Tag Archive for: Waterloo

ROCKETS DOMINATE ON HOME FLOOR

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LOWELLVILLE, OH- The Lowellville Rockets showcased a strong performance on Friday night, defeating the Waterloo Vikings 55-31 in an exciting boys’ basketball matchup. With a balanced offense and tight defense, the Rockets took control early and never looked back.

Vinny Sullivan led Lowellville with a stellar game, scoring 17 points and contributing on both ends of the court. Bruce Brenner added 6 points, while Josh Pazel chipped in 3. Drew Modelski had 13, and Ricky Willrich had 10.  The Rockets consistently applied pressure, using their depth and teamwork to outpace the Vikings.

Waterloo struggled to find an offensive rhythm, though Matt Ralston provided a bright spot with 3 points and Landon McClain contributed 6 points. Despite their efforts, the Vikings couldn’t keep up with the Rockets’ fast-paced attack.

Lowellville took a commanding lead into halftime, 30-12, and extended it further in the third quarter, outscoring Waterloo 16-10. The Rockets’ defensive intensity and efficiency in transition sealed the game in the final minutes.

With this win, Lowellville continues to build momentum heading into their next game. Meanwhile, Waterloo will aim to regroup and refocus for their upcoming matchup.

TIGERS USE BIG FINAL FRAME TO WIN OVER WATERLOO

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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- Springfield found themselves in a dogfight Monday night, but a clutch 18-point fourth quarter powered them past Waterloo, 46-40, in an MVAC showdown.

Carson Cunningham carried the load for the Tigers, dropping a game-high 29 points. Issac LaMorticella added 6 points, and Cash Richardson chipped in 5 to seal the win.

Waterloo had a balanced attack with Drew Hawks, Gage Hawley, and Trevor Simons each scoring 10 points, while Matt Ralston added 8. Despite the effort, the Vikings couldn’t close it out down the stretch.

Springfield is back on the court Saturday, hosting Girard. Waterloo looks to bounce back Friday with a road game at Sebring.

RED DEVILS STAYING HOT

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CAMPBELL OH- Campbell was clicking Friday night, cruising to a 62-50 win over Waterloo in MVAC play. The Red Devils controlled the pace and kept their foot on the gas from start to finish.

Josue Rodriguez led the way with 21 points, while Jared Colon added 17, and Teyon Harris chipped in 13. Keniel Alvarez contributed 6 to round out the attack. For Waterloo, Trevor Simons dropped 20 points, and Gage Hawly added 14 in the loss.

Campbell hits the road Monday for a showdown with Springfield, while Waterloo stays home to host Western Reserve the same night.

LEETONIA BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MICHAEL HEIN

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LEETONIA OH- In the heart of Leetonia, anticipation is mounting as the Bears boys basketball team, led by head coach Michael Hein, prepares to embark on what promises to be an exhilarating season. With a veteran roster and a renewed sense of purpose, the Bears are ready to take the EOAC by storm.

Coach Hein, who is entering his fourth year with the program and second year as head coach, has been a cornerstone in the development of this team. Hein’s familiarity with the players, many of whom he’s mentored since they left middle school, adds an extra layer of confidence as they aim high this season. Hein emphasizes the importance of senior leadership, resilience, and a hard-nosed defensive approach, qualities that he believes will propel the Bears into the upper echelon of the EOAC.

“Our strength lies in our resilience,” Hein remarked. “The last few seasons have been tough, but the mental toughness we’ve developed will serve us well. We’re pushing to be not just competitive, but a top contender in our conference.” The Leetonia community is abuzz with excitement, especially after seeing the resurgence in participation, including the reformation of a freshman team for the first time in over a decade. Hein attributes this to the dedicated support from parents, teachers, and community members.

As for the league outlook, Hein is realistic yet optimistic. He acknowledges formidable opponents like East Palestine, Valley, and Columbiana but is determined to see the Bears finish in the top half of the league. “Every game is a challenge, but with our experience and determination, we believe we can succeed,” he said. The Bears open their season on December 3rd at home against Urban Scholars, and Hein is hopeful the community will come out in force. “These young men embody the spirit of Leetonia—small town, big heart. We’re ready to make you proud.” While Hein and his team focus on the hardwood, he’s also looking forward to some Thanksgiving traditions, admitting a particular fondness for turkey and stuffing. With the season tip-off just around the corner, all eyes in Leetonia will be on the Bears, as Coach Hein’s squad aims to surprise and impress, carrying the hopes of a community on their shoulders.

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2024 ALL YSN FOOTBALL TEAM ANNOUNCED

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COLUMBIANA, OH- Each year, YSN honors the student-athletes that we felt made the greatest impact on their teams throughout the football season.  This year was no different than others with each school rich with talent on both sides of the football, many deserved to have their names in lights.

We strived to provide a comprehensive list based on suggestions by fans, announcers, coaches, and an executive team at YSN.  The list takes into consideration the amount of wins during a season, and the team (in most cases) received that number of honorees.  If a team went undefeated in the regular season, they were granted an additional player of representation.

Players of the Year are based on statistics compiled, as well as character and leadership traits witnessed throughout the year.  While we understand there are champions in every community, our internal point system takes into account several factors, and then the winners are discussed and voted on by the YSN Executive Team.

Congratulations to all of the players listed in 2024, you’ve done a remarkable job of representing your community, your team, and your families.

2024 ALL-YSN FOOTBALL TEAM

Ashtabula St. John
– Ryan Williams
– Will Anderson
– Grayson Petros

Austintown-Fitch
– Rocco Diflorio
– Deon’Dray Richard
– Demarr Rogers
– Marky Fitzgerald
– Dylan Krohn
– Trenton Ciccarelli
– Booker Newberry

Beaver
– Amari Jackson
– Qualan Cain
– Brady Mayo
– Travis Cleear
– Ty Cosky
– Isaac Sessie
– Drey Hall
– Gabe Lutton

Beaver Local
– Taylor Johnston
– Brock Severs
– Kane Curran
– Carson Temple

Boardman
– Zach Haus
– Marcus Rutledge
– Vince Butto
– Ryan Smith
– Keith Smith Jr
– Vince Atwood III

Brookfield
– Rico Smith
– Christian Davis
– Josh Rankin

Campbell Memorial
– Demetrius Lambert Jr
– Mihali Koullias
– Kevin Timlin

Canfield
– Angelo DeLucia
– Enzo Cocca
– Sean Bolling
– MJ Pompoco

Cardinal Mooney
– Carlos Gomez
– Rocco Zabel
– Vince Gentile

Champion
– Michael Sanders

Chaney
– Matt Jones
– Allen Hill Jr
– Allex Hill

Columbiana
– Spencer Pruitt
– Liam Surgenovic
– Devin Brode

Conneaut
– Ryan Turner
– Josh Sabo

Crestview
– Max Hawkins
– Jake Noling
– Jameson English
– Mikey Proctor
– Ethan Kane
– Caidyn McElHaney
– Kyle Booth
– Wyatt Hart

East (Youngstown)
– Daryan Brownlee
– Keylin Warren
– Dyonn Perry
– Tyris Davis
– Drelyn Tubbs
– Derrick Hayes

East Liverpool
– De’Shawn Kirby
– Blake Adkins
– Quinton Conrad
– Gavin Wright
– Dre’Keim Abercrombie
– Michael Harty

East Palestine
– Owen Jurjavcic
– RJ May
– Kyler Bourne
– Peyton Rutledge
– Zach Schnelle
– Anthony Lehman

Edgewood
– JJ Dufour

Garrettsville Garfield
– Jack Neikirk
– David Bates
– Brandyn Bogucki
– Harper Troyer
– Ryder Cain
– Logan Sell
– Ivan Trent
– Colin McGranahan
– Aidan Hill

Girard
– Josiah Hunter
– Dom Tallone
-Nick Rafferty
– Mykel Collier-Dixon
– Andrew Whitfield
– Allen Hess-Cardona

Grand Valley
– Andrew Soltis

Howland
– Davae Honzu Jr

Hubbard
– Braydon Songer
– Gabe Hamrock
– Geno Leshnack
– Mathew Chaney
– Michael Hazimihalis

Jackson-Milton
– Keegan White
– Vincent Fay

Jefferson
– Kaige Boczar
– Matthew Webster
– Michael Riffle

LaBrae
– Easton Armstrong
– Kenny Yoho
– Owen Boone
– Treyton Derry
– Eric Reibold
– Ethan Magoulick
– Dillon Bate

Lakeside
– Devan Miller
– Tierre Anderson
– Jay Anthony Williams
– Omar Ambriz

Lakeview
– Gunner Derr
– Hayden Newton
– Landon Hall
– Thomas Easton
– Leo Parise

Leetonia
– Carson Beck

Liberty
– Dawaun Moody
– Luch Dinardo
– Juju Ferrell
– Chamir Franklin
– Brady Morgan

Lisbon
– Ashton Hinchliffe
– Grant Minor
– Colt Tullis

Lowellville
– Ricky Wilrich
– Geno Perry
– Josh Pazel
– Anthony Vrabel
– Nick Donatelli
– AJ Boehlke

McDonald
– Kyle Puckett
– Drew Zajack
– Casey Miller
– Gionni Carkido
– James Hipple
– Tobias Domitrovich
– Jordy Perry

Mohawk
– Bobby Fadden
– Blake Logan
– Sam List
– Jack Chapman
– Connor Hart
– Dakota Crawford

Mineral Ridge
– Jacob Russell
– Jonathan Rozzi
– Brady Balestrino
– Owen Shingledecker

Newton Falls
– Gage Phares

Niles
– Avon Fryer

Orange
– Russell Tye
– Jonah Frey
– Ely Robinson
– Avery Goldan
– Cole Schriebman
– Branden Wang
– Jacob Decipeda

Perry
– Walter Moses
– Luke Sivon
– Trent Taylor
– Owen Mckoon
– Armani Chiappone

Poland
– Jas Stefancin
– Vito Komara
– Oliver McCully
– Tyler Canfield
– Yianni Hazimihalis
– Chase Jones
– Pano Xipolitas
– Josh Macejko
– David Xipolitas

Pymatuning Valley
– Ryan Croston
– Ty Vickery
– Jaren Nowakowski
– Jayce Fulkman
– Luke Giddings
– Jon Finello
– Matthew Adkins
– Sean Croston
– Elliot Jones

Salem
– Cleetis Monroy
– David Manges
– Brandon Kana

South Range
– Tristan Toy
– Luke Starkey
– Gaven Nagy
– Aidan Dominguez
– Troy Combs
– Nate Lewis
– Heath Crouse
– Patrick Lally
– Dylan Smesko
– Andrew Brian
– Michael Chadbourne

Southern
– Timy Potts
– Braxton Sloan
– Richie Sloan
– Landen Heffner
– Noah Chase
– Brady Brown

Springfield
– Dante Gentile
– Wyatt Kuboff
– Thomas Sheely
– Kaesen Kosek
– Carson Cunningham
– Aiden Appel
– Joey Centofanti

Struthers
– Devin Braham
– Jason Dukes
– Tyler Cole
– Robert Carcelli
– Aiden Russell
– Adin Nicholas
– Anthony Pastella
– Blayne Kuehn

United
– Parker Newburn
– Kollyn Wells
– Zac Figley
– Trent Ellison
– Logan Wood
– M’Kyan Haynes
– Sydney Casto
– Brayden Schwartz
– Mason Laibe

Ursuline
– DC Ferrell
– Joe Balog
– Devonte Taylor
– AJ Snyder
– Drake Campbell
– John Frangos
– Jy’Quise Liason
– Tairan Davis
– Da’Shaun Will

Valley Christian
– Ja’Sean Lindsey
– Ahmire Dixon
– Deion Miller
– Alfred Coward
– Jackson Bragg
– Jerrell Miles
– Jymier Burrage

Warren JFK
– Fred Bolchalk
– Steven Thomas
– Noah Elser
– Ian Odille
– Michael Bartoe
– Marcus Komora
– Lamarcus Provitt
– Ethan Laslo

Waterloo
– Landon McClain
– Kade Thomas
– Matthew Ralston
– Brady Hakes

Wellsville
– Terrell Watkins

West Branch
– Jeremiah Thomas
– Boston Mulinix
– Joey Jackson
– Anthony Perry
– Gavin Gregory
– Cooper Anderson
– Jack Flickinger
– Cam Summers
– Garin Harlan
– Clayton Day
– Cohen Campbell

Western Reserve
– Jack Darney
– Dom Ricciardi
– Chris Pater
– Nate Hemberger
– Dylan Krut
– Alec Abrams
– Isaac Burnett
– Nate Alexander
– Andriy Chuta Suy

Windham
– Carlos Bruton
– Jack Eye
– Brandon Petrich
– Omar Duran
– Dylan McCune
– Matt Kolaczek
– Nick Hopper
– Jayquon Smith

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Awards
– MVP DC Ferrell (Ursuline), Jeremiah Thomas (West Branch)
– Kicker of the Year: Anthony Ruggles (Austintown-Fitch)
– Offensive Player of the Year: Ja’Sean Lindsey (Valley Christian), Devin Braham (Struthers)
– Defensive Player of the Year: Nate Hemberger (Western Reserve), Luke Starkey (South Range)
– Freshman of the Year: Michael Xipolitas (Poland)
– Coach of the Year: DJ Ogilvie (United)
– Team of the Year: Orange

WATERLOO GETS THE JOB DONE

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By Matt Maher


CAMPBELL, OH – The playoffs are right around the corner and both Waterloo and Campbell Memorial have found themselves on the outside looking in. With both teams being exactly 2 spots out of the top 16 in their regions a win was imperative for both teams to advance their season past 10 weeks.

 

The Vikings kicked things off with an onside kick that worked in their favor giving them great field position. The Vikings took a slower approach to their offensive game but the patience paid off because with 7:59 to go Landon McClain threw a 19 yard pass to Gage Hawley who was positioned in the end zone. The Vikings tried to add 2 points to their total but Campbell’s defense stepped up and stopped the chance.

 

Defense would be the name of the game, whether it be with 3rd down stops or 4th down turnovers or even forced fumbles both teams looked fairly evenly matched all night which is why it took until the 6:40 mark of the 2nd quarter for Demetrius Lambert to connect with D’Ondre Brown for a 31 yard touchdown. The Red Devils would see Lambert waltz into the end zone for a successful 2-point conversion and with more steady defense the half ended with an 8-6 Red Devil lead.

 

The 3rd quarter was the absolute best for fans of great defense. Neither team could get the edge on the other’s defense and both sides ended up spending the quarter punting away after failed tries on offense. 

 

The defensive showing would stay true through the 4th quarter with it seeming like the game would end with more of the same. We saw more of the same until with  over a minute to play the Vikings found themselves momentum with some incredible gains both on the ground and in the air and with 1:14 to play McClain would find his partner from the first quarter, a 14 yard pass to Hawley for a massive touchdown and the lead. The 2 point attempt would be swatted by Campbell and their offense came up next on a mission.

 

Mihali Koullias had stepped in as quarterback due to an earlier injury to Lambert. The Red Devils had found some nice gains and were moving the ball but eventually as they entered the Vikings side of the 50 Koullias would fumble the ball on 2nd down but Kevin Timlin would recover and run it a cool 30 yards down the field before being taken down BUT the referees had been blowing their whistle and called Koullias down before the ball came loose.

 

Campbell was furious with this ruling and Coach Andrew King let his feelings be very well known to the officials which caused his team to be pushed back a very long distance due to the great amount of unsportsmanlike penalties their coach had caused them. The Red Devils had to make the best of the situation now and on 3rd down ran the ball close to the original markers and Waterloo also moved them forward with an unsportsmanlike call of their own. The unsportsmanlike, however, did not result in an automatic first down nor did it result in the replay of 3rd down and so the Red Devils were forced into a 4th down situation caused by emotions and confusion. 

 

Waterloo would end up stopping the Red Devils and taking a knee to end the game. The Vikings, despite what unfolded late in the game, earned themselves a very tightly contested victory over Campbell and kept their playoff hopes alive. Campbell still has a shot at a playoff berth but they need a lot of help from the teams above them in the standings and more so from those teams’ opponents. We will have to wait and see if either of these teams make the postseason but what a game it was for these two conference foes!

ROCKETS NEVER STOP ATTACKING

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LOWELLVILLE OH- Lowellville was too much for Waterloo to handle on Friday night, as the Rockets rolled to a 56-40 win in Week 9.

Waterloo struck first late in the first quarter when Landon McClain scored on an 18-yard TD run to take a 6-0 lead. Lowellville responded right before the end of the quarter with Geno Perry’s 4-yard TD run, tying the game at 6-6.

In the second quarter, McClain found Matthew Ralston for a 17-yard touchdown, and Kade Thomas added the 2-point conversion to put Waterloo up 14-6. Perry answered with a 5-yard TD run and ran in the 2-point conversion to tie it up at 14-14. Lowellville then took control with a Cody Nolfi 18-yard TD run, followed by a 67-yard touchdown pass from Wilrich to Bruce Brenner to make it 28-14. McClain hit Thomas for a 52-yard TD pass before halftime, cutting the deficit to 28-20.

In the third quarter, Perry added two more rushing touchdowns—a 2-yard and a 7-yard run—pushing Lowellville’s lead to 42-20. Waterloo tried to fight back in the fourth, with McClain throwing two more TD passes—one to Ralston for 16 yards and another to Thomas for 12 yards—making it 42-32.

Lowellville sealed the game with a 39-yard TD pass from Wilrich to Josh Pazel, followed by a pick-six by Pazel to extend the lead to 56-32. Waterloo added a late score with a 3-yard TD run from Brady Hakes, but it wasn’t enough to stop Lowellville’s win.

Lowellville will finish the regular season on the road against Springfield, while Waterloo wraps up their season at Campbell.

DOUBLE OVERTIME MAGIC FOR SPRINGFIELD

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ATWATER OH- Springfield pulled off a thrilling comeback in overtime on Thursday night, upsetting Waterloo to move on in the tournament. The Tigers were down 2-0 but fought back to win 3-2 in extra time.

Liv Zitkovic got things rolling for Springfield with her first career goal, and Kristina Vecchione followed up to tie the match. In the second overtime, Sami Shafer drilled a long 20-yard shot to seal the win for the Tigers.

Waterloo got goals from Bailey English and Alexis Henry, while Sophia Wood made 7 saves.

Springfield now heads to Smithville for a district semifinal game on Tuesday afternoon.

FOREVER YOUNG

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In the latest episode of “The Devils Hour” on YSN, hosted by Billy Cappabianca, Jackson Young—junior tight end and defensive end for the Western Reserve Blue Devils—offered an insightful look into his busy life both on and off the field.

Young, who juggles football, basketball, and track, also finds time to manage a slew of animals as part of the Junior Fair program, a task he says teaches him invaluable responsibility. “I get up, go to the barn, and when I get home from practice, I’m heading back to the barn,” Young shared.

Family support plays a crucial role in Young’s life. He spoke fondly of his younger brother Bennett, a freshman, and the pivotal influence of his parents. His dad, in particular, acts as a motivator, often pushing him to go harder and stay focused during games.

The episode also touched on the Blue Devils’ first loss of the season, which Young views as a wake-up call that will galvanize the team heading into the playoffs. “It stung a little bit, but I think that will help us persevere farther into the playoffs,” he remarked.

As the season progresses, Young and his team look forward to three key league matches against Waterloo, Minnow Ridge, and Jackson Milton, aiming for a strong playoff push.

Highlighting his season thus far, Young proudly recounted blocking his first field goal, a moment he credits to the excitement and encouragement from fans and teammates alike.

With a promising future ahead, Jackson Young’s balance of athletic, academic, and personal responsibilities marks him as a standout leader for the Blue Devils. His commitment and passion demonstrate the bright potential within this young athlete.

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MCDONALD HEARS NO TALK OF A VIKING UPSET

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MCDONALD OH- McDonald welcomed a hot Waterloo squad on Tuesday, fresh off a big upset win the night before. But the Blue Devils stayed locked in and shut down any upset talk with a clean sweep over the Vikings (25-6, 25-19, 25-16).

Gianna Costantino was a force to be reckoned with, racking up 14 kills, 9 aces, and 4 digs. Halle Kuntz added 7 kills, while Cierra Shiley chipped in 6 of her own. Ava Salomone was the playmaker with 24 assists, serving up 7 aces and snagging 4 digs. Miley Titus anchored the defense, scooping up 15 digs.

McDonald will look to keep their league dominance rolling as they hit the road to face Jackson-Milton on Thursday. Meanwhile, Waterloo will be back on their home court, taking on Springfield the same night.