Tag Archive for: St John

LAKERS GRAB FIFTH CONSECUTIVE NAC CHAMPIONSHIP IN WIN OVER HERALDS

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

Andover, OH- Trying to finish strong, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers (6-3, 3-0 NAC) asserted their authority over the St. John Heralds (3-6, 1-3 NAC) in a commanding 60-6 victory, securing their fifth consecutive NAC championship. This game was a testament to the Lakers’ unwavering dedication to their powerful rushing attack, led by the dynamic duo of Ty Vickery and Ryan Croston.

The Lakers wasted no time in setting the tone for the game, with Ryan Croston making a statement early in the first quarter. Croston’s 13-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, put Pymatuning Valley on the board at 8-0. Moments later, Vin Narducci of St. John felt the heat of the Lakers’ defense, throwing an interception to Jayce Fulkman. Within moments, Croston was back in the end zone with a 5-yard touchdown run, and the Lakers extended their lead to 16-0.

Despite a brief interception from Croston, the Lakers continued their offensive onslaught with Ty Vickery’s 4-yard touchdown run, although the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, making the score 22-0. Before the end of the first quarter, Croston connected with Matthew Adkins for a 6-yard touchdown pass, and with another 2-point conversion, the Lakers ended the first quarter with a commanding 30-0 lead.

The Lakers continued their relentless charge into the second quarter, as Ty Vickery scored another touchdown with a 5-yard run, and the 2-point conversion was good, extending their lead to 38-0. Vickery struck again with a 7-yard touchdown run, making it 44-0.

In the third quarter, Croston exhibited his explosive speed with a 48-yard touchdown run, and Ben Crouser successfully converted the 2-point attempt. Jayce Fulkman joined the scoring parade with a 28-yard touchdown run, and the Lakers continued to dominate with a 60-0 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the St. John Heralds managed to avoid a shutout when Ryan Williams scored a 1-yard touchdown run with only 29 seconds left on the clock, but time expired before they could attempt the extra point.

With this convincing victory, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers not only secured their NAC championship but also secured their spot in the OHSAA state playoffs. Their playoff journey promises to be exciting, and their fans can look forward to the prospect of a 1st round game against the Labrae Vikings with a loss to Windham, or a week 1 rematch against Mineral Ridge in the first round with a win over Windham. The Lakers’ commitment to their running game, exemplified by Ty Vickery and Ryan Croston, was the driving force behind this triumph. As the Lakers head into Week 10, they continue to be a force to be reckoned with, while the St. John Heralds will regroup for their upcoming matchup against the Lincoln West Wolverines.

HERALDS FALL TO SKIPPERS IN RAINY NAC BATTLE

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Geneva, OH- In a rain-soaked battle at the Spire in Geneva, the Fairport Harding Skippers managed to outlast the Heralds with a final score of 12-0. The heavy downpour proved to be a significant factor in the game, as both teams struggled to effectively pass the ball throughout the match.

The first quarter saw Fairport’s James Gadomski connecting with Yomar Castellano on a 25-yard touchdown pass, giving the Skippers an early lead of 6-0. Unfortunately, Fairport couldn’t convert the two-point conversion, leaving the score at 6-0.

As the second quarter was winding down, Gadomski made a costly mistake, throwing an interception to St. John’s Anthony Severino. This turnover gave the Heralds a glimmer of hope, but they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, and the score remained 6-0 heading into halftime.

The game continued to be a defensive struggle in the third quarter, with both teams battling through the slippery field conditions. However, in the fourth quarter, Fairport’s Castellano managed to break through, scoring on an 8-yard touchdown run, extending the Skippers’ lead to 12-0.

Both teams’ defenses played exceptionally well, preventing any big plays and keeping the score relatively low. Ultimately, the final score stood at 12-0 in favor of the Fairport Harding Skippers.

With this win, the Skippers improved their record to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in the NAC. Meanwhile, the St. John Heralds fell to 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the NAC. Looking ahead, the Heralds will face a tough road matchup against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers (5-3, 2-0 NAC) who boast one of the best rushing offenses in the conference in week 9. On the other hand, the Skippers will play a non-conference game at home against the Jackson Milton Bluejays (6-2) in their upcoming week 9 clash. Both teams will be eager to build on their performances in this hard-fought contest as they continue their season.

HERALDS MORE EXPLOSIVE IN WIN OVER BOMBERS

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Windham, OH- In a game decided in the final 12 seconds, the St. John Heralds managed to edge out the Windham Bombers by a final score of 36-33. This game had everything a football fan could ask for: incredible plays, multiple lead changes, and a nail-biting finish.

The first quarter started with a bang as Windham’s Jack Eye scored a 22-yard touchdown, putting the Bombers on the board. With the extra point good, the Heralds found themselves trailing early, 7-0.

The second quarter saw Windham extend their lead when Anthony Paolella rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful. The Heralds answered back with Will Anderson’s 11-yard touchdown run, but the two-point conversion fell short. Windham then added to their lead with Carlos Bruton’s 22-yard touchdown run, making it 19-6.

The third quarter brought hope for the Heralds as Anderson found the end zone again, this time with a 5-yard run. However, they couldn’t convert the two-point attempt. St. John’s Vin Narducci brought them within striking distance with a 2-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, making the score 20-19 in favor of the Heralds.

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster ride. Windham’s Jack Eye scored twice, once from 2 yards out and again from 5 yards, with one successful two-point conversion. However, the resilient Heralds came roaring back. Will Anderson connected with Anthony Severino for a stunning 60-yard touchdown pass, and they successfully converted a two-point attempt, closing the gap to 33-26.

The Heralds’ determination paid off when they recovered an onside kick, giving them a chance to take the lead. Will Anderson seized the opportunity with a 2-yard touchdown run, and another successful two-point conversion put St. John ahead, 36-33.

With the clock ticking down, the St. John Heralds held onto their lead and emerged victorious in this high-scoring showdown. Their record now stands at 3-4 (1-1 NAC), and they will look to build on this thrilling win as they prepare to face the rival Fairport Skippers in week 8.

The Windham Bombers, now at 2-5 (1-2 NAC), will regroup and get ready for their upcoming home game against the Chalker Wildcats in week 8. This game will surely be remembered as a classic NAC battle between two determined teams that left fans on both sides breathless with excitement.

HERALDS FALL IN FINAL MOMENTS AT HOME

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Geneva, OH- In an exciting but ultimately heartbreaking ending, the St. John Heralds clashed with the Mathews Mustangs, providing fans with a nail-biting contest that went down to the wire. The final score read St. John Heralds 28, Mathews Mustangs 30, but this game will be remembered for its dramatic twists and explosive plays.

The first quarter set the stage with both teams failing to put points on the board, but the second quarter quickly picked up the pace. St. John’s quarterback, Vin Narducci, connected with Donald Crawford for a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to Sully Twining, putting the Heralds ahead 8-0. Narducci struck again with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Will Anderson, though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, extending their lead to 14-0.

Mathews wasn’t about to let the game slip away, as Dom Spagnoletta found Connor Thompson with a 12-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 14-7 just before halftime.

The third quarter proved to be another thrilling chapter in this contest, with Spagnoletta showcasing his versatility, scoring a 15-yard rushing touchdown and securing the extra point to tie the game at 14-14. However, Narducci and Anderson once again proved to be a lethal duo, connecting on a 47-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, reclaiming the lead for the Heralds at 22-14.

The fourth quarter unleashed more fireworks, as Mathews’ Trenton Hyde delivered a 45-yard touchdown pass to Spagnoletta, and a successful 2-point conversion knotted the score at 22-22. Then, with just over two minutes remaining, Spagnoletta powered through for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, and the Mustangs converted another 2-point attempt, taking a 30-22 lead.

But the Heralds weren’t finished yet. In a stunning turn of events, Narducci unleashed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Severino, electrifying the crowd. Although the 2-point conversion failed, the Heralds were back within striking distance at 28-30.

As the clock wound down, Mathews had a chance to seal the game, but St. John’s defense held strong, stopping them on a crucial 4th down turnover on downs at the 30-yard line with just 55 seconds remaining.

Narducci once again displayed his arm strength, connecting on a 40-yard pass igniting the crowd. The Heralds comeback would fall short at the 17-yard line with 33 seconds left when Mathews’ defense held firm, denying St. John on a 4th down attempt with just seconds remaining, securing a heart-pounding 30-28 victory.

In a game defined by explosive plays, Narducci shined brightly with an impressive 340 passing yards and four touchdowns. Anthony Severino, Ryan Williams, and Will Anderson were standout receivers, each amassing over 100 yards in receptions.

With this thrilling contest in the books, the St. John Heralds (2-4) will look to carry their offensive momentum into their upcoming clash with NAC opponent Windham Bombers (2-3) in week 7, while the Mathews Mustangs (1-5) will travel to face the Mineral Ridge Rams (4-1) in what promises to be another exciting matchup. Football fans can’t wait to see what these teams have in store for the rest of the season.

JOHNSTON JUST GETS IT DONE

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ASHTABULA OH- Gabbie Johnston, the junior outside hitter for St. John’s, has not only been a statistical powerhouse on the court since she first stepped onto the volleyball scene but has also evolved into a true leader for her team, both on and off the court. As she continues to mature into her junior year, her growth and contributions have become indispensable to the 10-1 St. John’s team.

In her sophomore season in 2022, Johnston had a standout year, showcasing her prowess as an offensive and defensive force. She recorded an impressive 278 kills, averaging 3.2 per set, a testament to her ability to deliver powerful and precise hits when her team needed them most. Her defensive capabilities were equally impressive, with 358 digs to her name, averaging a remarkable 13.3 per match. Additionally, Johnston displayed her serving skills with 56 aces, making her a multifaceted asset to the team.

As the 2023 season unfolds, Johnston has continued to shine. Through 11 matches, she has already amassed an impressive 117 kills and is currently hitting at an impressive .249 percentage, showcasing her consistency and accuracy at the net. Her defensive contributions remain steadfast, with 146 digs and an average of 13.5 per match, reaffirming her role as a reliable backcourt presence. Notably, Johnston is also making her mark from the service line with 44 aces to her name.

One remarkable milestone lies within Johnston’s reach: 1000 career digs. She needs just 133 more to achieve this significant accomplishment, a testament to her dedication and tenacity on the court.

Gabbie Johnston’s journey and growth were recently discussed in an interview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, shedding light on her perspective and aspirations for her junior season. As a dynamic player and emerging leader, she continues to be a key figure in St. John’s volleyball success, and her contributions are sure to propel the team to new heights. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star in the world of high school volleyball, only on YSN.

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CRUSADER’S 2ND QUARTER TOO MUCH FOR THE HERALDS

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Steubenville,OH- With one of the most action packed 2nd quarters you will ever see, the Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders cruised past the St. John Heralds, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 34-7.

The first quarter began with an impressive 7-yard touchdown run by Steubenville Catholic’s BJ Fallon, followed by a successful extra point kicked by Daniel Bolster, giving the Crusaders an early lead of 7-0. Both teams showcased strong defenses, preventing any further scoring in the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Steubenville Catholic extending their lead, with BJ Fallon showcasing his skills once again, scoring two more touchdowns with runs of 10 and 50 yards. Bolster’s precise kicking game was instrumental, as he converted both extra points. Additionally, Tyler Ialenti added another touchdown with a 1-yard run, although the two-point conversion attempt failed. Tommy Pergi contributed with a 7-yard touchdown run, and Bolster remained consistent with extra point conversions. The Crusaders dominated the second quarter, ending it with a commanding lead of 34-0.

The third quarter remained scoreless as both teams continued to put up strong defensive efforts.

In the fourth quarter, St. John’s Vin Narducci connected with Will Anderson for an impressive 76-yard touchdown pass. Emanuele Fantozzi’s successful extra point put the Heralds on the board with a score of 34-7.

One of the game’s pivotal moments occurred in the second quarter when Daniel Bolster executed back-to-back kickoffs that stopped on the 1-yard line, forcing St. John to start their offensive series deep in their own territory.

Despite the loss, the St. John Heralds had some bright spots, including senior Hank Wagner grabbing his 3rd sack of the year, Vin Narducci’s 118 passing yards on 7 completions, and Will Anderson’s impressive performance with 4 receptions for 104 yards and 1 touchdown.

The final score remained Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders 34 – St. John Heralds 7. The Crusaders improved to 4-0 and are set to face the Fairport Harding Skippers (1-3) in week 4, while the Heralds, now 1-3, will host the Chalker Wildcats (2-0) in their upcoming game.

HERALDS BRING NEWS OF VICTORY

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Geneva, OH- In a thrilling football game with both teams providing highlight reel plays the St. John Heralds defeated the Beachwood Bisons with a final score of 38-24. While the game would be full of action both teams need a quarter to figure out their plan of attack. The first quarter ended with both teams unable to score as the defenses held strong, causing multiple 4-and-outs.

The second quarter kicked off scoring with 8 minutes and 17 seconds left on the clock when a high snap resulted in St. John taking a safety, putting Beachwood on the board with 2 points. The momentum continued to swing Beachwood’s way as Mar’Tez Pinkney returned a punt for a spectacular 65-yard touchdown. However, the 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at St. John 0 – Beachwood 9.

St. John fought back with a 1-yard touchdown run by Vin Narducci, but once again, they couldn’t convert the 2-point attempt. The score now stood at St. John 6 – Beachwood 9.

Just before halftime, St. John’s defense made a crucial play with Ryan Williams intercepting Larry Clark’s pass. St. John’s offense seized the opportunity, executing a trick play with a double pass. Will Anderson connected with Anthony Severino for a 45-yard touchdown, making the score St. John 12 – Beachwood 9. St. John then successfully recovered an onside kick with only 1 minute and 32 seconds left in the second quarter.

In the dying moments of the second quarter, Vin Narducci found Will Anderson again, this time for a 21-yard touchdown pass. The successful 2-point conversion extended St. John’s lead to 20 – 9 as they headed into halftime.

The third quarter saw St. John continuing their offensive prowess, with Vin Narducci tossing a 42-yard touchdown pass to Will Anderson. However, their 2-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at St. John 26 – Beachwood 9. But Beachwood’s Aaden Condor came up with a crucial interception to halt St. John’s momentum.

As the fourth quarter began, Beachwood’s Jacob Thomas made an impact with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Eriq Walker, followed by a successful extra point. The score tightened to St. John 26 – Beachwood 16. But St. John responded swiftly, with Vin Narducci connecting with Will Anderson again, this time for a 69-yard touchdown pass. Their 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, making the score St. John 32 – Beachwood 16.

Beachwood refused to back down, as Jacob Thomas orchestrated a 1-yard touchdown run and a successful 2-point conversion, closing the gap to St. John 32 – Beachwood 24. Beachwood then recovered an onside kick with just under 8 minutes left on the clock.

However, their momentum was short-lived, as Jacob Thomas threw an interception to St. John’s Donald Crawford. St. John capitalized on the turnover, with Ryan Williams scoring a 14-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion was once again unsuccessful, making the score St. John 38 – Beachwood 24.

With just 3 minutes and 34 seconds remaining in the game, St. John recovered another onside kick, sealing their victory.

The final score stood at St. John Heralds 38 – Beachwood Bisons 24. The St. John Heralds improved to a 1-2 record and looked forward to facing the Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders in week 3, while the Beachwood Bisons, now 0-3, prepared to play against the Grand Valley Mustangs in their next matchup.

KANICKI BECOMES EDGEWOOD’S ALL TIME LEADING SCORER

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ASHTABULA OH- Earlier this season Edgewood standout Kaci Kanicki became the Warriors girls basketball all time leading scorer.  However, there was another milestone in sight for Kanicki before she graduated. There was still a good chance she could become the highest scorer Edgewood basketball has ever had, boys or girls.  On Saturday against Ashtabula St John Kanicki did just that. She climbed her way to the mountain top of Edgewood basketball as the Warriors rolled 84-34.  Kanicki’s career number is now at 1,342 and counting.

Kanicki led the Warriors with an amazing 34 points that got her the title of Edgewood’s all time leading scorer.  She wasn’t the only one in double figures. Katie McCollister finished the day with 13 points.  McKenna Vencill was also in double figures with 11.
Edgewood continues the last stretch of the season  on Monday as they travel to Pymatuning Valley.

TIGERS EYES SET TO REGIONAL FINAL REMATCH

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STRONGSVILLE OH- Since the end of last season, Wellsville has longed for a second chance at Monroeville. Coming in to this season, Wellsville and Monroeville had built quite a tournament rivalry. They’d met in two of the last three regional brackets, and the Eagles have gotten the better of the matchups. Last season it was a 4 set victory.  It took Wellsville 28 games, but they have finally locked in another archipelago with Monroevillle with state on the line.  Now the teams will meet for the third time in four years. The Tigers got there by sweeping Ashtabula St. John in the semifinals. (25-19 25-13 25-11)

Presley Stokes racked up a monster double double finishing with 27 kills, and 15 assists.  Bella Poppelriter led the teams in assists with 22, and served up a pair of aces.  Alana Amato was in double figure kills with 15, while leading the team in aces with 6.  Aubri Ramsey led the back row for the Tigers with 9 digs.

The rematch with Monroeville is slated to start at 2:00 on Saturday at Strongsville High School.  The winner of this match will pack their bags for Wright State for the State Semifinals on November 10th.

TIGERS RUN WILD IN WEEK ONE

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GENEVA OH- Ashtabula St. John hosted the Newton Falls Tigers on Thursday night at Spire Institute to kick off the Ohio High School football season on YSN. St. John played two divisions up on Thursday night, hosting division 5 opponent Newton Falls.
The Tigers came out with a bang, scoring a touchdown in the opening possession on 3 running plays. Senior halfback Camryn Brainard punched it in from 6 yards to take the first lead of the ballgame. This was one of 3 touchdowns for Brainard on the night. In the next drive, it was junior halfback Carter Rapczak who scored from 4 yards out, to make it 14-0 in the first quarter. Rapczak also had multiple touchdowns in the Tigers season opener.
Newton Falls had a dominant 27-0 lead at the half, with all 4 touchdowns on the ground. Newton Falls then came out of the half with an interception by senior defensive back, Nick Wright. The turnover by St. John would result in 6 points, on another TD run by Brainard. In the fourth quarter, sophomore running back Gage Phares got involved, with a 5 yard touchdown run to seal the deal. Newton Falls shutout the Heralds on the road and picked up a 41-0 win.
*Contributed By YSN’s Richie Juliano