Tag Archive for: varsity football

CLASH OF THE TITUS

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CANFIELD, OH- It was a Friday night to remember at Spartan Stadium as South Range’s freshman sensation, Tommy Titus, delivered a moment that will be etched in the region’s high school football lore for years to come. The young wide receiver, donning the number 88 jersey, made an incredible touchdown catch that electrified the crowd and solidified his place in South Range history.

During the South Range Raiders show at GIAngelo’s in Boardman, Titus recounted the exhilarating moment. “It felt pretty good, honestly, it was an amazing feeling,” he shared with host DJ Yokley. “I celebrated with more than two of my teammates on the sideline,” Titus added, underscoring the camaraderie within the team.

The catch, which DJ Yokley described as a play where “you blew the roof off Spartan Stadium,” saw Titus calmly securing the ball amidst roaring cheers, much like a scene in slow motion. The play didn’t just stun the crowd; it also immediately caught the attention of Titus’s father, who eagerly requested the game tape, marking the catch as a family milestone.

As a freshman, Titus’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Host DJ Yokley praised the young athlete for his composure and skill, noting that such an achievement places Titus and his teammate Tristan into an everlasting timeline in South Range’s storied football program. Reflecting on his journey from middle school to varsity football, Titus acknowledged the challenging transition, citing the increased speed, strength of opponents, and complexity of plays. “All my teammates and Coaches helped me,” he remarked, displaying humility despite his standout success.

Beyond football, Titus showcases versatility as a three-sport athlete, playing point guard on the basketball court and shortstop on the baseball diamond. When asked about his ambitions at South Range, Titus modestly expressed hopes for repeated state success and a continued tradition of winning.

Titus’s grounded persona, highlighted by his acknowledgment of his family’s unwavering support, paints a picture of a young athlete destined for greatness. South Range’s future looks bright with Tommy Titus stepping up, not just as a player to watch but as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the Raiders.

As Yokley aptly summarized, Tommy Titus doesn’t need many words; his actions on the field speak volumes. The South Range community, no doubt, will be eagerly watching as this young star continues to rise.

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SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 8) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- As the scent of autumn fills the air and the leaves begin to turn, the South Range Raiders football team braces itself for the final hurdle before the playoffs. In an engaging discussion at Giangelo’s for the South Range Raiders Show, Coach Dave Rach opened up about the team’s relentless drive and the challenges ahead.

With an impressive undefeated streak, the Raiders recently clinched a crucial victory over Niles at Beau Rhine Stadium, a feat Coach Rach attributes to the team’s daily commitment to improvement. “Our guys know how special Friday nights are,” said Rach. “We want to get our money’s worth every time we lace them up.”

Looking ahead to their next matchup against Louisville, Rach emphasized the importance of treating every game like a playoff bout. Transitioning from conference to non-conference games, the Raiders are not allowing themselves any room for complacency. “We’re at the point where every game feels like a playoff game,” Rach noted. Facing Louisville, a team with a deceptively challenging record and significant on-field talent, South Range aims to test and prove its mettle one more time before entering the postseason.

Furthermore, Rach highlighted the value of senior leadership within the team, singling out Shaun Updegraff and Hunter Cooper for their contributions both on and off the field. Despite an injury sidelining Cooper, his commitment to supporting his teammates has not waned, providing a morale and strategic boost during practices.

While the focus remains on football, Rach’s lighter side was revealed as the conversation shifted to Halloween. Ranking the holiday’s favorite movies and expressing his unique array of fears—from snakes to clowns—Rach’s responses offered a humorous respite from the intense football discourse.

With only one regular season game left, the South Range Raiders are zeroing in on the playoffs with a sense of purpose and unwavering focus. As they prepare to face the Louisville Leopards, Coach Rach and his squad are poised to showcase the growth and resilience that have defined their season.

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SAVVA SAVES THE DAY

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POLAND, OH-  In the latest episode of the Poland Bulldog Show, senior defensive tackle Savva DiRienzo provided intriguing insights into his experience playing for the Bulldogs during a pivotal season. Host Matt Romeo sat down with DiRienzo at the Bulldogs Bar and Grill, discussing everything from nerve-wracking packed houses to the calm needed before a game.

DiRienzo, who is in his first varsity football season, shared how the heightened attention this year has been both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, especially during high-stakes games. “Knowing that there’s going to be all these eyes on you, especially this week with the game being on TV, it was very nerve-wracking,” DiRienzo admitted. However, he highlighted that once the whistle blows, the focus is solely on the gridiron.

A rich discussion ensued about October football, where DiRienzo expressed his honor in participating in such meaningful matches. “The games themselves feel like any other varsity game, but the significance hits you,” noted DiRienzo, pointing out that maintaining the same level of play, regardless of external pressures, is crucial.

When asked about his pre-game rituals, DiRienzo shared a surprisingly simple routine: heading home after school and unwinding by playing on his phone. “It’s not much of a ritual, more of a routine, but it really helps calm my nerves,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of this downtime before heading into intense gameplay.

Romeo also touched on DiRienzo’s dual role as a wrestler, drawing parallels between the two sports. DiRienzo elaborated on how wrestling techniques, such as staying low and hand usage, significantly benefit his football skills. “Wrestling has drilled certain movements into me, which translates well on the football field,” he said.

As the conversation shifted to the upcoming game against Niles, DiRienzo expressed confidence and excitement. “We’ve been practicing hard, and I feel we’re going to give them a game for sure. Being able to come back home and do it is definitely very special,” he stated, acknowledging the unique atmosphere of home games.

With the Bulldogs facing a crucial must-win game, all eyes will be on DiRienzo and his teammates this Friday night. Fans can anticipate a riveting match, bolstered by the home crowd’s support.

 

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DREW IS JACKED

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MCDONALD, OH-In a lively and engaging profile on YSN’s Player Profile, hosted by DJ Yokley, listeners were taken on a vibrant and candid journey through the life of a standout athlete, Drew Zajack. Now a junior at McDonald, Drew’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and community pride.

From the moment DJ introduced Drew, there was an air of familiarity and mutual respect. DJ fondly compared Drew’s striking looks to that of Thor, teasing him about a recent haircut that nearly masked his iconic hairstyle, known and loved in the McDonald community. Drew chuckled, confessing that, despite its fame, he used no special products in maintaining his hair.

Entering his junior year at McDonald, Drew reminisced with DJ about the evolution of his high school experience. Starting varsity as a freshman felt overwhelming, like drinking from a fire hose. Yet, as years passed, the game slowed down, and Drew found his rhythm. Coach Williams’ decision to move Drew from quarterback to running back was a thrilling change, aligning perfectly with Drew’s love for running the ball and “running through people’s faces,” a phrase that both amused and impressed DJ.

But Drew’s talents extend beyond just his athletic prowess. He’s become a cornerstone of the team, his leadership style defined by his actions on the field. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: work hard, be selfless, and lead by example. He exudes calm confidence, viewing the pressures of his role not as burdens, but as blessings and opportunities to perform and inspire.

Off the field, Drew’s life has had its challenges. Dealing with ADHD, he’s turned what many see as a curse into a source of energy and focus. Drew shared how this condition fuels his determination, allowing him to pursue his goals with relentless passion.

For the younger athletes looking up to him, Drew’s message is clear: consistency and hard work, even when no one’s watching, make all the difference. Reflecting on his own inspirations, Drew named former McDonald stars as his idols. He hopes to pass the torch to promising talents like Josh Crumpack and Carter Koma, emphasizing the same values of hard work and selflessness.

Family, too, plays a crucial role in Drew’s journey. Describing them as his rock, he recounted moments of doubt during his freshman year where their unwavering support made all the difference. They are his biggest supporters, and their smiles are his greatest reward.

As the conversation wrapped up, DJ posed an intriguing question about which pro or college players Drew compared himself to. After some thought, Drew mentioned AJ Hawk and TJ Watt, highlighting his love for the physicality of the game.

With humor, humility, and a clear sense of purpose, Drew Zajack’s profile not only showcased his athletic abilities but also painted a vivid picture of a young man deeply connected to his roots, driven by passion, and poised to leave a lasting impact on his community. As DJ Yokley aptly concluded, there’s a lot more to look forward to with Drew Zajack on and off the field.

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CANFIELD FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH MIKE PAVLANSKY

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CANFIELD, OH- This week we dive deep into the world of high school football. In today’s Coach’s Corner, we’ll be joined by the head coach of the Canfield Cardinals, Mike Pavlansky.

We’ll be recapping their big week one win and discussing their upcoming matchup against the Mansfield Tigers. Coach Pavlansky shares insights into the team’s performance, the importance of mental toughness, and the expectations for the players stepping up due to injuries.

Get ready for an action-packed episode as we break down the X’s and O’s of this exciting high school football episode.

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MAZZELLA MAGIC

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CANFIELD, OH- In an exclusive Player Profile featuring Anthony Mazzella, the senior captain of the Canfield Cardinals football team.

Join us as we dive into Anthony’s thoughts on this year’s team and their goals for the season. We’ll also discuss their impressive victory against West Branch and how they overcame challenges to secure the win.

Find out how experience and hard work have shaped Anthony’s growth as a player, and hear about the strong bonds and camaraderie among the seniors on the team. Plus, discover Anthony’s musical tastes and his dream ticket to a legendary performance. Stay tuned for an exciting glimpse into the life of a Canfield football player only here on YSN!

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