~Game Summaries~

(Photos courtesy of Steubenville City Schools and Herald Star)

BIG RED FOOTBALL 2K13

Steubenville Big Red 7

Cardinal Mooney Cardinals 37

November 29th, 2013

Canton Fawcett Stadium

CANTON - Big Red's thrilling run in the Division IV playoffs came to an end on Black Friday at Fawcett Stadium.

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney jumped out to an early lead, then took full advantage of Big Red turnovers and penalties to earn a 37-7 victory in the Division IV semifinals. The Cardinals, now 10-4, advance to next week's title game where they will meet Clarksville Clinton-Massie, the defending champion.

Big Red, which entered the postseason as the eighth seed but rolled to the Region 13 title, finishes with a 9-5 mark

 

Mooney, thanks to a 47-yard return of the opening kick by Mark Handel, began its first possession at the Big Red 43. It took six plays before quarterback Jon Saadey crossed the goal on a one-yard plunge. Zak Kennedy nailed the conversion kick.

The score moved to 14-0 with 3:41 remaining in the initial period after Handel picked off a Mandela Lawrence-Burke pass and raced 39 yards to complete the pick six. Kennedy again added the point from placement.

"We got beat by a very good football team," Reno Saccoccia said following the final four defeat. "We had a horrible start, giving them that kick return and then giving them some easy plays. But our defense played well after that. We just were never able to develop any chemistry on offense."

- See more at: http://www.heraldstaronline.com/page/content.detail/id/592984/Season-ends.html?nav=5191#sthash.aofIrW5I.dpuf

 

Big Red's best opportunity of the opening half came early in the second quarter after its defense forced a punt. Starting at its 46, the Red moved to the Cardinal 43 thanks to an 11-yard sprint by Johnnie Blue. On the next snap, Lawrence-Burke hit fellow sophomore Devin Ferguson for what appeared to be a big gainer.

Unfortunately, Big Red was nailed with a holding penalty, nullifying the gain.

"Early on our defense did a great job of keeping them out of the end zone," Mooney's P.J. Fecko said. "We did a good job of making plays and putting them in negative situations. The pick six didn't hurt matters."

Kennedy booted field goals of 38 and 43 yards to finish the first half scoring.

Big Red held Mooney's ground attack in check during the opening 24 minutes as the Cardinals could manage just 51 yards. Saadey, however, completed seven of 11 passing attempts for 93 stripes.

Offensively, Saccoccia's club ran 25 plays for just 57 stripes. Mooney, on the other hand, gained 144 on 27 snaps.

"The first thing coming in was we wanted to make sure we were sound." Fecko continued. "It's no secret Steubenville is a really good football team. They're well-coached. You have to make sure you have everything covered because they're going to take advantage of any weakness or guy out of position. That was the first part. The second part was about how much pressure we could get. Our guys were able to do so."

Another Big Red turnover along with a costly penalty helped the Cardinals go up 27-0 midway through the third stanza. The Red defense forced a Mooney punt but the Steubenville receiver was unable to hang on, the Cardinals recovering at the 21. A personal foul moved the pigskin to the 10 and C.J. Amill sprinted in from there.

The Red got on the board at the 1:20 mark of the third, marching 75 yards in 13 plays. Sophomore Dimitri Collaros engineered the drive, throwing for 35 stripes. Blue rumbled for 38 and got the score via a seven-yarde burst up the gut. John Paul Duff made it 27-7.

Mooney's lead increased to 30-7 thanks to Kennedy's third field goal of the contest, this one coming from 37 yards. The Cardinal scoring drive started at the Big Red 31 thanks to a short punt. A personal foul against the Red placed the ball at the 14. Key defensive plays by Kai McClurg and William Harvey kept Mooney from getting another six.

Big Red's second lost fumble resulted in Mooney's final score. Saadey fought his way in from four yards away.

"We knew we couldn't play smash-face with them," Saccoccia stated. "We had to do some boots and waggles and things like that. Unfortunately, we just didn't execute.

"I did a poor job of just having them ready. Games are not won with the body, games are won with mind, heart, soul and passion. A coach's job is to make sure the players minds are in the right spot and their hearts are prepared. The coach also must bring the passion out in his players.

"If the coach doesn't bring that passion out, then he didn't do his job. I didn't do my job this week"

Mooney finished the night with 243 yards (143 rushing and 100 passing). Big had 121 (49 via the ground and 82 through the air). Blue paced the Red with 69 rushing stripes. Sophomore Niko Petrides had three catches for 35 yards.

Bryan Pierro led the Big Red defensively with 9.5 tackles while Blue had nine and McClurg 6.5

"I told the guys right after the game that I'll never forget this team," Saccoccia added. "All I wanted them to do was think back to when we were 5-4.

"It was a very tough loss, nobody likes to lose but I love this team-5-4, that's all I am going to say. The 5-4 record will stick in my mind every time I think about the 2013 team."

Saccoccia continued by saying he appreciates the effort given by his coaches, the players and the Big Red parents.

"Our coaches give their heart and soul to football," he commented. "Our players give their heart and soul and so do the parents. I appreciate all three levels."

- See more at: http://www.heraldstaronline.com/page/content.detail/id/592984/Season-ends.html?nav=5191#sthash.aofIrW5I.dpuf

 

  Big Red Mooney
Rushing
31/49 yards
40/143 yards
Passing
9/19 82 yards
9/17 100 yards
First Downs
8
13
Penalties
5/60 yards
4/25 yards
Punts
7/25
5/34
Fumbles
2-2
1-0
Interceptions
0
1

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 17

Indian Valley Braves 14

November 22nd, 2013

Dover Crater Stadium

The rain from earlier in the day moved east, and Crater Stadium in Dover provided the backdrop for the Division IV Region 13 Championship game versus the Indian Valley Braves. The Braves checked into the contest at 10-2 and featured an offense that was averaging close to 400 yards per game. Led by Eastern District Offensive Player of the Year Jake Davis, and tall QB Brady Byers, Indian Valley presented a very formidable offense.

As the captains met at centerfield on the newly installed turf, the Braves got to call the toss and won, electing to defer until the second half. Big Red's first drive started at their 33 yard line, and the Oline immediatly impossed its will on the IV defense. Positive yardage was aquired on nearly every play as the 15 play, 5 minute drive transpired. Sophomore TB Johnnie "Be Good" Blue provided several nice rushes, as did fellow Soph QB Mandela Lawrence Burke. MLB would dive into the endzone from 5 yards out for the Red's initial points of the game. Senior kicker John Paul Duff provided the XP and S.H.S. led 7-0.

The Braves would answer on their opening drive, taking advantage of a pass interference call on 4th and 5. Davis would crash over from 2 yards out for the touchdown. The PAT by Cool was good and the game was knotted at 7.

Big Red got the ball back and went to Blue, who broke off the left side, broke a few tackles and appeared to have scored on about a 70 yard run, but the official trailing the play ruled him to have stepped out of bounds. After another nice run by junior Dondre Brown Big Red was hit with two penalties, one live and one dead ball, which moved the ball all the way back to midfield. MLB then found junior Lucas Herrington for a nice gain, but short of the first down. Kick JPD then drilled a 33 yard field goal to put the Crimson & the Black up 10-7.

IV came right back though. This time the big play was a 31 yard Byers to Logan Ryan pass play on 4th and 8, which brought the ball to the 1 yard line. Davis, who was held to 48 yards on the night, plowed over for the TD. Cool kicked again, and the Braves led 14-10.

As with most playoff games, the clock seemed to move really fast, and the half was almost over. Big Red couldn't get another sustained drive going to answer the Braves, and IV went into the half up 14-10.

The second half started with the Braves receiving the kick. The GATA Defense did what they needed to do and got a quick stop which brought on IV's punter. Big Red couldn't move the ball however and was forced to punt back to the Braves. The D once again stood it ground and got the ball back at the 22 yard line. The Johnnie Blue Show was in full effect this drive, as he had runs of 24, 6, 12, and a 7 yard TD burst. Kick JPD added the point after attempt and Big Red had the lead that they wouldn't relenquish.

 

The GATA D continued to put pressure on the IV offense as they forced the Braves into a 3rd and 15 from the 47. Blue came up with another big play as he sacked Byers for an 11 yard loss.

Big Red looked like it was going to salt the game away with another long drive, but the penality reared its ugly head once again at the IV 34. This time Big Red could not overcome it and was forced to punt.

IV had one last chance, but the Steubenville defense would have none of it. After an incomplete, a rush, and snuffing out a screen, the Braves were forced to go for it on 4th down, but once again Blue would make them blue..this time with a sack and a forced fumble and recovery.

MLB would then go into the victory formation as Big Red captured the school's 14 Region Championship, and first since 2009.

  Big Red Indian Valley
Rushing
40/236 yards
37/117 yards
Passing
6/15 52 yards
6/9 58 yards
First Downs
14
9
Penalties
5/60 yards
4/25 yards
Punts
3/27
4/35
Fumbles
1-0
2-1
Interceptions
0
0

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 22

Maysville Panthers 20

November 15th, 2013

St. Clairsville Red Devil Stadium

St. Clairsville provided the backdrop for this playoff rematch from a year ago, as the Maysville Panthers (8-3) came to town looking for revenge. A packed house saw the teams take the turf in the recently renovated Red Devil Stadium. Maysville won the toss and elected to defer until the second half.

Kicker Nate Vallee, who is small in stature but has a big leg, boomed the ball into the endzone for a touchback to start things off. Vallee would keep Big Red pinned in its own territory for much of the night. Senior TB Robert Hayden got the first carry and burst for a quick 7 yards. Sophomore Johnnie "Be Good" Blue then appeared to come close to first down yardage, but a flag marched the Red back to the 14, where a 3rd down pass fell incomplete by sophomore QB Mandela Lawrence Burke. MLB then punted out to the 44, which was returned to the 32, setting up the Panthers in prime field position. The Big Red GATA D held on 3 downs, which brought on Vallee for a 47 yard FG attempt...the kick had the distance but was wide left.

Big Red took over at the 20 and on the first play Hayden was hit low, causing him to leave the game. Big Red then picked up another penality which resulted in another MLB punt. This time the Panthers returned it to the 27, and it only took them 4 plays to cross the goal line for the first points of the game. Vallee added the PAT and it was 7-0 Panthers.

Once again the Big Red drive would start from the 20, and Big Red looked to answer. MLB hit junior WR Lucas Herrington for a nice 15 yard gain, and then rushed for another 16 stripes into Maysville territory. Senior TB Garon Lytle had two carries for 8 yards, but the drive ended on 4th down when Big Red came up short at the 24.

Maysville took the 7-0 lead into the 2nd quarter, but was unable to move the pigskin, which brought on Vallee to punt. Johnnie Be Good rushed for 8 yards to the 43, and then MLB used some play action, surveyed the field and found Herrington streaking down the middle, hitting him in stride at the 5 for the 57 yard touchdown pass that brought the large Big Red crowd to its feet. Senior kicker John Paul Duff tacked on the point after and it was a tied ballgame.

The Big Red kickoff went out of bounds however, setting up the Panthers again in great field position at their 48. The Big Red defense stiffened and it appeared would get the ball back, but Coach Clarke had other thoughts, electing for the fake punt, which was successful gaining 13 yards and a first down. Maysville then seemed to have the momentum, as Jordan Hayes rumbled for 13 yards to the 21. 5 plays later C. J. Harris would take it in from 3 yards out. Vallee added another PAT and it was 14-7.

Big Red's next drive would be for 3 plays and negative 5 yards, as the Panther defense came up big on a sack. Big Red would punt from their 27, and Maysville would return it to the Maysville 41. GATA gave the offense what they needed by delivering a quick 3 and out which only picked up 2 yards. Vallee's punt would pin the Red back at the 29.

MLB then went to work, hitting sophomore FB Devin Ferguson for 17 yards, and then Herrington for another 14 yards. MLB then carried for 7, 12, and 7 yards, bringing the ball down near the goal line where Johnnie Be Good took it in from the 2. A penalty on Maysville gave Big Red the ball at the 1 1/2 yard line, prompting Coach Saccoccia to go for two. Once again Johnnie Be Good carried it in, which gave Big Red its first lead of the game, 15-14.

With only a few minutes left Maysville ran out the clock to end the half.

The Best Band In Buckeye Land wowed the crowd once again with another great performance.

The 3rd quarter began with the Panthers getting the ball, but after 3 plays that resulted in negative 2 yards, Vallee was called on again to punt the ball away. Big Red took over at their 33 and went to work. After a big sack by the Panthers, MLB found senior WR Perrier Coleman for 16 yards and then ran for 24 yards. MLB then found sophomore WR Niko Petrides for a 16 yard gain to the 19, with a personal foul penalty tacked on to the 10. On the next play Big Red was called for an illegal block, which resulted in a 30 yard penalty. From the 34 MLB hooked up with Herrington again for the TD as Herrington slipped behind the Maysville secondary. Kick JPD added the point after and Big Red led 22-14.

Maysville then took the ball over at the 41 after a squib kick. It appeared that the Red would get the ball back after 3 plays, but a controversial facemask penalty awarded the Panthers with a first down to keep the drive alive. The capitalized on the opportunity as Harris burst for 10 yards, and Hayes rumbled for 19. Hayes then took it over from the 2. Maysville elected to go for 2 to tie the game, but the pass was broken up by freshman LB Jaylin McGhee.

The next Big Red drive ended the 3rd quarter on a long interception, which was as good as a punt. Maysville then went to Chase Roberts, as he picked up gains of 29 and 14 yards, the latter was aided by a personal foul penalty also, which set the oval at the Big Red 22. The SHS defense stiffened forcing a 41 yard FG attempt, which sailed wide left.

The teams exchanged punts until there was 1:39 showing on the clock with Maysville taking over at their own 7. GATA closed out the game with 4 straight incompletions. Big Red then went into the victory formation to run out the clock.

Big Red will now face Indian Valley (10-2), a 7-3 winner over Philo, for the Region 13 Championship in Dover this Friday.

  Big Red Maysville
Rushing
34/147 yards
40/159 yards
Passing
15/21 218 yards
4/11 30 yards
First Downs
14
11
Penalties
9/97 yards
5/29 yards
Punts
5/27
4/33
Fumbles
1-0
1-0
Interceptions
0
1

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 21

Licking Valley Panthers 14

November 8th, 2013

Randy Baughman Stadium

Steubenville, who a week earlier looked to be out of the post season for the 1st time since 2001, entered Friday night's Ohio High School Athletic Association Region 13 quarter final as an 8th seed with renewed life. The opponent was the top seeded Licking Valley Panthers, who at 8-2 had compiled the most points of the 27 teams battling for the Region crown. In attaining the top spot, the Panthers had the right to host the first round game in Randy Baughman Stadium on the campus of the Licking Valley schools.

The Panthers won the toss and elected to receive the ball first. Senior John Paul Duff booted the ball down near the goal line where it was returned over the 20 yard line. The Big Red GATA Defense held firm on the first 3 plays, forcing a punt, but after a bad snap the punter was roughed as he barely got it away, resulting in a first down for LV. The Panthers took full advantage of the miscue by driving down 33 yards for a Grant Garber to Tyler Griffith 11 yard touchdown pass. The XP was shanked, and the score stood at 6-0 LV.

Big Red responded at the start of the 2nd quarter after Mandela Lawrence Burke made a sliding interception at midfield. MLB then found junior WR Lucas Herrington for 27 yards, which set up senior TB Robert Hayden's 18 yard run to paydirt. Kick JPD made it 7-6 Big Red.

The teams traded possessions but the Panthers got the big play when Griffith returned a Big Red punt 34 yards down to the 36. Four plays later Garber took it in from 5 yards out on a keeper over the right side. Garber then found Damon Hupp for the 2 point conversion giving LV the 14-7 lead.

Big Red threatended late in the half going from its 26 down to the Valley 24. On 4th down Hayden took a swing pass and was trapped, reversed his field, found a gap and shot up the middle. It appearded to everyone that he had picked up the first down, even the Licking Valley Chain Gang, who moved the sticks. The Ref requested a measurement however, and it came up a few yards short due to the moving of the chains. The Big Red sideline made the argument, but the Head Ref would not correct the error, awarding LV the ball, and they ran out the clock.

 

The second half started with Big Red receiving the ball, and making a statement. Big Red took over at the 15, then proceeded to pound the ball 85 yards down the field for the sophomore TB Johnnie "Be Good" Blue's 4 yard TD lunge. Big Red went for two after an offsides penalty, but was stuffed at the half yard line.

The GATA D then made its intent for the rest of the game clear, as it throttled the Panthers and got the ball back for the O. Big Red then went on another one of its patented long marches of 71 yards, with MLB faking out the Panther D and taking it around left end. Johnnie Be Good added the 2 pointer and the Red lead 21-14.

Big Red looked to salt the game away in the 4th, taking over at the 11 and driving deep into LV territory at the 18, but an unforced fumble gave the ball back to LV with about 6 minutes to go. GATA rose up to force the punt however and it looked like Big Red would grind out the victory. Another Big Red fumble gave the Panthers new life though, and they took advantage driving all the way to the Big Red 5, before a penalty. MLB ended this threat with a pick at the goal line and a return out to the 30. The Panthers would have one more shot, but junior DE William Harvey stopped Hunter Hartshorn on 4th and one to seal the deal.

Big Red outgained the hosts 409 yards to 137, despite taking 161 yards in penalities.

The Red will now travel down route 7 to St. Clairsville's Red Devil Stadium to take on the 8-3 Maysville Panthers Friday Night at 7:30 pm.

  Big Red Licking Valley
Rushing
61/287 yards
17/43 yards
Passing
12/18 122 yards
12/29 94 yards
First Downs
21
12
Penalties
13/161 yards
9/58 yards
Punts
3/25
4/32
Fumbles
2-2
0-0
Interceptions
2
1

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 27

Renaissance Christian Academy Rising Tide 14

November 1st, 2013

Death Valley

Morning rain gave way to a beautiful night for high school football as the Big Red Nation came together to bid a Death Valley farewell to the 2013 Seniors of both the football team and Band, as well as greet the future with the elementary flag teams and the Harding Middle School band.

Big Red won the toss and elected to take the ball first. Senior Matt Firm then led the team onto the field and broke through the hoop.

Steubenville wasted little time as Bryan Pierro returned the ball at to the 37, and then received a pass from sophomore QB Mandela Lawrence Burke for 12 and a first down. Senior FB Kai McClurg picked up a quick 8 on his initial carry. MLB and Johnnie "Be Good" Blue then took turns picking up chunks of real estate before MLB took it in from the one. Kick John Paul Duff added the point after and it was 7-0 after a 7 minute march.

The Big Red GATA Defense turned in a strong performance, especially against ultra talented Troy Simons. After picking up a 1st down via penalty, RCA was stopped on downs at their 31. After a 40 yard Simons punt, the Red took over on its 29. A sack on first down however put the Big Red behind the 8 Ball and led to a punt on 4th down. Big Red capitalized on the first break of the game as RCA fumbled the ball on 1st down, resulting in a recovery for the Red on the 19. The drive stalled however, which brought on Kick JPD for a 33 yard FG. 10-0 Big Red.

As the quarter ended Big Red was set to kickoff, but instead onsided it, which was recovered by Pierro. Big Red would take full advantage, as MLB threw a 32 yard strike to Pierro for the touchdown. Kick JPD added another point after, and it was 17-0 early in the 2nd.

The Rising Tide would be held to a 3 and out on their following possession, which brought on Simons to punt. Junior William Harvey broke through the line and blocked the punt.

Big Red couldn't do further damage though, as Collaros was sacked. JPD then attempted what would be a Big Red record 45 yard FG, but it was wide left.

The next RCA drive was held to minus 14 yards in 3 plays, and the Simon's punt would travel 30 yards, giving S.H.S. the oval at their 43. Big Red would work its way down to the 16, but a holding call would thwart the drive. Kick JPD came on again, this time nailing a 38 yarder. 20-0 Big Red.

Big Red's Defense would rise up and stop the Rising Tide once again in 3 plays. The following punt would give Big Red the ball to run out the half.

The crowd was entertained by the Big Red Band (BBIBL), and was joined by the Harding Middle School Band.

RCA would receive the 2nd half kickoff and have their best drive of the night. The start of the Simons Show would see him return the kick 33 yards to the 40. Then carry 4 straight times out to midfield. A personal foul would hurt the advance, which resulted in another RCA punt.

Big Red would then take over at the 20 and go on one of their long patented time consuming drives. Junior Dondre Brown carried 3 straight times. Collaros picked up 6, then tacked on a facemask penality. Brown jolted for another 11 stripes. Collaros then found senior TE Cam King, who made a leaping catch, for 17 yards. Brown then galloped for 9, 11, and 4. Collaros took it in from 3 yards out for the TD. Kick JPD added PAT #3 and it was 27-0.

From there Coach Reno Saccoccia began getting everyone into the game, freshmen included. A notable play occurred with 3 minutes remaining in the game. RCA lined up to punt on their own 15, but Simons faked it, first cutting to the right, then reversing his field and going 85 yards for the touchdown. There was a block in the back called on the play, but Coach Saccoccia refused the penalty, giving RCA the TD. Simons then passed for the two point conversion.

RCA would score again with 37 ticks left on the clock to account for the final score.

After the game senior Matt Firm, #13, was pushed in his wheelchair by the entire Big Red team from midfield to over the goal line. Matt has been around the Big Red program since he was a little boy, as his father Paul Firm was the long time Big Red statistician.

  Big Red Renaissance
Rushing
44/138 yards
25/106 yard
Passing
9/12 85 yards
2/9 15 yards
First Downs
14
5
Penalties
6/50 yards
8/69 yards
Punts
1/35
3/40
Fumbles
3-1
1-1
Interceptions
1
0

 

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 22

Wheeling Park Patriots 42

October 25th, 2013

Wheeling Island Stadium

Steubenville Big Red's stronghold on the Ohio Valley was ended Friday night at Wheeling Island Stadium as the Wheeling Park Patriots dominated from the start in thrashing Big Red 42-22.

Big Red entered the game, as it has for the past few weeks, battered and bruised, and it showed right from the start as the Patriots ran rough shod over what is normally a formidable Big Red defense.

SHS won the toss and deferred until the 2nd half, which put Park's O on the field first. Things started bad right from the kickoff as a facemask penalty was tacked onto the return. Park started from their 40, and after a run for 3 and a completed pass for 6, the Patriots faced a 3rd and 1. Big Red went into a goal line defense, and Park's speedster Savion Johnson broke through the line and was off to the races on a 51 yard touchdown run. Casey Liam added the point after and it was 7-0 a minute into the game.

Big Red now down for the 3rd straight week needed to respond. But after taking over at the 30, 3 plays netted only 5 yards. Park then got the ball back in excellent field position at their 43. The big play in this drive was a 35 yard completion from Zach Phillips to Michael Grove for 35 yards. Johnson took it in from the 5 and it was a 2 touchdown lead.

Big Red's next drive began at the 33. It would end after 11 plays at the Park 35 as sophomore Mandela Lawrence Burke's pass of 5 yards to senior Bryan Pierro came up two yards short.

Park would pretty much put the game away 2 plays later as Phillips took off on a 56 yard touchdown run, which gave the Patriots a 21-0 lead with 49 seconds remaining in the 1st quarter.

Big Red would try to get something going in the second quarter, but the lenghty time consuming drive ended with a Dimitri Collaros' blocked punt, which gave the Patriots the ball at the Big Red 47. Phillips ran for 14, before hitting Johnson for a 36 yard touchdown pass. The Patriots took a 28-0 lead on a stunned Steubenville team and crowd into the locker room.

The second half started the way the first half ended. Big Red started at the 35, but Collaros was picked off at the 44. Park then powered their way down to the Big Red 11, where Phillips found Johnson for the touchdown. 35-0 Park.

Big Red finally got onto the board via a safety after a botched punt attempt two series later.

Big Red followed that up with a MLB to sophomore Devin Ferguson touchdown pass of 13 yards, and after recovering an onside kick, was looking to make things interesting. Sophomore Johnnie Blue busted off a big gain down to the Park 13, but was stripped of the ball, which sealed the Red's fate for good.

Johnson broke off another 44 yard run to set up Park's final touchdown of the night, which was a Geremy Paige rush of 9 yards.

Big Red tacked on a couple of late touchdowns to account for the final tally.

The final home game of the season will be Friday, which is also Senior Night, vs the Rising Tide from Renaissance Christian Academy via Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

 

  Big Red Park
Rushing
35/150 yards
28/237 yard
Passing
8/17 95 yards
10/14 147 yards
First Downs
12
16
Penalties
5/52 yards
2/10 yards
Punts
4/25
0/0
Fumbles
2-1
0-0
Interceptions
0
2

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 21

Youngstown Ursuline Irish 46

October 18th, 2013

YSU Stambaugh Stadium

What was anticipated as a close contest turned into a rout at Youngstown State University's Stambaugh Stadium, as the Youngstown Ursuline Irish used an opening touchdown drive and a couple of Big Red miscues to jump out front and cruise to a victory.

The game started with Ursuline winning the toss and electing to receive. Big Red's first blunder of the night started on the kickoff as the "pooch kick" traveled too far, which gave Ben Phillips a running start and a nice return out to the UHS 44. Damon Green picked up 22 yards on the first two snaps, advancing the oval to the Steubenville 37. From there Michigan State recruit Chris Durkin took over. After hitting Vito Penza for 8 yards he then found Phillips for a 20 yard touchdown strike. Vince Turcho added the PAT and it was 7-0 Irish with only 2:51 off of the clock.

The next Big Red miscue came on the kickoff as senior WR Cody Saltsman tried to field the ball as it was going out of bounds, therefore starting the drive at the 10. Senior TB Robert Hayden picked up 6 yards on 1st down, but then another huge error occurred as sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros fumbled on the 14, which was recovered by the Irish at the 11. Two plays later the Irish were in the endzone again and it was 14-0 with just over 3 minutes off of the game clock.

Big Red's following drive would net 8 yards on 3 plays, which brought on senior kicker/punter John Paul Duff. The snap was over his head and Duff was forced to boot the ball though the endzone...16-0 Irish.

The free quick went to the 35 of UHS, but Phillips returned it to the 50. It only took the Irish 3 plays to strike again...all Durkin, as he picked up 38, then 6, then the final 6 to paydirt. PAT was true and it was 23-0.

Big Red's next possession was its best drive of the game. Senior WR Bryan Pierro returned the kickoff out to the 35 to give The Red a little breathing room. Hayden made a big gain of 16 yards on 1st down to get out to midfield, but was injured on the play. Sophomore Johnnie Blue replaced Hayden and 4 straight times to the 39. Sophomore QB Mandela Lawrence Burke then rushed twice for a first down. MLB ran for 7 to the UHS 7 as the first quarter came to a close. On 4th down MLB was pressured and fumbled, giving the Irish the ball at the 15.

Big Red held the Irish on a 3 and out, forcing a punt. Big Red lost the ball on downs however, setting The U up at their own 49. The Big Red D held again, and this time the punt would pin SHS back at the 21. Big Red could only muster 8 yards on 3 plays, which brought in Duff once again to punt....same result as the ball sailed over his head and he had to kick it through the back of the endzone. 25-0 Irish.

UHS took full advantage of the great field postition after the free kick, setting up shop at the Big Red 46. Ursuline then went exclusively to the ground and pound game as they used up the clock in marching the 46 yards for the touchdown that Durkin did the honors from 1 yard out.

At the half it was 32-0 Ursuline and the game was bascially over.

Big Red had a drive for pride as they came out of the locker room and drove 80 yards in 13 plays. The highlights of the drive were passes to Blue of 15 yards, and one to Pierro for 26 yards. Blue took it over from the one, and JPD added the PAT, which made the score 32-7.

The remainder of the contest saw reserves from both teams battle, and thankfully there were no more injuries.

Big Red will now take to the Island in what is a must win for their playoff lives.

  Big Red Ursuline
Rushing
46/194 yards
40/232 yard
Passing
6/9 38 yards
3/7 39 yards
First Downs
13
13
Penalties
0/0 yards
5/35 yards
Punts
2/37
1/40
Fumbles
2-2
1-1
Interceptions
0
0

 

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 19

Salesianum Delaware Sallies 36

October 11th, 2013

Death Valley

The first chill of the season decended upon Death Valley as clearing skies approached for the kickoff of the 2nd ever meeting between Steubenville High School and Salesianum Delaware. The Sallies came into the Ohio Valley the night before and spent the day preparing for the contest.

Homecoming 2013 was staged for the evening with alumni coming in from far and wide to take part in the Alumni Band, Alumni Cheerleaders, and Alumni Choir. Honorary Captains for the game were Joe Panotchi from 1942, Ron Mazzafferro, Rich Ranallo, Ray Terry, and Harry Wilson from 1962.

Big Red won the toss and elected to defer, which brought on senior kicker John Paul Duff, as he booted the ball to the Sallie 12, which was returnded to the 32. Things started promising for the hosts as they held the guests to a quick 3 and out, while only giving up a yard. The booming punt covered 49 yards, pinning the Red back at their own 19. Senior TB Robert Hayden fought for four tough yards on 1st down, before disaster struck as sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros' pass was deflected into the arms of 6'7" DE Stephen Freeborn at the 24 and returned it for a touchdown. The XP was a fake and QB/holder Matthew Sgro found a receiver in the endzone for the 2 pointer.

The Red, stunned by the development, responded in a big way. After the touchback kickoff by Sean Smith, Big Red started at the 20. Senior WR Bryan Pierro took a handoff for 9 yards, followed by Mandela Lawrence Burke's 5 yard gain for a first down. Collaros came in for a play and found senior FB Kai McClurg for 23 markers, which put the ball into Sallies territory. Hayden then picked up another first down on two carries. MLB found fellow soph Niko Petrides for a gain of 18 yards, and then hit senior WR Cody Saltsman for the touchdown from 11 yards out. The try for two was thwarted and it was an 8-6 Salesianum lead.

The Big Red GATA Defense rose to the occassion once again as the Sallies started their drive at the 30, but could only advance the pigskin out to the 43 before punter Andrew DiNardo put his foot into another beauty of 38 yards. Big Red went back to work at the 19 looking to take the lead, but deja vu struck again as Collaros' pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and into the hands of Freeborn, who took this one in from the 20 for his second TD of the game. Smith added the PAT and it was 15-6 Salesianum with the 1st quarter clock ticking down.

Big Red returned the ball out to the 24, and MLB got things going with an 11 yard run. He then added 10 more for another 1st down. MLB then hooked up with Bryan Pierro for a big 24 yard gain to get it to the Sallies' 10 yard line. Sophomore TB Johnnie Blue crashed in from the 2 yard line on 3rd down to pull the Red within 3. The snap was bad on the point after so the game remained 15-12.

The team traded drives for the remainder of the half until the 1:10 mark, where Big Red was faced with a 4th and 6 at their own 43. After a timeout a fake punt was called with McClurg, but the Sallies were ready and he was snowed under at the 46. This gave the Sallies new life as they found paydirt from 15 yards out on a Sgro to Tyler Marroni touchdown pass with 6 seconds left in the half. Smith's conversion was true, and the Delaware squad took a 22-12 lead into the locker room.

The Big Red Band with the Alumni Band rocked the crowd after the Homecoming Queen ceremonies.

The second half began with Big Red receving the kickoff and beginning one of its patented long time consuming drives beginning at the 20. MLB got things started with a 9 yard jaunt. Then he hit senior TE Cam King for a gain of 13 yards. Hayden then bullied for 9 yards, before MLB found Saltsman for a big 42 yarder. A personal foul at the end of the play cut into some of the gain though, and the ball was placed at the Sallies 49. MLB's legs got the ball to the 40 and a first down. Blue ran for 8 on 3rd and 1. Big Red faced a 4th and 11 however, as MLB rolled right and looked to King, who made a spectacular catch on the tipped pass at the 21 for a first down. Blue picked up the remaining 7 yards on two carries. Kick JPD added the conversion and the score stood at 22-19 Sallies. The only downside was that Big Red chewed up almost the whole quarter on the drive.

Salesianum was held to another 3 and out, and Big Red looked to be in business taking over the ball at their 27. A Collaros to Petrides pass of 11 yards ended the 3rd quarter and Big Red on the 33.

The 4th began, but the drive stalled, with Collaros' quick kick partially blocked, giving the Sallies the ball at their 24. They put together their best drive of the game, as they moved the ball on the ground and in the air, down to the Big Red 11, the big play was a Sgro bootleg for 47 yards. Big Red halted the drive by recovering a fumble at the 16 with about 7 minutes remaining. The momentum was quickly extinguished by the Sallies defense as they blitzed MLB for a loss of 2 on first down, snuffed out a screen on 2nd down, and got a hurry on Collaros' pass on 3rd down. JPD came in to punt and got it to the Salesianum 31.

Salesianum then started to wear down the Big Red defense as they gashed the Red for 10 yards, then 28, before Sgro hit Troy Reeder for 23 yards on 2nd and 9. Reeder then took it in for the TD from the 3 to put the Sallies in great shape. PAT was good and it was at 10 point game.

Big Red tried to answer but a questionable fumble call a the 11 all but sealed up the game for the Sallies, as they then pushed in another TD to account for the final score of 36-19.

Big Red must now travel to Youngstown to take on the Ursuline Irish in what it a must win for both teams' playoff hopes.

 

  Big Red Salesianum
Rushing
44/165 yards
26/103 yard
Passing
11/22 148 yards
10/15 125 yards
First Downs
17
11
Penalties
7/53 yards
11/71 yards
Punts
2/35
5/37
Fumbles
1-1
1-1
Interceptions
0
0

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 36

Barberton Magics 7

October 4th, 2013

Sharkey Stadium, Barberton Ohio

Big Red hit the road for the second time this season as they brought the show to Summit County for the first time in 7 years. The destination was Barberton's Sharkey Stadium in what would be the 3rd matchup ever between the two tradition-rich public schools.

The Magics elected to receive after winning the toss, and defended the west goal. Senior kicker John Paul Duff put his toe to the leather and reached the Barberton 9 as Willis Tucker returned it out to the 23. The Magics drive started out promising as they picked up an initial first down, but from there it soured as Brandon McCall lost the handle and Big Red pounced on the slippery oval at the BHS 39. It didn't take the Red long to capitalize, as sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros found fellow soph Niko Petrides for a quick 9, and then senior Garon Lytle took 3 straight carries to the 16, where classmate Robert Hayden did the honors on a 16 yard jaunt to paydirt. Kick JPD added the PAT and it was 7-0.

Willis Tucker provided a fine reture on the next kickoff, setting up the Magic at the 32. Another first down pickup was once again ruined by a turnover, as senior LB Cody Saltsman stepped in front of a John Cominsky pass at the 23.

Sophomore Johnnie Blue got this drive off on the right track with a 13 yard carry, and then sophomore QB Mandela Lawrence Burke went to work. MLB first hit senior WR Perrier Coleman for 14 yards, then did damage of 15 yards with his feet. It worked once, so why not again, as he hit Coleman for 9, then rushed for 14. After a penalty it was 3rd and 20, so Big Red looked deep and MLB found Saltsman for 22 stripes and a first down as the quarter came to a close.

Lytle opened the 2nd quarter with a 17 yard burst to the BHS 13. Hayden took in another TD from the four to give the Red a two score lead. PAT was good by junior Tevon Gary.

The Magic then responded with their lone TD of the night, as big John Cominsky ran around left end and out raced the defense for a 45 yard touchdown scamper. Dakotta Schumn added the PAT and it was suddenly a 14-7 affair.

Schumm drilled the KO into the endzone which set Steubenville up at the 20. MLB went back to Coleman for 8, before Blue busted one up the middle for 41 yards. Big Red reached the BHS 14 before coughing up the pigskin. Barberton would be held to a 3 and out though, and the punt would only travel out to the 21. Collaros would hit Saltsman for 15 yards, and then Hayden would pick up another TD on a 6 yard run. Blue added the 2 point conversion and it was 22-7.

The Magic would again be held to a 3 and out on their next possession and the Red would take over at their 32. Collaros then looked for the back breaker as he found Petrides deep for 64 yards down to the 4. Collaros hit junior WR Lucas Herrington in the back corner of the endzone to extend the lead. Gary converted another point after and it was 29-7 right before half.

Barberton would try to answer as the clock was winding down, first with a Cominsky pass to Dan Coakley for 32 yards, and then a couple of penalties, which put the ball at the Big Red 11 with a few ticks left. Petrides would end the threat though with an interception.

The Big Red Band, aka Best Band In Buckeye Land, wowed the Homecoming crowd with another great performance. The Magic Band also put on an outstanding performance on the slippery grass.

 

The 3rd quarter would be a quick one as Big Red went on one of its patented time consuming touchdown drive. This 17 play, 72 yard drive would begin with Lytle gaining 7 yards, and ending with MLB hitting Herrington for a 10 yard touchdown pass. The big play of the drive was a 20 yard pass from MLB to Herrington at the 28. Kick JPD added this conversion to make it 36-7.

The GATA Defense put the clamps on the only Magic drive of the 3rd, as it was once again 3 and out. Big Red then emptied the bench in the final quarter and salted away victory number 5 of the 2013 season.

Next week the Sallies of Salesianum Delaware will invade Death Valley for what should be an epic matchup, and a very important one in Big Red's quest for a Region 13 playoff birth.

  Big Red Barberton
Rushing
38/218 yards
33/85 yard
Passing
16/25 209 yards
2/11 53 yards
First Downs
19
10
Penalties
9/86 yards
4/16 yards
Punts
1/26
3/29
Fumbles
1-1
1-1
Interceptions
3
0

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 21

Massillon Washington Tigers 37

September 27th, 2013

Death Valley

On a beautiful night for football, the undefeated and #1 ranked Tigers of Massillon Washington High School came to town to face the undefeated Big Red of Steubenville. Fans packed into venerable Harding Stadium, aka Death Valley, to witness this clash of two of Ohio's most storied football programs.

The Tiger's luck started early as they won the coin flip and deferred until the second half, which gave outstanding place kicker Andrew David the opportunity to show off his leg as he blasted the kickoff into the endzone for a touchback. This would be Big Red's best starting field position of the first half.

Big Red's first drive started with a couple of rushes for 5 yards, and then a completion from sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros to senior WR Bryan Pierro for 11 yards and a first down. Collaros then found sophomore WR Niko Petrides for a gain of 12 yards which brought the ball to midfield. Junior Dante Brown then picked up a quick 7 yards, but the drive was thwarted by a personal foul penalty on the Red. Senior punter John Paul Duff then came on to kick but the snap sailed over his head, which resulted in Massillon being set up in prime scoring position at the Big Red 8.

The GATA Defense had its back to the Big Red west endzone and made a stand. On 3rd and goal from the 10 freshman QB Danny Clark completed a pass, but a jarring hit on the receiver forced the ball out and Big Red recovered at the two. For the second week in a row however Big Red gave up a safety as sophomore QB Mandela Lawrence Burke was called for intentional grounding in the enezone. Massillon led 2-0.

The free kick gave the Tigers another possession on Steubenville's side of the field, this time at the 45. Lyron Wilson would then get the Tigers inside the 30, but the defense held and forced a FG attempt by David, which was wide left.

Big Red took over at the 20, but on 1st down disaster would strike again, as senior TB Garon Lytle coughed up the pigskin and the Tigers pounced on it at the 23 yard marker.

SHS would lean on it's defense once again to make a play, this time Pierro made it happen with an interception at the 7. The 1st quarter came to a close with Massillon holding a 2-0 lead.

 

Big Red could only muster one first down on the following drive, which placed the oval at the 26 for another punt by Duff. The Tigers once again started with excellent field position at the Big Red 44. Massillon then went with a heavy dose of Wilson, as he carried 6 consecutive times to bull his way into the endzone. David added the PAT and suddenly it was a 9-0 game.

Big Red returned the ball out to the 15 yard line by senior WR Cody Saltsman. The Red could only pick up 5 yards though, and Duff was punting again. Big Red was desperate for a spark and received one from Lytle, who nailed returner Marcus Whitfield, forcing a fumble, and igniting the home crowd. MLB would then pick up some vital yards on back to back carries, which set up senior TB Robert Hayden for a first down carry. MLB then faked out the Massillon D with a read option play bolting around the right side, making a cut and racing 34 yards to the 1 yard line. Hayden crashed in from the one for the TD. Kick JPD added the PAT, closing the gap to 2 once again.

Big Red shot itself in the foot once again by booting the kickoff out of bounds. The Tigers would start another drive in excellent field position. It didn't take them long to take advantage as Wilson would bust for 27 and 30 yards for the touchdown. David added the conversion and the lead shot quickly back to 9.

Steubenville once again began at the 20. Lytle picked up the initial first down of the drive with a 12 yard dash. MLB then hit Saltsman for a gain of 17 yards to get into Tiger territory. MLB then took off for 23 yards down to the 10. On 1st down at the 10 MLB found senior Kai McClurg for a 10 yard touchdown pass. Kick JPD nailed the PAT and it was 14-16 with 25 seconds left in the half. The Tigers then ran out the clock and the teams headed to the locker rooms.

During halftime The Tiger Swing Band did their traditional Carry On performance, followed by some newer renditions. Then The Best Band In Buckeye Land finished off their half of the 20 minutes with a Michael Jackson tribute.

The second half commenced with Duff kicking off, but a 5 yard offsides penatly brought a re-kick. This time Big Red elected to go for the onsides kick, but the loose ball was recovered by the Tigers at the Big Red 45, Massillon then rode their massive offensive line once again, this time with senior J.D. Crabtree. His hard running carried the rock 5 times in a row for the touchdown. David added another PAT and it was 23-14 Massillon.

Lytle returned the kickoff from the 1 out to the 28, which didn't seem bad considering the previous field position. Big Red got a drive going, but a Collaros pass was picked off at the Steubenville 48 to terminate it. The Big Red defense held the Tigers to a 3 and out, which brought on David to punt, but the snap was mishandled and he was snowed under at the Massillon 38. Collaros then hit senior TE Cam King for a gain of 23 yards. That was followed by a stike to junior Lucas Herrington in the back of the east endzone. Duff added the PAT and Big Red was back in it at 23-21.

Massillon would answer that score with a 40 yard drive, after another out of bounds kick by the Red. Wilson would steamroll his was down to the 4 as the 3rd quarter came to a close. On 4th down Clark would find senior TE Beau Huffman for the touchdown. David was true once again, and the lead went back to 9 at 30-21.

Big Red would try to answer but after a first down penalites would force a Duff punt. Massillon would then put the game away with a drive that wore down the undermanned Big Red defense. This 9 play 65 yard drive would culminate with a Wilson TD run from 14 yards out. David added the final point of the game to make the final 37-21.

Big Red will now hit the road up to Barberton to try to bounce back.

  Big Red Massillon
Rushing
35/74 yards
38/277 yard
Passing
15/21 160 yards
5/7 41 yards
First Downs
14
14
Penalties
9/82 yards
14/95 yards
Punts
4/31
0/0
Fumbles
2-2
1-1
Interceptions
1
2

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 32

Brooke Wva. Bruins 15

September 20th, 2013

Brooke Memorial Stadium

The 2013 edition of the Steubenville Big Red took to the road for the first time this season as the crossed the Market Street Bridge to battle the Bruins of Brooke County West Virginia. It was forecasted as a rainy night, but the sun broke through before game time and it turned out to be a pleasant night in the hollow.

Big Red, clad in all white, won the toss, but deferred until the second half. The Bruins defended the south endzone. John Paul Duff put the ball into play as his kick went down to the BHS 14, where it was returned out to the 27. The GATA Defense held the Mountain Staters to a quick 3 and out, which brought on the punting team. Heath Hildreath boomed a fine punt which pinned the Red back at their own 28.

Senior tailback Garon Lytle had two carries for a first down, before fellow classmate Robert Hayden surged past the midfield marker. Junior tailback Donte Brown added 5, before Hayden got another 7. Big Red tried to go to the air, but the drive was stalled after a big sack by the Bruin D. Sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros then punted on 4th down which was downed at the 10 yard line.

Brooke picked up 5 yards on 1st down by Nigel Rowland. On second down QB Aaron Walker faked a handoff, went around the left end and dashed 85 yards untouched for a Brooke TD which stunned the Steubenville faithful. This was the first lead that Brooke has ever had over Big Red in the 8 games of the series. Justin Loughrie provided the PAT and it was 7-0 Bruins.

Joe Montgomery kicked off, which traveled down to the 10 where Lytle picked it up and returned it 17 yards. A holding call brought the ball back to the 17 however. Lytle again got the carry on 1st down, but another holding call set the ball back to the 7. The next two plays went for minimal yardage and Big Red was forced to punt again. The punt only carried out to the 32 and Big Red's defense had its back against the wall. They responded with a 4 and out, resulting in only 2 net yards.

Sophomore Mandela Lawrence Burke then stepped in at QB and got the Red rolling as the quarter came to a close. Lytle carried twice for 19 yards, and then Hayden rambled for 9 more. Brown then came in for four straight carries to paydirt, and another for the two point conversion. Big Red lead 8-7 with 9 minutes to go in the half.

Kick JPD boomed his kick to the 3, where it was returned to the 16. The Bruins once again got some help from the Stripes as they picked up another 15 yards on a personal foul call. Steubenville, undaunted, stiffened up and forced a Bruin punt on 4th down. The snap was off target and the Big Red defense swarmed in on Loughrie at the 12. MLB then found fellow Soph Devin Ferguson in the flat for a 12 yard TD toss and catch. Junior Tevon Gary added the PAT and Big Red's lead grew to 15-7.

The following kickoff reached the 5 before Nick Ossman brought it out to the 20. The S.H.S. defensive unit stood strong, as they forced a punt from the Brooke 9 on 4th down after a couple of tackles for loss. The offense could not take advantage of the great field position though, as they could only advance from the Brooke 38 to the 31 before being stopped on 4th down.

The Bruins looked to get things rolling on the river, but a holding call (aka drive killer) stopped their advance resulting in another punt. Big Red had one last chance to put more points on the board with 1:12 left. Collaros found senior WR Bryan Pierro for a big 34 yard gain out to midfield, and senior Cody Saltsman for 11 more. The drive there ended however as Collaros fumbled with 3 seconds left in the half.

The Best Band In Buckeye Land showed the Brooke crowd how they do it in another outstanding halftime presentation.

Big Red received the 2nd half kickoff and Saltsman toted it out to the 35. After a few carries and another penalty, MLB rolled left and found Pierro for a 34 yard strike down to the Bruin 36. From there Hayden bursted off the right side for a 33 yard touchdown dash. Gary added another PAT and it was a 22-7 game.

The following Brooke drive started at the 21, but after an initial first down, the Bruins were forced to kick. Another special teams miscue by the green & gold set up the Red at the B.H.S. 30. Donte Brown picked up 16 yards on 3rd down, and then sophomore Johnnie Blue crashed in from 14 yards out. Kick JPD booted the PAT and it was 29-7.

The Bruins were then forced to go to the air to try to get back into the game. Walker completed a pass to Alexander Tate for 22 yards, then to Hildreath for 8 yards. Thomas Cole snagged one for 6 yards, before Tate got another for 8, which got the ball into Big Red territory. A few rushes brought the pigskin to the 35 as the 3rd quarter clock expired.

Walker completed a pass to Tate which got the ball inside the Steubenville 10 yard line. The Big Red defense held strong once again though, turning the ball over on downs at the 2. Big Red gave the Bruins some more points however as Hayden slipped down in the endzone on second down resulting in a sagety. Brooke closed the gap to 29-9.

After the free kick the Bruins set up shop at the Big Red 47. The GATA D was up to the challenge as they held the Green Grizzlies to 4 yards on 4 downs. Big Red then went to the ground and pound approach as Lytle struck for 15, followed by the Blue Show, as he picked up 10, 6, 9, and 7 yards. A holding call halted the drive, prompting Coach Saccoccia to bring on Kick JPD for a 23 yard field goal attempt. The snap, hold, and kick were good, and Big Red was up 32-9 with 5 minutes remaining.

The Brooke starters added a final touchdown on the Big Red reserves, to make the final 32-15.

Big Red now prepares for the invasion of the Massillon Tigers, the #1 team in the state in Division II. Both teams will be sporting identical 4-0 records in the Death Valley Showdown....RRR!

  Big Red Brooke
Rushing
37/268 yards
37/122 yard
Passing
6/13 85 yards
10/17 133 yards
First Downs
18
9
Penalties
9/94 yards
7/50 yards
Punts
2/29
4/31
Fumbles
1-1
2-2
Interceptions
0
0

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 43

Canada Prep Raiders 38

September 13th, 2013

Death Valley

The Canada Prep football team got delayed at the border, but after the kickoff time was set back an hour it was game on. A cool, crisp night settled over the Ohio Valley, which was perfect football weather for the teams. Big Red won the toss and defered till the 2nd half.

After the Best Band In Buckeye Land played both countries national anthem, John Paul Duff put his foot into the pigskin driving it to the 9. Speedster Trea Ivey brought the ball back 17 yards to the 26. Dann Peterman slashed for 7 yards on the first play, which alerted the Big Red crowd that this would be no ordinary Canadian team. After a couple of offsides penalties, the Raiders were forced to punt. Big Red's initial drive originated at the SHS 40. After two plays, the Red was faced with a 3rd and 15. Sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros then found Senior WR Cody Saltsman down the right side for a big 38 yard gain. The run game then took over as Senior Garon Lytle slashed in from 14 yards out. Duff tacked on the XP and it was 7-0 Steubenville High School.

Prep responded very quickly after Ivey returned it 33 yards to the 40. Jake Marquette then started his imitation of Johnny Football, as he wowed the crowd...hitting Ivey for 15, then Petermann for 12, before finding Petermann for the 33 yard TD pass. Nick Bested added the PAT and just like that it was a 7-7 ballgame.

Bested's kick went to Junior WR Lucas Herrington, who got it out to the 31. Big Red's drive got into CPA territory before bogging down at their 44. The Big Red defense then got a rare 3 and out (actually 4) as the Raiders were stopped on 4th down.

As the 1st quarter came to a close Big Red was driving into Prep's side of the field, with a nice 18 yard run by Sophomore TB Johnnie Blue, who then added 11 more yards on the other side of the half. Sophomore QB Mandela Lawrence Burke then hooked up with Herrington for a 25 yard pitch and catch TD. Johnnie Blue then rushed in for the 2 point conversion. 15-7 Crimson & Black.

The Raiders picked up one first down before being held on downs. Big Red then began to pound between the tackles as Junior TB Donte Brown and Lytle carried the oval to paydirt. Lytle added another 2 point converstion and it looked like the rout would be on as Big Red led 23-7.

Jake Marquette then led an 80 yard drive hitting receivers for 17 yards (Ivey), another 17 (Petermann), 12 yards (Olivaira), and 9 yards for the score to Ihanza. Bested nailed the conversion and it was 23-14 with 4:12 on the stadium clock.

Big Red was able to sustain a drive which whittled the time away, as both teams then went to the lockerrooms.

The Best Band In Buckeye Land put on another outstanding halftime performance, led by 1st year Head Director Rick Hicks.

Steubenville received the 2nd half kickoff and was looking to drive down and get a little cushion, but the Canada Prep D would have none of it, as they forced a 3 and out of their own.

Taking over it great field position at their 48, Marquette went back to work, hitting Justin Julien for 37 yards. From there the drive was stopped, bringing on sure footed Bested for a 23 yard FG attempt, which was true. That made the score 23-17.

Big Red then went to work from its 27 and stuck to the ground as Lytle and Blue chipped in for 23 yards, before Donte Brown accounted for the remaining 50 yards and the touchdown. The 2 point conversion attempt failed however and it was a 29-17 game.

The teams traded punts until the 4th quarter when CPA went on a 7 play 60 yard drive capped off by Marquette taking it in from the 2. Bested added another PAT and it was 29-24.

Big Red appeared to be on a drive to answer, but Collaros' pass was picked off by Ivey and brought back to the CPA 32. The GATA D then needed to make a play, and that play came in the form of Senior MLB Kai McClurg as he scooped up a tipped punt and returned it down to the CPA 11 yard line. Big Red made them pay as Brown went for 8, then the final 3. Kick JPD added the PAT, and it was 36-24.

Special teams Coach Bobby Lamantia then called for a "pooch kick", and it worked to perfection as the Raider upman mishandled the ball and Big Red pounced on it. Lytle quickly picked up 27 yards on the drive before McClurg punched in from the one. Kick JPD added the conversion and it was 43-24, and it seemed Big Red would just salt away the win.

CPA had other idead however, as Marquette, going against the Big Red 2nd team defense, scored in two plays. A 68 yard pass to Ivey, and then a 5 yard Marquette TD run. Bested booted it true and it was a 43-31 game.

The Raiders then executed the onside kick and recovered at the SHS 49. Big Red's first team D reentered the game, but it didn't faze Marquette, as this time it was 73 yards in 2 plays....Petermann receiving a pass of 33 yards for the score. Bested again with the PAT and it was suddenly 43-38 with a minute to go. The following onside kick was recovered by Big Red however, and the Red would grind out the clock to earn a hard fought victory over the visitors from Ontario.

 

  Big Red Canada Prep
Rushing
44/249 yards
17/31 yard
Passing
7/16 111 yards
23/32 357 yards
First Downs
17
26
Penalties
3/30 yards
7/50 yards
Punts
2/25
3/36
Fumbles
3-0
1-1
Interceptions
0
1

 

Steubenville Big Red 28

Cleveland Benedictine Bengals 17

September 6th, 2013

Death Valley

On a beautiful late summer evening the Bengals of the westside of Cleveland paid a visit to Death Valley for another epic battle between the two history-steeped programs. Benedictine was led in by first year coach Joe Schaefer, who took part as a FB/LB in the 2002 & 2003 games against the Big Red. The Bennies entered the contest fresh off a a 45-13 pasting of the Normandy Invaders in Bedford last Thursday night.

The Bengals won the coin toss and elected to receive, while Steubenville elected to defend the West goal. Senior John Paul Duff boomed the opening kickoff down to the 2 where Justin Layne returned it out to the 21. Benedictine tried to get a little tricky on its first play faking to highly touted Jerome Baker and handing off to speedy Dontaz Rash, but the exchange was bobbled and the pigskin was loose on the turf, which was pounced on by the quick charging Big Red GATA Defense.

The drive started on the wrong foot as The Red took a 5 yard penalty, but Senior TB Garon Lytle got it back quickly with a 6 yard burst. On 4th and 4 Sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros rolled right, threw back left to a wide open Lucas Herrington in the corner of the endzone for the initial touchdown. Duff drilled the XP and it was 7-0 with only 2 minutes off of the David E Hindman Memorial Scoreboard's game clock.

Duff once again put his foot into the kickoff, and once again it was Layne making the catch, which he returned out to the 26. Benedictine couldn't get anything going on this drive either as after 3 plays the Bengals were faced with a 4th and 21. BHS QB Brian Schoaffler then punted the ball to the Big Red 43. Lytle started the drive with a quick pick up of 12 stripes, followed by a Collaros to Senior tightend Cameron King pass of 16 yards, which set up a first down at the Bennies' 12. Senior TB Robert Hayden then gashed for 6 yards, before Senior FB Kai McClurg did the honors on a 6 yard TD reception. Duff converted again, and it was 14-0.

Duff and Layne made a kickoff connection once again, with the return all the way out to the 49. A facemask penalty was tacked on and Benedictine was in business at the Steubenville 34. Baker took a pitch and was quickly wrapped up for a 5 yard loss. Schoaffler then hit Layne for 13 yards which brought up 4th and 2. Baker who finished the game with negative 11 yards, had his best run of the night for 10 yards down to the SHS 26. The drive was stalled there however as on 4th down Schoaffler's pass fell incomplete to Miami (Oh) bound Matt Merimee.

Big Red took over at the 23 and Sophomore QB Mandela Lawrence-Burke (MLB) quickly went to work. MLB carried 3 straight times for 29 yards, which got the Stubbers out from the shadow of their own goalline. Hayden then broke free for 15 yards, advancing the oval across the midfield stripe as the first quarter came to a close. MLB then ran for 6 yards and 11 yards, which was sandwiched around a 3 yard completion to Hayden. Junior TB Donte Brown then got in on the act with a 13 yard dash. Lytle raced in from 13 yards out to put another 6 on the Big Red ledger. Kick JPD added the conversion for a 21-0 Steubenville lead.

Benedictine, on the verge of getting blown out, needed a spark, and received it by Layne, who took the kickoff out to the 39, and then a few plays later lined up in the Wildcat and sprinted down the left sideline for a 46 yard touchdown. Nick Judy added the PAT and suddenly it was 21-7.

Judy then utilized the pooch kick on the kickoff, and Big Red was in good field positon at the 29. On 1st down Big Red's Johnnie Blue was fighting for extra yardage and lost the ball, which Benedictine jumped on at the 36. The Big Red Defense held strong though, as they stuffed Baker for no gain on 4th and one. Big Red took over and after a penalty was faced with a 4th and three at their own 34, which Coach Saccoccia elected to go for. Unfortunately the run came up just short and the Bennies took over in great field position. Schoeffler's pass to Vince Calabrese got the Bengals down to the Big Red 13, but that was as close as they would get, as they settled for a 28 yard Judy field goal to cut the lead to 21-10. Big Red got the ball back with 1:39 and went to the 2 minute O. Collaros completed a few short passes before Lytle ripped off a 20 yarder down to the BHS 28. The drive ened there however as the half came to a close.

Big Red received the second half kickoff and looked to put some distance between the two teams. Taking over at the 34 Big Red's Lytle and Brown churned for 7 yards apiece. MLB then scooted for 22 markers out to the Benedictine 30. A number of medium sized gains brought the pigskin to the 13, which is where MLB found a diving Cam King for the touchdown. Kick JPD was true once again, and the lead stretched to 18.

The Bengals next drive started at the 24, and they would pick up a few first downs before being stopped on 4th down at the Big Red 40. Big Red looked to be in great shape, but the turnover bug raised its ugly head as Lytle lost control of the ball on 1st down and the Bengals recovered once again. This time the visitors made the hosts pay as Schoaffler hit Layne for 13 yards, and then Rash ran for 14 yards, followed by Baker crashing in from the one. Judy nailed the PAT and it was 28-17 with 3 minutes to go in the 3rd.

Big Red fair catched the kickoff at the 34. After once first down Big Red was forced to punt for the first time all year, as Kick JPD boomed one for 40 yards as the 3rd quarter winded down.

The GATA D was called on once again to slam the door on Benedictine's drive and dreams. 3 plays resulted in a loss of 3 yards and Schoaffler was called on to punt. The ball rolled down the the Big Red 22. The Red then went on a 10 play, 57 yard time consuming drive, highlighted by Brown's 13 yard run. Benedictine finally got the ball back with a little over 5 minutes remaining, but after a few incompletions, Schoaffler faced a 4th and 9. His pass was intercepted by MLB, who cut to the right, picked up some key blocks and sprinted into the endzone from 40 yards out for an apparent game sealing touchdown. The exciting play was nulified by a questionable block in the back call however, therefore Big Red 45. MLB looked deep on 1st down, but Merimee was there to make the pic and breath a little life back into the Bengals.

The drive picked up 22 yards before being stopped on downs. From there Big Red salted the game away.

Next up for the Red is the Canada Prep Raiders, who won their first game over Big Red's week 10 opponent by the score of 49-38. Kickoff is slated for 7 pm.

  Big Red Benedictine
Rushing
46/210 yards
30/62 yard
Passing
17/27 143 yards
12/24 108 yards
First Downs
19
11
Penalties
10/99 yards
5/41 yards
Punts
2/37
1/33
Fumbles
2-2
1-1
Interceptions
1
1

 

 

 

Steubenville Big Red 48

Detroit Central Trailblazers 6

August 29th, 2013

Death Valley

 

The 2013 season started as few others have in the 111 years of Big Red football, as Senior Garon Lytle took the opening kickoff at his 10 yard line, bobbled the ball, cut to the left, picked up some fine blocking, and then raced down the sideline for a memorable opening season return for a touchdown in front of a raucous home crowd. Junior Tevon Gary added the PAT and it was 7-0 Red with only a few ticks off of the David Hindman Sr. Scoreboard.

The GATA Defense then got into the act as they provided a quick 3 and out to open their 2013 season. Big Red would then strike quickly again on the legs of Senior tailback Robert Hayden, who covered the 42 yards to paydirt on two carries. Gary added another PAT and it was 14-0.

After the kickoff, the Trailblazers looked to go to the air, but sophomore Niko Petrides picked off the pass which set up the Red at the 47. Petrides then would haul in a pass from sophomore QB Dimitri Collaros for 25 yards. Lytle would then take it in from the 5, bringing on Gary for another PAT.

Big Red's other sophomore QB, Mandela Lawrence-Burke, then showed his stuff with an 82 yard pitch and catch to junior Lucas Herrington, who made a spin move, picked up some blocks, and outraced the Central secondary into the west endzone. Gary tacked on another one, and it was 28-0 with a few minutes to go in the quarter.

The Big Red defense then got another touchdown, which tied a school record for most points in a quarter, as senior MLB Kai McClurg raced 52 yards with a fumble recovery. The PAT was added by sophomore Ethan Stover.

From that point on every player saw plenty of action for the Defenders of the Crimson & the Black.

Next up is a huge matchup with the Bengals of Cleveland Benedictine (1-0), as these teams staged one of the best games of the season last year. The Bengals will be coming in looking for blood...will the Red respond?

 

 

  Big Red Central
Rushing
21/205 yards
39/105 yard
Passing
3/7 109 yards
1/9 23 yards
First Downs
11
9
Penalties
5/40 yards
2/10 yards
Punts
0/0
4/31
Fumbles
1-0
3-1
Interceptions
1
0