Area Sports

By Jeff Harrison (Photos by Constance Archer) Three first half interceptions – including two of the “pick six” variety” – dug a deep hole for Shenandoah High in its first-ever clash with Cambridge, and the Bobcats rode a big first half to a 35-8 victory over the Zeps on Friday. “Cambridge is a big school…

By Julie LaFollette (Photo by Jennifer Croucher)  “We didn’t get off the bus in the first half.” he said. “They are the best football team we are going to see all year, so kudos to those guys. “I am proud of the way we played in the second half,” Gaydos continued. “We made a few…

By Jeff Harrison The 57th edition of the Noble County Super Bowl played out on the scoreboard exactly as the last two games had gone, with host Shenandoah emerging with a hard-fought Senior Night 14-6 victory over rival Caldwell on Friday. The Zeps and Redskins had combined for 82 points in opening victories – Shenandoah…

Epic Annual Battle to take place in Sarahsville Friday Night at 7 p.m. By Jeff Harrison The “Noble County Super Bowl” is usually reserved for Week 10 as the culmination of the regular season, but this year’s version of  “Football Christmas” comes early for local fans as Shenandoah and Caldwell square off on the gridiron…

By Jeff Harrison On the heels of an All-Ohio season, Shenandoah High senior Briar Portman took it to another level in the Zeps’ lightning-delayed season opener at Belpre. Portman made the most of limited carries in the Zeps’ 48-7 runaway victory, rushing for a whopping 265 yards and four touchdowns on just 14 carries. Portman…

By Julie Lafollette The rain could not cool off the Caldwell Redskins’ running game as they hosted the Eastern Eagles on Friday, with the Redskins coming out on top by a 34-20 score at the Noble County Fairgrounds. Head Coach Grant Gaydos was thrilled to get the opening night victory. “It is always nice to…

By Journal Sports Writer Julie LaFollette The Caldwell Redskins are a senior laden team and return the bulk of their starters from last year, losing only one starter to graduation, so Coach Grant Gaydos is looking for his team to improve on last year’s 2-8 record. “Last year was a disappointing season,” said Gaydos “We…

By Jeff Harrison It’s been a continuous upward ascent for the Shenandoah Zeps in the five years since Jesse Wells took over the coaching reins of his alma mater. Everyone in Zep Nation is hoping that climb continues in 2020. “It’s been very trying and very difficult,” admitted Coach Wells, referring to keeping things moving…

By Jeff Harrison Usually, the words “Play Ball!” are associated with the start of a baseball or softball game. In this case, however, when Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gave the “green light” to contact sports moving forward despite the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, that phrase could easily be changed to “Play Football!” or “Play Futbol!”…