By MATT GIAMBATTISTA

sports@vindy.com

COLUMBIANA

On a very warm August evening two Inter Tri-County Schools from different divisions, Lowellville and Columbiana, locked horns in their final tuneup before the regular season begins next week.

Even though the final score was in favor of Columbiana, 14-0, it wasn’t necessarily the scrimmage that stood out.

Longtime Columbiana coach Bob Spaite felt his team was forming a bond.

“They took a little, not big step forward, but [we] have a long way to go”

Quarterback Austin Barbato ran for one score and threw to Jeff Davidson for the final touchdown.

Barbato, a junior, returns after starting all 11 games in 2009.

One thing that Spaite was sure of was community support, closeness, and involvement.

“This is a tight community, always has been, even before I started 17 years ago.”

On the Clippers’ coaching staff are four former players for Spaite, as well as 5 junior varsity coaches who formerly played for the Clippers.

“I welcome any former players to speak to our players,” said Spaite, showing pride in his family of alumni players, whether before or during his tenure.

Lowellville coach Mike Palumbo added the same feelings about the Rockets’ community pride and support.

His staff has former Rocket players as well.

Palumbo felt his team was a little flat on Friday, pointing out that Columbiana is very opportunistic and physical, taking advantage of early Lowellville miscues.

“I was disappointed in the enthusiasm of our team, but it was a good learning experience for our team,” said Palumbo.

He feels his team will come together and make strides forward before its opener against Youngstown Christian.

Key players are offensive lineman and linebacker Bryan Seidita, lineman Bryan Schiraldi — a four-year starter — and quarterback Evan Phillip.

Columbiana opens next week at Steubenville’s Harding Stadium against Woodsville Monroe Central. Monroe Central didn’t want to make the long trip to Columbiana, so through connections both teams decided on that site.