Fulton County Ohio Media

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The general consensus, prior to the OHSAA Division V Region 18 Semi-Final rematch between Liberty Center and Oak Harbor, was the game would be very close, and in no way would resemble last year’s 45-14 Tiger blowout win.  That is what most expected and that is what two great teams, both again at 12-0, delivered as the game was not decided until a Liberty Center interception deep in their territory with less than a minute remaining sealed the Tigers’ 24-21 over the Rockets on Friday night at Maumee High School.

For most of the contest both offenses had to grind it out with long clock-eating drives, Liberty Center almost exclusively on the ground and Oak Harbor mixing in runs with short passes. The Tigers took the opening kickoff and drove down for a 7-0 lead with 4:40 remaining in the first quarter.  The Rockets responded with a drive of their own and tied the game at 7-7 with a touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter.  It was the only time the game was tied and from there the teams began exchanging leads.

Ian Rosebrook booted a short field with 0:05 left on the clock goal to put LC up 10-7 at halftime, then Rocket QB Mike LaLonde plunged in from the one-yard line with 8:57 in the third and OH took a 14-10 lead heading into the final quarter.  The Tigers put together a 13-play 80-yard drive and regained the lead 17-14 when Waylon Rentz went in from a yard out at the 10:51 mark of the fourth.  However, the advantage only lasted 16 second as Tyler Thompson returned the kickoff 93 yards and the Rockets were back in command at 21-17.

Liberty Center returned the ensuing kickoff to their 45-yard line and began to pound the Oak Harbor defensive line with short gains, squeezing out first downs to stay alive.  With 6:43 left, the Tigers season hung in the balance as they faced a fourth down with three yards to go.  Quarterback Grady Miller ran around the right side and was knocked out of bounds close to the first down marker. The referees called for a measurement which showed the tip of the ball about two inches over the line.

The drive continued and Liberty Center went back on top with 3:03 remaining with another Rentz one-yard plunge.  Oak Harbor put together one last drive, advancing the ball down to the Tigers’ 26-yard line, but a LaLonde threw a pass into the waiting arms of linebacker Stephen Brogan with less than a minute to go, essentially ending the game as Liberty Center was able to run out the clock from there.

For the second consecutive season, the Oak Harbor Rockets end their season with a 12-1 record with a loss to Liberty Center.  The Tigers stay unbeaten at 13-0 and will now face the top-seeded Milan Edison Chargers (13-0) on Friday, November 22^nd at 7:00 pm at Lake High School in Milbury.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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This past Friday afternoon, on the turf at Pifer Field, the Evergreen Local School District held their inaugural “Passing of the School Spirit” event, explained as “From the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2037, we pass our Viking Pride to you.”  Evergreen Kindergarten teacher, Amber Hansel, organized the event after seeing a Facebook video of a school in Texas that had a similar event. 

“I shared it on Facebook to see what kind of response I would get from the staff and community members I am friends with.  They loved it so I brought the idea to the kindergarten team.  They were on board and the event took off from there!  It was a team effort for sure,” she explained.  “A group that included the kindergarten team, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Ruffer, Mr. Smola, Mr. Hendricks, MVP, and Amber Mossing (Athletic Boosters) collaborated through email to hammer out details.  Mr. Ruffer put me in touch with Brynn Trumbull, a senior representative of the Spirit Squad to work with.  She helped with choosing the song we played and deciding what ‘gift’ they would give to the kindergarteners.  She also created the flyer we shared on social media and Parent Square, met with the seniors during enrichment to tell them about the event, and with the help of Addison Kiefer coordinated a group of, I think 23 seniors, to paint the spirit rocks before the event.”

The kindergarteners walked over to Pifer Stadium from the elementary school and lined up along the goal line on the East end of the field.  The seniors entered the stadium from the high school parking lot and lined up on the goal line on the West end of the field.  After the newest Vikings were asked several spirit-related questions to test their Evergreen Viking knowledge, both groups walked toward each other, hand in hand, and met at the 50-yard line.  There the seniors passed a spirit rock to each of the kindergarten students and got to know a little bit about them.

“I feel this event really helped spark pride and excitement in being a Viking for our kindergarteners.,” said Ms. Hansel.  “It helped give them a glimpse of what they will be able to experience in the future and a connection to the older students.  I know it was extra special for one of my students because he has a brother that is a senior this year.  Seeing them together on the field was something I won’t forget!”

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncoluntymedia.com website.

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The undefeated (11-0) Liberty Center Tigers went up against a strong one-loss (10-1) Liberty-Benton Eagles team and stifled the L-B offense in key situations in an OHSAA Division V football playoff game on Kip Kern Field at Rex Lingruen Stadium for a 35-0 victory on Friday night.  The visiting eagles were able to move the ball in between the 20-yard lines, mainly with their passing game, but were stopped twice on interceptions close to the Liberty Center goal line and turned the ball over five times in the contest.

On offense, the Tigers stuck to what they do best, run the ball.  They scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half, both by sophomore Garrison Kruse, a 58-yard run around the right side in the first quarter and a 15-yard scamper around the left side in the second quarter to give LC a 14-0 halftime lead.  In the second half, the Tigers recovered a fumble on the Eagle’s 37-yard line and extended their advantage to 21-0 when quarterback Grady Miller later scored from 19-yards out.  Waylon Rentz sealed the win in the final quarter with scoring runs of 42 and 43 yards.

Liberty Center totaled 414 yards of offense with 411 coming on the ground.  Rentz picked up 230 yards of that total and Kruse ran for 151 yards.  Ian Rosebrook converted all five PAT attempts.  Liberty-Benton had 241 yards of total offense and even had more than double the time of possession in the first half but self-destructed with too many turnovers.

The Tigers (12-0) will now go on the road for the rest of the playoffs with all remaining games to be played at neutral sites.  The next game will be a third-round rematch against the Oak Harbor Rockets.  Last year Liberty Center defeated the 12-0 Rockets 45-14 at Clay High School.  This year the game will be played at Maumee High School on Friday, November 15^th at 7:00 pm.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game and halftime band performance. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Quarterback Grady Miller celebrates his 19-yard touchdown run

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This past Friday morning, ahead of the official Veterans Day on Monday, November 11^th, the Swanton Local School District honored local military veterans with a celebration held at the high school.  Swanton educator, Joe Nye, served as Master of Ceremonies and introduced the keynote speakers, Swanton residents Senior Master Sergeant (SMSGT) Derek Kania and retired Master Sergeant (MSGT) Cathleen Kania.  Derek and Cathleen (Cat) are husband and wife, having met while both were deployed in Iraq from different military units, and reside in Swanton. 

Below are their bios that were contained in the event’s program:

Derek Kania (SMSGT) – Senior Master Sergeant Kania is a highly experienced and dedicated leader currently serving as Operations Superintendent of the 108^th Security Forces Squadron.  With a team of 75 personnel under his charge, he expertly manages the operations of three shifts, totaling 39 individuals assigned to the full-time force.  He has also been assigned to the 927^th and 914^th Security Forces Squadron, providing him with a unique perspective and understanding of how other operations operate and achieve their goals.  SMSgt Kania’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field are the result of his diverse background, which includes serving as a Combat Arms instructor and program manager, as well as the Unit Deployment Manager and Supply NCO.

Additionally, he has served as a pre-deployment instructor at Fort Bliss (El Paso), Texas, training individuals to go overseas.  SMSgt Kania’s experience also includes numerous deployments to locations such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, as well as time spent at the MAJCOM level as a member of the Future operations Cell in Ramstein, Germany.  His dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the 180^th Security Forces Squadron and the United Staes Air Force.  Derek is also serving as member of the Village Council in Swanton, currently as President of the Council.

Cathleen Kania (Retired MSGT) – Retired Master Sergeant Cathleen Kania enlisted in the Air Force Reserves on April 5, 2002.  Earlyin her career, Cathleen played pivotal roles in various significant operations, including Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In Iraq, she worked as a Tactical Automated Security System Operator.  While there she monitored a 16-kilometer perimeter with over 190 sensors, ensuring the security of $16 million in equipment and the safety of 5,000 Coalition Forces.  Throughout her career, Cathleen exhibited exceptional leadership and organizational acumen.  In January of 2016, MSgt Kania deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.  In Kuwait, she was assigned to review and completely rewrite the Installation Defense Plan, a critical document which outlined the security protection operations to ensure the safety and security of over 2,100 Coalition personnel on the installation.

Cathleen’s commitment to her peers continued at the 180^th Fighter Wing, where she excelled as a Unit Training Manager for the Maintenance Squadron and then a Unit Career Advisor for the Security Forces Squadron, providing guidance on re-enlistments and career development.  Retiring after a remarkable tenure, Cathleen leaves a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her fellow Airmen, community and the mission of the Air Force.  “Cat” also owns and operates CK Sweets, a Coffee and Bake Shop on Main Street in Swanton.

Click on the link above to access photos from the event. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: SMSgt Derek Kania addresses the crowd as his wife, retired MSgt Cathleen “Cat” Kania waits to speak next.

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Click on the link above to access photos. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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For a moment.  A very brief moment.  It appeared that the 15^th seed Utica Redskins would provide some competition for the heavily favored Liberty Center Tigers in their first round OHSAA Division VI Football match-up at Rex Lingruen Stadium on Friday night.  The visiting Redskins took the opening kickoff, picked up two first downs then buried the Tigers down at their six-yard line on a punt when their drive stalled.

However, reality struck, and struck hard, in the form of a Thomas Mohler 94-yard touchdown run on Liberty’s first play from scrimmage and the Tigers would blitz the Redskins for 34 first quarter points on their way to a 58-6 lopsided victory.  The Liberty Center offense was so dominant they would only need three more plays to score their next two touchdowns.  A dropped pass on an attempted two-point conversion was their only mistake after a Waylon Rentz 18-yard score.  Utica had no answer for the unstoppable Tiger running attack.  Garrison Kruse had a 3-yard touchdown run and Rentz ran 33-yards into the end zone for the final first half offensive score.  Another major factor in LC scoring was the many failed fourth down attempts by the Redskins, several in their own territory, giving the high-powered Tiger offense short fields to work on.

Adding to the LC offense on the scoreboard were two pick-six scores, the first by Cam Kahl from 38 yards out for the 34-0 lead, and the second by Jackson Bartels who went the distance from 43 yards out and sent the Tigers into the locker room with a 51-0 halftime lead.

Due to Liberty Center’s lead of 30 or more points, the second half was played with a running clock.  In the third quarter, Max Perry hit Tyler Rohrs with a 4-yard scoring pass to complete the Tigers’ scoring with 58 points.  Utica finally got on the board when quarterback Hayden Piper ran the ball in from four yards out to cap an 11-play 79-yard touchdown drive.

Liberty Center had 410 yards of total offense with 361 yards coming on the ground.  Mohler had 150 yards on just six carries and Rentz added 114 on five attempts.  Ian Rosebrook was a perfect 8 for 8 on PATs and booted a 34-yard field goal for a total of 11 points.  Utica totaled 179 yards of total offense, led by Piper’s 157 yards through the air.

The playoff victory places the #2-seeded Tigers’ record on the year at 11-0.  They will next welcome in the #6-seeded Liberty Benton Eagles next Friday at 7:00 pm.  The Eagles defeated Fairview Park Fairview 37-0 to advance to the next round.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

Photo: Waylon Rentz breaks away from the Utica defense for a 33-yard touchdown

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On a sunny Fall afternoon, just a few days before the official Halloween date and Trick-or-Treat in the Village of Swanton, the Swanton Lions Club presented the Halloween Hoopla for residents and visitors from all around Northwest Ohio.  The Halloween Hoopla has long been the family social event of the Fall season, packing Main Street with bouncy houses, pedal carts, dancers and, of course, children, as well as adults, dressed for the festive occasion.

Everyone was treated to free hot dogs from Benfield Wines, doughnuts and cider from the Swanton Fire and Rescue Department, popcorn from the Lions Club, and candy from the many downtown businesses that lined up on the sidewalks.  You could also step into the Swanton Board of Education building and decorate your own delicious sugar cookies.  A disc jockey filled the area with great music and the dance troupe performed their traditional version of the classic Michael Jackson video “Thriller”.

The Swanton Lions would like to thank all who were involved in creating and organize this great event, including the local businesses, the Swanton Police Department, the Swanton Village Public Works Department and the Village of Swanton Administration.  The Club will now turn their attention to their Giving Tree Program for the upcoming holidays.

Click on the link above to access phots from the Halloween Hoopla . Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website and the Swanton Lions Club.

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For the final time in his illustrious 39-year career, Chris Lyons directed the Evergreen Marching Vikings onto the turf at Pifer Field.

Click on the link to access photos from the halftime show featuring the Delta and Evergreen marching bands. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and an be downloaded for NO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.

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 It took 40 years, approximately 400 games, and even two overtimes, but the Evergreen Vikings team finally qualified for the OHSAA football playoffs with an instant classic 27-21 victory at Pifer Field over NWOAL rival, the Delta Panthers.  Delta entered the contest with a 6-3 record, but most importantly, having won all three of their non-conference games which provided Evergreen much needed computer points to reach the post season.

Early on, the Vikings took control, jumping out in front on two Bryce Bolger touchdown passes, the first a 37-yard strike to Colton Robertson followed by a 25-yard completion to Will Ruetz.  Alex Mossing converted both extra points to give Evergreen a 14-0 lead.  Delta responded with a 3-yard run by Landon Lintermoot and a Brody Roth PAT to pull the Panthers within 14-7 after one quarter.

There was no further scoring in the game until approximately halfway through the fourth quarter when Lintermoot went over from 2-yards out and the extra point tied the game at 14-14.  Late in the contest, the Panthers drove down inside the 10-yard line and faced a third down and three yards to go with just 10 seconds left on the clock.  Delta was positioned to either push the ball into the end zone or, falling short, attempt a field goal by the sure-footed Roth.  However, disaster struck when they fumbled the ball with the Vikings recovering, essentially sending the game into overtime.

Delta took the ball first in the extra session and scored in four plays on a 7-yard run by Richard Flores III to take a 21-14 lead.  It took Evergreen six plays, the last an 8-yard rush by Max Mossing to tie the game at 21 all.  By rule, the Vikings took possession again and scored on an 8-yard scamper around the right side by Robertson.  After the PAT attempt was blocked, Evergreen held a 27-21 advantage.  The Panthers picked up a quick first down but were then stuffed by Isaiah Pasco and the rest of the Viking front line on four straight rushing attempts setting off a wild celebration by the Evergreen faithful.

The Delta offense racked up 404 total yards with 342 of that coming on the ground, but was hampered by four lost fumbles.  Lintermoot carried the ball 31 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns.  Victor Martinez had 82 yards on seven rushes and Marcus Nagle ran 10 times for 72 yards.  Panther quarterback Emric Freiss was 3 of 8 for 62 yards.

Evergreen had a balanced offense with 180 yards in the air and 142 yards on the ground for a total of 322.  Bulger had 13 completions on 26 attempts with two touchdowns and one interception.  Robertson hauled in eight passes for 108 yards and one touchdown.  Max Mossing led the ground attack with 57 yards on 13 carries.  Robertson ran five times for 34 yards and Bolger picked up 31 yards on 12 carries.

Delta finishes the regular season with a 6-4 overall record and 3-4 in the NWOAL.  The Panthers qualified for the 13^th seed in Region 18 of the OHSAA Division V football playoffs and will travel to Creston to meet the 4^th-seeded Norwayne Bobcats at 7:00 pm this Friday, November 1^st.  Evergreen also finishes the regular season with a 6-4 record overall and a 4-3 record in the league, good for a third-place tie with Archbold.  The Vikings qualified for the 13^th seed in Region 22 of the OHSAA Division VI football playoffs and will travel to Hamler to face fellow NWOAL foe, the Patrick Henry Patriots at 7:00 pm this Friday, November 1^st.

Click on the link above to access photos from the game. Photos are in the jpeg format to allow for editing and can be downloaded fore NMO CHARGE courtesy of the fultoncountymedia.com website.