By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Rootstown High School’s Joe Siciliano, who is a Social Studies, […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   The Ravenna boys basketball team has a defensive mindset. Thus it was no surprise that the Ravens came out of the gate in their season opener Nov. 26 at home against Newton Falls “hungry and wanting to gets stops,” according to head coach Justin Rahim. “That led to us being […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   A slow pace offensively turned into a slow start overall — and a 16-7 deficit after one quarter — for Waterloo on Tuesday at Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference rival Lowellville. “We kind of were working the ball down the floor,” head coach Gavin English said. The Vikings opened things up […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   FIELD WINS A SHOOTOUT The Field boys topped the Rovers at Kent Lanes by 237 pins in a display of outstanding games and series by both teams. Both Joey Dilwarth and Kalel Holmes rolled 244s to capture high game with Holmes continuing to a 446 to earn the high […]

GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORING Player, School Average Claire VanDamme, Kent Roosevelt 21.3 Ma’Ryah McIntosh, Streetsboro 16.0 Colbie Curall, Rootstown 16.0 Carlee Bedford, Streetsboro 15.0 Jenna Canale, Southeast 14.0 Bailey Morris, Southeast 13.0 Lylia Lavigna, Southeast 11.5 Cloe Bengston, Rootstown 11.5 Grace Schoenberger, Kent Roosevelt 11.5 Bella Mowery, Southeast 10.0 Alexis Henry, Waterloo 9.6 Ava Lincoln, Crestwood […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 2025   BOYS BASKETBALL WOODRIDGE 65, FIELD 37 (At Field) WOODRIDGE (65) — John Tyree 4 3-4 14; Blake Williams 3 2-2 11; Nassir Williams-Clay 1 1-2 3; Andrew Stull 0 0-0 0; Blake Pumper 2 0-0 6; Brandon Evans 4 1-2 10; Travis Galossi 0 0-0 0; Rory […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   There is a summer soccer oasis that exists just off Industry Road in Atwater. For those driving by, it may not seem as such, but the Waterloo Vikings’ girls soccer players know what they have created on the green space that sits in front of Waterloo High School […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, DEC. 2, 2025     GIRLS BASKETBALL WOODRIDGE 45, FIELD 34 (At Field) WOODRIDGE (45) — Taylor Deering 4 4-4 12; Chelsey Taylor 2 0-0 4; Tess Hodgen 0 2-4 2; Aleah Peterson 0 0-0 0; Sayvionna Taylor 0 0-2 0; Addy Hengstenberger 0 0-0 0; Emma Woods 4 2-3 10; […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Conner Lehner, Mogadore 202-1,736 Ryder Cain, Garfield 140-1,348 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 177-1,242 Joe Sharish, Southeast 193-1,050 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 125-1,014 Xavier Board, Aurora 146-812 Victor Brown, Field 123-721 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 58-694 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 60-681 Maddox Smith, Mogadore 96-676 Keyshawne Anderson, Waterloo 51-581 […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, DEC. 1, 2025   GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORES Kent Roosevelt 76, Nordonia 37 Crestwood 46, Jefferson Area 8 Lowellville 54, Waterloo 29 Hubbard 41, Garfield 28 Campbell Memorial 30, Windham 27     BOX SCORES KENT ROOSEVELT 76, NORDONIA 37 (At Nordonia) KENT ROOSEVELT (76) — Ella Chambers 0 1-2 1; Brooklynn […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Gavin English, 2nd year, 4-19 career record. Coaching Staff: Joe Ganoe, Kyle Shockley, Navarre Alhassan. 2024-25 Record: 4-19 overall, 3-13 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Division. Returning Lettermen (3): Isaac Hall, sr.; Haiden Bryan, sr.; Evann Gallagher, jr. Lettermen Lost (6): Gage Hawley, Matt […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Cody Apthorpe, 4th year, 34-37 career record. Coaching Staff: Terry Peterson, JV; Jeff Kiser, assistant; Dave Apthorpe, assistant. 2024-25 Record: 11-12 overall, 8-7 Northeastern Athletic Conference. Returning Lettermen (4): Matt Kolaczek, sr.; Gavin Kiser, sr.; Dejuan Ramsey, jr.; Keegan Kiser, soph. Lettermen Lost (6): […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Nick Marcini, 15th year, 209-136 career record. Coaching Staff: Bruce Thomas, Phil Starks, Tyler Shank, Ron Estes, Stephen Laird. 2024-25 Record: 21-4 overall, 13-1 Metro Athletic Conference. Returning Lettermen (4): Ethan Laryea, sr.; Janiere Cook, sr.; Braden Hodge, sr.; PJ Robinson, jr. Lettermen Lost […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Matt Dillon, 9th year, 76-86 career record. Coaching Staff: Zedekiah Pollock, Doug Craver, Nick Dillon, Scott Garrett, Terry Callihan. 2024-25 Record: 13-10 overall, 7-7 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division. Returning Lettermen (6): Joe Sharish, sr.; Braedyn Walden, jr.; Cohen Richardson, jr.; Devyn Miller, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   This was a shortened week for many high-school bowlers with the Thanksgiving holiday, but several teams competed in the Norton Panthers Bowling Tournament at Charger Lanes on Saturday and Sunday.   ROOTSTOWN ROVERS First, the Rovers’ girls traveled to Norton to compete and earned a second runner-up tournament finish […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Joe Siciliano, 1st year, 0-0 career record. Coaching Staff: Tom Jenior, assistant; Adam Whitacre, JV. 2024-25 Record: 5-18 overall, 1-7 Portage Trail Conference. Returning Lettermen (8): Landon Rodstrom, sr.; Ethan White, sr.; Mason Lisi, sr.; Blake Mullaly, jr.; Carson Hayn, jr.; Dean Abdlrasul, jr.; […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Justin Rahim, 1st year, 0-0 career record. Coaching Staff: Matthew Culkar, JV; Ronald McClain, freshman. 2024-25 Record: 5-18 overall, 3-11 Metro Athletic Conference. Returning Lettermen (5): Curtis Ross, sr.; Sean Jordan, sr.; LaDarion Askew, sr.; Braylon Burks, sr.; Mark Miller, jr. Lettermen Lost (3): […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Conner Wess, 1st year, 0-0 career record. Coaching Staff: LJ Campbell, Brian Cupped, Andrew Mosnot. 2024-25 Record: 9-13 overall, 2-6 Portage Trail Conference. Returning Lettermen (6): Jordon Smith, sr.; Dylan Hartung, sr.; Gavin Gardner, jr.; Landon Shaffer, jr.; Noah Hopkins, jr.; Adrian Merk, jr. […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Curtis Black, 4th year, 27-44 career record. Coaching Staff: Rich Graves, Rod Moxley Jr., DJ Hickle, Will Yount, Grant Leslie. 2024-25 Record: 7-17 overall, 4-10 Suburban League American Conference. Returning Lettermen (4): Gavin Peeps, sr.; EJ Churn, sr.; Cyler Foreman, jr.; Sevyn Jones, jr. […]

The 1995-96 Field High School boys basketball team was coached by Craig Nettleton and assisted by Jim Lawson. The team roster included (left to right): Matt Wilmoth, Cameron Cleveland, Keith Watts, Chris Plute, Matt Griffith, Jay Lawson, Jason Cadwell, Jason Norman, Chad Owen, Chad Roosa, Brian Vair, Kevin Knapp.

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD SATURDAY, NOV. 29, 2025     GIRLS BASKETBALL WEDNESDAY SOUTHEAST 55, JACKSON-MILTON 33 (At Jackson-Milton) SOUTHEAST (55) — Hannah Thols 0 0-0 0; Natalie Campbell 0 3-6 3; Jenni Mix 0 0-0 0; Bella Mowery 4 1-4 9; Leah Mesaros 1 0-2 2; Lauren Metzger 0 0-0 0; Lylia Lavigna 7 0-0 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Thanksgiving is always a short week for many bowling lanes as league competitors take time off to celebrate the holiday with their families. Still, Sky Lanes had several solid scores for the week among both the youth bowlers and the adults.   SKY LANES BEST It was a very […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The 2025-26 Kent Roosevelt High School boys and girls swim and dive season preview.   THE TEAM Head Coach: Corey Spicer. Coaching Staff: Carol Bender, assistant; Justin Barzellato, assistant; Kameron MacLean, diving. 2024-25: Undefeated seasons for both the boys and girls programs at 12-0 each. Both programs also were […]

2025 OHSAA Football State Championships Designated home team listed first. All games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton.   Division II Avon (13-1) vs. Cincinnati Anderson (14-0), Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.      Rematch of last year’s Division II championship game (Avon won 20-13)      Third championship game appearance for Avon (one […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The wave of emotions that are so closely associated with season openers, where excitement meets nerves and anxiety, were all quickly turned to pure adrenaline on Friday for the Rootstown boys basketball team. So much so that it would be difficult to imagine a faster or more dominant […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Matt Hill, 1st year, 0-0 career record. Coaching Staff: Zack Smith, JV; Kevin Coleman, assistant; Jonathan Smith, 8th grade; David Ludick, 7th grade. 2024-25 Record: 17-7 overall; 10-4 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division. Returning Lettermen (4): Brandyn Bogucki, sr.; Devin Bates, jr.; Oliver […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Alex Blake, 3rd season, 13-33 career record. Coaching Staff: Nick Pollack, JV; Matt Farley, assistant; Ryan Stutzman, assistant. 2024-25 Record: 9-14 overall; 4-10 Metro Athletic Conference. Returning Lettermen (3): Joey Conroy, sr.; Sam Confer, sr.; Trevor Dixon, sr. Lettermen Lost (5): Ben Stayer, Alec […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Andrew Mertz, 1st year, 0-0 career record. Coaching Staff: Bryan Mackenzie, JV; Charlie Schweickert, freshman; Walt Bailey, assistant. 2024-25 Record: 18-5 overall, 7-1 Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division. Returning Lettermen (4): Angelo Dinardo, sr.; Joel Custer, sr.; Colton Mayle, soph.; Michael Kalista, soph. Lettermen […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Cody Calhoun, 8th year, 56-104 career record. Coaching Staff: Tim Keyes, Austin Nupp, Jay Gerrick. 2024-25 Record: 8-15 overall, 4-10 Suburban League. Returning Lettermen (6): Luke Bonnette, sr.; Nate Davis, sr.; Josh Harrell, sr.; Johnny Trivisonno, sr.; Gui Goedert, jr.; Luke Hilditch, jr. Lettermen […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Craig Foreman, 20th year, 192-232 career record. Coaching Staff: Kate Swango, Jeremy Bish, Jaclyn Mahoney. 2024-25 Record: 13-11 overall, 6-8 Suburban League American Conference. Returning Letterwinners (6): Mahlia Friedman, Brooklynn Frank, Grace Schoenberger, Maggie Pazderak, Claire VanDamme, Lindsay Wills. Letterwinners Lost (4): Julia Nash, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Field High School’s John Misenko, who is a Social Studies […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Windham High School announced Wednesday it will move to 8-man football effective immediately for the 2026 season. The Bombers are the newest members of the Northern 8 Football Conference, which was formed in 2020 and is sponsored by the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association. “Our overall male enrollment […]

By George Belden Portage Sports Historian Contributor Once again, Windham is ahead of the curve in football. The Bombers are stepping into new territory — not unfamiliar ground for a school that has reinvented the game before. Windham is going to start playing 8-man football next season, a format designed for smaller schools that want […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Communities thrive for many reasons, but without question, at the top of the list would be the time, effort and enthusiasm provided by volunteers. The people who step forward to help simply because they want to. Because they care. In some cases, they step forward because nobody else will. […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Jim Collins, 8th year, 44-152 career record. Coaching Staff: Tyler Collins, Larry Jones, Adam Smithley. 2024-25 Record: 4-19 overall. Returning Letterwinners (6): Skyler Bailey, sr.; Brielle Jones, sr.; Makenzi Blockinger, jr.; Kierrah Sanders, soph.; Makenna Jones, soph.; Hannah Silver, soph. Letterwinners Lost: None. League: […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Nicole Lewis, 1st year, 0-0 career record. Coaching Staff: Becky Goodyear, Abby Mazur. 2024-25 Record: No varsity team. Returning Letterwinners: None. Letterwinners Lost: None. League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Division.     TEAM OUTLOOK Waterloo girls basketball is back. After a two-year hiatus, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Carl Singer, 11th year, 147-98 career record. Coaching Staff: Ira Campbell, Bryan Bedford, Kevin Kukla, Scott Clark. 2024-25 Record: 23-5 overall, 14-0 Metro Athletic Conference, Division IV regional finalist. Returning Letterwinners (6): Carlee Bedford, sr.; Olivia Johnson-Wilson, sr.; Ava Bodovetz, sr.; Claire Campbell, sr.; […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Ashley Callihan, 3rd year, 26-21 career record. Coaching Staff: Mike Stiles, Rachel Neer, Brooke Kline. 2024-25 Record: 16-7 overall, 11-3 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference. Returning Letterwinners (8): Bailey Morris, sr.; Alaina Hutson, sr.; Jenna Canale, jr.; Cali McPeak, jr.; Natalie Campbell, soph.; Lylia Lavigna, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor THE TEAM Head Coach: Joe Leonard, 6th year, 79-34 career record. Coaching Staff: Brian Layton, Mike Fillmore, Lexi Roshon. 2024-25 Record: 27-2 overall, 7-0 Portage Trail Conference, Division VI state runner-up. Returning Letterwinners (5): Colbie Curall, sr.; Cloe Bengston, sr.; Elliott Smallfield, jr.; Sophi Smith, jr.; Mia Damicone, jr.; […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, NOV. 25, 2025     GIRLS BASKETBALL AURORA 68, SOLON 51 (At Aurora) SOLON (51) — Sullins-Burke 1 2-2 4; Blackford 8 3-4 22; Gaiter-Davis 2 3-4 8; Maddox 3 0-0 6; Kormuth 2 3-4 7; Steiner-Phillips 2 0-0 4. Totals 18 11-14 51. AURORA (68) — Kaleigh Rogonjic 1 2-2 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: DaVante McKinney, 1st year, 0-0 career record. Coaching Staff: Taylor Coia, Lauren Calhoun, William Calhoun. 2024-25 Record: 5-18 overall; 2-12 Metro Athletic Conference. Returning Letterwinners (4): Miriyha Saidfer, sr.; Jalysia Thompson,sr.; Jeilany Malave, sr.; Alanna Casteel, soph. Letterwinners Lost (0). League: Metro Athletic Conference. […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Jennifer Ritch, 12th year, 136-127 career record. Coaching Staff: Bill Ritch, varsity assistant; Ann Murphy, JV; Mike Murphy, assistant; Ashley Jarvis, middle school; Amelia Morris, middle school. 2024-25 Record: 23-5 overall; 4-4 Portage Trail Conference; Division VII State Semifinalist. Returning Letterwinners (9): Eden Cameron, […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, NOV. 24, 2025     BOYS BOWLING FIELD 2,213; COVENTRY 2,122 (At Kent Lanes, Kent) FIELD (2,213): Peyton Hover 183-212 395, Joseph Dilworth 149-154 303, Kalel Holmes 172-199 371, Tristan Reuting 168-157 325, Brayden Burnette 150, Benny Frampton 165. GAMES: 822-887 1,709; BAKER: 170-180-159 509. COVENTRY (2,122): Austin Rose 139-148 287, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: Aaron Gilbert, 22nd year (19th at Garfield); 292-198 career record (251-175 at Garfield). Coaching Staff: Andy Cardinal, Erica Jarvis. 2024-25 Record: 9-14 overall, 8-6 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference. Returning Letterwinners (7): Mandy Cardinal, sr.; Kaelyn Tasker, sr.; Riley Grace, sr.; Charlee Hill, jr.; Kylene […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor THE TEAM Head Coach: John Misenko, Jr., 10th year (4th year at Field), 131-85 career record (41-31 at Field). Coaching Staff: Mariah Siedler, varsity assistant; Tessa Ludwick, JV. 2024-25 Record: 16-9 overall, 11-3 Metro Athletic Conference. Returning Letterwinners (4): Nema McAmis, sr.; Morgan Stoicoiu, sr.; Audrey Richmond, soph.; Peyton […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Head Coach: T.J. Henderson, 5th year, 47-48 career record. Coaching Staff: Tom Henderson, Ashley Foulkes. 2024-25 Record: 18-7 overall record; 8-0 Chagrin Valley Conference. Returning Letterwinners (5): Becca Brady, Liv Martini, Piper Seibold, Madie Grace Gonczy, Ava Lincoln. Letterwinners Lost (5): Hannah Ward, Maddie Dustman, Abby […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor THE TEAM Head Coach: Erika Greenberg, 18th year, 224-156 career record. Coaching Staff: Matt Witting, assistant; Ryan O’Donnell, JV. 2024-25 Record: 11-13 overall, 5-9 Suburban League American Conference. Returning Letterwinners (7): Addison Witting, sr.; Brooke Pierce, sr.; Autumn Eichenhauer, sr.; Jillian Monastero, jr.; Abbey Feckner, jr.; Caitlyn Pierce, soph.; […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Member schools of the Ohio High School Athletic Association have voted in favor of an emergency bylaw referendum on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), making Ohio the 45th state to allow NIL at the high school level. The voting period ended last Friday afternoon, November 21, with the final […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The 2025 high school football season is now officially over. The last Portage County team standing, Mogadore, was eliminated on Friday in a Division VII regional final to McDonald, 42-21. The Wildcats’ senior class went 38-12 in their four-year careers, including three league championships and nine playoff victories. […]

OHSAA Football State Semifinal Playoff Pairings All games on Friday, November 28, at 7 p.m.   Designated home team listed first. Winner of first game listed in pairings will be designated home team in state championship game. State championship games December 4-6 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton Division I Middletown (11-2) vs. […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Ravenna Ravens hosted a girls bowling tournament at Spins Bowl to start the bowling season with 28 teams competing. When the final pin had dropped in the final round, the Rootstown Rovers earned second place, losing only to Mentor in the bracketed second round. The Rovers’ Baker games […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   SPINS BOWL LEAGUE LEADERS The best in the leagues rolling off at Spins Bowl this week included Eric Bollinger and Betsy Mako in the KSU Faculty Staff as Eric rolled a 558 series with a 216 high game and Betsy Mako grabbed the top spot among the women, rolling […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD SATURDAY, NOV. 22, 2025   GIRLS BOWLING THURSDAY SOUTHEAST 1,523; CHAMPION 1,427 (At Spins Bowl, Kent) SOUTHEAST (1,523): Emily Morrison.152-125 277,  Emma Smith 163-137 300, Lizzie Mix 99-126 225, Sarah Craver 127-108 235, Makayla Diehl 115, Penelope Sutliff 85. GAMES 626-611 1,237; BAKER 120-135-101 356. CHAMPION (1,427): Marley Preston 109-81 190, Abby […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent   Mogadore’s 2025 football season ended on Friday when the Wildcats ran into an undefeated McDonald team that seems to be peaking at exactly the right time. “Hats off to them,” said Mogadore head coach Matt Adorni following his team’s 42-21 loss to McDonald in the Division VII, Region 25 Regional […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   On Friday’s girls basketball opening night, the final numbers on the scoreboard inside Waterloo’s Fred Brookover Gymnasium told one story: Campbell Memorial 26, Waterloo 13. They weren’t the only numbers of significance, though. For the Vikings, there was another story. An important one: It was the program’s first […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, NOV. 21, 2025   GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMPBELL MEMORIAL 26, WATERLOO 13 (At Waterloo) CAMPBELL MEMORIAL (26) —Mileesa Williams 1 0-0 2; Nani Rodriguez 0 4-10 4; Yaleiska Diaz 3 0-4 6; Rayona Floyd Brown 3 0-2 6; Mya Desantis 0 0-0 0; Le’Asia Miller 1 0-6 2; Arianna Gonzalez 1 2-4 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association All-Northeast Inland District football teams honor the top high school players from parts of Ashland, Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties. Players are listed with their school, height, weight and year.   2025 All-Northeast Inland District Football Team DIVISION […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, NOV. 18, 2025 BOYS BOWLING KENT ROOSEVELT 2,193; CUYAHOGA FALLS 995 (At Kent Lanes, Kent) KENT ROOSEFELT (2,198): Joey Impiccini 131-157-288, Tayden Bailey 202, Braden Latocki 2-6=162 367, Bernie Rosenberg 169, Colden Prater 164, Eli Logsdon 225-184 409, Sub game 139. BAKER: 156-151-148 455. CUYAHOGA FALLS (995): Jonathan Rosch 213-246-459, Ben […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The high school girls bowling preview for Portage County for the 2025-26 season.   FIELD FALCONS COACH: Beth Dyer, Michele Belknap CONFERENCE: Metro Athletic Conference HOME LANES: Kent Lanes, Kent LAST SEASON: 5-9 record RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Makayla Doak, Allison Hinkle, Melinda Walker, Audriana Flores Soler. BOWLERS TO WATCH: Makayla […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The high school boys bowling preview for Portage County for the 2025-26 season.   CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS COACH: Annette and Bruce Thompson, head coaches CONFERENCE: Chagrin Valley Conference HOME LANES: Sky Lanes, Garrettsville 13TH FRAME: Crestwood will have one team this season with both boys and girls as they […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Kent Roosevelt graduate Noah Haislah (Class of 2014) recently won an Emmy as the Producer of the docu-series “Three Sixty Two.” Haislah was a multisport lettermen during his prep career for the Rough Riders, playing football and lacrosse. Three Sixty Two tells the story of the University of […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The high school bowling season is officially here as teams in eight schools sponsor the sport in Portage County. Those eight schools — seven with both boys and girls bowling teams and Southeast hosting a girls team — are spread among four conferences to compete for league honors, individual […]

OHSAA Football Regional Final Playoff Pairings Pairings shown with regional seed. All games on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m.   Division I Region 1 No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward (10-2) vs. No. 2 Mentor (12-0) at Parma Byers Field at Robert Boulton Stadium Region 2 No. 1 Middletown (10-2) vs. No. 6 Huber Heights […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   With the high school bowling just getting started, preseason tournaments are leading off conference schedules. Both the Metro Athletic Conference and the Suburban League held their preseason tournaments on Saturday. At the Suburban event, the Wadsworth boys and girls swept the titles, while the Norton girls and Woodridge boys […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Mark Ruediger rolled a 300 game in the Garden Spot League at Spins Bowl on his way to a 736 high series. It was Brody Justice grabbing the top of the leaderboard for high series, a 790, including a 289 high game, good for second place behind Ruediger. Concluding […]

The 1921 Kent Central High School boys basketball team. Portage Sports is seeking any additional information about this team, including player names, season results and more. Please reach out to Tom Nader at tomnader@portagesports.com if you have more information about this team. Thank you!

By Phil Keren Correspondent   Mogadore head coach Matt Adorni wanted his team to bust through the starting gate and seize the momentum quickly in their Division VII Region 25 Regional Semifinal game against East Canton on Friday. He got his wish, thanks to senior running back Conner Lehner. Lehner returned the opening kickoff 34 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The 2025 Portage Sports High School Boys Basketball Preview Night was hosted at Waterloo High School on Thursday. The event featured 10 teams playing two quarters as a featured showcase ahead of the official start to the 2025-26 regular season. The schedule of games included: Mogadore vs. Streetsboro […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS ACES Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 75 Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 65 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 61 Emma Butler, Mogadore, 60 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 53 Gracie Shull, Mogadore, 52 Tenley Korosec, Garfield, 51 Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 49 Mackenzie Irvin, Ravenna, 48 Caleigh Docherty, Field, 47 Isabell McKenna, Waterloo, 46 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 43 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   When Aurora High School volleyball coach Katie Cicione described the 2025 season, she appropriately said that the team’s regional tournament berth “completely changed the landscape” of the program. It is a program absolutely on an upswing. The Greenmen won the school’s second-ever league championship this season, won its […]

The 1974 Windham Bombers football team finished the season with a 9-0-1 overall record. The team was coached by legendary Stan Parrish, who famously went on to a storied coaching career in the college ranks. Parrish was an assistant at Windham from 1969-71, then took over the program as the head coach in 1972, with […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS GOALS Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 31 Nathan Fulks, Field, 25 Jordan West, Aurora, 22 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 21 Mason Biltz, Waterloo, 20 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 19 Mitchell Adams, Field, 16 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 15 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 14 Cedric Martin, Field, 13 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 12 Garrett Clites, Waterloo, 12 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Addison Hovey, Woodridge, junior COACH OF THE YEAR Kaitlyn Solymosi, Woodridge Phil Seenes, Norton FIRST TEAM Addison Honey, Woodridge, junior Mallory Sterba, Ravenna, senior Ava Perry, Norton, junior Claire Gregory, Woodridge, senior Bella Smole, Woodridge, senior […]

OHSAA Football Regional Semifinal Playoff Pairings Pairings shown with regional seed. All games on Friday, November 14, at 7 p.m., unless indicated otherwise.   Division I Region 1 No. 4 Toledo Whitmer (9-2) at No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward (9-2) No. 3 Canton McKinley (9-2) at No. 2 Mentor (11-0) Region 2 No. 5 Springfield […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   300 RING PRESENTATION Billy Potteiger received the ring from USBC recognizing his 300 game bowled at Sky Lanes on Sept. 18. On hand for the presentation was Shawna Laubert Potteiger, his mom, and Ann Laubert, his grandmother. The entire Laubert family is part of a USBC Oddity Record that […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL DIVISION VII REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL MOGADORE 54, EAST PALESTINE 7 (At Veteran Stadium, Mogadore) EAST PALESTINE 0-0-0-7—7 MOGADORE 35-19-0-0—54 SCORING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER MOG — Lehner 69 run (Pendergast kick) MOG — Lehner 73 run (Pendergast kick) MOG — Hendrickson 29 pass from Smith (Pendergast kick) MOG — Smith 21 run (Pendergast kick) […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Moments after the pep band finished playing its customary postgame performance of the Garfield G-Men alma mater, with the football team standing at attention, football head coach Mike Moser turned around and let out a bit of a sigh. “Phew, that was a lot of fun,” he said. […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The 2025 Portage Sports High School Girls Basketball Preview Night was hosted at Waterloo High School on Thursday. The event featured 12 teams playing two quarters as a featured showcase ahead of the official start of the 2025-2026 regular season. The schedule of games included: Waterloo vs. Windham Southeast […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   The Sweet Sixteen. It has a nice ring to it. The Aurora volleyball team had never been to the regional level before. That changed on Oct. 23 when the eighth-seeded Greenmen won their first-ever Division III district championship with a thrilling 25-23, 21-25, 25-16, 25-21 victory over second-seeded Padua Franciscan […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   It is a feeling. A special one. One that Matt Adorni has a difficult time describing. Probably because it has been such a natural part of his life, incredibly, for more than four decades. The feeling of football. The weather and smells, the familiar sounds on and off […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Buddy Willig, Norton, senior DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Markus Brown, Norton, senior LINEMAN OF THE YEAR Arthur Scott III, Streetsboro, senior COACH OF THE YEAR Glen Kruger, Norton FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Trey Kersten, Norton, quarterback, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   THEY ARE PERFECT In the Perfect Fit Trio League, both Josh Flachbart and Shawn Bolyard lived up to the league’s namesake as they each rolled 300 games during league competition. Bolyard went on to earn high-series honors, 1,012 as Flachbart finished with a 973 series. Ron Elwood also joined […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   As a high-school senior student-athlete, they sometimes can forget the immediate impact that you have on the young eyes who are watching your every move. And they are always watching a lot more than they think. How hard they play. How they respect their teammates, coaches, officials and […]

OHSAA Football Regional Quarterfinal Playoff Pairings Pairings shown with regional seed. All games on Friday, November 7, at 7 p.m., unless indicated otherwise.   Division I Region 1 No. 8 Berea-Midpark (7-4) at No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward (8-2) No. 7 Massillon Jackson (6-5) at No. 2 Mentor (10-0) No. 11 Medina (4-7) at No. […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The Aurora and Rootstown boys soccer teams will both play in OHSAA regional championships on Sunday. Both games will begin at 2 p.m. and both teams earned their berth into the regional final by way of thrilling shootout victories. Here is a preview look at each game. DIVISION V […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE RUNNER OF THE YEAR Ben LeBay, Woodridge, senior COACH OF THE YEAR Jeff Howard, Woodridge FIRST TEAM Ben LeBay, Woodridge, senior John Brock, Woodridge, junior Caleb Neville, Cloverleaf, senior Atticus Sloan, Woodridge, senior Xavier Griffiths, Woodridge, senior Remington Griffiths, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   All football teams are built to adopt the “next man up” mentality, but few teams have had to experience it to the degree that the Streetsboro Rockets have this season. Injuries have riddled the roster since Week 1, crippling the team’s ability to create sustained momentum with any […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE RUNNER OF THE YEAR Lola Mullen, Woodridge, junior COACH OF THE YEAR Jeff Howard, Woodridge FIRST TEAM Lola Mullen, Woodridge, junior Lillian Singer, Woodridge, junior Leah Monhemius, Cloverleaf, freshman Alison Church, Field, freshman Becky Adame, Woodridge, sophomore JaJa Rosario-Johnson, […]

The 1979 Ravenna High School football team finished the season with a 9-1 overall record. The team’s week-by-week results included: Struthers 31-14 Cleveland Lincoln-West 51-12 Salem 27-0 Kent Roosevelt 46-22 Stow 32-6 Nordonia 6-13 GlenOak 31-12 Tallmadge 40-7 Cuyahoga Falls 10-7 Springfield 20-13 The team was coached by Joe Leigh (kneeling), along with assistants (left […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Ten weeks were not enough to crown a champion in the 2025 Portage Sports Pigskin Picks competition. After picking 110 games, Jim Manion and Tom Rauber finished the regular season with an identical 94-16 records. It has set up a Week 11 playoff showdown between the two, with […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Lily Flohr, Norton, junior DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR Breanna Ruggiero, Springfield, senior COACH OF THE YEAR Leslie Flohr, Norton FIRST TEAM Lily Flohr, Norton, junior Breanna Ruggiero, Springfield, senior Haley Sanderson, Norton, junior Alivia Goff, Norton, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Addison Mrakovich, Streetsboro, senior COACH OF THE YEAR Ryan Willard, Streetsboro FIRST TEAM Addison Mrakovich, Streetsboro, senior Stella Bennett, Cloverleaf, junior Samiah Thompson, Norton, senior Greta Klingensmith, Woodridge, sophomore Sara Koyan, Streetsboro, junior Kayla Schook, Cloverleaf, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Nathan Fulks, Field, junior COACH OF THE YEAR Evan Young, Field FIRST TEAM Nathan Fulks, Field, junior Gabe Jurmanovich, Springfield, junior Preston Krzeminski, Streetsboro, freshman Omar Leon, Springfield, senior Brodey Adams, Cloverleaf, senior Colton Gergon, Norton, […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Kent Roosevelt’s 2-0 halftime lead quickly turned into a 4-0 advantage with two goals in the opening minute of the second half as the Kent Roosevelt girls soccer team triumphed 7-1 Oct. 21 at home over Lakewood in a Division II district semifinal. “After we scored our two first-half goals,” […]

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GOLF 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE GOLFER OF THE YEAR Quinn Malarkey, Cloverleaf, junior COACH OF THE YEAR Kevin Hanna, Springfield Grace May, Cloverleaf FIRST TEAM Quinn Malarkey, Clovrleaf, junior Maclaine Bell, Cloverleaf, junior Lily Headley, Springfield, junior Kylee MacDonald, Springfield, junior Sarah Czirok, Streetsboro, senior Arianna Jacobs, Streetsboro, junior Abby Collins, Norton, […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS GOLF 2025 ALL-METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE  GOLFER OF THE YEAR Braden Gunter, Norton, sophomore COACH OF THE YEAR Mike McGee, Cloverleaf FIRST TEAM Braden Gunter, Norton, sophomore Nathan Vorthong, Springfield, freshman Brett Epple, Streetsboro, senior Zane Schreck, Cloverleaf, junior Jayden Huskins, Field, senior Dominic Marcini, Streetsboro, senior Joey Conroy, Field, senior SECOND TEAM […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Rootstown High School boys soccer team’s thrilling 1-0 district-championship victory over Kirtland on Saturday also included some history. The win was the 250th at Rootstown for head coach Charlie Voth during his 25-year career with the Rovers. Voth is the winningest coach in Portage County boys soccer […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   This is the final Par for the Course of 2025, but it certainly does not mean the golf season has concluded. A look at the calendar findfs three tournaments still scheduled for competition in November. Several golf courses remain open throughout the winter, weather permitting, but a call ahead […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer An exciting golf season has come to a close with just a few items to check off the calendar, including athletes making their all-league teams, earning honors from their coaches and athletic departments and either seniors preparing to play golf in college or underclassmen looking forward to the 2026 season. […]

OHSAA Football First Round Playoff Pairings Pairings shown with regional seed. All games on Friday, October 31, at 7 p.m., unless indicated otherwise.   Division I Region 1 No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward (8-2), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 8 vs. No. 9 No. 2 Mentor (10-0), first-round bye, hosts winner of No. 7 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer     Jeremy Knight of Streetsboro, bowling in the Perfect Fit Trio League at Spins Bowl, fired his first 300 game on his way to a 1,067 series. Knight has often been spotted on the pages of Portage Sports for his golf game, but having recently taken up bowling, the […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Field’s 19-play game-winning drive during Friday’s third quarter carried a lot of parallels to the team’s regular season. It looked good at times and failed other times, introduced some adversity throughout, but ultimately never broke the Falcons. When the perseverance paid off on Friday, it resulted in a 1-yard […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Ten weeks certainly have a way of flying by. The 2025 high school football campaign’s regular-season finale kicks off tonight. It has been another special season, with many special memories created for programs across Portage County. Thank you, Mother Nature, for helping make our Friday nights such a beautiful […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 130-1,309 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 154-1,176 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 125-1,014 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 147-1,004 Joe Sharish, Southeast 170-886 Xavier Board, Aurora 146-812 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 60-681 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 53-649 Victor Brown, Field 94-589 Keyshawne Anderson, Waterloo 51-581 Marcus Council, Streetsboro 57-566 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The moment of truth. Week 10. And a champion could be crowned following tonight’s results. Here is the scenario: Jim Manion enters tonight’s games with a one-game lead over Tom Rauber. Manion is 85-14 after nine weeks and Rauber is right behind him at 84-15. In review of the […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Ohio High School Athletic Association’s emergency bylaw referendum vote on Name, Image and Likeness was announced as Nov. 17-21 for member schools to cast their votes. The announcement was made on Thursday by the OHSAA following a Board of Directors meeting. Additionally, the Board of Directors finalized […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Field controlled the game from start to finish Oct. 15 in a Division IV sectional final at home against Fairview Park Fairview. The halftime score of 1-1 was not indicative of that, however. “We started off a little bit slow, but then 15 to 20 minutes into the game we […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   The Aurora boys soccer team is on fire. The fourth-ranked team in the state in Division III is on a 17-game unbeaten streak since losing 3-2 to Strongsville in the season opener. Since then, the Greenmen are 14-0-3 heading into Thursday’s Division III district semifinal at 7 p.m. at home […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS GOALS Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 28 Nathan Fulks, Field, 25 Mason Biltz, Waterloo, 20 Jordan West, Aurora, 16 Mitchell Adams, Field, 16 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 16 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 15 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 14 Cedric Martin, Field, 13 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 13 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 12 Garrett Clites, Waterloo, 12 […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22, 2025 ACES Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 74 Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 65 Emma Butler, Mogadore, 60 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 60 Gracie Shull, Mogadore, 52 Tenley Korosec, Garfield, 51 Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 49 Mackenzie Irvin, Ravenna, 48 Caleigh Docherty, Field, 47 Isabell McKenna, Waterloo, 46 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 43 Lily […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday that it will hold an emergency referendum vote regarding Name, Image and Likeness within the next 45 days. The specific voting date by member schools will be set at Thursday’s OHSAA Board of Directors meeting. The meeting will also outline […]

The Ohio High School Athletic Association released the official football computer ratings on Tuesday. The weekly ratings are released each Tuesday, leading up to the final report this coming Sunday, October 26, when the top 12 in each region will qualify for the playoffs. The top 16 schools in each region are listed below OHSAA […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor You know you are doing special things when you are given the nickname “The Beast.” That nickname belongs to Aurora senior Nathan Eminian. He has had a sensational season, including setting a new personal record time of 15:46.30 earlier this season, will run for possible regional qualification at the […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The high school golf season is over. Portage County celebrated one team playing at the final tournament on the final day. The Mogadore boys were one of only 12 teams in the entire state to advance to the OHSAA’s Division III state championship held at North Star Golf Course […]

WEEK 9 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, OCT. 17, 2025 SCORES Streetsboro 38, Field 6 Aurora 42, Kent Roosevelt 14 Ravenna 41, Coventry 0 Crestview 42, Garfield 20 Mogadore 33, St. Thomas Aquinas 0 Lowellville 40, Waterloo 14 Kirtland 40, Crestwood 0 Chagrin Falls 31, Rootstown 24 LaBrae 42, Southeast 28 Richmond Heights 36, Windham […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   KRYCH’S SPORTS CARDS VICTORIOUS The Krych’s Sports Cards team at Sky Lanes was the champion of the Friday Mix League’s first quarter. Members of the team include Brian Long, Chris McCarty, Dan Martin, Cody Coburn, Chris Dietz, Bill Coburn, Nate Williams, Mike Zerucha and Scott Lohr.   GETTING STARTED […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer The Fairways at Twin Lakes in Kent has added an event that everyone can play as the season winds down. On Nov. 15, Fairways will host a morning session and afternoon session four-person scramble with everyone playing nine holes. Harold’s Revenge allows the superintendent to make a tough golf course […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Considering the circumstances, Pete Thompson described Friday’s halftime locker room as uncharacteristically calm. He had just watched his team be outplayed for 24 minutes by the visiting Field Falcons, who competed with a hungry fire and well-executed games,an, despite entering as the underdog. Thompson conceded that the Falcons won […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent   When your team loses by 22 points, it’s sometimes to hard to find the silver lining. But Garfield head coach Mike Moser found some bright spots in his squad’s 42-20 loss to undefeated Crestview on Friday night. Trailing 35-6 late in the third quarter, the G-Men mounted a resilient comeback […]

The 1987-88 Field High School girls basketball team was coached by Richard Flick and the team included— Front row from left to right: Cindy McLaughlin, Nikki Quotson, Rita Demboski, Michelle Hunt. Back row left to right: Coach Flick, Monica Albertoni, Pam Horning, Tanya Pruszynski, Michelle Saal, Tina Wise, Shawn Reynolds.

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Garrettsville will be buzzing tonight. The G-Men host the Crestview Rebels in a game that has large consequences on the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division’s championship. Both Garfield and Crestview enter the game with undefeated 5-0 league records. The Rebels haven’t been beat all year, a perfect […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The top two tied atop the standings — Jim Manion and Tom Rauber — stayed on pace with each other with undefeated 11-0 records last week. Now, just two weeks of picks remain to crown the champion of the season. Overall, Manion and Rauber share 76-13 overall records. Brian […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 117-1,213 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 147-1,004 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 116-987 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 131-980 Joe Sharish, Southeast 140-750 Xavier Board, Aurora 132-700 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 49-644 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 54-643 Victor Brown, Field 94-589 Keyshawne Anderson, Waterloo 51-581 Marcus Council, Streetsboro 51-482 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Wednesday that a lawsuit had been filed against it in Franklin County, which is located in Central Ohio, to allow high school student-athletes to be compensated for their name, image and likeness (NIL). The OHSAA said that the lawsuit could result […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent Aurora cruised to a 25-10, 25-9, 25-11 triumph Oct. 9 at home over Suburban League American Conference foe Barberton. The win not only came by ease — the bench was cleared — it was crucial too, for it upped the Greenmen’s conference record to 12-2, securing a tie with Highland for […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2025 GOALS Nathan Fulks, Field, 25 Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 25 Jordan West, Aurora, 16 Mitchell Adams, Field, 16 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 16 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 15 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 14 Cedric Martin, Field, 13 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 13 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 12 Ethan Flores-Soler, Field, 10 […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2025 ACES Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 65 Emma Butler, Mogadore, 60 Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 58 Gracie Shull, Mogadore, 52 Tenley Korosec, Garfield, 51 Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 49 Mackenzie Irvin, Ravenna, 48 Caleigh Docherty, Field, 47 Isabell McKenna, Waterloo, 46 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 44 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 43 Lily […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Imagine knowing you are the top 12 in anything. The Mogadore team has that wonderful knowledge as the varsity golf team advanced to the OHSAA Division III State Tournament, working their way through the sectional and district to finish 12th in the state tournament at North Star Golf Course […]

OHSAA PLAYOFF COMPUTER RATINGS Top 12 schools in each region in the final report on October 26 qualify for the playoffs. Top four seeds get a first-round bye. Top 16 schools in each region shown below. Division I Region 1 – 1. Mentor (8-0) 22.725, 2. Lakewood St. Edward (7-1) 22.3355, 3. Canton McKinley (7-1) […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Mogadore High School hosted the annual Northeast Ohio Youth Football League’s cheerleading competition on Sept. 27. Here are the results: VARSITY Overall Championship: Field Falcons (Mogadore 2nd, Springfield 3rd). Jump-Off Champion: Madden Malone, Mogadore (Addison Vanderink, Field, 2nd; Kacey Boston, Rootstown, 3rd). Most Creative: Rootstown Rovers. Best Facials: Crestwood […]

By Susan Junior Staff Writer   The Mogadore Wildcats competed in the first day of the OHSAA’s Division III State Championship at North Star Golf Club in Sunbury after advancing from the northeast district to the top-12 teams in the state. After the first day of competition, Mogadore sits in 10th place. “It was such […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Golfers from both Aurora and Kent have played at Tanglewood Golf Club in Chagrin Falls recently, competing in the Suburban League final tournament of four and the OHSAA D1 Girls District event. The course is owned by Matt Creech, a member of the Northern Ohio PGA and also the […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Portage County USBC have posted their first tournaments sponsored by the association of the season. The Second Annual Youth Open will be held at Spins Bowl in Kent on Oct. 26 beginning at 10 a.m. The Junior-Senior Trio is set to roll-off at Kent Lanes on Nov. 9 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The final OHSAA State Tournament is scheduled for Monday (today) and Tuesday at North Star Golf Club in Sunbury. It’s the Division III boys state championship and the Mogadore Wildcats are there, ready to complete their season in the same style they played it: With confidence and success. Mogadore […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD WEEK 8 FRIDAY, OCT. 10, 2025   SCORES Western Reserve 47, Waterloo 0 Streetsboro 49, Ravenna 3 Highland 51, Kent Roosevelt 7 Wickliffe 27, Rootstown 20 Aurora 37, Tallmadge 0 Berkshire 36, Crestwood 8 Garfield 56, Newton Falls 0 Brookfield 44, Southeast 20 Pymatuning Valley 44, Windham 0 Mogadore 42, Collinwood […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent   Aurora entered this season with a much younger team than the one that made it to the regional semifinals last year. After graduating 23 seniors who were 22-4 during their final two years wearing the green and white, Aurora (4-4) has experienced plenty of ups and downs during the 2025 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Streetsboro football head coach Pete Thompson has watched Kyle Giacomo develop as a player ever week this season. On Friday, that trend not only continued, but it reached a new level. During a second-quarter timeout, as the Rockets discussed their next play call, Giacomo had a question for […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Kent Roosevelt girls golf team enjoyed a successful season, but fell just short of clinching a trip to the OHSAA’s state championship. The Rough Riders fired a 356 team score, competing in the talented field at the Tanglewood Division I District that included top-four qualifiers Magnificat, Walsh Jesuit, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Garfield head coach Mike Moser followed up the 100th win of his career in Week 6, with one of the most thrilling victories of his career in Week 7. The final score: 35-34. Garfield over Liberty at Liberty. Hidden behind the result is the fact that the G-Men […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Nine competitors posted perfect 11-0 records last week. One of those with a set of flawless picks was Tom Rauber, who used it to jump into a first-place tie with Jim Manion atop the standings. Manion went 10-1, allowing Rauber to close the narrow-one game gap. Both are now […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 114-1,078 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 103-939 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 112-862 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 127-849 Joe Sharish, Southeast 129-714 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 45-592 Keyshawne Anderson, Waterloo 51-581 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 48-574 Victor Brown, Field 86-547 Xavier Board, Aurora 111-534 Gavin Peeps, Kent Roosevelt […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8, 2025   VOLLEYBALL GARFIELD DEF. SOUTHEAST, 25-19, 25-17, 25-13 (At Garfield) GARFIELD — Charlee Hill, 10 kills; Lola Lake, 8 kills; Mandy Cardinal, 7 kills; Reese Shirkey, 13 assists; Tenley Korosec, 17 assists; Lily Shay, 14 digs.   TUESDAY WATERLOO DEF. SEBRING MCKINLEY, 25-17, 25-17, 25-9 (At Waterloo) WATERLOO […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Head coach Aaron Gilbert knew his Garfield team was going up against a powerhouse Oct. 6 at home against Youngstown Cardinal Mooney. The G-Men put up a gallant fight, but lost 3-0. They slipped to 7-7-1 but still have improved markedly from last year when they finished 3-13-1. “It was […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Waterloo’s 2-2 tie Oct. 2 at home with Canton Central Catholic — a game in which the Crusaders tied the score with but 5 minutes left in the game — left a sour taste in the Vikings players’ mouths. Pity Newton Falls, Waterloo’s next opponent two days later on Oct. […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 ACES Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 65 Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 58 Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 49 Isabell McKenna, Waterloo, 46 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 44 Kristlyn Kehrer, Waterloo, 42 Ella Hayn, Rootstown, 41 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 39 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 39 Tenley Korosec, Garfield, 37 Lily Shay, Garfield, 33 Kylie […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS GOALS Nathan Fulks, Field, 25 Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 21 Jordan West, Aurora, 16 Mitchell Adams, Field, 16 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 15 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 14 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 14 Cedric Martin, Field, 13 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 12 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 10 Ethan Flores-Soler, Field, 10 Ryder Miller, Crestwood, 9 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Rootstown boys soccer team set a simple and clear philosophy for the 2025 season: Always work hard no matter what. It is not a new theory. In fact, it is a belief that all teams, regardless of sport, season or age group, desire to live within. For […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Southeast High School’s Linda Smith, who is the Gifted Intervention […]

OHSAA Football Computer Ratings Oct. 7, 2025 (Entering Week 8) Top 12 schools in each region in the final report on October 26 qualify for the playoffs. Top four seeds get a first-round bye. Top 16 schools in each region shown below. Division I Region 1 – 1. Mentor (7-0) 19.6786, 2. Lakewood St. Edward […]

The 1978 Rootstown Rens youth varsity football team included: PLAYERS Ted Mathia, Jeff Hanzel, Ron Myers, Clarence Warner, Marvin Dukes, Jeff Jordan, Herb Erickson, Charles Majors, Scott Middleton, Rob Crookston, Joe Smalls, Dave Spellman, Larry Howley, Rich Wadsworth, Ricky Gilbert, Dan Huth, Mike Olson, Mike Sorboro, Melvin Dukes, Theron Tompson, Clark Bookman, Isiah Washington. FOOTBALL […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Mogadore Wildcats arrived at the Monday’s Division III district tournament ready to compete at the Tanglewood Golf Club in Alliance. Fact is, they didn’t just show up to compete against the best teams in the district, they played well. Very well. When the final Wildcat had turned in […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, OCT. 6, 2025   GIRLS SOCCER SATURDAY WATERLOO 9, NEWTON FALLS 1 (At Waterloo) Halftime: Waterloo, 5-0. Goals: (W) Alexis Henry 5, Koralee Jenior 1, Nora Roberts 1, Bayley English 1. Assists: (W) Jenior 3, English 2, Wiles 2, Guth 1. Shots on Goal: Waterloo, 23-1. Corner Kicks: Waterloo, 4-2. Goalkeepers/Saves: […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Saturday was full of celebrations for the Waterloo girls soccer team. First, the team dominated Newton Falls for a 9-1 win. Secondly, it was head coach Bill Jackson’s 50th win of his career. An accomplishment he achieved in just four years. Thirdly, and most notably, the Vikings celebrated […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   And then there were two. It has been an amazing season for high-school golf in Portage County:    • Four teams won conference championships    • Individuals and teams broke school records    • Teams and individuals advanced in the postseason After the many successes, there are now two […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   High school bowling is just a glance away as the first day for coaching is Oct. 31 and the season begins Nov. 13. The Garfield G-Men, Ravenna Ravens and Rootstown Rovers not only host high school boys and girls teams that are talented, they also host high school tournaments […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Foursomes filled Olde Dutch Mill in Lake Milton for the Chubbs Peterson Memorial Golf Outing inspired by Happy Gilmore. In addition go straight golf, competitors putt the ball with hockey sticks and hit drives as they run to the ball. Many were dressed in costume representing golfers and characters […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   After a decisive opening drive that resulted in an early first-quarter touchdown and 7-0 lead for Rootstown, the Rovers’ offense went dormant for the better part of two quarters. In fact, it turned out to be about 31 minutes of game time because of a combination of stalled […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent “It’s nice to be on the winning side.” Ravenna head coach Brian Coman smiled when he shared those thoughts following his team’s dominant 43-0 victory over Springfield on Friday night. He had plenty of reasons to smile. It was truly a team win as the Ravens scored on the ground, through […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY PORTAGE COUNTY’S TOP TIMES Carter Stevenson, Kent Roosevelt, 16:31 Mason Prusha, Field, 17:06 Garrett Byers, Crestwood, 17:10 Caden Dillon, Southeast, 17:27 Cameron Brady, Mogadore, 17:35 Ryan Stonestreet, Garfield, 17:42.73 Preston Krzeminski, Streetsboro, 17:46 Damien Richards, Crestwood, 17:51 Abe Wohlever, Garfield, 17:52.69 Ares Miller, Streetsboro, 17:56 Tycho Smolk, Rootstown, 18:11 Brady […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The results from Week 6 were a little bit of up and down for the competitors. The best week came from Aaron Eads, who went 10-1, but 15 had four losses or more. Jim Manion maintained his narrow lead on the competition. He went 9-2 and improved his season […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Before the start of the 2024 season, Garfield football head coach Mike Moser needed a kicker. An important role for any team, but especially for the G-Men, who have racked up points at a dizzying rate over the last few seasons. It made having a trusted foot to […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 91-953 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 94-892 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 103-719 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 84-695 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 40-579 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 39-526 Victor Brown, Field 79-516 Joe Sharish, Southeast 87-478 Xavier Board, Aurora 104-475 Keyshawne Anderson, Waterloo 43-458 Maddox Smith, Mogadore 59-381 […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Aurora junior center midfielder Barry Wagner’s goal with but 3 minutes to go in the game gave Aurora a 1-0 lead and an apparent 10th victory of the season Sept. 30 at home against Kent Roosevelt. “It was a classic Barry-type goal,” head coach Louis Kastelic said. “He’s the guy […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   After losing its first eight games of the season, Southeast has come out of the doldrums of late in winning three of its last four games. And the game the Pirates didn’t win was a tie. Southeast’s latest two games were victories over Brookfield 4-1 at home Sept. 24 and […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Field cruised to a 10-0 victory Sept. 30 at home over Ravenna to improve to 10-3 on the season. “We were just more talented than them,” head coach Evan Young said. “We kept possession most of the time and finished our chances.” Junior midfielder/forward Tyler Doubrava scored two goals. “Tyler’s […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Kent Roosevelt played three tight games over the span of the last week. The Rough Riders won the first two. It felt like they won the third game, too, despite a 1-1 tie Sept. 30 at talented Aurora. Roosevelet now has a 7-4-3 record. That’s what happens when your team […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 ACES Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 59 Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 58 Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 49 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 44 Kristlyn Kehrer, Waterloo, 39 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 39 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 39 Tenley Korosec, Garfield, 37 Ella Hayn, Rootstown, 34 Lily Shay, Garfield, 33 Kylie Shelly, Rootstown, 33 Isabell […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS GOALS Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 21 Nathan Fulks, Field, 19 Jordan West, Aurora, 15 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 14 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 14 Mitchell Adams, Field, 13 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 12 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 12 Cedric Martin, Field, 11 Ryder Miller, Crestwood, 9 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 9 Ethan Laryea, Streetsboro, 8 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer There were three OHSAA tournaments on Wednesday featuring teams from Portage County as the Southeast girls sought a second berth at the state tournament and Kent Roosevelt, Streetsboro and Aurora looked to advance to the upcoming Division I district events. In the end it was the Rough Riders who were […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Haley Hershberger’s soccer cleats and ball had found a permanent home in her closet. Hidden from sight. For good reason. Just seeing them was enough to spark painfully hollow emotions, because they were a visual reminder that the game she had loved her entire life, soccer, had been ripped […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   It was a tough day on the links for Portage County Golfers as James Morgan of Southeast and the Streetsboro Rockets competed in the Windmill Division II District at Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna and Kent Roosevelt played in the Tannenhauf Division I Sectional at Tannenhauf Golf Club […]

OHSAA Football Computer Ratings TUESDAY, SEPT. 30, 2025 Note: The top-12 schools in each region in the final report on Oct. 26 qualify for the playoffs. Top four seeds get a first-round bye. Top 16 schools in each region shown below. Division I Region 1 – 1. Lakewood St. Edward (5-1) 15.784, 2. Mentor (6-0) […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The Aurora girls soccer team recently used their platform to turn sports into more than a game. Last Monday, before the Greenmen went on to defeat Chagrin Falls 5-0, the group celebrated its annual Teachers Appreciation Night. Each player on the team selected an educator to spotlight who has […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The Mogadore Schools Alumni Foundation celebrated three new Distinguished Alumni to its ranks on Sept. 19 prior to the kickoff of the Wildcats’ football game against Ellet. John Adorni, Bob Harris and Scott Novell were recognized as the group’s newest honorees. Here is a bio on each inductee:   […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   It was a very successful week for many Portage County golf teams, winning another conference championship and advancing to the OHSAA district tournaments — one step closer to the state tournaments. The golf season continues this week with Division I teams at sectional events, Division II teams at district […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Dave Senerchia found his way to a perfect game in the Bill White Memorial Senior Trio at Spins Lanes in Kent. Senerchia easily moved into the highest game spot with a 67-pin cushion over second high game bowler Doug Contofalsky. Troy Allison bowled the high series, a 692. Shaun […]

By Susan Junior Staff Writer   Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course and Southeast hosted a middle-school tournament that included teams from Southeast, Lake, Tallmadge, Jackson-Milton and two games from Kent. Medalist for the tournament was Andrew VanDamme, firing a 37, 1-over-par, for the nine-hole tournament. VanDamme is having a successful summer after winning the Matt […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD WEEK 6 FRIDAY, SEPT. 26, 2025 BERKSHIRE 43, ROOTSTOWN 16 (At Berkshire) ROOTSTOWN 7-0-6-3—16 BERKSHIRE 14-15-14-0—43 SCORING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER BER — Barcikoski 3 run (Percic kick), 7:31 ROOT — D. Reuting 15 run (Mullaly kick), 4:41 BER — Marker 36 pass from Barcikoski (Percic kick), 3:58 SECOND QUARTER BER — […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor It took Garfield only 13 seconds to flip Friday’s game upside down. In that blink of an eye, the G-Men went from being in a battle with league opponent Southeast to taking full control of the game and never looking back. Leading just 13-7 after the Pirates scored on […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent   It’s one of the oldest adages in football: Controlling the line of scrimmage is the key to winning. After his team lost to Norton 23-13 Friday, Streetsboro head coach Pete Thompson said the Panthers were victorious because they won the battle in the trenches in the second half. “They beat […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Simply put, the Kent Roosevelt offense has been prolific through the air this season. Senior quarterback Gavin Peeps leads the way, and he has become so comfortable inside the offense that he has as many as seven different receivers who are among the receiving leaders in Portage County. […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, SEPT. 25, 2025 VOLLEYBALL GARFIELD DEF. LIBERTY, 25-15, 25-15, 25-6 (At Liberty) GARFIELD — Mandy Cardinal, 11 kills, 6 aces; Lola Lake, 9 kills; Tenley Korosec, 15 assists, 3 aces; Reese Shirkey, 10 assists, 3 aces; Lily Shay, 12 digs. ROOTSTOWN DEF. CRESTWOOD, 25-23, 24-26, 25-17, 27-25, 15-6 (At Crestwood) ROOTSTOWN […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   It was an amazing day for Portage County golfers. At sectionals and league events, boys and girls golfers from Portage County rose to the top of the standings firing low scores and working their way up the leaderboard to qualifying spots and championships.   SUBURBAN LEAGUE Both Kent Roosevelt […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Nine different competitors celebrated a perfect 12-0 Week 5, including Jim Manion, who used his flawless group of picks to take sole possession of first place in the standings. Manion now holds a 46-10 record, which pushed him one game ahead of Brian Kinter, Mike Keegan and Tom Rauber. […]

The 1975 Suffield Red Devils Youth Varsity Football team included: Front row left to right: James Sanders, John Franjesh, Eugene Lepera, Ron Timblin, Bob Hunt, Jeff Knapp. Second row left to right: Todd Harwell, Tim Pierce, John Hoskin, Tony Hoskins, Denzil Oliver, Bob Errington, Jim Hutfles. Third row left to right: Joe Hammond, Mark Adelman, […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Rootstown head coach Dana Tingler has been dealing with several injuries to her players of late, forcing her to shuffle around her lineup. “I’ve had some players playing positions they don’t typically play,” she said. The Rovers were still able to come out on top 25-16, 25-11, 25-14 Sept. 18 […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Aurora is in first place in the Suburban League American Conference with an 8-1 record and is 13-4 overall. The Greenmen played like it on Tuesday in a 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-20 win at conference rival Revere, helping to erase the sting of their first conference defeat of the season […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Ravenna High School’s Sara Haldi, who is the Mathematics department […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 83-889 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 103-719 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 72-715 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 64-595 Joe Sharish, Southeast 87-478 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 32-443 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 35-432 Xavier Board, Aurora 90-426 Maddox Smith, Mogadore 59-381 Keyshawne Anderson, Waterloo 27-346 Victor Brown, Field 65-303 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The true heartbeat of a football team is always the offensive line. They are the unsung heroes. They are the warriors who are not afraid to get dirty, placing themselves in front of bruising work play after play. Snap after snap. Game after game. And always there, ready […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   If you live anywhere inside or near the village limits of Mogadore, there is a good chance you know who Cameron Brady is. Maybe not by name alone, but surely by his face. He is the one you have seen running through the various back streets all summer […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 ACES Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 50 Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 37 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 35 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 35 Ella Hayn, Rootstown, 33 Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 30 Kylie Shelly, Rootstown, 27 Presley Courtad, Aurora, 23 Kristlyn Kehrer, Waterloo, 17 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 17 SERVICE POINTS Kylie Shelly, Rootstown, […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS GOALS Nathan Fulks, Field, 19 Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 18 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 14 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 13 Jordan West, Aurora, 12 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 12 Mitchell Adams, Field, 12 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 9 Cedric Martin, Field, 9 Ethan Laryea, Streetsboro, 8 Ryder Miller, Crestwood, 7 Simon Khan, Kent Roosevelt, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer Senior Adrianna Mineo was the best for Kent Roosevelt at the fourth (and final) Suburban League Tournament, carding an 86, good for a top 10 finish among the top five in the American Conference. The Suburban League finished its season at the beautiful Tanglewood Golf Club in Chagrin Falls as […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2025   BOYS SOCCER CRESTWOOD 4, BERKSHIRE 3 (At Crestwood) Goals: (C) Ryder Miller 2, Kyle Shelhamer 1, AJ Brock 1. Assists: (C) Isaac Seigner 1, Shelhamer 1. Goalkeepers/Saves: (C) Sam Pausch/10.   FIELD 1, STREETSBORO 0 (At Streetsboro) Halftime: Tied, 0-0. Goals: (F) Nathan Fulks 1. Assists: (F) […]

OHSAA Releases First Football Computer Ratings Football regular-season entering Week 6 COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association released the first official football computer ratings on Tuesday. The weekly ratings report will be released each Tuesday for the remainer of the season, leading up to the final report on Sunday, October 26. The top […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Windmill Lakes Division II Sectional Tournament is always very competitive as teams begin their journey on the trail to the state tournament. Fourteen teams teed off beginning at 8:30 a.m. for their 18-hole chance to advance to the district as one of the three teams or three individual […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   High-school golf is at the peak of the season with conference tournaments decided and OHSAA Sectionals on tap for all teams as they now look toward a berth at the state tournaments in all three divisions. However, this column will take a look back at this past week and, […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD SATURDAY, SEPT. 20, 2025   VOLLEYBALL BERKSHIRE BADGERS TOURNAMENT GARFIELD DEF. CONNEAUT, 25-10, 25-9 (At Berkshire) GARFIELD — Mandy Cardinal, 12 kills; Reese Shirkey, 16 assists; Tenley Korosec, 8 assists; Lily Shay, 4 digs.   GARFIELD DEF. BERKSHIRE, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21 (At Berkshire) GARFIELD — Mandy Cardinal, 15 kills, 5 blocks; Lola […]

By Jim Smith Correspondent The Kent Roosevelt football team experienced an extraordinary start to a recent practice when Pro Football Hall of Famer Randall McDaniel visited the team prior to the Rough Riders taking the field. McDaniel’s visit was another memory making experience in the relationship between the Kent City School District and the Pro […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Many recent golfers from schools in Portage County are competing in college, some are coaching high school golf teams and others have moved onto other professions. Jake Britton, an alumnus of Garfield, is wearing several hats these days, including the Garfield G-Men varsity boys golf team. However, Britton has […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The bowling season is underway with lanes enjoy full houses and league play every night for adults and Saturday morning for juniors. There have already been several games and series worth noting in the young season as bowlers look forward to successful league and tournament bowling.   THE LAUBERT-POTTEIGER […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent   A dominant 44-7 win over Beachwood on Friday night gave Rootstown its fifth victory of the season, one more than they had in the entire 2024 season. Rootstown head coach Tom Hannan said his team’s 5-0 start is due to the team uniting with a solid group of senior leaders […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD WEEK 5 FRIDAY, SEPT. 19, 2025   SCOREBOARD Mogadore 21, Ellet 18 Streetsboro 49, Springfield 7 Kent Roosevelt 56, Cuyahoga Falls 0 Aurora 14, Revere 0 Crestwood 54, Brooklyn 12 Norton 69, Field 0 Woodridge 28, Ravenna 21 Crestview 42, Southeast 0 Garfield 56, Champion 22 Mineral Ridge 51, Waterloo 6 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   When a football team is trailing in the fourth quarter, with time ticking away and trying to rally for a game-winning drive, the margin for error is small. In fact, the pressure can make it feel as if it is shrinking with each play. That’s where Mogadore found […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Janiere Cook has accepted the challenge. With injuries to fellow running backs Marcus Council and Logan Fincham, the Streetsboro senior standout has jumped into the lead role as the Rockets’ feature back. Cook, who has been a contributor for the team since his sophomore season, took his game […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The midway of the season is here! Week 5 and with it, we roll into the fifth week of the Pigskin Picks Challenge. This week’s picks are sponsored by Deez and Razorlined barbershop located in Rootstown. After four weeks of picks, Brian Kinter, Bob Rick and Jim Manion are […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 77-732 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 72-715 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 83-638 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 58-498 Joe Sharish, Southeast 78-445 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 28-388 Xavier Board, Aurora 62-350 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 31-290 Victor Brown, Field 53-275 Maddox Smith, Mogadore 43-223 Devin Bates, Garfield 23-204 […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, SEPT. 18, 2025   BOYS SOCCER ROOTSTOWN 7, CHIPPEWA 1 (AtChippewa) Goals: (R) Zach Pastor 3, Sam Textor 2, Bryson Scarlett 1, Landon Rodstrom 1. Assists: (R) Z. Pastor 3, Scarlett 2, Rodstrom 1, Tycho Smolk 1. Shots on Goal: Rootstown, 12-5. Corner Kicks: Rootstown, 11-4. Goalkeepers/Saves: (R) Noah Zager/5.   […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Streetsboro Rockets put an exclamation point on their outstanding season, winning the Metro Athletic Conference boys golf tournament to earn the overall championship on Thursday. After a slow start that saw all three teams at the top — Streetsboro, Cloverleaf and Norton — bouncing back and forth into […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   It was quite a battle Sept. 13 for host Kent Roosevelt against Massillon Perry. The Rough Riders won 1-0 to improve to 6-2-2 on the season. “It was a grind, it was a very gritty win,” head coach Sammy Spicer said. “It was a physical battle, a battle to not […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Koralee Jenior had a say in all five of her team’s goals as Waterloo blanked Columbiana Crestview on Wednesday on the road in upping its record to 7-2-1. The Vikings’ sophomore striker hung up a hat trick and dished out two assists. She now has 16 goals and seven assists […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 ACES Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 42 Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 37 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 31 Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 30 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 29 Presley Courtad, Aurora, 23 Ella Hayn, Rootstown, 20 Kristlyn Kehrer, Waterloo, 17 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 17 Lily Shay, Garfield, 16 Brilyn Eddy, Waterloo, 14 Tenley […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS Nathan Fulks, Field, 17 Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 14 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 13 Jordan West, Aurora, 12 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 11 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 9 Mitchell Adams, Field, 9 Cedric Martin, Field, 9 Ryder Miller, Crestwood, 7 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 7 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 5 Landon Rodstrom, Rootstown, 5 Ethan […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17, 2025   GIRLS SOCCER WATERLOO 5, CRESTVIEW 0 (At Crestview) Halftime: Waterloo, 1-0. Goals: (W) Koralee Jenior 3, Alexis Henry 1, Bayley English 1. Assists: (W) Henry 3, Jenior 2. Shots on Goal: Waterloo, 20-5. Corner Kicks: Waterloo, 3-0. Goalkeepers/Saves: (W) Roberts/5.   GIRLS TENNIS SOUTHEAST 2, BEAVER 3 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   It was literally a banner-raising day for the Southeast Pirates varsity golf teams as both the boys varsity and the girls varsity golf teams won their respective Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division championships. For the girls, it is the program’s second straight title. For the boys, it is […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   CRESTWOOD Head Coach: Jim Schweickert, 15th year. Coaching Staff: Greg Cicero, 3rd year. 2024: 2nd in Chagrin Valley Conference, district champions. Returning Letterwinners (4): Piper Siebold, jr.; Maddy Grace Gonczy, jr.; Piper Freedline, jr.; Bella Stier, soph. Letterwinners Lost (3): Abby Guyette, Erin Hallis, Kennedy Rhodes. Season Outlook: […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Mogadore High School’s Jessica Butler, who is an Intervention Specialist and […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, SEPT. 16, 2025   GIRLS SOCCER CLOVERLEAF 3, FIELD 0 (At Cloverleaf) Halftime Score: Cloverleaf, 1-0. Goals: (C) Hannah Hopek 2, Abby Plowman. Assists: (C) Lainey Manns 1, Gracie Habart 1. Shots on Goal: Cloverleaf, 23-10. Goalkeepers/Saves: (F) Zoe Kramer/14; (C) Stella Bennett/5.   BOYS GOLF SUBURBAN BOYS AMERICAN CONFERENCE #3 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Tournament time is here giving the opportunity for high-school golfers to shoot for low scores and earn recognition in their conferences. That is exactly what Jax Turner did on Tuesday. At the Suburban League’s American Conference Tournament, held at Windmill Lakes, Turner, a sophomore at Kent Roosevelt, fired a […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Preview capsules for Portage County’s high school boys cross country teams for the 2025 season.   CRESTWOOD Head Coach: Jim Schweickert, 15th year. Coaching Staff: Greg Cicero, assistant, 3rd year. 2024: 2nd in Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division, district champions. Returning Lettermen (6): Garrett Byers, sr.; Damien Richards, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The off-season has been filled with a growing optimism for Joe Siciliano. Hired in May to be the new Rootstown High School varsity boys basketball coach, the 2012 alum, watched his team compete and learn throughout summer league, host strong numbers for open gyms and coordinated a youth […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, SEPT. 15, 2025   BOYS GOLF CUYAHOGA VALLEY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP (At Fowler’s Mill, Chesterland – Par 72) TEAM STANDINGS: Kirtland 323, Berkshire 354, Rootstown 380, Painesville Harvey 392. MEDALIST: Nick Nead, Kirtland 74 ROOTSTOWN (380): Caleb Stevens 86, Nathan Waesch 94, Drew Just 95, Sam Klem 107, Troy Kopac 206, Brayden […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Aurora baseball’s Rocco Zembala was not looking for the spotlight, but when you do things the right way for the right reasons, the spotlight will naturally find you. That was what happened for Zembala on Thursday night. Greenmen baseball head coach Trent Dalton received this email that told […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   It is a huge week for high school varsity golf teams. Almost every team in Portage County is competing in conference championships this week and teams are traveling all around Northeast Ohio. From Rootstown boys at Fowler’s Mill in the CVC, to the Rootstown girls at Punderson and the […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   All of us that love golf remember the first time someone handed us a club. The first time we were able to play golf with our dad. Or the first time we had a lesson — even if it meant hitting a water balloon for fun, as we prepared […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOWLING SCOREBOARD SUNDAY, SEPT. 14, 2025 This week, bowling is at full strength as Fall leagues begin at area lanes. Striking a Balance bowling column begins next week, Sept. 21. Bowlers are encouraged to send results from all lanes and provide outstanding accomplishments including everything from picking up a difficult split to perfect […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Friday’s final score will be documented accordingly as part of Windham’s 2025 season. The game’s impact, however, is not designated for 2025. With a 28-player roster that includes 17 freshmen or sophomores, the under-the-lights learning experienced inside Friday’s 68-8 home loss to Grand Valley was more for the […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD WEEK 4 FRIDAY, SEPT. 12, 2025 SCORES Rootstown 48, Brooklyn 8 Grand Valley 68, Windham 8 Crestwood 44, Beachwood 6 Mogadore 28, Malvern 14 Highland 41, Aurora 7 Streetsboro 48, Coventry 6 Woodridge 48, Field 35 Garfield 41, LaBrae 6 Southeast 53, Newton Falls 28 Revere 28, Kent Roosevelt 16 Norton […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor By Week 4, the timeline part of the season tells us that we are nearing the halfway point. The coaching timeline tells a different stories. It can be viewed as a tipping point to a season. Still enough time to push toward goals of winning a league championship and […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Field High School proudly inducted its first-ever Athletic Hall of Fame class during a special presentation and banquet dinner at the school on Thursday night. The inaugural class of inductees included:   BANDELE ADENIYI-BADA Bandele distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete in football, wrestling, and track & field […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Ravenna High School formally announced its “Raven Athletes of Honor” Class of 2025 on Thursday. The group to be inducted includes: Nunzio “Foot” Polichene, Class of 1947 Gerrial Watts, 1966 Jeff West, 1971 Stan Trivelli, 1975 Steve Daugherty, 1994 Marcus Sanders, 1999 JR Shrewsberry, 1999 Stephanie Fosnight Moskal, […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 61-616 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 53-450 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 50-384 Xavier Board, Aurora 54-326 Wyatt Januska, Crestwood 25-314 Joe Sharish, Southeast 65-311 Brandyn Bogucki, Garfield 24-207 Devin Bates, Garfield 23-204 Marcus Council, Streetsboro 17-159 Alaunte Massrock, Southeast 24-152 Maddox Smith, Mogadore 32-151 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor We roll into the fourth week of the high school football season. This week’s set of picks in sponsored by Water Street Tavern in Kent. After three weeks of picks, Brian Kinter and Mike Keegan are tied for first place with overall records of 24-9. Just one game back […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   BOYS GOLF THREE-WAY TIE AT THE TOP FOR MVAC GRAY DIVISION The Southeast Pirates concluded their biggest week of golf for the season as they beat LaBrae 153 to 167 on Thursday. The victory finds Southeast, LaBrae and Brookfield boys teams in a three-way tie at the top of […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, SEPT. 11, 2025   BOYS GOLF SOUTHEAST 153, LABRAE 167 (At Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton – Par 36) SOUTHEAST (153): James Morgan 34, Shade Stevens 48, Alex Peelish 41, Owen Dombroski 37, Cole Bruno 41, Ethan Shodd 45. LABRAE (167): Austin Rowe 37, Jacob Simpson 45, John Kinkade […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent Crestwood’s three-game losing streak bit the dust on Tuesday at home in a 7-0 rout of Wickliffe. The Red Devils improved to 3-4 on the season. “The players were pretty down about the losing streak,” head coach Amanda Parsons said. “We decided not to fixate on the games in the past […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Two teammates scoring five goals each in one soccer game likely does not happen too often. It happened for Field on Tuesday in a 15-1 rout at home over Coventry during the program’s Youth Night. The Falcons, who were up 11-0 at halftime, upped their record to 4-2. The two […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   CATS WIN ON TIEBREAKER The Wildcats’ consistency was the important factor as they beat Louisville due to the fifth-man tie breaker. After playing nine holes at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Alliance, the top four golfers for both Mogadore and Louisville were tied at 166. Tyler Pendergast (38), Brock […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 GOALS Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 11 Jordan West, Aurora, 10 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 7 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 6 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 6 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 5 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 5 Nathan Fulks, Field, 4 Zachia Cook, Streetsboro, 4 Ethan Laryea, Streetsboro, 4 Owen Peckinpaugh, Aurora, 4 […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 ACES Kyleigh Simpson, Windham, 37 Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 32 Delaney Miller, Waterloo, 30 Ella Hayn, Rootstown, 20 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 20 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 19 Kristlyn Kehrer, Waterloo, 17 Presley Courtad, Aurora, 15 Brilyn Eddy, Waterloo, 14 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 13 Kylie Shelly, Rootstown, 13 Lily […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2025   VOLLEYBALL ROOTSTOWN DEF. CRESTWOOD, 25-20, 25-19, 21-25, 26-24 (At Rootstown) CRESTWOOD — Katrina Richards, 1 assist, 1 kill, 1 block, 1 dig; Reece Harper, 7 points, 1 ace, 14 assists, 6 kills, 1 block, 10 digs; Abby Hayes, 8 points, 2 aces, 14 kills, 1 block, 23 […]

The 1965 Rootstown High School football team had a record of 1-8, with the following results: Minerva 6-40 Windham 0-21 Field 12-0 Kent State 6-17 Aurora 0-60 Streetsboro 0-14 Randolph 0-6 Southeast 0-32 Sebring 0-22   The team included: Front row from left to right: L. Brown, J. Davis, John Peach, E. Boston, Woodall, Elder, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Abby Dalessandro plays with recognizable skill and inspiring amount of creativity that can only be achieved through a high level of understanding for the game. And as much as those two characteristics stand out, there are still identifiable adjectives that could be used to describe the Aurora senior’s […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Southeast Pirates defeated Brookfield at Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course in Lake Milton to avenge an earlier loss this season at Brookfield’s home course of Yankee Lake. “This was a big win for the Pirates,” said Mike Jenior, Southeast varsity boys coach. “Brookfield is a great team all […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, SEPT. 8, 2025   VOLLEYBALL NEW MIDDLETOWN SPRINGFIELD DEF. WATERLOO, 25-15, 25-22, 25-17 (At Waterloo) WATERLOO — Brilyn Eddy, 1 ace, 4 points, 10 assists, 5 kills, 3 digs; Delaney Miller, 2 aces, 8 points, 2 assists, 11 digs; Kristlyn Kehrer, 2 points, 1 assist, 7 kills, 7 digs; Kyleigh Kaiser, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Field picked up their very first win of the season splitting a tri-match as they beat Woodridge 234 to 249, but lost to Woodridge by 34 strokes. Kasey Cannon earned match medalist honors, carding a 49 at her Field’s home course, Sunny Hill in Brimfield. It was the first […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   With the 55th Portage County Senior Amateur in the record books, the series of four Amateurs have concluded for another season. From young golfers from age 6 to senior golfers in their 80s, the Amateurs have been a staple on the golf calendar for 95 years. A regular event […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOWLING SCOREBOARD SUNDAY, SEPT. 7, 2025   ADULT LEAGUES DALE HAHN CUSTOM CRAFTS: Matt VanSickle 254-651, Jim Prasek 240, Brian McAllister 237-605, Steve Knapp 603, Taylor Roberts 238-560, Nancy Zolgus 186, Nikki Haynes 167-446, Marilyn Christy 443. FUN CLUB: Carol Trego 138-404, Jenette Frederick 136-336, Bonnie Tripplett 132-345. RAVENNA DISCOUNT: Kathy Wolffe 205, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The Mogadore Wildcats are prepared to celebrate legendary head coach Russ Swartz. Swartz, who is a Mogadore graduate, retired from coaching after the 2024-25 season, then also as the high school’s principal before the start of the 2025-26 school year, finished his career with 510 wins. Swartz will be […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD SATURDAY, SEPT. 6, 2025   GIRLS SOCCER FIELD 2, SOUTHEAST 0 (At Field) Halftime: Field, 2-0. Goals: (F) Reese Tucker 2. Assists: (F) Brooklyn Wilson. Shots on Goal: Field, 29-3. Corner Kicks: Field, 5-1.   WATERLOO 3, TALLMADGE 2 (At Tallmadge) Halftime: Waterloo, 3-2. Goals: (W) Alexis Henry 2, Koralee Jenior 1. […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent A standout performance from the offensive line and a solid outing from the defense were the keys to Southeast’s 29-8 win over Cuyahoga Falls on Friday night. Southeast (1-2) head coach Pat Youel was happy to see his team notch its first victory of the season after tough losses to Akron […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Twinsburg held just one lead on Friday night, and it came on the final play of the game, but it was all the Tigers needed. Mason Stoerner’s extra-point kick in overtime completed a double-digit comeback victory over host Aurora and capped a thrilling game between two longtime rivals. It […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, SEPT. 5, 2025 FOOTBALL WEEK 3 ROOTSTOWN 30, TRINITY 0 (At Trinity) ROOTSTOWN 7-6-14-3—30 TRINITY 0-0-0-0—0 SCORING SUMMARY FIRST QUARTER ROOT — D. Reuting 2 run (Mullaly kick), 7:26 SECOND QUARTER ROOT — D. Reuting 18 run (kick failed), 6:39 THIRD QUARTER ROOT — Mullaly 1 run (Mullaly kick), 10:01 ROOT […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor We are into the third week of the high school football season. After a challenging first week of picks, the second week of the Portage Sports Pigskin Picks Challenge was a bit more favorable to most of the competitors. For Week 3, Meyers Fence Company is the sponsor. Before […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, SEPT. 4, 2025     GIRLS TENNIS AKRON NORTH 4, RAVENNA 1 (At Ravenna) First Singles — Mallory Sterba (R) def. Josselyne Vega Rodriguez, 6-3, 6-2; Second Singles — Jharna Basumatay (AN) def. Molly Caicco, 6-2, 6-0; Third Singles — Niya Rai (AN) def. Emily Scibelli, 6-0, 6-0; First Doubles — […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 47-488 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 42-321 Xavier Board, Aurora 34-250 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 24-216 Devin Bates, Garfield 23-204 Marcus Council, Streetsboro 17-159 Joe Sharish, Southeast 35-150 Maddox Smith, Mogadore 21-112 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 21-105 Maverick Wood, Southeast 22-99 Logan Fincham, Streetsboro 8-87 […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS ACES Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 28 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 15 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 15 Presley Courtad, Aurora, 14 Ella Hayn, Rootstown, 13 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 10 Lily Shay, Garfield, 8 Sophia Byers, Rootstown, 8 Colbie Curall, Rootstown, 8 Payton Soltis, Garfield, 7 Addie Biggin, Rootstown, 7 SERVICE POINTS Kylie Shelly, Rootstown, […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS GOALS Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 9 Jordan West, Aurora, 7 Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 6 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 6 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 5 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 5 Nathan Fulks, Field, 4 Zachia Cook, Streetsboro, 4 Ethan Laryea, Streetsboro, 4 Joao Nascimento, Streetsboro, 3 Landon Rodstrom, Rootstown, 3 Kam Warnke, Aurora, 3 […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Mogadore tasted defeat for the first time in six matches this season Aug. 30 at home to Elyria Open Door Christian 25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 25-19. “It was a tough loss,” head coach Jessica Butler said. “Open Door played with consistency and strong defensive execution, which challenged us throughout the match. […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   After a close loss to Strongsville to open the season, Aurora has “roared” to six consecutive wins, the last three over the cream of the crop in the Suburban League American Conference — first a tight three-setter at Highland and then two nail-biting home matches that went the distance against […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 3, 2025   GIRLS SOCCER SOUTHEAST 6, NEWTON FALLS 0 (At Southeast) Goals: Sarah Craver 2, Natalie Campbell 2, Leah Mesaros 1, Alexis Hurd 1.   GIRLS TENNIS NORTON 5, RAVENNA 0 (At Ravenna) First Singles — Ava Brooks (N) def. Mallory Sterba, 6-2, 7-5; Second Singles — Ava Perry […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Crestwood High School’s Brittany Dye, who is in her first […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   ROOTSTOWN WINS The Rootstown boys beat former rival Waterloo at Paradise Lake Golf Club in Suffield by 21 strokes behind the strong play of Sam Klem (40) and Caleb Stevens (41). Nathan Waesch added a 47 and Troy Kopac a 46 to soundly defeat the Vikes. Waterloo’s best was […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, SEPT. 2, 2025   BOYS SOCCER ROOTSTOWN 8, CRESTWOOD 1 (At Rootstown) Goals: (R) Landon Rodstrom 2, Zach Pastor 2, Bryson Scarlett 1, Jacob Sturm 1, Dylan Boland 1, Melvin Acosta 1. (C) Not reported. Assists: (R) Caleb Fillmore 3, Scarlett 1, Dean Abdlrasul 1. (C) Not reported. Shots on Goal: […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   When evaluating Isan Roberts as a sophomore, the Kent Roosevelt boys soccer coaching staff knew they had something special. He played with enthusiasm to match his skill and knowledge of the game. And they trusted him. All players, though, are seeking a sign of validation that they belong. […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   James Morgan, a senior golfing for the Southeast Pirates, had a nine-hole round to remember as the Pirates defeated Liberty at Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course in Lake Milton. Morgan set the Southeast Pirates nine-hole match record, a 31, earlier this season. This week, he broke his own record, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The start of the 2025 high school football season was expected to produce some memorable moments. It would have been almost impossible to predict the kind of start Waterloo junior Keyshawne Anderson would have, though. In a Week 1 loss to Akron Springfield, Anderson for a touchdown, rushed […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Billy Rosato, defensive coordinator/running backs; Thom Rosato, offensive line; Chad Westfall, defensive backs/special teams; Rob Custer, tight ends/defensive line; Bobby Shew, running backs/linebackers; Keith Arnold, offensive line/defensive line; Luke Rosato, quarterbacks; Corey Lehner, wide receivers/defensive backs. League: Independent. Playoffs: Division VII, Region 25. 2024 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The final round of the 55th Portage County Senior Amateur was as exciting as it was fun for the competitors playing in three divisions: Senior (ages 50-59), Gold (ages 60-69) and Platinum (ages 70-plus). Golfers were talking as word spread about the round being played by Dave Peck in the […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The 38th Rango was held at Windmill Golf Club in Ravenna to benefit the Kent State University varsity golf teams. With the success of the popular outing, Kent State hit the $1 million mark of money raised at this year’s event. It’s a busy day and week for Windmill. […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOWLING SCOREBOARD SUNDAY, AUG. 31, 2025   ADULT LEAGUES RAVENNA DISCOUNT LADIES: Kelly Stebner 223-533, Sherry Tauscher 186-533, Holly Gilbert 179, Dineen Rudibaugh 487. FRIDAY CASINO SUMMER: Jacob Renkel 279-750, Shane Lindon 275-744, Steve Gary 262-726, Brittany Robinson 179, Caitlyn Youngblooe 176-483, Ashley Fuller 168-459, Amanda McClearnon 456. BILL WHITE MEMORIAL SENIOR TRIO: […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD SATURDAY, AUG. 30, 2025   BOYS SOCCER FAIRVIEW 4, ROOTSTOWN 1 (At Rootstown) Goals: (R) Zach Pastor. Assists: None. Goalkeepers/Saves: (R) Noah Zager/9. Shots on Goal: Fairview, 13-9. Corner Kicks: Fairview, 3-2.   GIRLS SOCCER   WATERLOO 5, SMITHVILLE 0 (At Smithville) Halftime Score: Waterloo, 3-0. Goals: (W) Koralee Jenior 4, Alexis […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   It was the perfect day for golf at Raccoon Hill Golf Course in Kent for the first round of the 55th Senior Portage County Amateur. Many golfers complimented the condition of the golf course as several outstanding scores were posted in the three divisions. Low men in the clubhouse […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent   Following a hard-fought 29-27 loss to Ellet on the last play of the game, Field head coach James Dutched said he urged his young team to remain focused on the tasks in front of them. “You can’t be mad at them for anything after a game like that,” Dutched said. […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, AUG. 29, 2025 FOOTBALL WEEK 2 SCORES Streetsboro 42, Kent Roosevelt 7 Rootstown 44, Springfield 6 Jefferson Area 51, Waterloo 7 Mogadore 22, Canton Central Catholic 7 Aurora 47, Lutheran West 0 Grand Valley 25, Southeast 14 Ellet 29, Field 27 Normandy 18, Ravenna 14 Minerva 23, Crestwood 8 East Palestine […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The truth of the matter is that Janiere Cook was overshadowed last season. Then a junior, the Streetsboro Rockets’ running back rushed for 703 yards and scored 96 points as a key piece in a dominant rushing attack. However, a year ago, the brightest part of the spotlight […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Fall got here quick! Tonight’s weather is going to be more reminiscent of a late September game than it is for a late August game. Either way, the night will capture the same opportunities for memories and moments. Waterloo’s Keyshawne Anderson was someone who had some moments in Week […]

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS OFFENSE RUSHING Player, School Att.-Yards Ryder Cain, Garfield 23-244 Devin Bates, Garfield 23-204 Conner Lehner, Mogadore 19-174 Marcus Council, Streetsboro 17-159 Janiere Cook, Streetsboro 21-105 Xavier Board, Aurora 17-95 Logan Fincham, Streetsboro 8-87 Damien Reuting, Rootstown 13-85 Joe Sharish, Southeast 13-60 Kiel Reuting, Rootstown 6-47 Victor Brown, Field 13-46 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Rootstown High School’s Keith Waesch, who is in his 25th […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Southeast girls remain undefeated, Southeast and Field boys each pick up another victory at home and Waterloo drops a close one in the MVAC Scarlet Division.   SOUTHEAST GIRLS The Pirates improved their record to 9-0 overall and 7-0 in the MVAC with a victory over Mineral Ridge […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, AUG. 28, 2025   BOYS GOLF SOUTHEAST 162, CRESTVIEW 184 (At Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton – Par 36) SOUTHEAST (162): James Morgan 36, Cole Bruno 39, Alex Peelish 47, Ethan Shodd 42, Owen Dombroski 45, Logan Blankenship 49. CRESTVIEW (184): Braydon Gilbert 48, Caleb Booth 44, Grant Snyder […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Week 2 of the high school football sason kicks off on Friday night to set the stage for the second week of the 2025 Portage Sports Pigskin Picks Challenge. The Week 2 sponsor is Sarchione Chevrolet Garrettsville. Before we move forward, though, let’s look back at the Week 1 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Both Bobby Wadsworth of Uniontown and Steve DeBolt of Champion return to defend their 2024 championships in the 50-59 and 70-and-over age divisions when the 55th Portage County Amateur tees off this Saturday at Raccoon Hill in Kent and Windmill Lakes in Ravenna on Sunday. Other top-three returners include […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Garfield earned its first victory over Crestwood in five years Aug. 23 by a score of 5-0 on the road. “We’ve started playing team ball,” head coach Aaron Gilbert said. “We’re finally executing in games what we’ve been practicing literally for the last two years. It was very rewarding to […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   Southeast has been perfect thus far in 2025, and we’re not just talking about its 4-0 record. Going into Wednesday, the Pirates had taken the word “perfect” to a new level: They haven’t even yielded a single goal! This despite the fact that head coach Dean Dunlavy lost seven of eight […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 BOYS GOLF SOUTHEAST 153, NEWTON FALLS 233 (At Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton – Par 36) SOUTHEAST (153): James Morgan 34, Cole Bruno 39, Alex Peelish 39, Ethan Shodd 46, Logan Blankenship 54, Owen Dombroski 41. NEWTON FALLS (233): Aiden McCousland 53, Bracin Clutter 58, Gavin […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   On Wednesday, Portage County teams enjoyed many lopsided victories over their opponents.   PIRATES CONSISTENT The Southeast boys were not welcoming hosts to Newton Falls. The Pirates romped to a victory by 80 strokes in the nine-hole match. Southeast’s James Morgan followed his spectacular 29, 7-under-par round earlier this […]

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 ACES Kaylie Liepins, Aurora, 22 Emerson Spiesz, Aurora, 11 Presley Courtad, Aurora, 9 Ella Hayn, Rootstown, 9 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 8 Arabella Wetzel, Aurora, 8 Payton Soltis, Garfield, 6 Lily Shay, Garfield, 6 SERVICE POINTS Lily Shay, Garfield, 29 Reese Shirkey, Garfield, 27 Kylie Shelly, Rootstown, […]

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER STATISTICAL LEADERS WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025 GOALS Kyle Shelhamer, Crestwood, 6 Zach Pastor, Rootstown, 6 Jordan West, Aurora, 5 Logan Sadowski, Streetsboro, 5 Nathan Fulks, Field, 4 Dylan Boland, Rootstown, 4 Zachia Cook, Streetsboro, 4 Ethan Laryea, Streetsboro, 4 Cameron Gentille, Aurora, 3 Joao Nascimento, Streetsboro, 3 ASSISTS Jordan West, Aurora, […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, AUG. 26, 2025   VOLLEYBALL WATERLOO DEF. LOWELLVILLE, 25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 20-25, 15-7 (At Waterloo) WATERLOO — Brilyn Eddy, 4 aces, 8 kills, 26 assists, 12 digs, 18 points; Delaney Miller, 10 aces, 9 kills, 1 block, 4 assists, 24 digs, 20 poitns; Kristlyn Kehrer, 1 ace, 11 kills, 1 block, […]

The 1964 Ravenna High School football team won the Metro League championship and finished the season with an undefeated 9-0 record. The team’s week by week results were: Week 1: Salem, 34-12 Week 2: Ellet, 8-6 Week 3: Newton Falls, 22-0 Week 4: Coventry, 24-22 Week 5: Springfield, 32-18 Week 6: Norton, 28-0 Week 7: […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, AUG. 25, 2025   BOYS GOLF SOUTHEAST 162, LIBERTY (NS) (At Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton – Par 36) SOUTHEAST (162): James Morgan 29, Cole Bruno 42, Logan Blankenship 45, Alex Peelish 46, Ethan Shodd 47, Owen Dombroski 49. LIBERTY: Alex Houser 60 RECORDS: Southeast 5-3, 4-2; Liberty 0-6, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   It was a great day for Pirates golf as the varsity boys posted a 162 score at Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course in Lake Milton on Monday. Senior James Morgan broke his own record (31) set earlier this season by firing an outstanding 29 on the Par 36 golf […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending the morning getting coffee with retired Kent Roosevelt Hall of Fame football coach John Nemec. We met to discuss the Foreword that he wrote for the Portage Sports 2025 High School Football Feature Magazine. Nemec had handwritten his […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Our family played Sunday mornings for as long as I can remember, whether it was at Suffield Springs, Olde Dutch Mill or Kent State University Golf Course. One week, one of the guys getting ready to tee off at Suffield Springs was not happy that he had a fivesome […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD SATURDAY, AUG. 23, 2025   GIRLS SOCCER SOUTHEAST 7, GRAND VALLEY 0 (At Grand Valley) Goals — (SE) Grace Wheeler 5, Sarah Craver 2.   BOYS SOCCER ROOTSTOWN 8, NEWTON FALLS 1 (At Rootstown) Goals — (R) Zach Pastor 3, Dylan Boland 3, Melvin Acosta 1, Logan Brooks 1. Assists — (R) […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Randy Wilburn competes in the Amateur and the Senior Amateur every season. He always finishes in the top 10 and often higher — no matter who he is playing with or against. This week, at Windmill Lakes Golf Course in Ravenna, Wilburn had another accomplishment: A hole in one. […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOWLING SCOREBOARD SUNDAY, AUG. 24, 2025   ADULT LEAGUES SPINS BOWL KENT DOUBLES: Men: Parker Addison 269-743, Fred Endress 260-664; Women: Zoe Bevilacqua 232-602, Hannah Gray 187, Julie Gerhardt 483. FRIDAY CASINO SUMMER: Men: Edward Fienberg 287-721, Jacob Renkel 266, Patrick Stachowiak 264-702, Shane Lindon 696; Women: Allison Long 196-463, Amanda McClearnon 175-433, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Somewhere, Gavin Peeps is probably still playing catch with someone right now. Because when you are as locked in as the Kent Roosevelt senior quarterback was on Friday night, you never want to stop playing. In just his third start as a varsity quarterback, Peeps looked calm and confident […]

By Phil Keren Correspondent   A big-play ground game and a strong defensive effort in the second half propelled Mogadore to a 13-6 road win over Crestwood on Friday night. Mogadore head coach Matt Adorni described the contest as a “tough, physical, old-school Portage County League football game.” The game was, to some extent, a […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, AUG. 22, 2025   FOOTBALL WEEK 1 SCOREBOARD Kent Roosevelt 35, Ravenna 14 Streetsboro 34, Copley 20 Mogadore 13, Crestwood 6 Brecksville 21, Aurora 17 Rootstown 42, Toledo Christian 0 Edgewood 51, Garfield 43 (2 OT) Springfield 40, Waterloo 32 Canton South 42, Field 16 Strasburg 56, Windham 8   BOX […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   In the blink of an eye, everyone is back for another high school football season. Teams have spent the last few months preparing for tonight. The first opportunity of many over the next couple of months to spend time together underneath the Friday Night Lights. Players, coaches, volunteers […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Here we go again! Buckle up, get your picks ready and let the fun begin! For the third season, Portage Sports rolls out its Pigskin Picks Contest. A 10-week competition that includes participation from readers who will attempt to pick as many correct game winners as possible throughout […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Chase Eye, defensive coordinator; Bruce Rininger, defensive coordinator; Larry Jones, linebackers/running backs; Casey Anderson, defensive backs/wide receivers; Tyler Simcox; Neil Martino; Mike Dunn; Shawn Baraskus, offensive line/defensive line. League: Northeastern Athletic Conference. Playoffs: Division VII, Region 25. 2024 Record: 10-2 overall; 6-1 league. Returning […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Tom Ciccolelli, defensive coordinator/running backs; Steven Yuhasz, offensive line/defensive line/strength and conditioning; Tyler Halavick, special teams coordinator/wide receivers/defensive backs; Evan Richmond, quarterbacks/linebackers. League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Division. Playoffs: Division VII, Region 25. 2024 Record: 4-6 overall, 2-5 league. Returning Lettermen (5): Xavier […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, AUG. 21, 2025   BOYS SOCCER STREETSBORO 5, CRESTWOOD 3 (At Streetsboro) Goals: (C) Evan Goodell, Henry Sommer, Dakota Powers. Assists: (C) Sommer, Goodell, Kyle Shelhamer. Goalkeeper/Saves: (C) Gabe Weaver/6. (Streetsboro stats not reported)   GIRLS TENNIS KENT ROOSEVELT 3, RAVENNA 2 (At Ravenna) First Singles — Mallory Sterba (R) def. […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Wezlee Spence, defensive coordinator/defensive line; Pete Smith, quarterbacks/defensive backs; Connor O’Harra, offensive line; DJ Snyder, wide receivers; James Heath, running backs; Tom Gerchak, linebackers; Andrew Mekeal, defensive backs. League: Metro Athletic Conference. Playoffs: Division IV, Region 13. 2024 Record: 12-1 overall; 7-0 league. Returning […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Mike Stiles, assistant head coach/special teams coordinator; Bobby Staudt, defensive coordinator; Rick Reynolds, Mike Richeson, Dylan Sitosky, Scott Garrett, Zeddie Pollock, Matt Dillon. League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division. Playoffs: Division V, Region 17. 2024 Record: 3-7 overall, 2-5 league. Returning Lettermen (16): […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent Preview capsules for Portage County’s high school volleyball teams for the 2025 season. AURORA Head Coach: Katie Cicione, 8th year overall as, 3rd year at; 93-70 career record. Coaching Staff: Madison Wade., Emma Strobel, Alyssa Speakman. 2024 Record: 13-9 overall. Returning Letterwinners (11): Annie Treccia, sr.; Kamryn Taylor, sr.; Addyson Rumskey, […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent   RAVENNA It was a successful start to the season for Ravenna. The Ravens never trailed in beating Southeast 3-2 Aug. 15 at home. “We stuck to our game plan, which is ball movement in the midfield,” head coach Eric Hedge said. “We had possession quite a bit, which is important […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   SAMMY MORGAN CONTINUES UNDER-PAR STREAK Three rounds of golf, three under-par rounds in a row. What a run of success for Sammy Morgan. The Southeast sophomore standout fired her third straight nine-hole under-par round of golf in competition, carding a 34, 2-under-par, at Olde Dutch Mill in Lake Milton […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20, 2025   GIRLS GOLF SOUTHEAST 164, STREETSBORO 190 (At Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton – Par 36) SOUTHEAST (164): Sammy Morgan 34, Jenni Mix 37, Jessi Mix 50, Aubree Varga 43, Emily Morrison 55, Kristen Dillon 54. STREETSBORO (190): Sarah Czirok 47, Claire Campbell 48, Aryana Puleo […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent Preview capsules for Portage County’s high school boys soccer teams for the 2025 season. AURORA Head Coach: Louis Kastelic, 12th year overall, 1st year at Aurora. Coaching Staff: Jason Bibza, Eric Johannisson, Nate Malinowski. 2024 Record: 13-5-1. Returning Letterwinners (14): Jordan West, sr.; Griffin McMaster, sr.; Owen Peckinpaugh, sr.; Bryce Peckinpaugh, sr.; Chris […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, AUG. 19, 2025   GIRLS TENNIS SOUTHEAST 4, RAVENNA 1 (At Ravenna) First Singles — Mallory Sterba (R) def. Miranda Timko, 6-1, 6-0; Second Singles — Makayla Flores (SE) def. Molly Caicco, 6-3, 6-3; Third Singles — Holley Reynolds (SE) def. Janayah Maddox, 6-0, 7-6; First Doubles — Natalie Kemble/Caroline Sherry […]

By Roger Gordon Correspondent Preview capsules for Portage County’s high school girls soccer teams for the 2025 season. AURORA Head Coach: Domenica McClintock, 10th year overall as a head coach, 7th year as Aurora head coach, 73-68-14 career record. Coaching Staff: Adam Gharky, Ken Labadie. 2024 Record: 10-8-1 overall, 4-2-1 in Suburban League American Conference. […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Alan Vanderink, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Lukas Kimble, defensive coordinator/defensive backs; Don Jones, linebackers/wide receivers; Gaige McIntyre, offensive line; Alan Hodaakievic, defensive line; Mark Knopick, offensive line/linebackers. League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division. Playoffs: Division VI, Region 21. 2024 Record: 4-7 overall, 1-2 league. Returning Lettermen […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Brett Dubinsky, offensive coordinator/running backs; Lester Carney, offensive coordinator/wide receivers; Davon Coman, quarterbacks; Corey Gibson, offensive line; Devin Shipp, defensive coordinator/linebacker; Brad Crislip, defensive line; Charles Harris, defensive backs; Darshan Saunders, middle school. League: Metro Athletic Conference. Playoffs: Division IV, Region 13. 2024 Record: 4-7 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   One of the most interesting parts of my job as a journalist is watching the impact that multiple student-athletes from the same family can have on a program, school district and community. I recently realized it once again when I was interviewing Field boys soccer senior standout Wyatt […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Rich Graves, pass game coordinator/wide receivers; John Schumm, run game coordinator/offensive line; Trei Thomas, wide receivers; Craig Peeps, offensive line; Jimmy DeLeone, offensive line; CJ Dennison, defensive coordinator/defensive backs; Marcus Wright, defensive coordinator/defensive line; Al Ehlert, defensive backs; Luke Larkin, safeties/tight ends; Kevin Hockett, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Billy Rosato, defensive coordinator/running backs; Thom Rosato, offensive line; Chad Westfall, defensive backs/special teams; Rob Custer, tight ends/defensive line; Bobby Shew, running backs/linebackers; Keith Arnold, offensive line/defensive line; Luke Rosato, quarterbacks; Corey Lehner, wide receivers/defensive backs. League: Independent. Playoffs: Division VII, Region 25. 2024 Record: […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, AUG. 18, 2025   BOYS SOCCER CRESTWOOD 6, WATERLOO 1 (At Crestwood) GOALS — (C) Kyle Shelhamer 3, Gio Brock 1, AJ Brock 1, Ryder Miller 1. (W) Not reported.   ROOTSTOWN 8, LABRAE 0 (At LaBrae) Goals: (R) Zach Pastor 3, Bryson Scarlett 1, Dylan Boland 1, Landon Rodstrom 1, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   In her second back-to-back under-par match score, Sammy Morgan led all golfers for Southeast and against Springfield and Garfield, firing a 1-under-par 35. Jessi Mix added a 41 for the Pirates in their match victory over the two visiting schools: Southeast 165, Springfield 183 and Garfield 215. The G-Men’s […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Randy Ward, offensive line; Mike Paes, quarterbacks/defensive backs; Jarrod Lewis, defensive coordinator; Howie Moore, offensive line/linebackers; Eric Cardinal, defensive line; Joe Simon, wide receivers/defensive backs; Jeff Brown, running backs; Mike Finney, offensive line/defensive line; Trey Shirkey, linebackers; Ethan Roman, offensive line/defensive line; Rich Stark, […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Darren Shackelford, offensive line; Dave Tenney, running backs; Pat Herold, defensive backs; Mike Brown, middle linebackers; Joe Peterson, wide receivers; Austin Williams, offensive line; Keith Sharier, defensive line; Brandyn Frey, outside linebackers. League: Metro Athletic Conference. Playoffs: Division IV, Region 13. 2024 Record: 9-3 […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Mike Mager, offensive coordinator/offensive line; Jake Lieberth, offensive coordinator/; Brandon Civitarese, defensive coordinator/linebackers; Dave Lieberth, defensive coordinator/defensive backs; Jack Blasiole, special teams coordinator/running backs; Andrew Mertz, wide receivers; Tim Bilsza, running backs; Jarek Manners, defensive line. League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division. Playoffs: Division […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   THE TEAM Coaching Staff: Brian Wervey, defensive coordinator/linebackers/defensive ends; Victor Ricketts, offensive line/run game coordinator; Jay Price, defensive backs; Brendan Gallagher, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Jim Slagle, defensive line; Jeff Decker, inside linebackers; Tristan Phillips, wide receivers; Mark Dingman, freshman; Dave Keckan, freshman. League: Suburban League American Conference. Playoffs: Division […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Golf courses have found it rewarding to support junior-golf and high-school programs, supporting the future of golf. Southeast has worked hard for the past decade to improve its golf program, encouraging junior golfers from elementary through high school. From Pirates Play Golf (started by girls varsity golf coach Cindy […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD SATURDAY, AUG. 16, 2025   VOLLEYBALL ROOTSTOWN DEF. UNITED, 25-20, 21-25, 25-19, 15-25, 16-14 (At Rootstown) UNITED — Riley Phillips, 11 points, 1 ace; Aurianna Cusick, 4 points; Megan Scott, 4 points; Maelee Smith, 3 points; Karleigh Kooser, 5 points; Kendall Era, 5 points; Baylee Smith, 12 points, 1 ace; Brittany Miller, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   I have to admit that I am honored to host the Portage County Amateur each season. Imagine … this was the 95th Portage County Amateur. With only five short years until the 100th Portage County Amateur, it is one of the longest-running events in the state. This season’s amateur […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOWLING SOCREBOARD SUNDAY, AUG. 17, 2025   ADULT LEAGUES KENT SUMMER DOUBLES: Jon Endres 289, Brandon Gillium 277-714, Doug Griffin 709, Zoe Bevilacqua 240-564, Julia Gerhardt 193-519. PERFECT FIT SUMMER TRIO: Alex Bisnett 311, Cody Justice 290, Troy Allison 288, Mark Ruediger 972, John Kertis 954, Bob Smolko 952, Shelly Moore 291, Maddy […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Mogadore Wildcats visited former Portage Trail Conference rival Southeast Pirates on Friday at Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course. The two teams, in early tournament action, have been among the top three or four in events with teams that make the coaches proud. In this nine-hole match on the […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, AUG. 15, 2025   GIRLS TENNIS THURSDAY RAVENNA 4, CRESTWOOD 1 (At Crestwood) First Singles — (R) Mallory Sterba def. Serena Wright, 6-2, 6-3; Second Singles — (C) Anna Move def. Molly Caicco, 6-0, 6-1; Third Singles — (R) Janayah Maddox def. Mariah Hartley, 6-4, 7-5; First Doubles — (R) Izzy […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, AUG. 14, 2025   BOYS GOLF SOUTHEAST 164, GARFIELD 187 (At Sugarbush Golf Club, Garrettsville – Par 36) SOUTHEAST (164): James Morgan 36, Cole Bruno 43, Alex Peelish 44, Owen Dombroski 47, Ethan Shodd 42, Shade Stevens 43. GARFIELD (187): Hunter Anderson 38, Lukas Workman 56, Garet Warnick 48, Caleb Sheer […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on Chris Mossa, who is in his 25th year teaching high […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13, 2025   GIRLS TENNIS AURORA 3, NORTH ROYALTON 2 (At Aurora) FIRST SINGLES: Kasey Milano (A) def. Sara Hameed (NR) 6-2, 6-0; SECOND SINGLES: Sophie Cifuni (A) def. Prisha Pramod (NR) 6-3, 7-6 (5); THIRD SINGLES: Izzy Cengic (NR) def. Ashley Kohl (A) 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. FIRST DOUBLES: Sachi […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer NORTHEAST OHIO INVITATIONAL Boys teams from across Northeast Ohio gathered at Good Park Golf Course in Akron for the annual Northeast Ohio Invitational hosted by the Springfield Spartans. When the final scores were tabulated, the scoreboard looked very familiar to Portage Trail Conference fans. The top-three teams, Warren JFK (309), […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD TUESDAY, AUG. 12, 2025   BOYS GOLF SPRINGFIELD SPARTANS NORTHEAST OHIO INVITATIONAL (At Good Park Golf Course, Akron – Par 71) TEAM STANDINGS: Warren JFK 309, Mogadore 329, Southeast 332, Buckeye 334, Cloverleaf 338, McDonald 341, Louisville 349, Gilmour Academy 354, Dover 355, Norton 361, Springfield 365, Canton Central Catholic 370, Lake […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   For the last two seasons, the back of the Field boys soccer team’s warmup shirts have had the message “LEAVE A LEGACY” proudly printed on the back. It serves as a daily reminder to the seniors that how they play and how they handle themselves has an impact […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Southeast Pirates traveled to Lisbon to play their first Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference match of the season and it was one to remember. Beating Crestview (141-161) to set a new school record for the lowest nine-hole score in program history. The team’s 141 was a 1-over-par for the […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD MONDAY, AUG. 11, 2025     GIRLS TENNIS SOUTHEAST 4, FIELD 1 (At Field) First Singles — Autumn Atha (F) def. Miranda Timko, 6-1, 6-2; Second Singles — Makayla Flores (SE) def. Madi Meffert, 6-4, 6-1; Third Singles — Holley Reynolds (SE) def. McCayla Meffert, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2; First Doubles — Natalie […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor Mason Williams has the eyes of the country on him. After being named a FWAA Freshman All-American in 2024, the Mogadore High School graduate, who is now playing tight end for Ohio University, was named to the John Mackey Award Watch List last week. The award has been presented […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Welcome to the high school golf season. It was an early start for high-school golfers as OHSAA set the first date of practice and the first date of competition on July 28, the earliest of any of the fall sports on the OHSAA calendar. Local teams have been busy […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The 2025 Matt Mishler Junior Portage County Amateur featured many of the golfers everyone is now seeing featured in their high-school matches and other tournaments. The 19th annual event competed at Sunny Hill Golf Course in Brimfield and Windmill Lakes Golf Club in Ravenna. Champions in each age division […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOPWLING SCOREBOARD SUNDAY, AUG. 10, 2025   ADULT LEAGUES SPINS BOWL KENT DOUBLES: Parker Addison 268-722, Jon Endres 258-761, Zoe Bevilacqua 200-530, Julie Gerhardt 173, Robin Wise 466. KUMMERLEE DOUBLES: Larry Stout 2216, Rudy Jones 195, Dave Simko 174, Ched Reber 614, Bruce Prochaska 596, Joe Baker 458, Leslie Simko 193, Liz Hickman […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, AUG. 8, 2025   BOYS GOLF JOE EATON HIGH SCHOOL BOYS INVITATIONAL MORNING WAVE (At Tannenhauf Golf Club, Alliance – Par 72) TEAM STANDINGS: Warren JFK 308, Cardinal Mooney 311, Poland Seminary 328, Mogadore 334, Ursuline 335, Independence 339, Gilmour Academy 340, Southeast 341, South Range 344, Columbiana 359, McDonald 368, […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   BOYS GOLF MOGADORE EARNS FOURTH AT TANNENHAUF The Mogadore Wildcats’ golfers were consistent at the 19-team morning wave of the Joe Eaton Invitational played Friday at Tannenhauf Golf Club in Alliance. The Wildcats earned fourth (334) behind Warren JFK (defending state champions), Cardinal Mooney and Poland Seminary. Tyler Pendergast […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor The “Coaches in the Classroom” feature is a weekly series that spotlights and celebrates coaches throughout Portage County, who spend their days in the classrooms and hallways leading today’s student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders. Today’s spotlight is on first-year Field High School girls golf coach Dan Battaglia, who is […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   GIRLS GOLF SUBURBAN LEAGUE AMERICAN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT Kent Roosevelt competed in the first Suburban League Tournament of the season in the American Conference at J.E. Goodpark Golf Course in Akron on Thursday. The Rough Riders (340) finished in second, with Medina Highland leading the way, firing a 309. Highland […]

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6, 2025   GIRLS GOLF SOUTHEAST 168, CRESTVIEW 238 (At Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton – Par 35) SOUTHEAST (168): Sammy Morgan 41, Emily Morrison 43, Aubree Varga 44, Jessi Mix 40, Jenni Mix 44, Kristen Dillon 52. CRESTVIEW (238): Elaina Louk 47, Ally Farley 57, Maye Miller […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   BOYS GOLF SUBURBAN LEAGUE PRESEASON TOURNAMENT The Suburban League’s American and National conferences held its preseason tournaments at Pine Hills Golf Club in Hinckley on Tuesday, with Medina Highland earning the championship in the American Conference and Hudson earning the victory in the National Conference. Aurora fired the runner-up […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Southeast girls golf head coach Cindy Fesemyer is arguably the most compassionate coach in Portage County. The thing is, she is arguably the most competitive, too. Her personality has included a blend of both for as long as she can remember. It is what drove her as a […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   GIRLS GOLF STOW LADY BULLDOGS INVITATIONAL Both Kent Roosevelt and Aurora traveled to Fox Den Golf Course in Stow to compete in the Stow Lady Bulldogs Invitational on Monday. The 14-team tournament was won by Walsh Jesuit (302), with Medina Highland (320) taking the runner-up spot. Roosevelt finished in […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Preview capsules for the 2025 high school boys golf season. FIELD FALCONS COACH: Dan Battaglia, first season. CONFERENCE: Metro Athletic Conference. HOME COURSE: Sunny Hill Golf Course, Brimfield. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Senior Casey Cannon, junior Sara Foutty. DEPTH: “We are excited to have our returning letterwinners back to provide some […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer Preview capsules for the 2025 high school boys golf season.   FIELD FALCONS COACH: Scott Bower. First year coaching boys (coached girls last season). CONFERENCE: Metro Athletic Conference. HOME COURSE: Sunny Hill Golf Course, Brimfield. RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Seniors Nicholas Cultrona, Joseph Conroy, Aiden Graham and Jayden Huskins. DEPTH: “Newcomers are […]

By Tom Nader Portage Sports   Jim Hunt, founder of Sports Xpress, Portage County’s premier sporting goods and team apparel shop, has transferred ownership to brothers Ron, Craig and Eric Lewis and Tom and Travis Nader. The new team plans to continue the strong customer service and community ties built by Hunt over his 33 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Kent Roosevelt Lady Rider Invitational is has long been considered a must-play event for high school girls golf teams at the beginning of the season. This year was no different. On Saturday, Kent Roosevelt welcomed nine teams to the morning flight and eight teams to the afternoon flight […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Three of the four Portage County Amateurs are in the record books for 2025, with only the 55th Senior Amateur remaining to compete in the final weekend in August. This week, this column focuses on the 11th Kids Am and its success. It was the 11th year for the […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOWLING SCOREBOARD SUNDAY, AUG. 3, 2025 ADULT LEAGUES HAV-A-BAL 9PIN SUMMER: Dale Hahn 300-821, Jacob Renkel 270-698, Dan Andrews 266-725, Michelle Young 206-458, Joanne Pem 186-429, Lydia Menditto 180-457. PERFECT FIT SUMMER TRIO: Men: Dan Andrews 300, Dale Hahn 821; women: Joanne Pem 234-563; Boys: Lucian Sekierko 265, Colin Jarvis 534; Girls: Emily […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor A priceless moment does not come with a blueprint. Strange, right? In a time when answers are everywhere, we are left to figure this out on our own. Everything else is within seconds of our fingertips, the path to a priceless moment is still so unpredictable that you can’t […]

Tom “T” Mariana was a 1930 Ravenna High School graduate and was a major figure in the landscape of Portage County athletics. And was so for decades. He was a multi-sport athlete for the Ravens, then became the Director of Recreation for Ravenna in 1937 when he was 25 years old. He developed the Summer […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Local golfers demonstrated they are more than ready for the upcoming high school golf season as the Northern Ohio PGA held the 42nd NOPGA Junior Championship to conclude the season at Barrington Golf Club in Aurora. The tournament is an invitation only event, with golfers identified and selected after […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   One of our most fun days of the year! We were proud to host our 2025 High School Football Photoshoot at Windy Acres at Rufener’s Hilltop Farms in Suffield last Monday. Eleven football players and 12 cheerleaders attended the photoshoot as part of the production of the 2025 […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   For only the fourth tie in Portage County Amateur history, the tournament was reduced from a 36-hole tournament to an 18-hole tournament thanks to the torrential rains that fell in Northeast Ohio on Saturday. Golfers arrived on Sunday at Raccoon Hill for the final 18 holes that would determine […]

95TH PORTAGE COUNTY AMATEUR TEE TIMES @ Raccoon Hill Golf Club, Kent Sunday, July 27   NOTE: Tee times start at 9 p.m. If you have questions or concerns please text 330-206-9083 or email golffam2@gmail.com   COUNTY DIVISION 9:00 Laszlo May, Rootstown; James Morgan, North Benton; Ben Jenior, Rootstown 9:09 Derrick Benner, Mantua; Randy Wilburn, […]

95TH PORTAGE COUNTY AMATEUR SATURDAY, JULY 26 AT WINDMILL LAKES, RAVENNA   TEE TIMES (Please text 330-206-9083 or email golffam2@gmail.com with questions or corrections.) COUNTY DIVISION 11 a.m. — Laszlo May, Rootstown; James Morgan, North Benton; Ben Jenior, Rootstown 11:08 — Derrick Benner, Mantua; Randy Wilburn, Deerfield; Tim Metzko, Mantua 11:16 — Vince Fortney, Mantua; Mason […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer It was a beautiful day for golf at Windmill Golf Club in Ravenna as the 19th Matt Mishler Junior Portage County Amateur teed off. Great competition, solid scores and movement on the scoreboard made it not only interesting for competitors, but also a fun round for parents and grandparents to […]

19TH MATT MISHLER JUNIOR PORTAGE COUNTY AMATEUR DAY TWO TEE TIMES AT WINDMILL LAKE GOLF CLUB (RAVENNA) WEDNESDAY BOYS 16-19 DIVISION 11:09 — Andrew Just, Rootstown 105; Mason Storey, Mogadore 103; Brad Simms, Kent 98. 11:19 — Sully Evans, Uniontown 91; Jack Flynn, Kent 90; Max Shannon, Mogadore 89. 11:29 — Brett Epple, Streetsboro 87; […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   Beautiful weather greeted the junior golfers competing in the first day of the 19th Matt Mishler Junior Portage County Amateur at Sunny Hill Golf Club in Brimfield on Tuesday. A field, including some of the top golfers in Portage County, set their sites on low scores for the start […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   19th MATT MISHLER JUNIOR PORTAGE COUNTY AMATEUR TUESDAY AT SUNNY HILL GOLF COURSE (BRIMFIELD) FIRST ROUND   TEE TIMES BOYS 16-19 7:30 — James Morgan, North Benton; Tyler Pendergast, Mogadore; Brett Epple, Streetsboro. 7:40 — Sully Evans, Uniontown; Jack Flynn, Kent; Andrew Just, Rootstown. 7:50 — Owen Puhalla, Tallmadge; […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The 11th Portage County Kids Amateur teed off at Sunny Hill Golf Course on Sunday, with kids from age 5 to just entering high school competing in several age divisions. The event, which is designed to be a first tournament experience for most, is a fun time for the […]

Crestwood’s Bridget Franek (left) and Field’s Christine Clark take the baton for the final leg of the 4×800 relay during the 2006 Portage Trail Conference Track and Field Championships. It was the first year for the league, which recently disbanded at the end of the 2025 spring season. The meet was hosted by Ravenna High […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced on Thursday that it will introduce a girls flag football state championship event beginning in spring 2026. The announcement comes after the OHSAA has spent several years meeting with Ohio flag football leaders to consider the potential opportunity to sanction a […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   The Pro Football Hall of Fame is coming to Kent on Tuesday. Members of The Hall will be at the North Water Street Brewery at 7 p.m. for a discussion about Kent State University legend Antonio Gates. Gates, who made his historic mark for the Golden Flashes as […]

PORTAGE COUNTY BOWLING SCOREBOARD SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2025 ADULT LEAGUES HAV-A-BALL 9PIN: Men: Kevin Zolgus 298-654, Dale Hahn 263, Dave Fuerst 252-653, Jacob Renkel 674; Women: Michelle Young 209-580, Joanne Pem 180-475, Darlene Young 158, Josalyn Blade 418; Boys: Lucian Sekierko 232-620, Colin Jarvis 201-595; Girls: Emily Rose 134-379, Megan Andrews 76-164. KUMMERLEE DOUBLES: Dave […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer The 11th annual Portage County Kids Am will tee off on Sunday (July 20) at Sunny Hill Golf Course in Brimfield. If you have any questions, please text 330-206-9083 or email golffam2@gmail.com. Good luck to all competitors! 11th PORTAGE COUNTY KIDS AMATEUR TEE TIMES BOYS FLIGHT A (9 Holes) 4:00 […]

By Cindy Fesemyer Special to Portage Sports   Editor’s Note: Cindy Fesemyer is a 1978 graduate of Southeast High School, where she was a teacher for 35 years. She has been a coach since 1983, when she began her career as the track and field coach at Garfield High School. She was hired as the […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   Lauren Jones does not like to sit still. She never has. As a youngster growing up in Garrettsville, if there was a sport or activity available, you can bet she was involved in some way. To the point that her parents, Bruce and Sherry used to wonder if […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor   It was a Wednesday morning in July, but the gymnasium at Waterloo High School was filled with life. The collection of undeniable basketball sounds were there. The echo of balls bouncing off the hardwood floor. The squeak from sneakers as players quickly changed direction. The swish of the […]

By Susan Jenior Staff Writer   The Northern Ohio PGA sponsored a 36-hole tournament for junior golfers as a part of the junior series tournaments at Windmill Lakes Golf Course in Ravenna on Monday and Tuesday. With only three tournaments remaining until the tour championship at Barrington Golf Club in Aurora on July 28 and […]

By Susan Junior Staff Writer   Do you have a professional golf dream foursome? The British Open always attracts the best pro golfers on tour as one of the major championships. Now is your opportunity to pick your top-four golfers to compete in the Big Ben’s Open Challenge, now in its fourth year, and help […]

By Tom Nader Publisher and Editor It was a simple question, but, initially, Carl Singer was not quite sure how to respond. Not because the question was challenging, but because its implication was not even on his radar. “Where did you get her from?” It was asked out of curiosity from an official during a […]