Tag Archive for: SOUTH RANGE

RAISING RAIDERS

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CANFIELD, OH- A football mom’s love for her son transcends the boundaries of the playing field, creating a truly special and enduring relationship. From the early days of flag football to the roaring crowds of high school games, a mother’s support is unwavering. The bond between a football mom and her son is forged through countless hours of practice, shared victories, and the occasional defeat. In the stands, she becomes his biggest cheerleader, celebrating each touchdown as if it were a personal triumph, and every tackle as a testament to his strength and resilience.

As her son navigates the challenges of the game, a football mom becomes a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration. Through the ups and downs of the season, she remains a constant source of encouragement, offering words of wisdom and comfort during difficult moments. The late-night practices, early morning games, and the sacrifices made for the love of the sport only deepen the connection between mother and son. It’s a relationship built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared passion for the game that extends far beyond the gridiron.

The specialness of the football mom-son relationship lies not only in the shared love for the sport but in the life lessons learned along the way. It’s a bond that fosters resilience, perseverance, and teamwork. Beyond the wins and losses, the football mom is there to witness her son grow into a dedicated athlete, a compassionate teammate, and, most importantly, a young man who carries the values instilled by his biggest fan – his mother – into every aspect of his life.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Kristen (Brady) Crumbacher and Shannan (Gus) Valentine and their sons to discuss what makes this time of year so special- especially being a senior parent.

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SECOND HALF SURGE PROPELS RANGE TO REMATCH

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BARBERTON, OH- What started out as a nail-biter for South Range fans turned out to be old hat for the burgundy and gold.  In a high-scoring showdown, the South Range Raiders showcased their offensive prowess, securing a commanding 48-21 victory over Clearview. The game, filled with explosive plays and impressive drives, unfolded in favor of South Range, leaving Clearview struggling to keep up.

Clearview set the tone in the first quarter, with quarterback Ty Christensen connecting with wide receiver Malcolm Lane for a 17-yard touchdown reception at 3:53. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, but Clearview took an early 6-0 lead.

The second quarter witnessed a surge from South Range as running back Aidan Dominguez rushed for a 9-yard touchdown at 5:08. Logan Butcher’s successful extra point put South Range on the scoreboard. Clearview, however, swiftly answered with Christensen finding Ethan Lorenzana for a 38-yard touchdown reception at 3:08. The extra point by Ty Pinto extended Clearview’s lead to 13-7.

Determined to take control, South Range’s Dominguez scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, a 4-yard run, tying the game at 14-14. The first half concluded with the teams deadlocked, setting the stage for an intense second half.

South Range unleashed a barrage of touchdowns in the third quarter. Blake Ewert powered through for a 1-yard rushing touchdown at 9:56, followed by Dominguez’s 1-yard run at 6:07. Quarterback Tristan Toy connected with Brady Crumbacher for a 14-yard touchdown reception at 0:26. The relentless Logan Butcher added the extra points, propelling South Range to a commanding 35-14 lead by the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw South Range extending their lead even further. Tristan Toy sprinted for an impressive 62-yard rushing touchdown at 10:51. Shortly after, Dylan Smesko added another touchdown with a 28-yard rushing run at 7:48. Butcher’s consistent accuracy on extra points continued.

Clearview fought back with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Ethan Lorenzana at 2:12, and Ayden Cruz successfully converted a 3-yard 2-point reception at 1:56. However, South Range’s substantial lead proved insurmountable.

The game concluded with South Range emerging victorious at 48-21. The Raiders’ dynamic offense, led by impressive performances from Aidan Dominguez, Blake Ewert, and Tristan Toy, proved too much for Clearview to handle, especially in the second half.

The Raiders racked up 454 yards of offense including six rushing touchdowns and a score through the air.  Tristan Toy went 7/13 for 138 yards with a TD and two picks, and ran for 109 yards and a score as well.  Blake Ewert ran the ball 18 times for 91 yards and a touchdown.  Aidan Dominguez carried the rock 8 times for 46 yards and three scores, and had a pick on defense.  Dyland Smesko had seven carries and 78 yards and an incredible touchdown that showcased the heart of the junior running back.  Brady Crumbacher continued his unbelievable senior campaign with jaw-dropping returns on special teams, and took the lid off the Clipper defense through the air with a pair of catches for 35 yards and a TD.  Gaven Nagy had a highlight reel catch as well setting up the Raiders in scoring position, and finished the game with 4 catches and 70 yards.

Defensively, Aidan Dominguez had the Clippers on lockdown with seven tackles, and a pick.  Nagy and Toy had five tackles apiece, and Toy added an interception to his ledger.  Luke Starkey had an interception as well, and contributed a pair of tackles.  Jimmy Powell also put his mark on the game with a quartet of stops for the Raiders.

The Raiders now head to the Regional Finals again to set up a rematch with the Perry Pirates who met in the 2022 Regional Finals where South Range won 48-21.

SOUTH RANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JEFF FISHEL

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CANFIELD OH- South Range will always be formidable in girls basketball, or least that is how it has seemed the last decade.  The Raiders have been to 5 regional tournaments since 2013.  Head coach Jeff Fishel has seen them go to the Regional Finals twice under his coaching.  That’s why a season like last year, which some programs would love to have, was considered a “down year” for the Raiders.  Coach Fishel took it in and put together what he calls the best off season his program has had so far.  There’s a lot of reasons to be excited for the Raiders season, and we have you covered with a preview.

Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell sat down with coach Fishel to see what the season will have in store. They talk about the program’s culture, the leaders of the squad, and so much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Jeff Fishel only on YSN.

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DEDICATED TO THE DEDICATED

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CANFIELD, OH- As a part of three generations of South Range Raiders Scott Valentine said it best when he delivered “I’m sure Coach has spent more time in those four walls since it was built than he has at his own dinner table and we couldn’t think of a better building to bear their names.” when talking about Dan Yeagley on Thursday night.

Former players were tasked with raising funds for the signage and dedication of the appropriately named “Dan & Kelli Yeagley Field House” and teams from 1996 through 2023 were listed as donors to the cause and facilitated by Nick Toy and getting players of different generations involved and the vision of Randy Dominguez, said Valentine.

 

Yeagley, who had coached his alma mater since 1995 accrued an overall coaching record of 248-75 in his 28 years at the helm.  Coach Yeagley also helped guide the Raiders to 13 conference championships, 3 regional titles, and the crown jewel 2022 State Championship.

All of that would not have been possible without the love and support of Dan’s loving wife, and best friend, Kelli – who endured the roller coaster ride that is being a coach’s wife for every step of the way.  South Range, and the community that makes it knew it was only fitting to show gratitude for her sacrifices along the way.

“Kelli and I have been blessed with great players throughout the years, and great friends, and even more great coaches- and I can’t thank you enough.  This is such an honor, it really is- remember what it stands for: preparation, commitment, dedication, hard work, and remember it stands for sacrifices” said Yeagley.

The Raiders take on Clearview on Friday night in the Regional Semi-Finals, where Coach Yeagley and Kelli have sideline passes to cheer on their favorite team.

 

SOUTH RANGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WUTH PAT CARDEN

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In the dawn of a new era, South Range is buzzing with anticipation under the guidance of first-year head coach, Pat Carden. Following a triumphant 2022-23 season where the Raiders clinched the NE8 title for the first time, the team is poised for even greater success.

With a roster brimming with returning talent, expectations are sky-high for South Range. Dive into the promising journey ahead with Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner, as Coach Pat Carden lays out the game plan for the Raiders’ pursuit of excellence with Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell, and exclusively on YSN!

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SOUTH RANGE DECOMMISSIONS GENERALS

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CANFIELD, OH-In a highly-anticipated second-round matchup in the OHSAA Football Playoffs, the South Range Raiders clashed with the Ridgewood Generals at a packed Rominger stadium, and the Raiders left no room for doubt in a commanding 35-0 victory.

The scoring began with a bang as the Raiders’ Blake Ewert showcased his explosiveness, breaking through the Ridgewood defense with a remarkable 49-yard rushing touchdown. Just two minutes into the game, the South Range crowd erupted with excitement as they took an early 7-0 lead, courtesy of Logan Butcher’s extra point.

South Range continued to dominate in the second quarter. Ewert added to his impressive night with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, followed by another successful extra point from Logan Butcher. The score surged to 14-0 in favor of the Raiders. The relentless South Range offense struck again with Aidan Dominguez finding the end zone with a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Butcher was once again clutch with the extra point, extending the lead to 21-0.

The Raiders were not finished yet, with Junior QB, Tristan Toy connecting with Brady Crumbacher for a 13-yard touchdown reception, capping off a brilliant drive. Butcher’s extra point was money yet again, and the halftime score stood at an imposing 28-0 in favor of South Range.

Following an outstanding halftime show, the third quarter saw South Range maintain their offensive prowess. Tristan Toy demonstrated his quarterbacking skills with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Dominguez. Butcher continued to be a reliable force with the extra point, and the scoreboard read 35-0.

The fourth quarter went scoreless, as South Range’s defense continued to stifle Ridgewood, denying them any opportunity to mount a comeback, and ending the Generals’ season in Week 12.

The game’s outcome was a testament to South Range’s offensive prowess and defensive resilience. Blake Ewert’s explosive rushing night finished with 149 yards and two scores on 18 carries, combined with Logan Butcher’s accuracy on extra points 5/5, allowed the Raiders to take control early and maintain their momentum throughout. The passing game, led by Tristan Toy’s pinpoint accuracy going 6/7 for 79 yards through the air while rushing for 81 yards, was equally impressive, demonstrating a well-rounded offensive attack.

Defensively Brady Crumbacher was the leading play-stopper with 7 tackles.  Kam Aquisto had four stops, and Gus Valentine, Heath Crouse, and Dylan Smesko clogged up things for a trio of solo tackles apiece.

With the victory, South Range will take on Clearview who upset Norwayne 19-16 on Friday night at a site to be determined by the OHSAA.  Stay tuned to YSN for all the details of that matchup and many more.

 

BY AIR, BY LAND, OR BY SEESHOLTZ

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CANFIELD, OH-  Tyson Seesholtz, who moved to South Range during his freshman year, spoke highly of the tight-knit community and the support he received from the residents. He emphasized the caring nature and unity within the community, which he believes sets South Range apart from other places he has lived.

As a wrestler and football player, Seesholtz showcased his talent and dedication. Last year, as a freshman, he made a name for himself in wrestling, and this year, he is gearing up for a successful football season. Despite his young age, Seesholtz remains unfazed by the prospect of facing older, more experienced opponents. His years of wrestling have prepared him to take on any challenge, regardless of age, height, or weight.

When asked about the connection between wrestling and football, Seesholtz attributed the success of wrestlers in football, particularly on the line, to their relentless work ethic and strong hand fighting skills. These qualities translate well into football, allowing wrestlers to excel in positions that require sags, tackles for loss, and overall dominance on the field.

While Seesholtz is making waves in the sports arena, he also excels in his academics. He expressed a passion for science, stating that it comes naturally to him, especially when compared to his core subjects. Seesholtz’s love for science has sparked an interest in pursuing an engineering degree or cybersecurity in college.

Influenced by his supportive family, Seesholtz emphasized the importance of his parents and their unwavering support throughout his athletic and academic journey. He particularly acknowledged his father’s character of spending quality time together, as countless car rides to and from wrestling tournaments and practices have made a significant impact on his life. Seesholtz also expressed gratitude for his mother’s emotional support and comforting presence.

Looking ahead, Seesholtz has big aspirations for his future. Alongside his athletic ambitions, he hopes to pursue higher education at a collegiate level, with a preference for Division I schools. With his interest in engineering and cybersecurity, Seesholtz aims to make a mark in these fields, inspired by his cousin who introduced him to the world of cybersecurity.

Lastly, Seesholtz aims to leave a lasting legacy of hard work and determination. He hopes that young athletes, like his former wrestling coach, will remember him for his perseverance and the belief that one should never give up, but rather, keep pushing forward.

Tyson Seesholtz is already making waves in both wrestling and football, and his dedication to excellence both on and off the field is setting him on a path for success. South Range High School and its community are proud to have an inspiring athlete like Seesholtz representing them.

 

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David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 11) WITH DAVID RACH

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CANFIELD, OH-  Having clinched the NEA (Northeast Athletic Conference) title in their first year, Coach Rach expressed his pride in the hard work and consistency of his players. The seniors, in particular, have an impressive record of 27-0 against Northeast State throughout their careers. The coach acknowledged the challenges of winning football games and commended his team’s relentless dedication.

Transitioning from his role as defensive coordinator to head coach, Coach Rach admitted that the experience has been different. He credits his capable staff for providing support and allowing him to focus on other aspects of coaching. However, he also acknowledged the learning curve in managing the team and ensuring he strikes the right balance between guidance and giving his coaches the freedom they need.

As the South Range Raiders move from the regular season to the playoffs, Coach Rach acknowledged the different dynamic they face when preparing for unfamiliar opponents. He acknowledged the excitement and unpredictability that comes with facing teams they haven’t encountered before. The team is working diligently in the film room to be prepared for any challenges that their upcoming opponent, Fearless, may present.

Despite the underdog status, Coach Rach highlighted the team’s drive to improve and emphasized that they will take each game as an opportunity to grow. He spoke about the importance of continuous improvement throughout the playoffs and the need to address any weaknesses that persisted during the regular season.

When asked about the difference in preparation for the postseason compared to the regular season, Coach Rach noted that the need for thoroughness becomes even more significant. With unfamiliar opponents, the team must be ready to face anything thrown their way. He mentioned the challenge of acquiring limited films on opponents, leading them to search for additional resources such as YouTube to gain insights.

In a light-hearted moment during the podcast, Coach Rach engaged in a Rock, Paper, Scissors match with the podcast host. The stakes were set high, with the winner gaining the right to ask a question.

As the South Range Raiders gear up for their postseason pursuits, Coach Rach and his players are eager to continue their winning streak. Their remarkable achievements this season, coupled with their dedication to improvement, promise an exciting postseason for the team and their devoted fans.

 

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LAND OF THE FREE

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CANFIELD, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, the spotlight was on Sam Freedy, a young football player and Super Bowl champion from the little Raiders team. The episode provided an exclusive interview, offering a glimpse into Sam’s victorious championship experience and his dreams of playing in the NFL.

Sam shared his excitement about winning the championship on Saturday, describing it as a thrilling experience. When asked where he was when the clock hit zero, he revealed that he was on the sidelines, eagerly witnessing the final moments of the game. Upon the victory, the first thought that ran through his mind was, “We won.” Sam’s pride in his team’s achievement was evident throughout the interview.

Aside from his football success, Sam also discussed his favorite things to do off the field. He mentioned hanging out with friends, emphasizing the strong camaraderie within their football team. Sam also revealed his love for Spagwhich, a favorite food joint where he hangs out frequently.

With Halloween just around the corner, Sam disclosed his costume plans – he’s going to be the popular video game character “Fall Guy,” specifically the green one. When it comes to school, Sam’s favorite subject is math, and his beloved teacher. As for Halloween treats, Sam favors Snickers but seems to have a distaste for Reese’s.

When asked about why he loves football, Sam’s response was simple and straightforward: “Because you get to hit people and just hit.” His passion for the sport shines through, and he expressed his hope of becoming an NFL player in the future. Unsurprisingly, Sammy’s team of choice is the Pittsburgh Steelers, showing his loyalty to the game.

As the interview wrapped up, it became clear that Sam’s family plays an integral role in his life. He mentioned his siblings, Addison, Justin, and Chloe, as well as his supportive parents, who he appreciates for their constant support, transportation, and generosity – providing food and covering expenses.

With his eyes set on a future in the NFL, Sam hopes to follow in the footsteps of his favorite football players. Although he couldn’t pinpoint a single player as his absolute favorite, it is evident that he finds inspiration from a multitude of professional athletes.

When asked about his favorite South Range Raider, Sam enthusiastically named Brady Krumbacher, hinting at his aspirations of emulating his favorite player’s success.

Sam Freedy’s podcast appearance provides a glimpse into the life of a talented and determined young athlete. With his championship victory under his belt and his aspirations to become an NFL player, Sam is well on his way to making a name for himself in the football world.

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THE LION

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CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders have found themselves a defensive gem in junior standout Troy Combs. Known for his hard-hitting tackles and game-changing interceptions, Combs is quickly gaining attention as a generational talent in the football community.

Combs, hailing from a family that bleeds Raider pride, has followed in the footsteps of his older brother Matthias, a notable wide receiver who left a lasting impression on the team. In a recent interview at Giangelo’s in Boardman, Combs expressed gratitude for his brother’s influence and praised his character both on and off the field.

Reflecting on his growth throughout the season, Combs admitted that early on, he struggled with patience and would often get juked out or penalized for holding. However, under the guidance of coach Rocks, Combs has evolved into a more composed and patient player, allowing him to make impactful plays.

What sets Combs apart is his ability to not only deliver bone-crushing hits but also showcase his speed and agility when intercepting passes. When asked to choose between laying a hit or making an interception, Combs unhesitatingly expressed his love for setting the tone with a big hit, believing it sends a powerful message to the opposing team.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, Combs emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and building a stronger bond with his teammates. He acknowledged the challenge posed by their upcoming fearless opponents and expressed excitement for the opportunity to showcase his skills against a team that throws the ball frequently.

Combs credits the close-knit bond among the South Range Raiders as a catalyst for their success. Their unique practice methods, such as “squeezing and spilling,” instill trust and belief in each other, making them a formidable force on the field.

Beyond football, Combs has his sights set on a future in architecture or graphic design, citing his love for building Legos as the inspiration behind his interest. With his dedication and talent on the gridiron, Combs undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, with football being a potential opportunity for success.

As the South Range Raiders continue their journey in the playoffs, Troy Combs remains focused on making a lasting impact on the team while constantly striving for personal growth. With his exceptional defensive skills and unwavering dedication, Combs is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in high school football.

 

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