Sunday, August 24, 2008

By ED PUSKAS Tribune Chronicle Assistant Sports Editor

SHAKER HEIGHTS — Warren G. Harding’s Joe Threats broke even on Saturday and teammate Mike Dorsey scored two touchdowns as the Raiders won their season opener.

By JOHN VARGO Tribune Chronicle

GATES MILLS — Gilmour Academy coach Bob Spicer greeted LaBrae coach Bill Bohren after Saturday afternoon’s game at Gilmour’s athletic complex.

By ANDREW WHITMER Tribune Chronicle

CANFIELD — Alex Sampson’s 146 yards and five touchdowns led the McDonald Blue Devils to a season-opening victory over the Youngstown Christian Eagles, 43-20, on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

By DAVE BAUGH Tribune Chronicle Correspondent

MINERAL RIDGE — Heading into this season, Mogadore’s storied football program has three state titles to its credit. Friday night in Mineral Ridge, the Wildcats set the tone for another successful season as they defeated the Rams, 27-7.

By MARTY GITLIN Tribune Chronicle correspondent

MENTOR — The given Friday night was that the Cardinals were going to win.

By MIKE McLAIN Tribune Chronicle

CUYAHOGA FALLS — Dominic LaPolla spent time during the offseason getting into shape for football season by boxing.

By JOE SIMON Tribune Chronicle

VIENNA — Mathews running back Brent Jackson finished Friday night’s game against Western Reserve with 232 yards on 30 carries. But the senior was adamant he rushed for 234.

By RICH KELLY Special to Tribune Chronicle

SOUTHINGTON — After trading blows for better than half of the opening quarter in their season lidlifter Friday night, Southington and the visiting Conneaut Spartans found themselves on even turf.

Tribune Chronicle

By ED PUSKAS Tribune Chronicle Sports Editor

CORTLAND — Harvey coach Devlin Culliver knew Lakeview could run the football effectively with senior running back Ben Moody and a big, experienced offensive line.

By BOB ETTINGER Special to Tribune Chronicle

ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP — The coaching staff of the Champion football team was searching for a little leadership from its players heading into the season opener Friday night at Edgewood. John Gibson and his staff may have received a little more than they bargained for in a 20-17 win for the Golden Flashes.

By JUSTIN SMOLKOVICH Special to Tribune Chronicle

GIRARD — When Girard quarterback Adam Charles went down in the preseason with a season-ending knee-injury, there were probably a few questions floating around town about who would take over for the junior gunslinger.

By JAMIE TRINA Tribune Chronicle correspondent

NILES — Friday night marked the start of a season and a career.

By STEVE GOLDMAN Special to Tribune Chronicle

BURTON — Jason Root and the Pymatuning Valley Lakers have been here before — losing their opening game, that is. But they have also shown that they can overcome it.