Tag Archive for: Valley Christian

DIVISION SIX ALL-OHIO FOOTBALL TEAMS ANNOUNCED

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COLUMBUS, OH- The division six All-Ohio football teams were announced on Monday Morning by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association. YSN had 18 players represented on the first, second, third and honorable mention teams.

Starting at the top, two United Eagles got first team all offense with kicker Luke Courtney and wide receiver Grant Knight making the list. On the first team all defensive team was Crestview linebacker Roclen Bettura. We had one second team all offense selection, which belongs to Brookfield quarterback Donovan Pawlowski.

The third team all offense consisted of four local players including: Mineral Ridge RB Ian Erb, Brookfield WR Isaiah Jones, Newton Falls offensive lineman Wyatt Jones and Valley Christian standout Jontrell Mixon. The third team defense had one member in Mineral Ridge linebacker Nathan Rohrman.

The honorable mention team was full of local standouts with 9 making the list. On the linebacker team was Brookfield junior Kaiden Kirila and senior AJ Bartolin, along with Mineral Ridge senior Mason Miller. Two offensive linemen Dallas McCracken and Connor Heater made the list for United and Brookfield. Two more defensive backs were honored with Jackson Milton senior Owen McDevitt and Brookfield junior Brett Carsone. Valley Christian running back JeSean Lindsey and Mineral Ridge quarterback Triston Valley finished the honorable mention All-Ohio list.

Congratulations to all 18 members of the 2022 All-Ohio football teams and goodluck in your future endeavors.

 

BULLDOGS MAKE GAME WINNING PLAYS DOWN THE STRETCH

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a game where East Palestine led almost the entire way, they still had to pull out some late heroics on Monday night in Valley Christian.  It took until the fourth quarter for East Palestine to face their first deficit, but Mia Lee stepped up and made a couple of clutch buckets to put the Bulldogs right back in front. They’d hold on to win 35-32 as Valley missed a game tying three at the buzzer.

Lee led the Bulldogs on the night scoring 20 points, including the first 5 points, and the last 5 points for the team. Leila Martin had a nice game for the Bulldogs as well as she finished with 7 points.

After being held to 7 points in the first half, the Eagles found a groove in the second half making a serious run at the game. Leading the way for them was DiAndra Tensley with 10 points. She hit a three late to give Valley their first lead of the day.  Samantha Newkirk was right behind her scoring 9 points for the Eagles.

On Thursday East Palestine will return home to host Leetonia.  Valley Christian will also be back in action on Thursday as they travel to Lisbon.

EAGLES STUMBLE IN DEFENSIVE BOUT

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BOARDMAN OH- Valley Christian’s legendary 2022 season came to an end this past Friday night. They took the field for the final time against a familiar postseason opponent in Cuyahoga Heights who eliminated them last season as well. Valley would be without their top running back in Ja’Sean Lindsey and they struggled to move the ball without their workhorse on the field. Phillip Spradley and Jon’Trell Mixon put together the biggest plays of the day, but the offense struggled to find a rhythm throwing the ball on a windy night in Boardman. The normally potent deep ball was nowhere to be found as well as instead of a Gurley touchdown it led to multiple interceptions that forced Valley to run the football for most of the night. The offense got into scoring position on each of their final three drives of the game, but two fumbles and an interception closed their season out.

 

The defense of Valley Christian would only give up points on two drives and played a phenomenal game. They allowed a Red Wolves touchdown on the first drive of the game as the Heights had a short field and caught the defense off guard with a long play-action pass and then a short yardage run punched the ball in the endzone. Then later in the game the Heights would score again on a long field goal. Maybe the only downside for the defense this week was that they were unable to get a big turnover of their own to flip momentum. But, after the opening drive Cuyahoga Heights could not move the ball against this Valley defense and in the final quarter they played the best they have all season long and gave their offense ample opportunity to find a game winning touchdown.

 

While Valley’s season came to an end in a 10-6 loss to Cuyahoga Heights, Head Coach Andy Hake was proud of his boys and when I asked him about his final thoughts for the season, he left me with this. “My boys kicked butt to the very end.” The War Eagles may not be playing next week, but this team will never be forgotten. They leave with the first ever undefeated season in school history, the first conference title in over a decade, the first playoff win in a decade, and their first Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference championship ever. This was a season to remember for America’s team. Congratulations to all of the War Eagles that fought to the very end this season!

*Contributed By YSN’s Alek Koberna

NO RUST ON THE EAGLES WINGS

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Week one of the post-season introduced the rest of the state to the glory of Valley Christian. The War Eagles took to the gridiron Friday night with fire in their hearts ready to explode. They did just that. On the first play from scrimmage Phillip Spradley introduced the Trinity Trojans to Valley football as he popped off a 75-yard touchdown run. The defense then collected their first of many three-and-outs and gave the offense back the ball near midfield. Then once more Phillip Spradley showed off his championship caliber speed as he sprinted to the endzone on another big touchdown run. The touchdown trends would not be an order for one as the sugar was spread around the field with touchdowns coming from Jon’Trell Mixon with two, Ja’SeanLindsey with two, Jhordan Peete with two and VeShun Gurley ended with one. The defense was menacing all night long as they allowed just 44 yards to the Trojans. In comparison, the offense hit 435 total yards with over 300 coming on the ground.

Valley would go on to win the game 53-0 and collected a historic tenth win on the year for just the second time in program history. The 53 points also tied the Eagles for third most points in a game in program history. It was also the teams first playoff win in a decade. Phillip Spradley took home player of the game honors thanks to his two rushing touchdowns for 119 yards on just two carries. He also pulled in a receiving touchdown from 31-yards out. Valley would score all 53-points in the first half of the game.

Head Coach Andy Hake told me before the game that if they are going to compete against the likes of Mogadore and Kirtland that they could not be content to just win the game, they had to look dominant. I would say they looked the part well here in week one of the postseason. They will take on the same team that eliminated them from the playoffs a season ago next week in Cuyahoga Heights. Last year Valley was on the road, but this time around they will be the host down in Spartan Stadium in Boardman.

*Contributed By YSN’s Alek Koberna

VALLEY WIGGLES FREE OF WELLSVILLE

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WELLSVILLE OH- Valey Christian learned all too well on Friday night how hard it is to win a football game, no matter who you play. Coming in to their matchup with Wellsville, they were the heavy favorites. But the Tigers didn’t want to hear about it. They pushed and shoved Valley Christian all night. However, 12 unanswered points to close out the game would let the Eagles escape the upset 24-18.

Ja’Shaun Lindsey was a wrecking ball for the Eagles, and a big game changer. He ran for 118 yards on the night on 16 touches.  Jon’Trell Mixon ran for 83 yards, and 33 of them scored the game sealing touchdown. He scored another one earlier in the game as well when the Eagles trailed 18-12.

Isaiah Greathouse put in serious work for Wellsville. He ran for 2 touchdowns and passed another to Tyrell Watkins. He went 5/10 for 58 yards. The Tigers scored in each of the first 3 quarters, but failed to punch anything in in the final frame.

Valley Christian has one more game to complete their 10-0 regular season. They will host East Palestine on Saturday.  Wellsville will close out the season in Leetonia.

EAGLES PERCH THEMSELVES ATOP EOAC

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SALINEVILLE OH- On the coldest night of the year so far, the two top teams in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference met on the gridiron with history in their minds. The Southern Indians came in with hopes of their fourth conference title in five years and their second undefeated season since 2019. They defended home field for the first time against the Valley Christian Eagles who came in on the hunt of their first conference crown in fifteen years and a shot at their first ever undefeated season.

This game was an instant classic that sent us back in time as Southern’s nearly 100-year-old offensive scheme dominated the trenches for three quarters of football. Their offensive line opened some huge holes that the Indians runners were able to gallop through time and time again. They were led by Wyatt Morris who had some of the biggest runs of the day. Quarterback Ryan Exline was the only Indian to reach the endzone, as he punched it in on a QB sneak in the first half. Drive after drive they were able to push onto the Valley Christian side of the field, but Valley’s defense eventually stopped them before the endzone. However, despite the dominant front line this would be the only six points they could muster against the ferocious War Eagles redzone defense.

Valley Christian did not have a great start to the game. They had to punt over and over and couldn’t get the ball moving. The 4-4 Southern defense shut down every run Valley Christian tried to put on the field. The Eagles would go three quarters without even sniffing the redzone. That would all change as the clock ticked inside of the final twelve minutes. As on the first play of the fourth quarter Jhordan Peete would complete just his second pass of the day as he found VeShun Gurley streaking over the middle of the field for the first time all night for a 41-yard touchdown reception. This would light the fire for the dormant Valley Christian offense. As off the touchdown they would hold Southern to a three-and-out. Then disaster struck the Indians, as a high snap on the fourth down punt was muffed and punter Markell Smith would attempt to pick it up and find a lane, but Valley was in hot pursuit and tackled him down at the one-yard line. The next play Valley would send in the beast known as Jon’Trell Mixon who jumped down the middle of his offensive line through a horde of Indians to score their second touchdown of the fourth quarter.

This would be the final nail in the coffin of tonight’s instant classic as Valley’s defense forced another stop with a two-possession lead and was then able to drain the clock down to zeros to win the game. Valley Christian and Southern put together the best game in the EOAC this season and left everyone wanting a rematch. Southern’s undefeated season comes to an end following Friday night’s loss as they are now (7-1), but despite the loss their title hopes are not completely out of the picture. They will travel on the road next week to take on East Palestine and then will finish the season back in the Wigwam against United. They can still win either the whole or a partial title if Valley was to lose one or both of their next two games and they were to win out. That doesn’t seem overly likely as Valley Christian is now (8-0) and has Wellsville on the road next week, and East Palestine in Week 10 back in John Knapick. If Valley Christian wins just one of the two games they will split the title, but if they win out and complete their first ever undefeated season, then they will be known as the undisputed 2022 EOAC champions.

*Contributed By YSN’s Alek Koberna

VALLEY SETS THEIR SIGHTS FORWARD

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COLUMBIANA OH- Valley Christian worked all week on staying focused on their current opponent. While fans and media members set their sights on Southern Local next week, the Eagles however we’re locked in to Columbiana. They got a no doubt victory 40-10.

Tyree Washington led the Eagles in rushing yards on the night gaining 65 yards on just 3 touches.  He scored a touchdown as well. Ja’Sean Lindsey added 57 yards on 8 attempts, and a pair of scores.  Jhordan Peete was electric throwing the ball. He gained 227 yards through the air with 2 touchdowns. He also gained 64 yards on the ground on 5 touches.

Pruitt Spencer was one of the leaders on a Columbiana’s offense picking up 66 yards on 7 attempts, and a touchdown scored in the 4th quarter.

Valley Christian can now join the rest of the football community in thinking about their matchup with Southern in Week 8. Columbiana will look to get their first win next week hosting East Palestine.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN DOMINANT AS EVER

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CAMPBELL OH-

As always Valley Christian showed up to play on Saturday night as they played host to the Leetonia Bears. Valley was undefeated coming into today and Leetonia had yet to win a game. The game was about as close as expected as Valley Christian was bigger, faster, stronger, and they have a lot more depth available. Tyree Washington was named player of the game after his pick six and rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

The Eagles never had a drive of more than six plays as their quick strike ability was in evidence as they scored every time their offense had the football. Jhordan Peete has his best passing game on the season as he was finding Gurley and Spradley all half long and earned a couple touchdowns to go along with it. Ja’Sean Lindsey pulled off some big runs again this week as his great season continues. Overall, this Eagles offense is developing into a team that may have a chance against the likes of Mogadore and Kirtland.

Valley Christian’s defense was dominant as always as they pitched their second shutout of the season and were playing in the Bears backfield all night long never allowing a rush of over 5 yards in the first half. The defense is now allowing just nine points per game through the first six weeks of the season.

The Bears had some bright spots on the night as their special team’s unit played excellently blocking an extra point and returned multiple kickoffs passed the 25-yard line. They will look to get this team healthy and make a push against their rivals in Lisbon and Columbiana in the final three weeks of the season.

The Leetonia Bears fall to (0-6) and will travel back home next Friday as they play host to the undefeated Southern Indians. Valley Christian continues their chase fir the EOAC title this season moving to (6-0) and will hit the road for the next three weeks starting with Columbiana on Friday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Alek Koberna

VALLEY CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ANDY HAKE

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BOARDMAN, OH- Back by popular demand, the “Head Ball Coach” of the War Eagles of Valley Christian’s gridiron gang is back for his second season of Coach’s Corner on YSN.

Andy Hake’s team is off and flying to a 4-0 start on the year, and coming off a signature win over United last Saturday, Coach Hake talks about how much of a program-changing victory that this week possessed.

However, the Eagles aren’t going to be distracted by what the past presents, instead they turn their attention to a very dangerous Lisbon team who is on a mission to earn their spot as one of the area’s top teams as well.

Coach Hake breaks down the week on this year’s first episode of Valley Christian Football Coach’s Corner with Andy Hake!

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VALLEY PREVAILS IN BATTLE OF THE EAGLES

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CAMPBELL, OH- It took a month of battling on the road to finally make it home to Campbell Memorial Stadium, but home truly was sweet for Valley Christian in a 36-17 statement victory over EOAC opponent, United.

Valley Christian would get on the board first with a Jordan Peete 8-yard scramble into the endzone to take a 6-0 lead.  However, United wouldn’t waste much time bouncing back as Luke Courtney would connect with Grant Knight in the corner of the endzone from 10-yards away, and tack on the point after to make it 7-6, United.

The second stanza would bring us some old-school EOAC smashmouth football as Jon’Trell Mixon would power his way in from 3 yards out, to give VC the lead back at 14-7 with the two-point conversion.

United’s next scoring drive would stall out at the 12-yard line, but one of the area’s top kickers Luke Courtney showed that he’s multi-dimensional with a 29-yard boot through the uprights to cut the lead to 14-10.

Ja’Sean Lindsey would shake off an early lower body injury right before the half to cap off a long Eagle drive, and punch it in with a stiff-arm fueled touchdown run to extend the Valley lead at 20-10 going into the locker room.

From there, Lindsey would add another score in the third frame from a yard out to increase the lead, and the back breaker would come shortly after as the Eagles would pick up a United fumble and return it 42 yards back to the house to complete their scoring at 36-10.

United would add on one more score in the fourth quarter with a Luke Courtney strike from 32-yards out, and would try to put together a historic final frame, but the effort ultimately came up short as time ran out.

Jordan Peete managed the offense with poise, going 5/11 through the air for 65 yards and a pick, but had 12 carries for 70 yards and a score.  Ja’Sean Lindsey led all performers with 17 carries that resulted in 130 yards and a pair of trips to the endzone, as will as a two-point conversion.  Jon’Trell Mixon had four touches and 16 yards on the night that featured a tuddy, and a conversion as well.

Luke Courtney continued to impress with a 12/24 performance under center with 118 yards, two scores and a turnover.  He also chipped in a field goal and two extra points for the Eagles.

United was held to only 68 rushing yards on the night, while Valley ran for 226 big ones.

Valley Christian (4-0) now turns their attention to Lisbon at home next Saturday, while United (3-1) will return home to take on Leetonia.

 

Postgame Interview With Ja’Sean Lindsey:

Postgame Interview With Brian Tubbs: