COMMENTARY: Stark County delivers again with unforgettable moments

 COMMENTARY: Stark County delivers again with unforgettable moments

By Keno Sultan 

C-Town Radio statistician and announcer

CANTON--The road to Canton and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium has run it's course. 

Don't let this be a goodbye to the high school football season. This isn't a goodbye. It's see you later.

Six weeks ago, 448 high schools in seven divisions had valiant aspirations of descending on the hallowed grounds of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in hopes of being one of 14 teams competing for a state championship. However, only seven completed that road with a coveted gold trophy. The other seven received the silver trophy, an emblem of being a state finalist. Runner-up doesn't belong in this sentence in respect as state finalist at this juncture is more fitting and appropriate.

As I post this, it is great respect that I send a huge shout out to Aaron Sims and Jeff Woodson for their finding of me and opening me up to this opportunity and what better way to be where pro football originated at for high school football's greatest weekend.

In Division VIII, Maria Stein Marion Local once again displayed why they are a dynastic authority with a 38-0 running clock victory over Dalton, a high school from Wayne County that was making their first ever appearance in a state championship game. Head coach Tim Goodwin's track record of 309 wins nearly reminds me of the success that former Mount Union football coach Larry Kehres attained in leading the Purple Raiders to 11 NCAA Division III football titles and twice the longest winning streaks in history. Ok, that's pushing it despite the Flyers 13 titles but in all due respect have no intention of slowing down soon and that Marion Local tradition will be passed down to the brothers, cousins, and any male in the area with aspirations of being a Flyer. And being one of two three-time state champions only adds to that zeal. And while this is being posted, don't discredit Dalton. This will not define their season but is a celebration of being one of the 14 high schools that was worthy of competing for a title and under Broc Dial, will be contenders for years to come.

Maria Stein Marion Local's third straight championship was the school's 13th title under 24th year boss Tim Goodwin. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

The Division VI final was one between two familiar opponents. It was two years ago that Versailles arrived to Canton and showed that even a giant can be taken down. Kirtland was riding a staggering 55-game winning streak before the Tigers took them down and ended their title reign with a 20-16 upset. Fast forward two years later. Kirtland, after two straight state championship losses found their fortune again as they claimed their seventh state title with a hard-fought 32-15 triumph over the Tigers. One big play swung the momentum in the form of a 93-yard kickoff return score from Hornets running back Will Beers that put the brakes on the Tigers momentum. These two schools, look for them to have some future meetings in the years to come as long as Hornets title-winning general Tiger LaVerde and Versailles boss Ryan Jones are around.

After two straight state final appearances, Kirtland returned to the throne with a seventh crown, all under the tutelage of head coach Tiger LaVerde. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

There is nothing like when two teams are undefeated and are ranked #1 and #2 competing for a title. Last year, there were three #1 vs. #2 matchups in state championship games. This year, Lake County Perry and Liberty Center both arrived with 15-0 records and respectable billing as the two best in Division V. In the end, Liberty Center had nothing to be ashamed of in their valiant effort, however the Pirates of Lake County Perry showed unfailing grit in overcoming a 14-7 deficit to snag their first title in a 21-14 victory to prove their worth in the Division V state final. Both teams lived up to their reputation as physical teams with strong running games and physical defense. For the Pirates it is their first title and for the Tigers, their third state final appearance and first in 25 years. Both teams displayed a prowess that fans of their respective schools can be proud of. This was a true #1 vs #2 matchup worth watching. Pirates and Tigers fans both can be proud as I am of both schools.

Lake County Perry proved they were #1 wire-to-wire with a 21-14 win over #2 Liberty Center to win the Division V state championship. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

In Division IV, it was one thing for Cleveland Glenville to become the first inner city school in the area to win a state title. It's another to repeat the accomplishment. Their 38-3 win over Kettering Alter not only was their second title but it also cemented the legacy of 26 year boss Ted Ginn Sr., a coach who is as serious about God being in his life the same as he is the Tarblooders head football and track coach. This is Ginn Sr.'s eighth state championship overall (six as track head coach). Even memorable is the fact that Ginn survived cancer to come back on the sideline and be a part of this accomplishment. As Ginn said, "You can't win it if God is not in it." Well said.

Cleveland Glenville establishes themselves as the kings of Division IV football with a 38-3 win over Kettering Alter. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

You can take Toledo Central Catholic down from Division II to Division III but one thing is for sure: the alma mater of former Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer is putting more hardware in their trophy case for the fifth time under alumnus and head coach Greg Dempsey. Last year the Fighting Irish outlasted Akron Hoban for the Division II crown and added a Division III title with a 27-7 victory over Columbus Bishop Watterson in the Division III final. One player who will be playing on Saturdays will be Marquan Braswell, who is a punishing runner with a Mike Tyson body build from the 80's. Bishop Watterson went through some lean years but with alumnus Brian Kennedy as head coach, don't be surprised if the Eagles soar back to Canton as this will not be a one-time trip for them.

Toledo Central Catholic was the best in Division II and showed they were also the best in Division III with a 27-7 win over Columbus Bishop Watterson in the Division III state championship. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

For the first time in 30 years, there is a three-time Division I state champion and I wouldn't mention who it is loudly to Cleveland St. Ignatius. That said, Lakewood St. Edward, a long time rival of St. Ignatius, won their third straight Division I championship with a 31-21 win over Springfield, the Eagles third straight win over the Wildcats in all competitive contests. For Eagles head coach Tom Lombardo, it was nine years ago he turned down the Massillon job opening and it turned out to be a wise decision evidenced by what the Eagles have accomplished in his nine years as the Eagles general since taking over for Rick Finotti. They are truly the best Division I school to play football at this point. As for Springfield, there is no shame in being a three-time finalist as Maurice Douglass has his hands on their program, the same way as he did during his long tenure at Trotwood-Madison and residents in Clark County can be proud of their team.

Lakewood St. Edward establishes themselves as the best to play Division I football with a third straight big school title. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

And it is only fitting like singer/actress Vanessa Williams that we save the best for last. It has been a 52 year drought filled with six state finalist appearances but now the Massillon Tigers can finally call themselves undefeated Division II state champions. After years of being denigrated as "paper champions", never winning one "on the field" and among other negative criticism, their 7-2 win over Akron Hoban came as a knockout left hook shot as quick as the speed Sugar Ray Robinson threw it at in his heyday. No one will never, ever degrade Massillon again. Their critics were flattened like Gene Fullmer suffering whiplash after fielding a Robinson hook in their rematch which he lost via fifth round knockout. Tigers coach Nate Moore proudly has two state championships but this one puts him in a stratosphere unlike any other. As for Hoban, three straight state final appearances and eight in nine years is still something to be proud of. Don't discredit the Knights because of three losses in the state final. But this is Massillon's time. Massillon always heard the chatter of never winning a playoff title, now Massillon gets to talk, and everyone else has no choice but to hear it without interruption and deservedly so. 

Massillon completed a 16-0 season with a 7-2 win over Akron Hoban to win the school's first playoff title to go along with their 24 Ohio Associated Press poll titles, the most before the playoff era. The Tigers also finished ranked as a top 10 team in the nation. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

What a memorable weekend it was and another fine job by the city of Canton and the OHSAA in putting together yet another fine state championship weekend. Congratulations to all 14 schools who competed and to the seven who departed as state champions.

The road to Canton has run it's course. The 2023 season is over. But this isn't a goodbye. It's see you later.

Keno Sultan can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

 

STATE FINALS RECAP: Marion Local, Lake County Perry and Cleveland Glenville capture crowns

STATE FINALS RECAP: Marion Local, Lake County Perry, and Cleveland Glenville capture crowns

By Keno Sultan

C-Town Radio staff report

CANTON--Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, three more state champions were crowned as two of them retained their crowns and there was also a first time champion as the high school football season concluded after 16 long weeks. 

Marion Local, Lake County Perry, and Cleveland Glenville joined Lakewood St. Edward, Massillon, Toledo Central Catholic, and Kirtland as title winning teams over a span of three days.

Here are the recaps from the Division VII, Division V and the Division IV state championships.

Division VII state championship: Maria Stein Marion Local 38, Dalton 0

CANTON--Marion Local used an 80-yard interception return for a score from cornerback Griffin Burns and then a 64-yard punt return for a touchdown by Victor Hoelscher. both scores happening in the second quarter to stake the Flyers to a third straight state championship with a 38-0 dismantling of Dalton.

The Bulldogs were making their first appearance in a title game but faced a juggernaut that has won a staggering 13 titles as they concluded their season 13-2 while the Flyers captured another 16-0 record and now have won 48 contests in a row.

"There are a ton of factors that go into that. I can't really answer that other than it is the right coaching staff with the right coaching style with the community and the backing of the parents and athletic kids that love to compete and are very coachable. It is a whole lot of things mixed together," said Flyers 24th year head coach Tim Goodwin.

FLYER CELEBRATION. Marion Local running back Kyle Otte (#25) is congratulated after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of Saturday's Division VII championship. The Flyers won their third straight title with a 38-0 win over Dalton. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division V state championship: Lake County Perry 21, Liberty Center 14

CANTON--In the only #1 vs #2 state final in a battle of undefeated squads, it was Lake County Perry overcoming an early 14-7 deficit and surviving a frantic rally from Liberty Center to win their first state championship in school history.

The contest lived up to it's billing as both squads showed why they were the top two schools in the state. Perry finished their season 16-0 while Liberty Center absorbed their first setback and finished 15-1.

"You know it feels great. Every one of us were blessed. At the beginning of the season we knew we could be something special and we showed that we can play together and have fun," Pirates linebacker Jayden Studio said.

TAMED TIGER. Liberty Center running back Trenton Kruse is swarmed by a host of Perry Pirates defenders during the second half of the Division V state final. The Tigers were defeated by Lake County Perry 21-14. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division IV state championship: Cleveland Glenville 38, Kettering Alter 3

CANTON--The Glenville Tarblooders established themselves as a Division IV power in the final game of the OHSAA state football championships with a 38-3 victory over Kettering Alter to win their second consecutive state title.

Last season, the Tarblooders downed Cincinnati Wyoming 26-6 to become the first inner city public school to win a state title. Returning a handful of players from that team, they turned their final against the Knights into a rout. 

Quarterback Ruel Tomlinson threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more to lead the Tarblooders. Veteran head coach Ted Ginn Sr. attested that the title was part of their destiny.

"Tonight was an example of what God has already had in the plan. You can't win if God is not in your plans. Long as God is involved, we have a chance," Ginn Sr. said of his team's accomplishment.

Glenville finished the year 13-2 while Alter concluded 12-4.

TEARS OF ELATION. Glenville players tearfully celebrate with each other after the Tarblooders 38-3 victory over Kettering Alter in the Division IV state championship. Glenville won their second straight state football title to go along with six track titles all under the tutelage of Ted Ginn Sr. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Keno Sultan can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.

STATE FINALS RECAP: Northeast Ohio scores clean sweep of state finals

STATE FINALS RECAP: Northeast Ohio scores clean sweep of state finals

By Keno Sultan

C-Town Radio staff report

CANTON--Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in the second day of the OHSAA state football championships, Northeast Ohio high schools Kirtland, Toledo Central Catholic, and Lakewood St. Edward joined Massillon as state champions with respective victories in their division championship contests with the Fighting Irish and Eagles repeating as champions for a second and third time.

Division VI state championship: Kirtland 32, Versailles 15

CANTON--After Versailles had pulled within six points in the second quarter, Hornets running back Will Beers provided the play of the game in which he returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to reestablish a 19 point lead to keep the Tigers at bay and from there, claimed their seventh state championship, along the way avenging a state title game loss to the Tigers two years ago. 

Kirtland snapped a two-game losing streak in state finals and finished 15-1 while Versailles concluded their year at 14-2.

"It's so much fun sitting here winning than it does losing. When you lose, it's really hard because the kids put so much into it and you come up short and it's really hard to answer questions," 18th year Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde said.

When asked about how devastating the Hornets kickoff return was, Tigers commander Ryan Jones did not see it as such.

"It's not devastating. You can't afford as a football team to be devastated in the middle of a game because if you are then you have surrendered there," he said.

HORNET SWARM. Kirtland players celebrate their 32-15 victory over Versailles in the Division VI state championship game Friday morning at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadim in Canton. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division III state final: Toledo Central Catholic 27, Columbus Bishop Watterson 7

CANTON--After spotting Bishop Watterson a first quarter 7-0 advantage, Toledo Central Catholic took over their contest and responded with 27 of the next 34 points as they captured consecutive state titles with a 20-point victory over the Eagles.

Toledo Central Catholic has won 31 contests in a row dating back to last season's 28-21 win over Akron Hoban in the Division II state championship before moving down a division and scoring a second straight title, the first time the Fighting Irish have won back-to-back titles under 24th year head coach Greg Dempsey.

"We keep preaching going 1-0 every week and I know it sounds corny and cliche but that's what you do. If you focus on going 31 and whatever, that's not going to happen," Dempsey said. "You have to take it one week at a time and that is the deal and that is what we said before we left the locker room let's go 1-0 and that will lead to us being a state champion. You have to have strong character to do those (wins) in a row and I can't say enough about them."

Watterson was attempting to win a title for the first time in 13 years to add on to the 2002 and 2010 teams but fell short of their goal as their season ended at 14-2.

"You know, we made some mistakes and they were able to capitalize on those and that's a really good team and you don't want to give up opportunities and we did that tonight," a dejected Eagles coach Brian Kennedy said. "Things didn't go our way and that is what it is, 27-7."

IRISH CELEBRATION. Toledo Central Catholic wide receiver Sharard Vaughn III (#28) celebrates his six-yard touchdown reception from Irish quarterback Terry Collins Jr. (not pictured) in the second quarter of Friday's Division III state championship. Looking on is receiver Lavell Stokes. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

Division I state championship: Lakewood St. Edward 31, Springfield 21

CANTON--The Lakewood St. Edward Eagles severed a 21-21 first half tie to finally down a resilient Springfield team for a third straight time to win their third straight Division I state championship with a 10-point victory in the nightcap to end the second day of championship competition.

The Eagles became the first high school in 30 years since arch rival Cleveland St. Ignatius to win three straight big school titles, who won five in a row from 1991-1995.

St. Edward finished their year 15-1 with their only setback, a 15-13 loss to undefeated Division II state champion Massillon.

"It's not easy and I feel relieved. There's a lot of pressure year after year on those expectations and the kids fulfilled that, that's an accomplishment," said ninth-year St. Edward head coach Tom Lombardo, who was a finalist for the Massillon job in 2015 that ended up going to current Tigers mentor Nate Moore, who won his second title as a head coach, first with the Tigers Thursday night.

Springfield under the tutelage of Maurice Douglass Sr. finished with a 10-6 record.

VICTORY RIDE. Lakewood St. Edward ninth-year field general Tom Lombardo gets a ride from his players as the Eagles defeated Springfield for a third straight year 31-21 for their third straight Division I state title, the first school to win three straight big school titles since St. Ignatius won their third in a row in 1993. (Keno Sultan/C-Town Radio)

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Canton McKinley 72, Alliance 50

ALLIANCE--The Sean Weatherspoon era at Canton McKinley commenced Friday night with a Bulldogs 72-50 victory over the Alliance Aviators.

Reed Sims Jr. scored 23 points to lead the Bulldogs to their first victory on the season. Weatherspoon, who previously coached at Maple Heights and then recently Alliance last season was a starting forward on the 2005 McKinley boys basketball team that finished 26-1 and were Division I state champions.

McKinley will be at home next Friday night against North Canton Hoover and then Saturday against Dover.

Keno Sultan can be reached at 330-445-4575 or email at KenoSultan@hotmail.com.