Tag Archive for: Poland

WEEK 4 BAIRD BROTHERS BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY ANNOUNCED

EAST PALESTINE, OH- In one of the biggest voter turnouts this season, the final tallies were totaled.  With over 26,000 votes cast in Week 4, we have your winners! Both student-athletes now qualify for the Big-Dog of the Year title handed out this November, congratulations to both athletes and their schools.

 

VOLLEYBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

ELLY EXLINE- SALEM

16 Kills/16 Digs/10 Points/2 Aces vs. Crestview

 

 

 FOOTBALL:

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSH WORKMAN

MICHAEL VOITUS – POLAND

2 RECEPTIONS/ 2 TD/ 59 YARDS vs. South Range

POLAND SNAPS THE RED DRAGONS WIN STREAK

NILES, OH – Before the Bulldogs and Red Dragons took the field, there was a pause to reflect on the Niles seniors for their senior night. Niles entering this game 4 and 0 after blanking Jefferson 34 to 0. The Poland Bulldogs coming in after a big win against South Range by the score of 27 to 7.

On their first drive of the game a third-down situation for Jack Fulton as he connects with Andrew Centofanti for a 55-yard touchdown, giving the bulldogs the early advantage (7 to 0). The next drive Niles’ ZACH LEONARD is picked off and The Bulldogs go on a march. A 10-play drive on 26 yards is capped off by a 37-yard field goal by Poland’s Mike Kushner. (10-0)

Fulton then rushed for a 7-yard touchdown (17 to 0). The next time the Bulldog’s offense took the ball, Josh Alessi ran for a 10-yard touchdown to make it 24 to 0 Bulldogs.

The halftime score was 24 to 0 Poland and it was all Bulldogs after 2 quarters. Niles didn’t seem to have an answer on defense, especially for a team who had a great run defense through the first 4 games. In the third quarter, Poland picks up where they left off with a touchdown by marching down the field, then finishing off by a 1-yard run by Zach Ellis (31 to 0).

Niles found an answer for that as they drive down the field themselves and Zach Leonard was able to find his man in Chase Sudzina for a 10-yard touchdown (31 to 7).
The final score 31 to 7 and Niles’ perfect season is snapped.

Niles will play host to South Range as Poland will take on Girard.

 

(updated 9/30)

*story contributed by Tyler Hoffman

POLAND VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP3 WITH MARTINA DINELLO)

It’s been a roller coaster of a week for Poland volleyball. They got two big NE8 wins over Struthers and Niles before having a tough time with some big non conference opponents in Austintown Fitch and Canfield. With almost no break in between the Bulldogs came together to win a five set thriller over South Range to make their NE8 winning streak to three. 

YSN’s Anthony Hartwig got a chance to catch up with Coach DiNello right after her teams big win over South Range. They talk about the week that was, their tough non conference games, the big win over the Raiders, and much more. Find out what’s been going on in Poland in Episode 3 of Coach’s Corner with Martina DiNello.

MASUCCI IN THE MIDDLE

Katie Masucci heads into her senior season of volleyball with high hopes for the program. The multi sport athlete excelled in her ability to manage her time. The daughter of two teachers never forgets how important her schoolwork is and is adamant in the motto “school comes first.” On the volleyball court shes listed as a middle blocker but also is versatile enough to go outside when her team needs her. With a strong swing and plenty of athleticism this senior is an asset to the Bulldogs program. 

Anthony Hartwig sat down with Katie fresh off a big five set win over South Range. They talk about her senior year, what she wants to see from the program in years to come, and much more. Crank that volume all the way up and learn about another Poland senior in the latest volleyball player profile Masucci in the Middle.

*photo credit to Seminary Sports+

 

POLAND TAKES THRILLER AND REVENGE OVER SOUTH RANGE

On August 22nd South Range beat Poland in four sets. Over a month later the bad taste of the early season loss was still in Poland’s mouth. They took a five set thriller from the Raiders this time around. (25-16 16-25 25-22 7-25 15-8).

In the first two sets, both teams traded poor hitting performances. The Raiders hit a negative percentage in set number one, and Poland returned the favor in set number two. Each team won a set by a score of 25-16.

Set three was maybe the most important set because both teams were clicking. Lauren Mellilo has a tremendous set for the Bulldogs. Three straight kills at the ladder end of the set helped Poland pull through a tough set 25-22.

In set number four, the Raiders hit the lights out of the gym. Everything was finding it’s way to the floor. Marina Schneider set the tone for the Raiders early with two strong kills from the outside and the offense never looked back. The Raiders hit .348 in the set. They had 11 kills and only 2 errors in the set. They seemed to have all the momentum forcing a set five with a 25-7 win.

If you were to survey everyone in the stands after set four, everyone would say the Raiders had the momentum. However, Poland had other thoughts. They came out in the fifth set and were the more energetic team. Led by the tremendous defense the Bulldogs frustrated the Raider offense not letting anything fall. Morgan Kulchar was getting a hands on just about everything that was coming over the net. Poland found a way to bounce back from a 7-25 loss in set four to win set five 15-8 and avenge the earlier loss to the Raiders.

Anna Primavera led the Raider offense with 11 kills, 5 digs, and 5 aces. Izzy Lamparty also has a strong night with 10 kills and 5 aces. Emily Irons finished with 34 assists, 5 digs, and 3 aces. Reagan Irons had a season-high 35 digs.

The Raiders look to bounce back Thursday night hosting Girard. Poland travels to Lakeview on Thursday night.

Photo credit Seminary Sports+

POLAND PUSHES PAST RANGE IN FIRST NE8 VICTORY

POLAND, OH- Week 4 starts league play for most teams in the valley. Poland and South Range this was their first meeting as league foes.  Both teams are in the NE8 and kicked off league play with a battle at bulldog stadium Friday night.
The Raiders received the opening kick and proceeded to drive right down the field. First play from the Raiders was a jet sweep to junior wideout Trey Pancake who took it all the way into bulldog territory to the 45. But the raiders weren’t done with the big plays. The next play was a perfect throw to TE Jake Gehring who got all the way to the bulldog 11. Running back Dylan Dominguez took over and punched it in for the touchdown.

However, Poland would answer right back.

The Bulldogs came out in a “Stacked I” formation and proceeded to run the ball right at the Raiders all the way to the 21-yard line. That’s when QB Jack Fulton connected to Michael Voitus for the 21-yard score, tying the game at 7.

The Raiders offense was not able to get a drive going for the rest of the game. Poland’s defense would smother the Raiders running game and put pressure on Isaac Allegretto all night. Poland’s offensive line would dominate the majority of the night letting senior running back Josh Alessi gain  112 yards on 17 carries. Michael Voitus would finish with 2 TD receptions on 2 receptions for 59 yards. Jack Fulton was 3/5 for 62 yards and 2 TD’s and he rushed for 75 yards on 12 carries with 1 TD.  For the Raiders Allegretto was 10/21 for 127 yards with 1 int. Dominguez had 20 yards on 8 carries and the only TD for the Raiders.

Both teams are now 2-2. Poland hits the road to Niles next week and the Raiders return home to play Girard for Homecoming.

 

*Story contributed by YSN’s Paul Munson

INTO THE SUNDSTROM

Poland Volleyball is full of senior leadership. Eight in the senior class to be exact. But Cailor Sundstrom’s leadership stands out of the pack. To her, team chemistry is a must and she does whatever it takes to keep it tight. She is prepared to go the distance to help her team achieve their lofty goals. 

YSN’s Anthony Hartwig sat down with Cailor to talk about her senior expectations, her leadership qualities, and much more. Get ready for the latest Bulldog Volleyball Player Profile Into The Sundstrom

Photo credit to Seminary Sports+

 

TIGERS COMEBACK LATE, BEAT BULLDOGS 14-13

Howland, Ohio- Adversity struck the Poland Bulldogs by week 3. Junior Quarterback Brody Todd was out this game with an injury and in his place came new quarterback Jack Fulton and a new offensive scheme. Multiple offensive formations and a more run focused offensive was established throughout the game. The Bulldogs would not be able to overcome adversity this week as the Howland Tigers would score a touchdown with 10 seconds left in the game to give the Tigers their first victory of the year.
Bulldogs would get on the board first with a Field Goal from Kicker Mikey Kushner to make the score 3-0 in favor of the Bulldogs. After an interception by Bulldog Defensive Back Andrew Parker in the second quarter, Poland running back Jake Rutana would find the endzone with a 30 yard touchdown rush to make the game 10-0 Bulldogs.
The Tigers would get on the scoreboard in the Third Quarter after running back Eric Babinchak scored a 45 yard touchdown run to make the game 7-10. In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs would look towards Kushner to increase their lead after a 35 yard field goal gave Poland a 13-7 lead. Tigers would win it with 10 seconds left in the game after running back Garrett Deemer rushed 9 yards to the endzone to seal the win.
Poland(1-2) will face South Range(2-1) next week at home.
*Story contributed by Anthony Melone

PETRO ON PATROL

Poland Volleyball senior outside hitter Alexis Petro is ready for her senior year. Her and the eight seniors on the team strive to build team chemistry. Alexis has set high individual goals for herself and her team this season and is prepared to grind hard to reach them. 

Anthony Hartwig went on down to Poland to talk to Alexis about her senior year, team bonding, and much more. Get your fix of Bulldog Volleyball with this week’s player profile Petro on Patrol.

Photo credit to Seminary Sports+

POLAND VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP2 WITH MARTINA DINELLO)

It’s been a competitive week for Poland Volleyball, since we talked to coach last the team has split four matches. Head coach Martina DiNello keeps the team positive as she thinks their goals are well in sight. 

Anthony Hartwig stopped by Poland to talk to coach about the week that was, the week to come, and much more! Get all you need to know about Poland Volleyball in Episode 2 of Coach’s Corner with Martina DiNello.