Tag Archive for: OHSAA Playoffs

HERALDS TAKE FIRST DISTRICT TITLE SINCE 1985 IN WIN OVER VIKINGS

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Photo Credit: Will Anderson

PARMA, OH – Great Scott! The Saint John Heralds just took a time machine back to the winner’s circle.

For the first time since 1985, the Heralds are district champions, defeating the Waterloo Vikings 9-6 on Friday afternoon at Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus in the OHSAA Division IV District Final.

The victory ends a 40-year drought and punches Saint John’s ticket to the Regional Semifinals—a milestone moment that feels ripped straight out of a Back to the Future script.

The Heralds wasted no time getting on the board. Anthony Severino brought in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first inning. Waterloo answered in the top of the second with a two-run single from Daniel Cunningham to briefly take a 2-1 lead.

But like any good comeback story, Saint John wasn’t going to stay in the past for long. Gus Petros tied things up at 2-2 in the bottom half of the second with an RBI single down the right field line.

Then came the defining moment. In the bottom of the third, the Heralds exploded for five runs on six hits. Ezra Campbell delivered the key swing of the inning with a two-run double that electrified the Saint John dugout and gave them a 7-2 lead. It was the kind of rally that would’ve made Doc Brown proud.

Will Anderson got the start on the mound and gave Saint John five strong innings, allowing just two hits and two runs while striking out three. Brady Cole and Ryan Williams came on in relief to secure the win.

Offensively, the Heralds tallied 10 hits. Campbell, Anderson, and Chase Newsome each had two-hit games, while Campbell and Petros drove in a pair of runs apiece. Cole swiped two of the team’s five stolen bases as Saint John applied pressure on the basepaths all day long.

Matthew Ralston led the Vikings with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate. Cunningham and Trevor Flarida each drove in two runs, while Landon McClain drew three of Waterloo’s six total walks.

With the win, Saint John advances to the OHSAA Regional Semifinal on Tuesday, June 3 at 2:00 PM at Oberlin College, where they will face the winner of the Warren JFK Eagles vs. Christian Central Comets.

From VHS to victory, this 2025 team has done what no Heralds squad has accomplished since parachute pants were in style. And now, with a district title in their pocket and momentum on their side, Saint John is ready to write the next chapter—no time machine required.

HERALDS FLY BY REDBIRDS TO DISTRICT FINAL

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ASHTABULA, OH — The Saint John Heralds punched their ticket to the OHSAA Division IV district championship with a commanding 11-1 victory over the Loudonville Redbirds in Thursday’s semifinal matchup at Smith Field.

Fueled by a six-run second inning, the Heralds took early control of the game and never looked back. The offensive explosion featured a run-scoring double by Dyln Newsome, RBI singles from Gus Petros and Ezra Campbell, a two-run double by Ryan Williams, and a Loudonville error that plated another run.

Saint John struck first in the opening frame when Campbell grounded out to bring in the game’s first run. The Heralds added three more in the third inning—highlighted by a double down the left field line from Will Anderson, an RBI groundout by Anthony Severino, and an infield single from Campbell that drove in a run.

On the mound,  freshman pitcher Gus Petros delivered a strong performance, allowing just two hits and one unearned run over five innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked one in the run-rule shortened contest.

Loudonville’s starter Dilan Wade lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up six runs—only two earned—on six hits, while walking and striking out one.

The Heralds racked up 12 hits on the day, with Campbell driving in a team-high three runs while going 2-for-4. Newsome, Anderson, Severino, Campbell, and Petros all had multi-hit performances to pace the Saint John offense.

Dakota Wright drove in Loudonville’s lone run. Trenton Gaines and Nic Buzzard each collected a hit for the Redbirds.

With the win, Saint John advances to the district championship game where they’ll face Atwater Waterloo on Friday, May 30 at 2 p.m. at Cuyahoga Community College.

HERALDS TOP BLUE JAYS TO WIN DISTRICT SEMI FINAL

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North Jackson, OH — Powered by a big night at the plate from Nadia Lagoa, the Saint John Heralds punched their ticket to the OHSAA District finals with a 10-5 victory over the Jackson-Milton Blue Jays in Monday’s district semi final.

Lagoa delivered in the clutch for the Heralds, finishing 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Her biggest swing came in the fifth inning when she roped a bases-clearing double to ignite a six-run rally. She added an RBI single in the sixth to cap off a dominant offensive performance.

Saint John wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating two runs in the first inning. Maddie Holler drove a double to center to score the game’s first run, and Mary West followed with an RBI groundout to give the Heralds an early 2-0 edge.

The Bluejays battled back in the fourth inning, taking a 3-2 lead on run-scoring singles from Ivy McBeth and Gabby Kerr. But the Heralds responded with authority in the fifth. Five hits—including Lagoa’s three-run double—helped Saint John reclaim control of the game with an 8-3 lead.

Isabelle Holler went the distance in the circle for the Heralds. The right-hander scattered 10 hits over seven innings, allowing five runs (three earned) while striking out four and walking one.

Katie Byers pitched a complete game for Jackson-Milton, but was tagged with the loss after allowing 10 runs on 16 hits.

Saint John’s offense was relentless throughout the night, racking up 16 hits as a team. Rylee Schiedel, Maddie Holler, Caitlyn Carney, Rylee Frasure, and Bella Brent all had multi-hit games. On the basepaths, the Heralds were just as aggressive—swiping eight total bases, with Lagoa and Brent leading the way.

Jackson-Milton tallied 10 hits of their own, with Joslyn Cellars, Grace Johns, and McBeth each recording two. McBeth, Kerr, and Amani Yasin each drove in a run for the Bluejays. Defensively, Jackson-Milton played a clean game with no errors. Catcher Charly Estes led the way with 10 fielding chances.

With the win, the Heralds advance to the OHSAA District finals, where they will take on the Chalker Wildcats on May 21, 2025 in Jefferson.

COVETTA’S COLD BLOODED 3 SENDS FALCONS TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

JEFFERSON, OHIO – In a game filled with momentum swings, clutch plays, and high stakes, it was only fitting that the Jefferson Falcons’ biggest win of the season came down to the final shot. With the score tied at 54 and time winding down, senior guard Anthony Covetta delivered in dramatic fashion, sinking a contested three-pointer as the buzzer sounded to lift the Falcons to a thrilling 57-54 victory over the Bay Village Rockets in the OHSAA district semifinals on Wednesday night.

Jefferson (20-4) punched its ticket to the district championship, where it will face the Buchtel Griffins on March 1.

The Falcons got off to a slow start defensively, giving up 20 points in the first quarter as Bay Village’s Melvin and Miller found success attacking the lane. But Jefferson responded in the second quarter, holding the Rockets to just four points while putting up 16 of their own to take a 30-24 lead at halftime. Covetta led the charge offensively, finding his rhythm early and keeping the Falcons in striking distance.

Bay Village made its push in the third, storming back with a 21-point quarter to reclaim the lead. Melvin continued to be a problem for the Jefferson defense, finishing with a game-high 20 points, while Miller added 15. Entering the fourth, the Rockets led 45-42, setting up a dramatic finish.

The Falcons battled back in the final frame, getting key contributions from Joel Navarro (11 points), Dylan Beebe (7), Terry Brown (7), and Dylan Shetler (5). Covetta, though, was the difference-maker, delivering a 27-point performance, including the game-winning shot that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

Scoring Summary

Jefferson Falcons:

  • Anthony Covetta – 27 points
  • Joel Navarro – 11 points
  • Dylan Beebe – 7 points
  • Terry Brown – 7 points
  • Dylan Shetler – 5 points

Bay Village Rockets:

  • Melvin – 20 points
  • Miller – 15 points
  • Evans – 6 points
  • Cockburn – 5 points
  • Mack – 4 points
  • Rinhart – 2 points
  • Willmitch – 2 points

Jefferson now turns its focus to Buchtel, where it will look to extend its playoff run and claim a district title. If Wednesday night’s thriller was any indication, the Falcons are more than ready for the moment.

MUSTANGS HEADED TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

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Photo Credit: Life Speaks Photography

ORWELL, Ohio – The Grand Valley Mustangs punched their ticket to the Division 6 district championship game with a commanding 57-44 win over the Cuyahoga Heights Red Wolves in the district semifinals on Tuesday night at Grand Valley High School.

From the opening tip, Grand Valley (21-3) set the tone with a tenacious defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack. The Mustangs led 10-7 after the first quarter and steadily built on their advantage, heading into halftime with a 23-14 lead.

Carter Turk delivered a stellar performance, pouring in a game-high 30 points to lead the Mustangs. Braden Hart provided key scoring support with 14 points, while Payton Plizga chipped in with seven. Solly Shultz (3), Ben Cozad (2), and Sammy Goforth (1) also contributed to the scoring effort.

Cuyahoga Heights (16-8) made a strong push in the third quarter, outscoring Grand Valley 17-13 behind a 22-point effort from McClardey, but the Mustangs responded with a dominant fourth quarter, putting up 21 points to seal the victory. Boyers (11), Unger (8), and Apathy (3) also contributed for the Red Wolves.

With the win, Grand Valley advances to the district championship, where they will face the Dalton Bulldogs on March 1 at 4pm in Salem, Ohio. Meanwhile, Cuyahoga Heights sees its season come to an end with a 16-8 record.

The Mustangs will look to carry their momentum into the championship game as they seek to add to an already impressive postseason run.

IRISH FIGHT TO THE END

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By Tim Corso 


ELYRIA OH- Ursuline fell to Toledo Central Catholic 7-6 in State Semifinal action Friday night. In what was a long standing defensive battle, Ursuline held Toledo Central Catholic scoreless for the first 47 minutes and 27 seconds of the game.

However, all that mattered was the final 33 seconds when Sophmore quarterback Ali Beydoun connected with Junior Preston Fryzel, who used all 6 foot 4 of his frame to haul in a perfectly thrown ball to give Toledo the only score they needed. Both defenses played tenaciously all night.

Both forced three turnovers, most in their own territory defending a short field.  Ursuline had 33.7 seconds left when to take the lead in the final frame.

DC Ferrell found Tairan Davis for 24 yards on the first play before three plays later he found Devonte Taylor for 11 yards to set up an Anthony Tabak field goal attempt with 2.9 seconds left. Tabak’s kick was wide left and short of going through, ending a terrific Ursuline campaign in 2024. Ursuline finished 13-2, 3-0

Toledo Central Catholic will advance to the Division 3 State Championship game to take on Columbus Watterson for the second straight year.

IRISH NEVER HAD A DOUBT

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By Tim Corso


RAVENNA OH- Ursuline dominated Gilmour Academy 54-0 Friday night. It was a wet, rainy night at Ravenna High School between a pair of Division 3 Region 9 opponents looking to advance to the state semifinals next week.

The Irish used a physical first drive where they threw just one time and capped it off with a 31-yard DC Ferrell touchdown scamper to go up 8-0 early. Those points where a few of the 27 points they scored in the first frame. Irish tailback Joe Balog was responsible for two of those scores in the first and tallied three total for the game.

By halftime, Balog had toted the ball 21 times for nearly 150 yards as well. Ferrell also tallied over 100 yards on the ground in what was an old-school attack for Dan Reardon’s squad.

The lone touchdown pass on the night was a 7-yard connection to Devonte Taylor late in the first half. The complete opposite occurred for the Lancers in their final game of the 2024 season. Starting quarterback Cooper Panteck got stripped on a sack in the second quarter for a Gilmour offense that had less than 50 yards of total offense in the first half.

Panteck wouldn’t return to the game as fellow senior, Nick Iliano came in to play quarterback and try and spark the offense. As the final Lancer score would hint, that didn’t happen, ending the Lancers’ impressive season at 12-2. Ursuline (13-1) will take on defending state champions Toledo Central Catholic (13-1) next Friday 11/29 at 7 pm at a site TBD.

 

PIRATES SAIL PAST ROCKETS TO SET UP MEETING OF CHAMPIONS IN REGIONAL FINAL

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Photo Credit: Dawn Bubonic Photography

Burton, OH- The Perry Pirates delivered a commanding performance Friday night, defeating the previously undefeated Streetsboro Rockets 45-21 in the regional semifinals of the OHSAA Division IV playoffs. With this win, the Pirates (12-1) secured their spot in the regional championship and set up a clash of champions against the Glenville Tarblooders (10-3), the 2023 Division IV state champions. Perry, the reigning 2023 Division V state champion, will look to continue its title defense in this marquee matchup between two powerhouses.

First Half: Perry’s Explosive Start

The Pirates wasted no time setting the tone, with quarterback Walter Moses at the helm of a dynamic offensive attack. At the 8:44 mark in the first quarter, Moses delivered a 38-yard strike to Carter Hopkins to give Perry an early 7-0 lead.

The second quarter saw the Pirates extend their lead with a 26-yard field goal by Colton Chrissinger, making it 10-0. Moments later, Moses found Brody Petruccelli for a 41-yard touchdown pass to push the advantage to 17-0.

Streetsboro showed resilience with a 6-yard touchdown run by Marcus Council, narrowing the score to 17-7. However, Perry struck back in lightning fashion. Moses connected with Hopkins on a screen pass that turned into a dazzling 73-yard touchdown to give the Pirates a commanding 24-7 lead. Streetsboro quarterback Cohen Klimak kept his team in the fight with a 6-yard touchdown run just before halftime, closing the gap to 24-14.

Second Half: Perry Pulls Away

In the third quarter, the Rockets gained momentum as Klimak scored his second rushing touchdown, a 5-yard run that trimmed Perry’s lead to 24-21. But the Pirates responded emphatically.

Moses delivered a 52-yard touchdown bomb to Jimmy Ashburn, pushing the lead to 30-21 despite a missed extra point. In the fourth quarter, Perry took complete control. Moses threw his fifth touchdown of the night, a 20-yard pass to Luke Sivon, followed by a successful two-point conversion run by McKoy Richards to extend the lead to 38-21.

Hopkins added the final exclamation point with a 2-yard touchdown run, capping off an incredible night for the Pirates and securing the 45-21 victory.

Key Performances

  • Walter Moses (Perry): The senior quarterback put on a clinic, throwing for five touchdowns and more than 300 yards, showcasing precision and leadership.
  • Carter Hopkins (Perry): A versatile weapon, Hopkins tallied three total touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 73-yard screen pass score.
  • Cohen Klimak (Streetsboro): The Rockets’ quarterback displayed grit with two rushing touchdowns, leading his team in their final game of the season.

A Showdown of Champions Awaits

The Pirates now prepare for a blockbuster regional championship matchup against Glenville, the 2023 Division IV state champion. The two reigning champions will collide at a neutral site in Week 14, with a berth in the state semifinals on the line.

Perry, the defending Division V champions, has successfully made the leap to Division IV this season and continues to prove why they’re among Ohio’s elite programs. Meanwhile, Streetsboro concludes its remarkable season with a 12-1 record, falling short against a dominant Perry squad.

Pirates fans, get ready—next week’s battle is set to be an unforgettable showdown between two of Ohio’s best. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Perry fights to keep its title defense alive!

TIGERS GET CAUGHT BY DALTON

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ALLIANCE OH- Springfield’s playoff run came to an end in the OHSAA Regional Semifinals, as the Tigers couldn’t crack a tough Dalton defense, falling 25-0.

The Tigers’ defense came to play, keeping Dalton to just 6 points in the first half and giving Springfield a shot to hang in. But the offense just couldn’t get rolling. Dalton’s defense clamped down, holding Springfield to 139 total yards. Dante Gentile gave it his all, grinding out 62 yards on 17 carries, but the Tigers couldn’t find the end zone.

Dalton’s dagger came in the fourth quarter with an 81-yard bomb that pushed their lead to three scores and sealed the deal.

Springfield finishes the season with a solid 10-3 record. It wasn’t the ending they hoped for, but the Tigers battled hard all year.

IRISH HOLD ALL THE CARDS

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By Tim Corso


CANTON OH- Ursuline prevailed over Aurora 29-10 in Regional Semifinal action Friday night.

The Greenmen entered the matchup averaging an impressive 42 points per game, while the Irish were just a shade under 36. However, the game was a defensive battle for much of the game.

The first quarter ended scoreless after both teams squandered opportunities in opponent’s territory that included a failed fake punt from Aurora senior quarterback Ryan Dwyer. Ursuline’s lone first half turnover was a botched exchange between DC Ferrell and Joe Balog.

It wasn’t until late in the second quarter when Ferrell connected with Ray Javey from 20 yards out that a team broke the scoreboard for the first time. It was much of the same to start the second half until Ferrell got picked off in the endzone by Zach Pennetti when Ursuline was threatening to score and make it a two-score game.

Moments later, Tommy Tartabini took a third and three carry deep into Irish territory, gith on the brink of the redzone. Just a few plays later Dwyer found his favorite target on the night, Ben Lukasik in the back of the endzone from 5-yards out, giving Aurora a 7-6 lead.

After a field goal from both respective teams gave the Greenmena 10-9 lead, Ursuline put together a strong drive that was capped off by Devonte Taylor when he hauled in a 50-yard passing strike from Ferrell to give Ursuline a 15-10 lead. Ursuline took control from that point, while Ferrell threw an exclamation point on his squad’s 12th win of the season when he housed a 55-yard punt return to finish the game off at 29-10.

Ursuline (12-1) will face off in the Division 3 Region 9 Final against Gilmour Academy next Friday, November 23.