The Mahoning Valley is synonymous with rich football tradition. Players such as Bernie Kosar (Boardman), Paul Warfield (Harding) and Brad Smith (Chaney) are only a few of the notable alums of such a great football factory that is the Youngstown area. Some of the best high school football is played on Fridays a stone throw from where you may be reading this right now. If you step outside of the valley, you will find rich tradition in the outlying areas – only one tank of gas away. Here’s a look at some of the great football programs that are just miles away.
One Tank Tradition: Six Part SeriesSaturday July 25 – St. Ignatius WildcatsSunday July 26 – Aliquippa Quips
Monday July 27 – Steubenville Big Red
Tuesday July 28 – Berwick Bulldogs
Wednesday July 29 – Massillon Washington Tigers
Thursday July 30 – Canton McKinley Bulldogs
DESTINATION: St. Ignatius High School
LOCATION: Cleveland, Ohio
DISTANCE: 75 miles
On November 29, the Wildcats of St. Ignatius defeated Elder, 28-20, to capture the 2008 OHSAA Division I Championship. It marks the 10
th time in school history that Iggy has been crowned champion (most of any school in all of Ohio). Head coach Chuck Kyle took over his alma mater in 1983 and has guided the Wildcats to twenty-one straight post season appearances. This private Roman Catholic Jesuit High School is 13
th all-time in wins in the state of Ohio (611-291-38). The blue and gold have had their fare share of notable alumni over the years: Brian Hoyer (former Michigan State quarterback), Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts wide receiver), LeCharles Bentley (NFL center), Chris Hovan (NFL defensive tackle), and Brian Dowling (former Yale quarterback). Dowling still holds the OHSAA record for his defensive prowess with 33 career interceptions between the years of 1962 and 1964. St. Ignatius has linebacker Scott McVey back for his senior season. The Ohio State bound defensive specialist had 4.5 sacks and an interception last year in the championship game.
St. IgnatiusDivision: 1
Region: 1
Head Coach: Chuck Kyle
2008 Record: 14-1
State Championships: 10 (1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2008)
OHSAA Playoff Appearances: 21
First Area Opponent: 1922, Youngstown Rayen def. St. Ignatius, 69-6
Last Area Opponent: 2008, Warren Harding lost to St. Ignatius, 49-7
2009 Schedule
Date | Opponent | Time |
8/29/09 | Glenville | 7 |
9/5/09 | Northmont | 7 |
9/12/09 | Canisus (Buffalo, NY) | 7 |
9/18/09 | At Mentor | 7 |
9/25/09 | At St. Francis (Buffalo, NY) | 7 |
10/3/09 | Massillon Washington | 7 |
10/10/09 | At Warren Harding | 7:30 |
10/17/09 | Inkster (Michigan) | 7 |
10/24/09 | St. Xavier (at John Carroll) | 2 |
10/31/09 | At Lakewood St. Edward | 7:30 |
