Tag Archive for: Warren Harding

HARDING SPELLS TROUBLE FOR SPARTANS

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BOARDMAN, OH – The Warren Harding Raiders came into Boardman looking to not only get a huge win over a conference opponent in the Spartans after not play many games to begin 2022, but to also get a win against Boardman on the road. Harding has not beaten Boardman on the road since 2018. Going into half, Harding had a 15 point lead, but Boardman clawed their way back to make it a one point deficit in the fourth. But Harding would eventually get a little run of their own to secure the victory over Boardman, 56-47.

 

For Harding, Tyriq Ivory led the way with a game-high 21 points. Behind him was both Duncan Moy and Khalil Williams who added 9 on the night.

 

For Boardman, Brady DePietro led the way with 8 points. Luke Ryan, Carter Mraz and Tommy Newrocki each added seven on the night.

 

Harding will be back in action on Friday, as they will host Austintown-Fitch. Boardman will also be back in action on Friday on the road, as they travel to East. Don’t miss it on YSN!

 

*Contributed By YSN’s Brendan Miller

BOARDMAN HOPES TO BUILD MOMENTUM

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BOARDMAN OH- Boardman came in to Wednesday’s game against Warren Harding knowing they needed momentum for the rest of the season. A well timed win can be a perfect springboard. The timing was right for the Spartans, as they ran away from the Raiders to a 50-35 win.

Mackenzie Riccitelli led the way for the Spartans with 12 points on the night. The Spartans got off to an 11-2 start, and Emma Mills was a big reason why. She also finished in double figures with 11. Sarah Bero came off the bench and added a solid 7.

Boardman will look to capitalize on the momentum as they travel to East on Saturday for a non conference matchup.

Postgame Interview With Mackenzie Riccitelli:

RAIDERS HAND HEARTBREAKER TO HOWLAND

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Contributed By Noah Ricks

HOWLAND CENTER, OH – It was a highly anticipated rivalry that both teams needed to win to stay on track in the AAC, but it was Warren Harding who held the edge, holding off their fierce rival in the Howland Tigers by a final score of 61-59 on Friday night. This was considering the fact that the Raiders did not even play a game in three weeks due to rising COVID-19 cases amid the ongoing pandemic. Coach Keelyn Franklin was excited that they came off the hiatus with the nail biting victory over their big rival.

 

“It’s huge, it’s huge. I mean anytime you’re out for that amount of time, you know, to come out and get a win, that first game back is huge, especially a conference game for one, and against Howland, who is, you know, our rival, so it’s huge for us moving forward.”

 

Harding had a strong start to the contest with an 11-6 lead, but Howland came storming back and ended the first quarter on a 9-4 run to be locked at 15-15 at the end of the period. In the second period, Howland continued a big stretch to go on top 24-17 with the help of guys like Alex Henry, who would end up leading the Tigers with 19 as a young sophomore. Harding used a strong transition game and aggressive running towards the ball to help end the first half strong. They went on a 15-5 run, which included a Jacob Lawrence buzzer beater from downtown, to end the half with a 32-29 lead.

 

The Raiders used the second half to make Howland work from behind. A key goal for the Raiders was to lock down Howland’s best scorer Anthony Massucci, who was held to single-digits until the fourth quarter. It was an even third-quarter with 13 points by each side as it was 45-42 at the end of three. As Howland came back to tie the game up at 52-52, Harding would use a mid-range jumper from Lawrence and a putback to go on top 56-52. There was still a ton of fight left in the Tigers as Henry hit a crucial three-pointer and Massucci connected on two important free throws to put Howland up by one. Coach Franklin paid attention to the amount of adversity that his team had to endure.

 

“I just told them we’ve got to stay locked in. I mean a lot of times when adversity hits, we kind of go in the opposite direction that we should and we kind of strayed away from each other and come apart instead of together, and I think that’s what we did tonight, is we kind of just banded together when adversity hit and understood that we had to continue to get stops and try to take care of the ball on the other end and get as many good looks as possible. Staying together was key.”

 

The Raiders were not able to finish off without the heroics of Tyriq Ivory. He was called on to shoot free throws for Harding in the final minute of the contest. He would make clutch shots, which was vital in the two-point victory. Franklin really appreciated how he stepped up down the stretch.

 

“Tyriq, he was great tonight. He’s one of those athletes, when he gets going, he’s tough to deal with. He’s a dynamic type of athlete, so to see him have that success wasn’t a surprise to me. It’s something that we expect from him, but I was glad to see him have that success for sure.”

 

The Raiders with the win will improve to 3-4 on the year as they start off their conference slate with a 1-0 mark. They will play another pivotal conference game on Tuesday as they will head back home to take on another fierce rival in the Austintown Fitch Falcons. Coach Franklin is aware of the intensity that will show up in the Harding gym on Tuesday night and will prepare heavily.

 

“We’ll watch some film tomorrow. We’ll get up in the morning, watch some film, get some shots up. We’re familiar with each other, we played each other, I don’t know, maybe seven or eight times in the summer, so I think they know us well, we know them well, so it’s going to come down to who’s the tougher team and who executes better.”

 

The Tigers will drop to 6-5 overall, having dropped their third straight after a 6-2 start. They will start their grueling conference schedule with an 0-2 start. They will stay home on Tuesday as they will look to snap their losing skid in a non-conference outing with Louisville.

 

YSN’s Noah Ricks got a chance to talk to winning coach Keelyn Franklin following tonight’s contest. You can watch the full interview below.

Postgame Interview With Keelyn Franklin:

WARREN’S RAID HALTED BY FITCH

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AUSTINTOWN OH- The Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons (7-5) went into their first matchup of the new year with an in-conference matchup against The Warren Harding Lady Raiders (2-3)!

Fitch brought a 3-game winning streak into Wednesday’s game, looking to carry that success over to AAC play. 

The Lady Falcons, who were 0-7 in the tough AAC last year, were now looking to be the wildcard competitive team.

The first quarter played like most AAC matchups do, hard-nosed on defense, with active hands to create steals that teams hope translates to buckets. 

Both Fitch and Harding brough that energy early one, as they were jockeying for position on one another, ending the first in a 12-12 tie. 

Leaving Coach Jeff Wilson no choice, needing a defensive spark, he called to The Enforcers! The Group of Liz Spalding, Jordan Binion and Lannie Henning all brought a defensive energy and physicality that helped turn the whole game on its head. 

Ayla Ray and Rachel Spalding were a couple of thieves on the night! Generating a boatload of steals that stopped countless Lady Raiders transition opportunities. 

Destanie Mccullough had the hardwood frozen, putting Warren on ice with her driving moves throughout the night. 

Austintown and Coach Jeff Wilson reached deep into his bench, and had contributions from all over the floor. With nine different Lady Falcons putting up numbers in the box score!

However, when the offense is locked up, you need a key. Thankful Fitch has one in Zayda ’The Key’ Creque, who had another masterful performance on the night! Scoring 28 for her team, the same night she was featured as a BIG DOG Candidate for a second time! Averaging 23.5 points per game in her last four, Creque has been on a different level!

The good team effort led Fitch to their fourth straight victory 62-36, pushing Fitch’s record to 8-5.

Both The Lady Falcons and Lady Raiders continue conference play with a couple of Saturday afternoon matchups. 

Canfield and The Lady Cardinals will welcome in Harding January 8th at 2:30 p.m.

Likewise, Fitch also plays at 2:30 p.m. as they hit the road to take on Coach Pounds and The Howland Lady Tigers Saturday!

*Contributed by YSN’s Ty Bartell

Postgame interview With Jeff Wilson:

Postgame Interview With Zayda Creque:

COWBOYS END UP ON TOP IN ANOTHER THRILLER

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio –

THE LEAD UP

On the heels of a gut wrenching one point defeat at the hands of the Boardman Spartans, Coach McGaughy and his Chaney Cowboys (3-1) played host to the Warren G Harding Raiders (1-2).

Jumping out to an early 21-10 lead at the end of the first, the Raiders were giving Chaney flashbacks to last Friday night. Boardman’s recipe for success against the Cowboys was the ability to run their offense at the pace they wanted to play paired with the ability to limit turnovers. Since the Chaney basketball program was reborn in 2018, the Cowboys have boasted a brand of high-octaneoffense fueled by their smothering turnover driven defense.

Settling into their offense in the half court theCowboys were able to cut the Harding lead to single digits and would eventually tie the game before heading into the break. The Cowboys never held the lead in the first half.

Opening the third on a 10-3 run highlighted by Tyriq Ivory’s 6 early second half points, the Raiders were back out in front, but signs of exhaustion began to appear.

By the time the final stanza came around, the Cowboys trailed by 7, but Coach McGaughy’s depth on the bench was able to keep his young men fresh. Throughout the first 3 quarters,Harding’s senior leaders, Dom Foster and Tyriq Ivory, had hardly spent a minute combined off the floor.

The dynamic duo of Foster and Ivory combined for 23 first half points but only saw 15 go down in the second half of play. The Cowboys fast-pacedtempo had seemingly caught up to the Raiders, allowing Chaney to outscore their opponent by 8 in the fourth.

THE SHOT

Trailing by 5 with less than 15 seconds to go andthe score at 71-65, Harding’s Ivory pushed the ball up the court and banked a three pointer in to make it a one possession game.

Without any timeouts remaining, the Raiders were unable to stop the clock with less than 9 seconds to go but after the Chaney inbound pass would be stolen away by Duncan Moy, the Raiders were going to have a chance to tie. Moy backed the ball out beyond the arc before passing it off to Patien Stevenson. Stevenson would pump fake, side dribble, then bank home a shot to seemingly tie the game as time expired.

The Harding crowd erupted as this already incredible matchup was heading to overtime. The only problem? The officials caught Stevenson with his foot on the line, ruling his shot a two, and leaving the Raiders short by a single point, giving Chaney their third win of the season 71-70.

THE NUMBERS

CHANEY:

D’Juan Waller – 19 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals

Isiah Williams – 11 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals

Davinci McDowell – 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist

Clive Wilson – 9 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks

BOARDMAN:

Tyriq Ivory – 27 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists

Dom Foster – 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists

Duncan Moy – 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists

WHAT’S NEXT

Chaney – Following their fourth straight game against a Division I opponent the Chaney Cowboys will finally take on someone their own size (at least in terms of enrollment) when they play host to the undefeated Howland Tigers (3-0), this Friday December 7th, at 7:00 pm.

Warren G Harding – Following their heartbreaking loss, the Warren G Harding Raiders will pack the buses and stay on the road for another away game, this time against the Massillon Washington Tigers (0-0).

 

*Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson

 

Postgame Interview With Marlon McGaughy:

 

Postgame Interview With Davinci McDowell:

 

FALCONS CLAIM A VICTORY A YEAR IN THE MAKING

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WARREN OH- On October 23rd, 2020 The Austintown Fitch Falcons were in the midst of a 7-0 season. After defeating Twinsburg in the first round, they were set for a 2nd round matchup with The Warren G Harding Raiders.

A matchup that The Falcons and the Austintown community know all too well. Years of back and forth between the two programs. The Falcons were able to beat The Raiders in the regular season last year.

However, it was the 2nd meeting in the 2nd round of the playoffs that is burned into the memory of Austintown a little deeper. The Raiders were able to come into Greenwood Chevrolet Stadium and upset The Falcons 24-10 back in 2020.

After almost a year to the day, Fitch had their redemption shot. As they traveled to Mollenkopf Stadium for their week 10 matchup with Warren G Harding.

The Falcons and their defense came up huge to start the first quarter. Forcing a fumble and an interception from Davion Pritchard off the very talented Dalys Jett of The Raiders.

Fitch grabbed a 10-0 lead at the end of the first, and it looked to be all Falcons in this matchup. But the more things change, the more they stay the same. As those resilient Raiders battled back, forcing a fumble and interception of their own off Devin Sherwood. As Warren grabbed the lead going into halftime 21-13.
The Falcons battled back in the second half, as DJ Williams punched in a touchdown and a pass from Sherwood to Jaden Eley for two points was good! Tying the game up 21-21.

Ryan Powell ran one in for The Raiders on the other end, reclaiming their lead at 27-21, but a key blocked kick by Fitch’s Davion Pritchard kept the deficit at six.

But Devin Sherwood proved once again, that he is a quarterback of many talents. Using his legs to score for Fitch. Another made PAT for the very consistent Josiah Berni gave Austintown the lead 28-27.

Then, as Coach T.J. Parker has shown time and time again, he is unafraid to take chances. An perfectly executed onside kick by Berni again allowed Fitch to recover in Raider territory.
A 29 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Evans, gave Fitch a 35-27 lead. Dalys Jett responded with a 20 yard seed to Tyriq Ivory on the other end. The score was 35-33 Fitch, with Warren Harding attempting a 2-point conversion. One, they were unable to convert, thanks again to a strong defensive stand by Fitch.

With Austintown getting the ball back with 4:28 left in the game. They need one more sustained drive to put this Raiders squad away and complete their redemption.

It was a big dog winner and a sophomore stud in DJ Williams that said ballgame. With a 24 yard touchdown run to clinch the game 42-33.
As The Falcon Faithful know they will host a playoff game in Region 5. Question is, will it be a rematch with The Raiders?

Stats for the game
Passing (Fitch)

Devin Sherwood 15/23, 215 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 1 Interception.
Passing (Harding)
Dalys Jett 10/20, 133 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions.

Rushing (Fitch)
DJ Williams 17 Carries, 84 Yards, 2 Touchdowns.
Devin Sherwood 14 Carries, 48 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Rushing (Harding)
Ryan Powell 11 Carries, 94 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Dalys Jett 14 Carries, 36 Yards, 2 Touchdowns.

Receiving (Fitch)
Tyler Evans 6 Receptions, 97 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Cam Smith 1 Reception, 43 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Receiving (Harding)
Delmar McMillan 2 Receptions, 37 Yards, 1 Touchdown.

Tyriq Ivory 2 Receptions, 32 Yards, 1 Touchdown.
Defense (Fitch)
Cam Smith 3 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery.
Davion Prichard 5 Tackles, 2 Interceptions, 1 Blocked Extra Point
Brian Robinson 9 Tackles, 1 Tackle For Loss.
Defense (Harding)

Devin Boss 5 Tackles, 1 Interception
Kincaid Tyson 8 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble.
Dovantae McElroy 9 Tackles, 1.5 Tackles For Loss, 1 Fumble Recovery.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

COWBOYS GET RAIDED BY HARDING

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Both teams came into the game looking to get back into a .500 stance with both trying to save their playoff season. For Harding, they came in with a four and four record with a couple of their games losing by seven or fewer points. For Chaney, they were looking to move to four and four after a big win last week against Howland. The last time these two teams met was back in 2010 when the Raiders blew out the Cowboys 54-19. Other scores before that were 2009 58-0 and 2008 64-0, both won by the Raiders. We would see who came out on top tonight at the iconic Rayen Stadium.

Both teams first drives were stopped, but Harding for the ball rolling after Jermaine Martin fumbled on a wide receiver end around and returned nearly 80-yards to the end zone by Kincaid Tyson making it 7-0. Harding scored three more times in the first quarter, one being a 25-yard run by Ryan Powell and a Dalys Jett 60-yard pass on a fourth and ten to Johnnie Taylor who turned on the jets making it 21-0.

Foster would then find Syracuse commit Dom Foster at the beginning of the second 48-yards out making it 28-0. Chaney however got on the board next looking for a comeback as freshman quarterback Matthew Jones took it in himself making it 28-6 and at the half, it was 35-6 Raiders after a 90-yard kickoff return by Dom Foster and a Matthew Jones Cowboy touchdown to Martin as it was now 35 to 12 at the half.

Those 35 points were the only ones scored by Harding as the Chaney defense held the Raiders offense to zero points in the third and fourth quarter. In the third quarter, Jones took it in himself and a Safety now made it a 16 point game. However, the Cowboys last score would only be a Jones touchdown pass to DJ Waller Jr nine yards out. The Cowboys had two chances, but both were tipped drills in the endzone later and picked off by Harding, which ended the Cowboys chance of getting the win in the near comeback with the final 35-26.

Stats
Dalys Jett 3-11 for 113 yards two touchdowns, two carries and 11 yards.

Ryan Powell eight carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. Johnnie Taylor one reception for 66 yards

Dom Foster: one reception for 48 yards one touchdown: one kickoff return.

Matthew Jones: 12-24 for 132 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. 28 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns.

DJ Waller Jr: six receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Jermaine Martin: one reception for 15 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next:
Warren Harding (5-4) looks to finish their season and hopefully get into the postseason as they look to beat the rival Fitch Falcons (5-3) who are coming off of a last second game winning field goal against Boardman. Kickoff is 7pm at Mollenkopf Stadium.

Chaney (3-5) looks to finish their season in the Steel Valley Youngstown City Classic against the rival East Golden Bears (1-5) next Friday. Kickoff is 7pm at Rayen!

*contributed by YSN’s Ian O’Brien*

FITCH CELEBRATES SENIORS WITH A WIN

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AUSTINTOWN OH- The Fitch Falcons brought home a win on their senior night against Harding on Monday night 6-0

Senior Candace Krpicak led the Falcons with a hat trick scoring 3 goals. Madi Bucko chipped in with a pair of goals. Senior Mackenzie Hartman also found the back of the net. The other seniors recognized on the night were Miranda Ashley,Moira George, and Kristen Klaus.

Fitch’s next game is at home on Saturday hosting Badger.

SPARTANS CELEBRATE SENIORS WITH A WIN

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WARREN OH- Boardman secured a big win over Warren Harding on Monday to celebrate their pair of seniors. The final tally was 4-2.

Sarah Blasco, Ashley Harding, and Morgan Auck all had goals for the Spartans. Assists were credited to Blasko, and Ava Freeborough.

Boardman will remain home on Wednesday to host Austintown Fitch.

SPARTANS KICK OUT WARREN HARDING

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BOARDMAN OH- Boardman came out on Saturday with winning on their mind. You could tell on the field, as the motivated Spartans dominated Warren Harding 7-1.

Three goals were scored by Ashley Harding, earning the hat trick. Morgan Auck, Sarah Blasco, Sam Duble, and Ava Freeborough. Assists were given to Harding, Blasco, Freeborough, Nadia Rahwneh, and Sarah Bero.

The Spartans will stay home on Monday to host Howland.