Season 2, Episode 2: High Stakes Games and Rising Stars Kickstart the Mahoning Valley Football Season

Sideline Chatter

Can you feel the electricity? High school football season in the Mahoning Valley has kicked off with a bang! This week, we’re taking you through the heart-stopping matches and thrilling victories that have started the season off on an adrenaline-fueled high. From JFK's slow but steady triumph over Champion to South Range's emphatic win over Springfield, we've got you covered. Plus, get exclusive insights on first-year head coaches Damon Buente, David Rach, Derrick Bush and James Hogue and their significant wins at JFK, South Range, Lakeview and Newton Falls, respectively.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. Prepare to relive the nail-biting finishes like Chaney and Akron East's single point difference game, Lowellville and Columbiana's suspense filled match, and last but certainly not least, Mineral Ridge's last-minute victory led by quarterback Owen Shingledecker and wide receiver Brady Balestrino. We'll also be breaking down the teams' strategies, like the game-changing potential of a two-quarterback system. We talk to Mineral Ridge head coach Brian Shaner and Balestrino all about it.
As we round-up the first week's games, we zero in on the impressive wins across the Mahoning Valley, including Struthers, Cardinal Mooney, and Fitch. We'll also preview the upcoming nail-biter between Villa Angela St. Joe's and Cardinal Mooney and walk you through the historic journey of the 1973 Cardinal Mooney State Championship team. Strap in, it's going to be an exhilarating ride!