Tag Archive for: Ursuline

WEEK 3 YSN FOOTBALL POWER RANKINGS ARE RELEASED

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COLUMBIANA, OH-Week 3 of high school football in our local leagues showed some serious shuffling in the power rankings, turning what we thought we knew on its head. Let’s dive into the major movers and shakers as we break down the shifts from Week 2 to Week 3.

Major Climbers:
– Austintown Fitch rockets to the top spot this week! Moving up from the third place in Week 2, Fitch’s flawless 3-0 record has them sitting pretty as the new leader.
– West Branch and Struthers are also making headlines. West Branch, in a significant leap, moved from the fifth spot to the second, showing they’re not just participants but serious contenders. Struthers, not far behind, slipped from the second to third but remain strong in the top tier.
– Poland, another team to watch, jumped from the seventh place straight into the fourth. Their perfect start to the season signals they might just be getting started.

On the Rise:
– LaBrae and Hubbard both climbed a spot, hinting at their steady progress. LaBrae’s jump from seventh to sixth and Hubbard’s from eighth to seventh may seem small, but in the competitive grind, every little bit counts.
– Pymatuning Valley made an interesting hop from the 20th spot to 14th, suggesting some under-the-radar strengths that are starting to surface.

Top Ten Tussles:
– The top ten is a mixed bag with teams like South Range and Lakeview holding firm but still feeling the heat from teams like Windham and Western Reserve, who are pushing the envelope and looking to disrupt the established order.

Teams Facing Tough Times:
– Garrettsville Garfield saw a notable dip, dropping from third to 16th, which might spur them to push harder in the upcoming games.
– Hoban also saw a significant slide, moving from 15th to out of the top 20 altogether. It’s a surprising turn for a team that’s used to being a powerhouse.

East Palestine finds itself in the top 25 after a convincing win over Bridgeport, while Crestview‘s dominant performance over United also finds itself on the board in the third edition.

This week has definitely stirred the pot and set the stage for some fiery matchups ahead. With teams moving up and down the ladder, it’s clear that in high school football, every game is a chance to rewrite the script. As we look towards Week 4, keep your eyes peeled—this season is proving to be anything but predictable!

WEEK 3 YSN FOOTBALL POWER RANKINGS

 

  1. Austintown Fitch
  2. West Branch
  3. Struthers
  4. Poland
  5. Lakeview
  6. South Range
  7. LaBrae
  8. Hubbard
  9. Perry
  10. Windham
  11. Western Reserve
  12. Orange
  13. Boardman
  14. Pymatuning Valley
  15. Archbishop Hoban
  16. Garrettsville Garfield
  17. Warren JFK
  18. Ursuline
  19. Youngstown East
  20. Beaver (PA)
  21. Crestview
  22. Waterloo
  23. Girard
  24. Jackson Milton
  25. East Palestine

BUBBLE WATCH: Campbell Memorial, United, McDonald, Lisbon, Edison, Valley Christian

URSULINE HAS THEIR FUN CUT SHORT BY MOTHER NATURE

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By Tim Corso


FARRELL OH- Ursuline rolled past Farrell 27-0 on Friday night.

In what was a shortened game that lasted just a quarter and a half, the Irish seemed unstoppable.

After a slow first drive, Ursuline turned it on, racing down the field before Joe Balog found paydirt from six yards out to give the Irish an early 8-0 lead.

​The Irish had all three phases working in the abbreviated game. On top of moving the ball with ease, they got contributions from the defense and special teams as both were able to secure touchdowns.

​The first came when the Steelers were pinned back deep and forced to punt from their own endzone when a bad snap was hunted for in the endzone and finally recovered by Freshman Ethan Sandusky.

​After a Vinnie Fecko touchdown run, the Irish capitalized on its dominant pass rush when Senior John Frangos scooped up a strip sack and ran it in to score which was surprisingly the last score of the game.

​With six minutes remaining in the second quarter, both teams were sent off the field due to a lighting delay and were later told the game was called and the Irish improved to 2-1 on the season.

​Ursuline (2-1) will host Youngstown East (2-1) next Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m. from Stambaugh Stadium in a Steel Valley Showdown.

 

THE FRANGOS STYLE OF DEFENSE

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- John Frangos was Ursuline’s leading tackler returning from the 2023 season and has quickly established himself as a leader on the squad. Frangos talks with YSN’s Tim Corso at the Golden Dawn Restaurant about his team’s young season as well as a look into the big matchup the Irish have with the Steelers of Farrell this Friday night.

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WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY

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YOUNGSTOWN OH-!Ursuline’s Da’Shawn Will is playing his first year of varsity football, but looks right at home on the gridiron. Will talks with YSN’s Tim Corso at the Golden Dawn Restaurant about his team’s first two games, his football journey, as well as looking ahead into the Week 3 matchup with Farrell.

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URSULINE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH DAN REARDON

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By Tim Corso

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In Week 2, Ursuline got into the win column for the first time in 2024 with a commanding win over Bishop Hartley 41-10. YSN’s Tim Corso talks with Ursuline Head Coach Dan Reardon at the Golden Dawn Restaurant about the bounce-back win as well as looking ahead to Friday’s cross-border battle with Farrell.

 

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MOONEY BESTS IRISH FOR FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Cardinal Mooney and Ursuline—it’s a rivalry that never disappoints. Tuesday night’s “Holy War” on the volleyball court was no different, with both teams trading blows in a fierce battle. But in the end, Mooney came out on top, taking down Ursuline in four hard-fought sets (25-21, 25-23, 27-29, 25-17).

Mooney’s Brinkley Bair was unstoppable, leading the charge with 22 kills and 17 digs for a clutch double-double. Sam Rotunno backed her up with 12 kills and 23 digs, also posting a double-double. Jaida Lane was a force at the net, adding 10 kills and 6 blocks. On defense, Sophia Rotunno was everywhere with 26 digs, while Kaelyn Radinsky ran the show with 46 assists and 14 digs, locking down another double-double.

Mooney doesn’t get much of a breather—they’re back at it on Wednesday, hosting Columbiana. Ursuline will regroup and hit the road for a Monday matchup at Hubbard.

MAYA IS MADE FOR GREATNESS

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- On a team filled with new faces, Ursuline’s senior libero, Maya Manning, stands as one of the few seasoned veterans. As one of five seniors on the squad, Manning’s leadership is vital. With plenty of younger players and fresh talent stepping onto the court, Maya is the guiding light the Irish lean on. Her experience and calm demeanor help steady the team, making sure everyone stays focused and ready for the challenges ahead.

As the libero, Manning commands the Irish back row with precision and poise. She has an incredible ability to read the game, anticipating plays before they unfold. There aren’t many balls that get past Manning—she’s a relentless defender who moves with purpose. Her quick reactions and court awareness make her the anchor of Ursuline’s defense, setting the tone for the team’s energy and focus.

Last season, Maya was one of the top diggers in the area, racking up 514 digs and averaging 6.3 per set. Now in her senior year, she’s raised the bar even higher. Through just seven matches, Manning has already tallied 228 digs, pushing her digs per set average up to a remarkable 8.4. She’s taken her game to the next level, proving once again why she’s one of the best in the business.

Manning’s leadership extends beyond the court. She’s just as dedicated to her academics, making sure to stay on top of her schoolwork while setting an example for her teammates. Guided by the teachers and mentors at Ursuline, Maya has become a role model for what it means to be a true student-athlete.

As she looks ahead to her future, Maya has her sights set on a career in nursing and plans to attend Youngstown State University. While she’s decided that high school will mark the end of her competitive volleyball career, she hints that beach volleyball could be in her future. Maya’s journey is a great reminder that you don’t have to define yourself as an athlete by whether or not you play in college. Her legacy as one of the best defenders in the YSN family is already cemented, and that won’t change with her future plans.

For more player profiles and stories about your favorite athletes in your favorite communities, stay tuned to YSN!

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YSN FOOTBALL POWER RANKNIGS – WEEK 2

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COLUMBIANA, OH- With a couple of weeks under our belts, the local high school football scene is shaping up to be as unpredictable and thrilling as ever. Let’s dive into the latest power rankings that are stirring up the pot and setting the stage for some intense gridiron battles.

Topping the charts this week, we have Perry and Struthers neck-and-neck, both boasting a perfect 2-0 record and scoring more than 6 points in the computer rankings. They’re followed closely by Austintown Fitch and Beaver (PA), proving that their hot starts aren’t just flukes but the result of some serious fieldwork.

West Branch and Lakeview, each sitting pretty at 2-0, aren’t far behind, showcasing that consistency and solid gameplay can keep you in the hunt. Meanwhile, Poland Seminary is tying up with Lakeview, adding a bit of intrigue to the mix.

Interestingly, Western Reserve and Warren JFK, while not unbeaten, have shown they can throw down with the best, their lower game counts not yet reflecting their potential on the field.

South Range, sitting at ninth with a 2-0 standing but a lower computer point tally, might be feeling a bit underappreciated, but this just adds fuel to their competitive fire.

Then there’s the pack with Girard, Hubbard, and a few others, all locked at 2-0 but with varying computer points, indicating some tight matches ahead if they want to climb up the rankings.

The rankings aren’t just about who’s undefeated. Take Lakeside, Ursuline, and Boardman, each sitting at 1-1 but showing they can hang tough when it matters, reflected in their solid computer points which could be the launchpad they need to rise up.

Lastly, the rankings give a nod to the likes of Archbishop Hoban and Youngstown East, both teams sitting at 1-1 but still in the mix, proving that a single loss doesn’t knock you out of the race in high school football.

As the season progresses, these rankings will undoubtedly shift, with underdogs looking to make their moves and frontrunners aiming to solidify their standings. It’s all to play for, and if the first few weeks are anything to go by, we’re in for a wild ride to the playoffs. Keep your eyes on the field—this season is just getting started!

YSN FOOTBALL POWER RANKINGS – WEEK 2

1. Perry

1. Struthers

3. Austintown Fitch

4. Beaver (PA)

5. West Branch

6. Lakeview

6. Poland Seminary

8. Western Reserve

9. Warren JFK

10. South Range

11. Girard

12. Hubbard

13. Orange

13. United

13. McDonald

13. Waterloo

17. LaBrae

18. Windham

19. Jackson-Milton

19. Pymatuning Valley

21. Lakeside

22. Ursuline

23. Boardman

24. Archbishop Hoban

24. Youngstown East

SALEM’S CONFIDENCE KEEPS CLIMBING

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- No Salem rode their momentum into Saturday’s matchup against Ursuline, grinding out a tough four-set win over the Irish (26-24, 23-25, 25-20, 25-22).

Abby Knickerbocker led the charge for the Quakers with 21 kills. Kendall Martin and Ashlyn Green each added 6 kills and 2 aces. Sophia Maniscalco did a great job setting up the offense all day, while libero Angie Hoffaker kept the defense solid, making sure the ball stayed in play for Salem.

For Ursuline, Isabelle Gocala stood out with 13 kills, 4 blocks, and 2 digs. Mia Haggerty contributed 8 kills and 4 digs, while Maya Manning was a force on defense with 42 digs. Marissa Rapp kept the offense moving with 32 assists.

Salem returns to conference play on Tuesday as they host Carrollton. Ursuline will gear up for their big rivalry match with Mooney at home on Tuesday.

IRISH TAKE SECOND ALL TIME MEETING WITH THE HAWKS

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By Ty Bartell

 

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ursuline Irish notched their first win of the season with a commanding 41-10 victory over the Bishop Hartley Hawks on Friday night. With the win, the Irish improved to 1-1, while the Hawks also moved to 1-1.

Ursuline struck early in the first quarter with a 31-yard field goal by Anthony Tabak, putting the Irish up 3-0. Joe Balog extended the lead with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion by Vinnie Fecko, making it 11-0. The Irish quickly capitalized on their momentum when Drake Campbell recovered an onside kick, leading to a 31-yard touchdown pass from DC Ferrell. A successful two-point conversion run by Ferrell increased the lead to 19-0.

Bishop Hartley responded in the second quarter with a 2-yard rushing touchdown to make it 19-7. However, Ursuline’s defense came up big when Vinnie Fecko recovered a fumble, setting up Ferrell’s 3-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime. The Irish converted another two-point attempt, widening the margin to 27-7 at the break.

In the third quarter, Ursuline continued to dominate. Ferrell connected with AJ Snyder for a 50-yard touchdown pass, and Tabak’s extra point made it 34-7. Bishop Hartley added a 28-yard field goal, narrowing the deficit to 34-10.

The Irish sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a 28-yard rushing touchdown and a successful extra point, pushing the score to 41-10. Todd White intercepted a pass late in the game to prevent any comeback from Bishop Hartley.

Ursuline will next travel to Pennsylvania to face The Farrell Steeles in week three, while Bishop Hartley will regroup for their upcoming matchup.