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Local Sports

McLaughlin returns to Rockets as a rookie coach

LOWELLVILLE — A new era is beginning at Lowellville and alumnus Drew McLaughlin is taking over as the Rockets’ head coach. Former head coach Andrew Mamula stepped down in the offseason after producing an overall record of 39-17, two Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference titles and leading ...

Blue Jays ‘all-in’ with Shaner

First-year Jackson-Milton coach Brian Shaner is no stranger to the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference. Having spent the last six seasons coaching at Mineral Ridge, Shaner has battled with his new program in the past. There was a sense of familiarity on both sides, which made the transition ...

New wave of quarterbacks take over across Mahoning County

After several years with experienced, veteran quarterbacks across the area, it’s a new era for local teams under center. Most schools will be breaking in completely new starters at the quarterback position, including Ursuline, Cardinal Mooney, Boardman, Struthers, Western Reserve, East and ...

Porch looking to turn around Campbell in his first season

CAMPBELL — During the heatwave in the middle of the summer, a small group of football players gathered at the Campbell football stadium. They ran routes and got in some cardio in preparation for the upcoming season. Overseeing it all was David Porch, the Red Devils’ rookie head ...

Fighting Irish look to make another deep postseason run

YOUNGSTOWN — Last year, Ursuline was on the cusp of making history. But the Fighting Irish came up just short of a state championship run, falling in the Division III state semifinal. Ursuline had perennial power Toledo Central Catholic on the ropes, as the Irish defense had stymied TCC’s ...

Pascarella prepares for first season as Wildcats’ head coach

STRUTHERS — Coach John Pascarella has seen a lot of football, especially at Struthers for the past 15 seasons, but didn’t envision himself at the helm. Sometimes, life presents opportunity, and he’s eager to kick-start the 2025 campaign with a younger, but experienced, Wildcats roster. ...