Pre-game events to include rematch of cornhole rivalry

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Austintown and Boardman township officials will renew their cornhole rivalry tonight during pre-game festivities for the Boardman-Austintown football game at Fitch Falcon Stadium.

Austintown Trustee Jim Davis, Interim Fire Chief Andy Frost III and Fiscal Officer Laurie Wolfe will take on Boardman Trustees Brad Calhoun, Larry Moliterno and Thomas Costello in a cornhole tournament at 6:30 p.m. as part of The Vindicator’s Blitz tailgate party, which begins at 5:30 p.m. on the south side of the stadium.

At the Blitz tailgate, fans can play video games and pick up free hot dogs and T-shirts.

Last year, Boardman trustees beat Austintown 2-1 in a best-of-three cornhole match, and the lighthearted ribbing between the teams is carrying on this year.

“I am looking forward to representing Boardman Township. Once again, our elected officials will put on a cornhole clinic against the Austintown officials,” Calhoun said.

But Austintown isn’t going down without a fight.

Davis said he’s made some changes to his team and expects his new teammates will help Austintown come out on top.

“We’ve already taken steps to avoid another embarrassment by removing [trustees] Lisa Oles and Dave Ditzler,” he jabbed. “We’ve been practicing, and we’re prepared.”

Davis said they have a plan, and if it works, he expects two Austintown teams to leave the stadium with wins.

“We’ve got our secret weapon to even the score against Brad Calhoun,” he said. “But it doesn’t matter what happens at the cornhole event as long as the Fitch Falcons win.”

But Calhoun said he still predicts Boardman victories at the tailgate and on the gridiron.

“Last year we took it a little easy on them in the spirit of fun. ... We look to repeat as champions and continue to remind everyone why Boardman is the Valley’s destination,” he said.

Austintown Fitch’s football team is undefeated this season; Boardman enters the game with a 3-1 record.