Tag Archive for: Warren JFK

EAGLES SHINE BRIGHTEST UNDER THE LIGHTS

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By Matt Morrison


NILES, OHIO-  Warren JFK snuck a close win from Warren G. Harding 3-1, in what was a game that came down to the last at bat when Warren G. Harding’s Clark Kellar struck out with two men on base.

The Eagles were led by Santino Ciambotti and by Caleb Hadley, who both had multiple hits. Freddy Bolchalk was in the zone on the mound for the Eagles, allowing only 4 hits, 1 run, and sat down ten batters at the plate.

Braylen Schuller was the losing pitcher of the night, allowing 7 hits, 3 runs, and 3 strikeouts through six innings of work.

The Eagles will return to play Benedictine on the road this Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. 

JFK LOOKS STRONG IN EARLY GOING

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STRUTHERS, OH- Warren John F. Kennedy Catholic took the contest against Ursuline on Monday, 4-1

Ursuline got on the board in the first inning when Luca Ricchiuti drove in one when Ricchiuti singled.

In the top of the third inning, JFK tied things up at one when Aidan Rossi singled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run.

The Eagles pulled away for good with two runs in the fourth inning. In the fourth Jake Hettrick doubled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run and Micheal Bartoe’s sac fly scored one run for JFK.

Jaden Rishel pitched the Eagles to victory. The fireballer lasted four innings, allowing six hits and one run while striking out four. Hettrick threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Jack Erison led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Ursuline. The pitcher allowed two hits and three runs over four innings, striking out three and walking one. Anthony Triveri and Tom Gronner entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two innings and one inning respectively.

Hettrick led the Eagles with two hits in three at-bats. JFK was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Caleb Hadley had the most chances in the field with seven.

Ursuline saw the ball well today, racking up eight hits in the game. Ricchiuti and Johnny Cambert all had multiple hits for Ursuline. Ursuline was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Andrew Kirila made the most plays with seven.

 

BUENTE TABBED TO LEAD JFK IN NEXT CHAPTER

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WARREN, OH- The next chapter in John F. Kennedy Catholic School football begins today. After meeting with our team this morning, Mr. Joseph Kenneally, President, announces that Mr. Damon Buente has been selected as the Head Varsity Football Coach. He says, “I am thrilled that Damon will take the reins of the Kennedy Football Program. A number of talented coaches applied for this position and, ultimately, we believe Coach Buente is the person to guide our program into the future. I appreciate the fact that he has an established relationship with our players and program continuity for our team was critical in our decision process. Coach Buente will continue our proud tradition of teaching players to be leaders of courage, integrity, and dedication on the field and in the classroom.”

Coach Buente has 11 years of varsity experience as a strength conditioning coach, offensive coordinator, and coaching both sides of the ball during his career at both Canfield and Western Reserve High Schools. Since 2014 he has also coached Track as an assistant and head coach at Western Reserve and most recently joined the 2022 Kennedy Football staff as a Varsity Assistant Coach and 2023 Assistant Track Coach. Coach Buente says of his appointment, “I am forever grateful for the mentorship and guidance that Coach Prologo gave to me and my peers. While growing up, I gave him every reason to give up on me as a player and he never did. How lucky I am to pick up the torch at a program like JFK. I’m very fortunate and excited to get to work with our team.”

Coach Buente is a 2012 graduate of Miami University and has taught both high school and junior high at Western Reserve Local Schools since 2014. He serves as a member of the District Autism Awareness Team and Trauma Informed Care Team.

Questions can be directed to President Joseph Kenneally at 330-369-1804 or [email protected].

JFK BULLIES THEIR WAY TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

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STRUTHERS OH- Late in the season and during tournament time, it is important to be playing your best basketball. Warren JFK made sure to do so in a dominant, 83-47 win against a good Windham team on Monday night, punching their ticket to the district title game for the fourth consecutive season.

The win for JFK was powered by yet another huge third quarter offensively, scoring 30 points as a team. Guard Michael Condoleon scored 12 of his 27 points in the third with teammate Nico Ciminero scoring nine of his 14. Other Eagles who had big nights scoring the ball were Jaden Rishel with 16 points and Nick Ryan tallying 10 points. JFK is now headed for the district championship game in hopes to secure their third district title in the last four seasons.

They will find out their opponent tonight as they will await the winner of Lowellville and Dalton. Tip-off of that game from Struthers Fieldhouse is set for 7 p.m.

*Contributed by YSN’s Michael Wolfgang

JFK BREAKS UP THE ROCKETS STREAK IN INSTANT CLASSIC

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LOWELLVILLE OH- Warren JFK defeated Lowellville 75-74 to snap the Rockets’ 10-game winning streak in a shootout Tuesday night.

Warren JFK controlled most of the first half, leading by double digits at one point, and having the lead at halftime.

Lowellville stormed back in the 3rd quarter to take the lead and took it into the 4th quarter, but the Eagles retook control late and held it the rest of the game.

Michael Condoleon lead the way for the Eagles with 27 points and Nick Ryan had 24 points, including a two-hand slam dunk in the second half.

Lucente dropped 31 for the Rockets despite the loss and Bunofsky had 17.

Vinny Ballone also had 10 points and a pair of blocks, including a highlight chase-down block toward the end of the first half.

*Contributed By YSN’s Eric Hughes

EAGLES GET BRAGGING RIGHTS IN BACKYARD BRAWL

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HOWLAND CENTER, OH – The John F. Kennedy Eagles are a high-scoring unit that averages around 75 points a game. Despite first half struggles at rival Howland on Tuesday, the Eagles showed exactly why. The third quarter was monstrous as they outscored the Tigers 33-9 in the period and held off a late rally to take a 58-56 victory.

 

JFK was aggressive on defense all night, hustling to the ball carrier and being in places where the Tigers offense would least expect it. That would set up opportunities for their best scorers in Michael Condoleon and Nick Ryan to unleash their will. Driving guard play by Condoleon and Ryan picked up the hot hand from downtown to embolden the third quarter streak. On the night, Condoleon cashed in 15 points while Ryan contributed 13.

 

Howland saw themselves down 49-31 in the third as they would try to push with a 25-9 rally, but would get no closer than a two-point deficit. Three players scored in double figures to help the Tigers, a charge that was led by junior Alex Henry. The fourth quarter would be his shine as he helped push the team on his way to a 20-point night. 

 

Foul shots in the waning minutes helped JFK maintain two-possession leads. They would force the Tigers to quick fouls to help send shooters like Nick Ryan and Devonte Taylor to the line. The Eagles would hit four shots in the final 50 seconds to silence Howland.

 

Warren JFK (15-3) has now won two of their last three meetings with the Tigers as they will travel to St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday for the second game of a five-game roadstand to end the regular season. This will be the second meeting as the Eagles fell short to the Knights back on January 6th 67-54. Howland (9-10) will look to snap a two-game losing streak on Friday when they travel to Canfield for a rematch with the Cardinals. Canfield was victorious back on January 17th by a narrow 54-51 margin. 

 

YSN’s Noah Ricks got a chance to speak with JFK coach Mark Komlanc following the rivalry victory. The full interview can be watched below.

*Contributed By YSN’s Noah Ricks

 

URSULINE WARES DOWN THE EAGLES

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- The second day of Ursuline’s MLK Tournament even featured three basketball games. The nightcap was a matchup of the winners from day one in what promised to be a fun game to watch. Both Warren JFK and Ursuline dominated their way to victory on Sunday to get to this game.  Ursuline wasn’t in the mood to give us an instant classic though. They continued their dominance in a 88-60 victory.

Terrance Pankey led the Irish in their best offensive output of the season. He went off for 24 points against the Eagles.  Geno Lucente did a lot of work from behind the arc on his way to 16 points.  Vincent Flauto wasn’t going to be overshadowed. His three point shooting shined through as he hit 5 treys on the way to 22.

Nico Ciminero did his best for the Eagles in a valiant effort scoring 16 points.  Jaden Rishel also had a good day in double figures with 13.

The tests don’t stop coming for the Irish as they’re off until Friday when they host Austintown Fitch.  Warren JFK will also be in action on Friday as they hit the road to Southeast.

ONE MORE TO GO; EAGLES PUNCH TICKET TO CANTON

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ORVILLE, OH – Warren JFK and Newark have crossed paths two times in the past two years, both grabbing a win in their respective games. For the third year in a row, they meet in the state semi-finals, looking to head back to the State Championship game in Canton. It was a hard-nosed battle in the trenches for both sides of the ball, but a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown with under a minute to go sealed the deal for the Eagles with a score of 21-7 over the Green Wave to punch their ticket to Canton. 

 

The first half consisted of two run-heavy offenses. Miller Hutchinson of Newark Catholic completed 6 of his 19 passes in the first half for 46 yards while Caleb Hadley of Warren JFK spent more time on the ground than in the air, only attempting two passes. The biggest play in the first half was the only score of the half, which was a 62-yard run from Antonio Smith with 2:45 remaining in the first quarter. The biggest play for the Green Wave was a Hutchinson to Cooper Fink completion for 32 yards, but the drive ended four plays later when Newark Catholic settled for a punt. 

 

The second half started slow-moving until Hadley connected with Aidan Rossi for a 46-yard catch with 5:36 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Newark Catholic was able to bounce back and turn the Eagles over on downs to get the ball back. With their next possession, Newark Catholic went 77 yards down the field in 6 plays to put up their first score of the game. Hutchinson tossed a touchdown pass to Grant Moore from 14 yards out with 1:39 remaining in the 3rd quarter. 

 

Warren JFK had many opportunities to cause a turnover but came to no avail. However, with 9:32 remaining in the 4th quarter, Smith jumped in front of a Green Wave receiver and picked off Hutchinson to set his team up on the 10-yard line. Warren JFK reached the endzone with a 1-yard Hadley QB sneak after four plays, making it 14-7. The Blue Storm defense held strong against the passing attack from the Green Wave. Multiple big tackles came from Ambrose Hoso and Thomas Valent. With 2:47 remaining, Newark Catholic needed a solid drive down the field to help tie up the game, but off of the first pass, Hoso intercepted the ball and got it back for the Eagles on the opposing 43-yard line. The Green Wave had one last shot to tie the game with 1:30 remaining, but the Eagles’ defense forced a turnover with a big tackle on Hutchinson to knock the ball loose, and Marcus Komora returned the fumble for a touchdown from 34 yards out. This made the score 21-7, and one last interception from Antonio Smith sealed the deal. 

 

Newark Catholic finishes their season 11-2 and Warren JFK will compete against New Bremen next week in Canton for the Division VII State Championship title. This will be their second state appearance in three years. 

 

*Contributed By YSN’s Dom O’Brien

BACK AT IT AGAIN; EAGLES FIND THEIR WAY TO FINAL FOUR

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NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH – The Warren JFK Eagles came into Saturday night’s game at Quaker Stadium as the defending regional champions and wanted to make a trip back to the State Semifinal game. But they would have to cross the dangerous Danville Blue Devils, who won last week against the Lucas Cubs 21-20 when down 0-20. The Blue Devils would have to make no mistake in this regional matchup, for the Eagles would not leave room for error. However, it was not enough. For Warren JFK was victorious against Danville with a score of 22-21 in a thrilling finish. 

 

On the second drive for the Eagles, a long drive capped off with an 8-yard touchdown run by Caleb Hadley to set the tone in the first quarter. The Blue Devils had one big play in the first quarter that included a 24-yard pass completion from Walker Weckesser to Kaiden Colopy. That drive ended in a punt that caused Warren JFK to start their drive from the 7-yard line. On that drive, Antonio Smith got the ball stripped from him, and Weckesser recovered it and turned it in for the score making it 7-7. 

 

The first half didn’t have much action after that score, but the second half provided a classic duel of dominant forces. 

 

Danville received the ball at the start of the second half and had a drive that lasted 5:21 and capped off with a 5-yard touchdown run from Max Payne. The defensive line for the Eagles stepped up to block the extra point, which kept the score 13-7. The defense continued to step up to the plate on Danville’s second drive of the half. Thomas Easton intercepted a pass from Weckesser and took it to the Blue Devil’s 19-yard line. It only took four plays for the Eagles to tie up the score led behind Caleb Hadley, and the extra point made it 14-13 as they faded into the fourth quarter. 

 

Danville again responded well to the score from Warren JFK and led their team 12 plays, 61 yards down the field, which capped off with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Payne to Colopy with 5:51 left in the fourth quarter. They also converted in a two-point conversion on a special play from Colopy to Caleb Lucas making it 21-14. 

 

Kennedy on their final drive had plenty of special plays to help right this story to a finish. Hadley performed a spinning circus act dodging defenders and connected 31 yards downfield to Aidan Rossi on the opposing 33-yard line. A couple of short yards from Easton, Hadley, and Ambrose Hoso ended them up with 4th down and 11 yards to go on the 13-yard line. Hadley dropped back and dodged two blue devil defenders and sent a pass to a diving Rossi for a touchdown where only he could get it, making it 20-21. Coach Dom Prologo looked at his team, and made the gutsy decision to go for the two-point try. Rossi handed it off to Hadley behind his powerful offensive line and dove for the score with 37 seconds left on the clock. Danville received the ball back on the 33-yard line but got stopped in their tracks within four plays to give Warren JFK the win for the regional championship, 22-21. 

 

Danville will end the season with a record of 11-3 and Warren JFK will advance to the state semifinals next week to play a rematch with Newark Catholic in Orville. 


*Contributed By YSN’s Dom O’Brien 



A VALENT EFFORT

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NILES, OH- One would be hard-pressed these days to find a young man with more compassion, courage, and maturity than Warren JFK’s Thomas Valent.

Being that he’s started a podcast, movement, and borderline charity with his own blood, sweat, and tears- Valent’s incredible performances on the football field have been dwarfed only by his entrepreneurship, and integrity as a young man.

While he lives for what he’s down with Hometown Hero Podcast, and all that goes with it- his love is still playing alongside his brothers in arms every week with the “K” on the side of his helmet.

We had the chance to sit down with T.V. and discuss all that’s going on for him on this week’s episode of Warren JFK Player Profile: A Valent Effort

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