Kicking off the 2006 season in Canfield and Austintown

The high school football season is under way in the Mahoning Valley, and Thursday night was a good day if your team was the Canfield High School Cardinals and the Austintown Fitch High School Falcons. Above, Bob Dove Jr. thanked the crowd and school officials at Canfield for naming the field after his father. Behind him is the LaRiccia family of Boardman -- Dana, Mary and Tony. The family made a sizable donation toward Canfield stadium's makeover. The Cardinals celebrated by defeating The Rayen School Tigers 23-8. Below left, the Fitch Falcons prepared to take the field against their rivals, the Chaney High School Cowboys at Falcon Stadium. From left are players Doug Hurdley, Josh Smail, Shane Price, Donny Olson and Greg McGlynn. The Falcons prevailed, defeating the Cowboys 26-13. Coverage of these games and others begins on C1.