By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Streetsboro girls flag football team split in their games last Friday night, defeating Cuyahoga Falls (20-18) and losing to North Royalton (28-12).

In the victory over the Black Tigers, Olivia Johnson-Wilson led the way with a pair of rushing touchdowns, while Jenna Fall had a pick-six interception and Kendall Epple added a 2-point conversion.

In the matchup with North Royalton, Johnson-Wilson added another rushing touchdown and Fall had a touchdown reception.

As a piece of history, the Rockets’ 20-18 win over Cuyahoga Falls was the first on-field victory for a girls flag football team in Portage County history.

Technically, the first win for a Portage County team was designated to the Field Falcons, who were awarded a forfeit victory last Thursday when Barberton abruptly canceled its season a day before it started.

ALL-OHIO BASKETBALL

Eleven Portage County girls basketball players were recognized on the Ohio Prep Sports Media Association’s All-Ohio teams that were released on Monday.

   • Livia Martini, Crestwood, Honorable Mention

   • Audrey Richmond, Field, Honorable Mention

   • Mandy Cardinal, Garfield, Second Team

   • Kasey Bolyard, Mogadore, Special Mention

   • Jalysia Thompson, Ravenna, Special Mention

   • Colbie Curall, Rootstown, First Team

   • Elliott Smallfield, Rootstown, Honorable Mention

   • Jenna Canale, Southeast, Special Mention

   • Lylia Lavigna, Southeast, Honorable Mention

   • Carlee Bedford, Streetsboro, Special Mention

   • OIivia Johnson-Wilson, Streetsboro, Honorable Mention

HUFFMAN’S BIG FINISH AT OAC

Crestwood 8th grader William Huffman recently earned a third-place finish at the junior high OAC state championships.

Huffman, who is a member of the Neighborhood Wrestling Club, dropped a very close 1-0 match in the quarterfinals, then battled back through the consolation bracket.

He earned his third-place finish by winning in double-overtime.

SHARPSHOOTERS IN PORTAGE COUNTY

Three of the best shooters in Ohio came from Portage County during the 2025-26 girls basketball season!

In statistics tracked by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association…

   • Aurora senior Addison Witting had the fourth-best 3-point shooting percentage this season. She connected on 44.086 percent.

   • Garfield senior Mandy Cardinal had the fourth-best free-throw percentage this season. She made 58-of-68 at the line for 85.294 percent.

   • Mogadore junior Kasey Bolyard ranked 18th for free-throw percentage. She connected on 91-of-118 at the line for 77.119 percent.

ROOTSTOWN NATIVE OFFICIATES WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Rootstown High School graduate TJ Kiss (Class of 2000) is believed to be the first-ever wrestling referee from Rootstown to officiate at the OHSAA state championships.

Kiss was a standout wrestler for the Rovers during his high-school career and was a state qualifier.

BENEDUM MAKES HISTORICAL MARK

Mogadore High School wrestling standout Dylan Benedum finished his career with 148 career wins.

The total ranks him fourth in school history, trailing only Paul Skye (176 wins) and Justin Chew (152) and Nick Skye (150).

Benedum’s win total also places him 23rd all-time in Portage County wrestling history.

METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ALL-SPORTS TROPHY

The Metro Athletic Conference released its updated standings for the 2025-26 All-Sports Trophy.

Here is a look following the conclusion of the winter sports season:

   1. Norton, 140 points (6 championships)

   2. Cloverleaf, 127 points (1 championship)

   3. Streetsboro, 126 points (2 championships)

   4. Woodridge, 121 points (5 championships)

   5. Field, 94 (1 championship)

   6. Springfield, 65 points

   7. Coventry, 61 points

   8. Ravenna, 54 points

COLLEGE SIGNINGS

   • Victor Brown, Field football, Vally City State University (North Dakota)

   • Kole Siedler, Field baseball, Hocking College (Nelsonville, Ohio)

   • Brynn Moser, Kent Roosevelt softball, Hiram College

MOGADORE PEP BAND WITH PORTAGE SPORTS

Portage Sports is very excited to announce that the Mogadore High School pep band will be in attendance at both All-Star Games on April 17 to provide their fantastic energy throughout the night!

PORTAGE SPORTS ANNOUNCES GOLF OPEN DATE

The 3rd Portage Sports Golf Open is coming soon!

This year’s foursome scramble is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, at the Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course.

The event is scheduled for an 8 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. shotgun start.

Registration is open now and all you need to do is email Tom Nader at tomnader@portagesports.com. Team registrations will be limited to 32 foursomes. Register early to avoid being put on an expected wait list.

Back again this year is the Open’s popular all-sports competition format, which occasionally pairs foursomes with groups of Portage County’s best student-athletes.

New this year will be awards for best dressed and worst/lowest score, with a cash prize to the winning foursome.

This year’s group of student-athletes will be announced in the coming weeks.