My observations from Archbishop Hoban’s 27-26 overtime win against Garfield in the season-opener for both teams:

* MORGAN’S MVP: No question, my pick is 5-foot-9, 175-pound Garfield junior running back Tyson Gulley. He rushed for a game-high 225 yards on 25 carries. Gulley rushed for over 130 yards- just in the first quarter, with touchdown runs of 60 and 58 yards.

What I like about Gulley is the explosiveness he has once he hits the line of scrimmage. His quickness allows him to get to the hole, then, his speed and ability to change directions and cutback without losing much speed is the key to his impressive running style.

* OTHER MVP CONTENDERS: There were several, including Garfield freshman running back and defensive back Toneo Gulley, Tyson’s little brother. Playing in his first varsity game, Toneo (5-7, 170) was impressive. He showed flashes of speed and quickness equal to his brother.

But what impressed me the most was his skills defensively. He registered eight tackles but he deflected several passes intended for Hoban senior receiver/tight end Chris Sarkis, that could have been big plays.

On two occasions, Sarkis was open and waiting to catch both passes on stride. But at the last moment, Toneo’s speed enabled him to make up ground and get to the ball to knock it away. For a freshman, playing in a pretty overwhelming atmosphere for a youngster, he handled himself like a veteran.

For Hoban, there were two MVP contenders, in my opinion. The first was junior punter Paul Kramer. His play actually changed the entire complexity of the game and allowed the Knights to get back in the game.

For instance, Hoban had the ball to start the third quarter, after trailing 14-3 at halftime. The Knights opened the second half with an impressive drive, with nice runs from Laymon Carter III, who finished with 94 yards, and Dominic Williams, who had 74 yards.

However, Hoban’s drive stalled and the Knights had to punt. Kramer’s kicked was downed at Garfield’s 2-yard-line by Chris Bernardo, who played a tremendous game on special teams. A few plays later, Hoban registered a safety to cut the lead to 14-5.

The Knights got the ball on Garfield’s free kick and quickly scored cutting the lead to 14-12.

Then, in the fourth quarter, Kramer had another quality punt that was downed by Bernardo at Garfield’s 5-yard line. The Rams couldn’t move the ball and had to punt, and once again, Hoban scored and took the lead for the first time at 20-14 with 7:29 left in the game.

When Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel was the head coach at Youngstown State, he never failed to emphasis the importance of special teams. In fact, he always contended, and still does, that the punt is the most important play in football, because of the potential for some many things- good or bad- that can happen.

Hoban coach Ralph Orsini saw the punt work in his team’s favor.
“”We went into the game thinking that special teams would be a key for us because we have two pretty good kickers,” Orsini said. “”He was referring to Kramer, of course, and also junior kicker Zack Christensen, who booted a 30-yard field goal and also had several deep kickoffs, helping the kickoff coverage limit Garfield’s big returns.

Hoban’s other MVP contender was senior quarterback Josh Masters. He couldn’t establish a passing game in the first half, so he got things going with his running ability. Masters finished with two touchdown runs and converted on two rushing two-point conversions.

And finally, a special mention goes to Garfield junior offensive lineman Kenny Blevins. This young man is 6-0, 300 pounds and playing under hot and humid conditions, he played the entire game, both ways. His jersey was soaked after the game and although he was disappointed in the loss, he left it all on the field and that’s all you can ask from the young man.

Even longtime Hoban team physician Joseph Congeni took notice of Blevins’ performance. “”That young man played a heck of a game, especially given the conditions,” Congeni said.

* QUESTIONABLE CALL SHOULDN’T BE QUESTIONED: Garfield coach Bob Sax opted to try to pass for a two-point conversion and win in overtime instead of running the ball. Some Garfield fans, as they left the stadium, thought the Rams should have run the ball as well.

But looking back, Sax’s call made sense. First off, Tyson Gulley left the field a few plays before his little brother Toneo scored the game-tying touchdown in OT. Tyson left because of severe cramps.

Second, with the way Rams quarterback Darius Martin was playing- rolling out and making plays happen out of the pocket- Sax’s idea was to let Martin do the same, thinking that Hoban would be expecting one of the Gully’s to get the ball.

But Hoban defensive back Rahsheed Moore just did what good players do, he came up with a big play, stepping in front of Garfield wide receiver James Barnett at the goal line to intercept the two-point conversion ending the game.

* NICE TURNOUT: The Hoban-Garfield game always draws a health crowd because the game is on Thursday and everyone is ready to watch the first game of the season, especially players from area teams who don’t open the season until the following day.

The players who are spectators crack me up because they wear their jerseys. That’s not what cracks me up. It’s the fact that they roll up their sleeves really high so they can let their biceps breath. I understand, after all that offseason weightlifting, they have to get those puppies some air.

Archbishop Hoban senior Brian Slack has orally committed to continue his academic and football careers at Miami (Ohio) University, Hoban coach Ralph Orsini said.

Slack, a 6-foot-5 and 230-pound athlete who played tight end and defensive end for the Knights, was a Division II All-Ohio Special Mention this past fall. He also earned first-team honors in the Northeast Inland district and in the North Coast League.

“They like to throw the ball and utilize their tight end’s,” Orsini said of the RedHawks. “Miami is one of top programs in the Mid-American Conference. Brian is probably one of the best tight end’s in the state. He catches the ball really well and he blocks really well.”

Slack had 25 receptions, 320 yards and had one touchdown last season. He also recorded 52 total tackles and had 4.5 sacks.

Orsini said Slack also considered Toledo, Ohio, Eastern Michigan, North Carolina State, Michigan State and Illinois.

“When he visited the school, he fell in love with it,” Orsini said. “I think it will be a real good fit for him.”

Three seniors on the Walsh Jesuit High School football team recently made college commitments, Warriors coach Gerry Rardin said.

Offensive tackles Pat McShane, Brian Smith and defensive back/running back/wide receiver Armand Dehaney will continue their academic and athletic careers at Division I colleges.

McShane, 6-foot-8 and 290-pounds, is headed to Indiana University.

Smith, 6-foot-6 and 288 pounds, has selected Northwestern University.

Dehaney, 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, is bound for Ball State University.

McShane started for the Warriors last season and Smith played mostly as a reserve.

“To have two kids on the same team going to Big Ten schools is really special,” Rardin said of McShane and Smith. “I don’t think it has ever happened here. That is really amazing. Both kids are gifted athletes and have the size that is needed. Both are extremely hard workers and both have very good feet and are tough kids.”

Rardin said McShane will probably stay at tackle at Indiana and that Smith might move to guard or center at Northwestern.

Dehaney also started for the Warriors last season and played a variety of roles.

“Armand is just a pure football player,” Rardin said. “He is undersized, but he is instinctive and so strong. He is so versatile and he runs very well. When the coaches at Ball State saw him on film they felt he is a tough football player that could make a positive impact.”

Rardin said Dehaney will probably mostly play defensive back at Ball State.

- Michael Beaven

A trio of 2008 Walsh Jesuit High School graduates are continuing their academic and football careers this fall as offensive linemen, Warriors coach Gerry Rardin said.

Andrew Illig will play at Miami (OH) University, Chris Ciraldo is set to play at Ashland University and Chi-Chi Ibe will suit up for Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

-Michael Beaven

Walsh Jesuit left-handed pitcher David Starn, 18, has made a commitment to continue his academic and baseball career at Kent State University.

Starn, 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, was a three-year lettermen for Walsh Jesuit and helped the Warriors win Division II state titles in 2006 and 2008. He earned wins in both the state semifinal and final games and allowed no runs — earned or unearned — during the entire 2008 state tournament.

Starn compiled a 10-1 record this season and had a 1.60 ERA in 57 innings pitched. He struck out 68 and held opponents to a .167 batting average when he pitched.

“David Starn has truly been a tremendous brother to his teammates and a son to the staff for four
years,” Walsh Jesuit head baseball coach Chris Kaczmar said in a press release. “I couldn’t be more proud of what David has accomplished during this time in terms of his commitment to the team, to the game of baseball, and to his family — both at home and at Walsh Jesuit.”

Starn’s win total in 2008 is the second most during a single-season in Walsh Jesuit baseball history. Patrick O’Brien went 11-1 and helped the Warriors win the 1999 Division II state championship prior to playing in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system. Chad Rodgers (Atlanta Braves minor leaguer) and Bobby Simone (University of Akron) are also high on that list after excellent 2006 seasons.

Starn, a Hudson native, is undecided on his major at Kent State. He earned first-team Cuyahoga River Valley Conference honors and the ESPN Pitcher of the Week award after the state tournament. He was also named Walsh Jesuit’s pitcher of the year for 2008 and shared the team’s MVP honors.

“He is an extremely talented player who combines an infectious smile with a strong and accurate arm, a smooth delivery, pinpoint accuracy, and a perfect balance of competitiveness, intensity and composure,” Kacamar said. “Above all, David is a fine young man who will have a place in our history books and our hearts forever.”

Starn is the sixth member of Walsh Jesuit’s class of 2008 to commit to play collegiate baseball and the 32nd Walsh Jesuit baseball player in the past 13 years to advance to the NCAA Division I level. Warriors 2008 seniors Ross Brunello and Brannon Belair are also headed to Kent State to play baseball.

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy juniors Ben Speas and Matt Mason have made oral commitments to play soccer at the University of Akron, CVCA soccer coach Jason Spodnik said.

UA men’s soccer coach Caleb Porter cannot comment on Speas and Mason until they have signed letters of intent, which Spodnik said they can do in early July.

“The idea to be able to stay home to develop as a player, as a man and to win big was exciting for them,” Spodnik said. “They were also intrigued by the academic opportunities the university has to offer.”

Speas, of Stow, a central midfielder, is listed byhttp://www.Topdrawersoccer.com as the No. 1 player in the class of 2009. He received the maximum five stars.

Spodnik said Speas chose UA over Indiana, North Carolina, UCLA and Virginia.

“All of the top-20 schools in the country were recruiting him,” Spodnik said. “A lot of it came down to what Caleb could offer as a coach and as a mentor. Ben thinks he can reach his soccer goals at Akron and help take them to the next level.”

Speas, who was a Parade magazine All-American, spent part of this school year in Bradenton, Fla., in the U.S. Soccer Residency program and attended IMG Academy. He has playing experience with U.S. youth national teams.

“He got up every morning at 6:30 and did more work than you could possibly imagine,” Spodnik said.

Mason, of Akron, a forward, helped CVCA win the Division II state championship and compile an 18-1-3 record. Spodnik said Mason chose UA over Georgetown and Notre Dame.

Spodnik said both Speas and Mason will play for CVCA as seniors next fall.

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy coach Jason Spodnik confirmed that a trio of Royals seniors will continue their acadmic and soccer careers in college.

Blake Berkey, Alex Sosler and Danny Thompson were pivital players for a CVCA team that won the Division II state championship and compiled an 18-1-3 record.

The Beacon Journal previously reported Thompson’s decision to play at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa. Thompson, a midfielder, scored both goals in the state final, had 17 goals for the season and was named the Beacon Journal Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Berkey, a midfielder, is headed for Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. Sosler, a goal keeper, is bound for North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, N.C.

Spodnik said Sosler holds the all-time state record for career shutouts with 53.

When it comes to track, it’s always about who ran the fastest, jumped the highest or threw the shot or the discus the farthest. But sometimes there are stories, GREAT, INSPRATIONAL STORIES, that don’t have to do with who won.

For instance, I remember watching the local news in the fall, I think it was, and there was an amazing story about a young lady (she may have been from the Youngstown area), who was competing in the state high school cross country meet and was almost near the finish line. Then came a gruesome sight. She broke her leg on the course and fell to the ground.

But this young lady had the courage and fortitude to crawl and limp her way to the finish line, despite being in obvious pain.

It was a story of incredible self-will. This young lady needed medical help, but she didn’t want it. She was withering with pain but she wanted to finish that race, and if you watched the video, you couldn’t help but get a little emotional, knowing she was in a world of pain. But watching her will her way to that finish line, regardless of the pain she was experiencing, was breathtaking and moving.

The yound lady gave a great television interview a few days later and it was great to see she was doing well and was in good spirts. I think she even joked that all she was thinking about, when she went down, was that she wasn’t going to be able to dance at her sister’s wedding later that night.

I witnessed another incredible story, but it didn’t involve injury. A few years ago I was covering a regional track meet at Ravenna and the Copley girls were favored in this particular relay event. As the race began, Copley was right there, as expected. But during one of the exchanges, the baton was dropped and the team was out of the race.

The young lady who dropped the baton was devasted. I mean, I had never seen an athlete more distraught. What I found out later was that the young lady was only a sophomore and there were two seniors on that relay team. The sophomore felt she had blown it for the seniors because it was their last chance to make it to state.

She was on the infield of the track, as the race was still going, slumped over an emotional ball.

She just shuddered and shook as she cried.

Then, former Copley standout Carrie Dyer, who was a senior and on that relay team, ran to the young runner to comfort her.

Then the rest of the realy team followed.

To me, that was one of the most inspirational stories I had ever witnessed.

The sophomore was heartbroken. But she was heartbroken because she cared about her teammates and wanted to perform at her best so that it would help the seniors.

It didn’t happen. But when it didn’t happen, the seniors weren’t mad, bitter or upset. They showed support for their younger teammate because they loved her. And in the end, winning didn’t matter.

So, with that, I’m asking readers to post any inspirational stories you witnessed, in track or any other sport, that didn’t involve someone winning.

A story where someone overcame odds to get where they are. Or a story about teammates helping one another.

Those are the most compelling stories.

North Canton Hoover James Georgiades has committed to continue his football and academic careers at the Ohio State University.

Georgiades will attempt to make the Buckeyes football team as a preferred walk-on.

Georgiades (6-1, 240) played on the offensive and defensive lines for the Vikings. He was an All-Ohio selection on defense after recording 15 tackles for loss as a senior and will try to make the transition to fullback at Ohio State.

Georgiades also plays on the Hoover baseball team.

Field senior Alexa Polasky has committed to continue her basketball and academic careers at Malone College.

Polasky was a four-year letter winner on the Falcons basketball team. She was an honorable mention All-Ohio as a senior after averaging 17.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Totaled 995 career points and helped Falcons to first 20-win season in school history.