all of this begs the question. Is home field advantage still a major factor in sports or more of a 2019 myth??! You the reader can be the judge. However,  Browns fans beware. The debate is very real!

 

*Story by YSN’s Scotty Mincher

EAGLES EMERGE VICTORIOUS; BAYUK WINS 200TH

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WARREN, OH-  Warren JFK moves to 2-0 in the North Coast League White division with a convincing 49-6 win over the Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen at Mollenkopf Stadium. The Eagles overcame the rainy conditions and are hitting their stride and making a push towards the playoffs, while Head Coach Jeff Bayuk crossed another milestone in winning his 200th game.

The Eagles defense forced a 3 and out on the Ironmen’s first possession Junior Gabe Green returned the punt from midfield to the Ironmen 25 yard line. Four plays later, Sophomore Michael Mauro went up the middle on a fullback run up the middle for a 4-yard Touchdown run only 2 minutes and 35 seconds into the game the Eagles were up 7-0. Again the Eagles defense forced the Cleveland Central Catholic offense into a 3 and out. The Eagles took the ball on their own 28 yard line and on the very first play of the drive Senior Savone Williamson went in motion and took a jet sweep handoff from quarterback Christian Marantis turned the ball up the center of the field for a 72 yard touchdown run to make the score 14-0 4 minutes and 55 seconds into the game. 

The second quarter started with an Ironmen punt that Green caught at midfield broke a couple of tackles and ran across the field to hit paydirt only 17 seconds into the 2nd quarter to quickly make the score 21-0 Eagles. Again the Warren JFK defense just smothered the Ironmen offense and a 9-yard punt by the Ironmen set the Eagles up in Ironmen territory again. A couple plays later Marantis hit Junior Cameron Hollobaugh on a slant pass that he took untouched for 40 yards for the touchdown with 9:40 left in the first half it was 28-0 Eagles. Exactly 5 minutes later it was Mauro on a 4th and 3 from the Ironmen 13 yard line who took another fullback dive up the middle untouched for a 35-0 lead, the Eagles were not done. Two possessions later Junior Jesse Likens took a handoff from Hollobaugh for a 3yard touchdown run to make it 42-0 by halftime. The Ironmen actually ran their first plays in Eagles Territory right before the end of the 1st half but failed to score on a 4th and goal from the 18-yard line of the Eagles after being inside the Eagles Ten.

The 3rd Quarter started quickly for JFK as per OHSAA rules if a team is up by more than 30 starting the 2nd half there is a running clock throughout the half if the margin doesn’t get below 30. Well, the Eagles took an attempted onside kick by the Ironmen to start the 2nd half and recovered at midfield. The first play after the recovery Likens electrified the crowd with a shifty run of 50 yards to paydirt the left more than one defender wondering where he went to make the score. 49-0.

The rest of the 3rd and 4th quarter went by pretty quickly because of the running clock and both teams kind of stalled until Cleveland Central Catholic quarterback Sophomore  Jeudis Montgomery threw a swing pass to Junior Jovan Scott who pitched the ball back to Junior Justin Hogan who raced down the sideline outrunning the Eagles secondary for an 82 yard touchdown run to close the scoring at 49-6.  Warren JFK (6-3) travels to Villa Angela- St Joseph next Saturday. Cleveland Central Catholic (0-9) takes on Conneaut at home. 

On behalf of all of us at YSN, we want to congratulate Coach Bayuk on win number 200.  Way to go, Coach!!

 

*Story contributed by YSN’s John Bolino

LISBON COMEBACK FALLS SHORT

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NEWTON FALLS, OH- With a little bit of momentum going into the fourth quarter, the Lisbon Blue Devils were unable to make a complete comeback against Newton Falls on Friday, falling 28-7.

The Blue Devils trailed 21-0 heading into the final frame, but an RJ Schreffler 15-yard TD scamper cracked the goose egg, and game the Blue Machine some hope for a comeback.  Newton Falls responded with a 15-yard connection from Cam Hankins to Shayne Battison to seal the 28-7 victory for the Tigers.

For Lisbon, Schreffler had 52 yards on 10 carries along with the score, he was also 3/8 passing on the night.  Chase McCoy toted the rock 8 times for 38 yards.  Tyler Welsh was the leading receiver with 2 catches and 12 yards.

Lisbon (1-7) now returns home to take on EOAC foe, Columbiana.

QUAKERS SHAKE EAST LIVERPOOL, STAY PERFECT

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- The East Liverpool Potter football team dropped a hard fought 20-14 decision to their Columbiana County rival Salem Quackers.

Salem senior quarterback Niko Walter slashed the Potter defense for a combined 346 yards, as the Potter defense did not have an answer for Walter.  Senior wide receiver Jax Booth hauled in 5 receptions for 116 yards and 2 scores.
Potters senior Nick Woodyard led the Potter offensive attack with 10 receptions for 118 yards. Senior running back Derek Carter rushed 17 times for 60 yards and a touchdown.
After a sluggish first half offensively and training 8-0, the Potter offense came to life in the third quarter, scoring 14 points, with touchdowns from seniors Carter and Timmy. Neal.  However, that was not enough as Niko Walter answered  Neal’s touchdown with a dominant drive to take the lead once and for all.
The fourth quarter was scoreless, as Walter engineered a drive that ran nearly 9 minutes of 4th quarter clock.  The Potters finally stopped the Quakers at the Potter 2 yard line, but could not muster a final 2-minute drive. The Potters made a valiant effort and were able to move the ball to the Salem 41 yard line before Walter intercepted Potter quarterback Nate Davis to ice the game for the Quakers.
*Story contributed by YSN-East Liverpool Announcer, Rob Kelly
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POUND PUPPIES: EXPLOSIVE EP OFFENSE GROUNDS CLIPPERS

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- A youth movement is underway in East Palestine, but winning is not being sacrificed.  Coach Jessica Franklin’s offense exploded for a 3-1 victory over Columbiana on Thursday to keep East Palestine undefeated at 3-0 (2-0 EOAC.)

It was a shared accomplishment for East Palestine as Sophomore Paige Snyder led the way with 15 points that included 4 aces and 8 kills.  Morgan Cheurco had an unbelievable 34 assists on the night along with 3 points and an ace to herself.  Senior Olivia Figley was a front line assassin with 13 kills and 3 blocks, while Malynn Bistarkey had 10 digs and nine kills.  Emily Berger continued her stellar start to the season with 14 points, 11 kills, 2 aces, and a block.

Columbiana was led by Tori Long and her 5 points, 16 kills and 4 digs.  Major helpers for the Lady Clippers were Grace Witmer with 22 assists, and Marissa Makosky with 14.  Libero Maci Linhart led the way in digs with 15.

Both teams return to action Saturday as East Palestine will return to the floor for a double-dip with Howland and Brookfield.  Columbiana will take on McDonald.

 

LADY QUAKERS SHUTOUT URSULINE

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SALEM, OH- The Quakers opened up at home beating Ursuline 3-0 in straight sets. For the Lady Quakers, Elly Exline had 4 aces and 10 kills, Rylie Troy had 6 aces and 3 kills, and Jaden Hamilton added 10 kills and 2 blocks.

The Quakers will travel to Boardman on Saturday.

 

 

*Story contributed by Sarah Hamilton and Salemathletics.org

 

11U: BOARDMAN DEFEATS HAMILTON, BRINGS HOME STATE TITLE

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CAMBRIDGE, OH- It took every ounce of grit that Boardman had left, but when the dust settled, the Spartans were left holding the title for the 11U State Championship in Ohio.

BCB got out to a five-run lead in the second inning and held on for a 5-4 victory over West Side Hamilton on Sunday. Hamilton tallied four runs in the failed comeback. Hunter Thomas, and Austin Payne fueled the rally with RBIs.

BCB earned the victory despite allowing Hamilton to score three runs in the fifth inning. Hunter Thomas and Austin Payne each had RBIs in the frame.

Collin Resetar earned the victory on the pitcher’s mound for BCB. He allowed six hits and four runs over six innings, striking out 11.  A gem by all standards.

Jackson Taylor was on the hill for West Side Hamilton. He went six innings, allowing five runs on ten hits, striking out six and walking zero.

Boardman tallied ten hits in the game. Vince Butto and Ryan Smith each had multiple hits for BCB. Smith and Butto each collected two hits to lead the team.

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11U: THE EAGLE HAS LANDED, BOARDMAN BLANKS NEW ALBANY

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CAMBRIDGE, OH- It’s a collision course that is quickly becoming a friendly rivalry, Boardman and New Albany.  BCB defeated the New Albany Eagles 11U All Stars 17-0 on Wednesday as two pitchers combined to throw a shutout. Ryan Smith induced a fly out from Wolfie Howe to finish off the game.

Boardman secured the victory thanks to ten runs in the sixth inning. The BCB All-Stars put the pressure on, lead by singles by Anthony Groner, Cameron Ganser, Dominick Gordon, and Ryan Smith, doubles by Smith, Collin Resetar, and Vince Butto, and an error on a ball put in play by Chris Vass.

A single by Joe Sokol in the third inning was a positive for New Albany.

Collin Resetar pitched a gem for the BCB Boardman 11u All Stars in the victory. He surrendered zero runs on one hit over five innings, striking out nine and walking one. Smith threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Rowan South started the game for New Albany Eagles 11U All Stars. He lasted one and one-third innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out two. Joe Sokol, Dempsey Bush, Henry Dunn, and Carson Skinner each entered the game as relief, throwing two innings, one and two-thirds innings, two-thirds of an inning, and one-third of an inning respectively.

BCB tallied 15 hits on the day. Butto , Resetar, Smith, and Gordon each had multiple hits for Boardman. Butto went 4-for-5 at the plate to lead the offense in hits.

Sokol led New Albany Eagles 11U All Stars with one hit in three at bats.

Boardman will now take on Cambridge at 5:30 on Friday.  YSN will have you covered if you can’t make it to the game.

 

 

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