Thursday, September 6, 2001
CHANEY vs. BOARDMAN
When: 7:30.
Where: Boardman High Stadium.
Last meeting: Chaney won 42-20 last year.
Boardman (1-1) scouting report: RB Evan Beard rushed for 206 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns against in a 47-27 loss to the St. Ignatius on Saturday, the third straight year he topped 100 yards against the Wildcats. QB Tom Zetts threw for 124 yards against St. Ignatius, but was only 9-for-26 with four interceptions. Mike Villagrana and Mike Finamore each caught TD passes. After shutting out Wilson, Boardman's defense surrendered 357 passing yards to St. Ignatius, but held the running game in check. On defense, Brian Weiser and Finamore, Tommy Andres and Steve Vallos had solid games. The Spartans have one of the area's best offensive lines, averaging 244 pounds across and will look to Beard early -- and often.
The coach says: "We were very happy with our overall effort for four quarters [against St. Ignatius]. We never gave up and our guys played hard the entire game. Evan [Beard] had a great game running the ball. He's had over 100 yards for three consecutive years against them and the credit goes to offensive line." On Chaney, "The biggest factor is controlling the line of scrimmage. On defense, they have one of the better front fours we'll face this year. They have an experienced offensive line up front; they're big and strong. Whoever controlls the line of scrimmage will probably end up winning the game." -- Garry Smith.
Chaney (2-0) scouting report: The Cowboys have won close games against Fitch (20-14 OT) and Canfield (13-7). Quarterback Juan Serrano had an outstanding game against Canfield, completing 5-of-12 passes for 110 yards. The senior also ran for 40 yards, returned a punt 40 yards for a touchdown, added 10 tackles and recovered a fumble. Chaney did their damage in the first half, out-gaining Canfield 192-26 to open a 13-0 lead. Ed McElroy, who scored the game-winning touchdown against Fitch, had the Cowboys' other touchdown. Senior inside linebacker D.J. Fahndrich (6-0, 190) and senior defensive tackle Fernando DeChellis (5-10, 290) had good games against Canfield.
The coach says: "We were in control of the game. It's a credit to Canfield that they hung in and got on the board to keep it close down the wire. We had a couple opportunities to score late and we dropped a couple balls and made some mistakes, but those things happen. We showed signs that we can move the ball we just need more consistency on offense." -- Ron Berdis.
Radio: WNIO-AM (1390).
WARREN JFK vs. GIRARD
When: 7:30.
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Girard.
Warren JFK (2-0) scouting report: Junior QB Alex Senk was the hero in JFK's first win, 20-18, over Newton Falls.Trailing 18-12, Senk tied the game with a 45-yard scoring strike to Justin Eschman. Senk scored the game-winning points by running for the conversion. Senk completed 12-of-26 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Cayson led the Eagles' running attack with 132 yards on 29 carries, including a 33-yard TD. Last week, Eagles coach Tony Napolet celebrated his 100th career victory at JFK with a 35-3 triumph over Champion. Cayson scored a 62-yard touchdown and gained 140 yards on 10 carries while scoring three touchdowns. Anthony Ambeliotis scored on a 49-yard run and finished with 101 yards on 11 carries.
Girard (2-0) scouting report: The Indians opened the season with a 28-21 victory over Niles. QB Randy Mason completed 21-of-43 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns. Last week, the Indians romped over Conneaut, 36-7 as Dustin Helle caught touchdown passes of 64 and 44 yards. Mason completed 9-of-19 for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Jon Hepfner led the Indians with 94 yards rushing.
The coach says: "They have two nice weapons in Cayson and Senk. They are two fine athletes. The key against JFK is to get to [Cayson and Senk] before they get going. The Eagles spread the field like we do, so this game will be won up front."Our offense is doing a nice job taking what our defense gives us. Mason has had to make on-field adjustments and reads. Our receivers have done a good job getting open down field." -- Bud McSuley.
Radio: WHKW-AM (1440).
SOUTH RANGE vs. COLUMBIANA
When: 7:30.
Where: Columbiana High Stadium.
History of series: This is the first meeting of the two teams in about 10 years, when Columbiana was a member of the Inter-County League before shifting to the Tri-County League.
South Range (2-0) scouting report: The Raiders opened the season with victories over East Palestine (34-6) and Crestview (56-0). South Range got off to a quick start against Crestview, scoring 28 points in the first quarter. Ryan Maxwell returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a score. South Range also scored on a blocked punt and recovered a loose ball on a kickoff, setting up a score.
The coach says: "Columbiana has speed and lots of it. There quarterback is very fast and runs the option well and their backs are hard runners. Defensively they are always in an attack mode and swarm the ball and that will cause us some problems. Just like last week, our offense and defense has to play well and our special teams have to step up and it must be a total team effort." -- Dan Yeagley.
Columbiana (2-0) scouting report: The Clippers have defeated Mineral Ridge (34-13) and Springfield (10-6) to open the season. Columbiana's defense against the run was a big factor in its win over Springfield. Four defenders led the way. DT John Hatala had 11 tackles with four sacks and two tackles for losses. OLB Jerry Remish collected 12 tackles with seven solos and five assists, three sacks and six quarterback hurries. ILB Josh Kistler came up with 22 stops with seven solos and 15 assists and one tackle for a loss. ILB Josh Stevens had 11 tackles on four stops and seven assists, with three QB hurries and one tackle for a loss and one sack.
The coach says: "We did not come ready to play, so I'm hoping that we grew up a little. They [Springfield] were a lot better than we gave them credit for. We played a great defensive game up front. We held them to only 5 yards rushing by our stats. But we gave up some passes."
Radio: WBBW-AM 1240.
-- Vindicator staff reports