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West Branch’s Grady Hirst proving to be true dual threat

A year ago, Grady Hirst emerged as one of the top throwing quarterbacks in the Mahoning Valley. As a junior, Hirst led West Branch to a 10-2 finish, passing for 2,660 yards and 25 touchdowns. Now a senior, Hirst is again the sparkplug of the West Branch offense. The Warriors are off to a 4-0 start and ranked fourth in the Division IV, Region 13 computer rankings. This time, Hirst is letting his legs carry a good chunk of the load. He has already rushed for 482 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. While not throwing as often as he was a year ago, Hirst has ...

Ursuline keeps battling in loss to Warren JFK

WARREN — Battling injuries and inexperience, the Ursuline girls soccer team has had its fair share of issues this season. The Irish have struggled just to score goals, let alone win games. But even though those issues continued in Thursday’s 9-0 loss at Warren JFK, Ursuline head coach ...

Lordstown snaps long losing streak vs. Badger, 2-1

VERNON — Badger’s earned a strong reputation in the Northeastern Athletic Conference. The Braves have been one of the top dogs in the league for years now. And that just means they’re getting everyone’s best shot. On Thursday, Lordstown’s shot was good enough, and the Red Devils ...

Peyton Watson arrives in Cleveland after Cavs’ late pursuit

INDEPENDENCE — The Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t one of the first teams interested in acquiring Peyton Watson. However, once they began their pursuit of the restricted free agent, the 23-year-old forward saw how it made sense for both parties. “They weren’t one of the first teams that was speculated to be interested or one of the first teams that kind of came into the fold, but as soon as they were, they were interested,” Watson said during a news conference on Thursday at the Cavaliers training complex. Watson was acquired in a sign-and-trade that was part of a five-team ...

Baker Mayfield needs no extra motivation facing Browns

TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield doesn’t need extra motivation after a turnover-filled performance in Week 1. His former team provides it anyway. Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in their home opener after starting the season with a 33-27 loss at ...

Penguins begin training camp with raised expectations, uncertainty

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Sidney Crosby seems at peace with his contract status as his 22nd season with the Pittsburgh Penguins begins. Same goes for teammate Erik Karlsson, though for slightly different reasons. While both future Hall of Famers are entering the final year of their current ...