The Lowellville Rockets have been off to a great start for this year's football season. With a record of 8-0, the players are what makes this team special. Junior, Michael Ballone is a starting slot receiver and safety for the Rockets. Michael had some things to say on this year's season and what he thinks we need to do to succeed. Michael states, “The job is not finished and the seasons not over yet.” We’re going to have to really step up as a team on defense if we want to take on bigger teams this year.” Michael is very confident going forward this season given the ability this team has if we can perfect the defensive side.
Senior captain, Anthony Lucente, plays a major role on the team as a two way starter for the Rockets. Lucente is not only happy with how the season is going, but he is proud of the accomplishments they have surpassed stating,“We beat some good teams, Springfield for the first time in twelve years.” Lucente also speaks about his personal experience and goals for his last season as a Rocket, “To win at least two playoff games, that will be the farthest that Lowellville has ever made it.” Anthony will continue to live up to the expectations of being a playoff team by putting in the time at practice.
Junior, Mathew Lucido is a two way starter and is also the kicker for the Rockets. Mat is proud of the way their season is going and believes if they keep it up they will win a state title. “Well it’s kinda hard not to be satisfied when you are 6-0, but there are always things we can improve on, especially on the defensive side.” Mat not only believes if they fix up their defensive game they will be hard to beat, he also knows the main threat they bring to the table is offense. “Nobody has been able to stop us yet this year, probably doesn’t look like many teams will be able to. Main goal is to win the league title, and go as far as we can in the playoffs.” Mat knows with a little more practice that this will be the team that makes a run Lowellville has never seen.
Sophomore, Thomas Dubos is an offensive lineman for the Rockets and has similar views and goals that our skill guys have. Thomas believes our talent lies in our receivers and running backs. “We have a very good receiving and running back core and that’s what you need for the playoffs.” Thomas also has the mindset of a champion, seeing the bigger picture is what he strives for. “To make it to state, we have a lot of talented players on our team and it will be really fun making it to state with our team.” Thomas will continue to work this year and aim for what he wants more than anything, a State Championship. I wish the best of luck to the coaches and talented individuals on the team for a successful end to the season.
The Homecoming Bonfire has been a tradition at Lowellville High School for over thirty years. The parade begins at Lowellville City Hall and leads everyone to the bonfire in the teachers’ parking lot of the high school. This night is very important to the high school students, as well as the community. The parade kicks off all of the Homecoming Festivities. It begins with the snake, which is a chain of football players, cheerleaders, senior marching band members, and other members of the student body who link their arms together and run in a zig-zag line down the streets until they make it to the teachers’ parking lot. The snake will take breaks every so often so that the students can catch their breath or break off and walk beside it. There is at least one incident every year where someone trips over the curb, or runs into something or someone.
Following the snake are police cars, fire trucks, and the remainder of the marching band. Friends and families line the streets cheering as the parade passes by, then they join in for the rest of the festivities. This event holds a special place in a lot of hearts throughout the village. Mr. Ivan Solak, who has been a part of these traditions for the past thirty years, said he and his family look forward to watching the snake followed by the parade every year. He feels that this is a great opportunity for families and teachers to get to know each other outside of conferences and sporting events. Mr. Ivan Solak had a fantastic idea of possibly having our mayor, superintendent, or any of the administration give a little motivational speech at the bonfire.
Megan Zappia(Nugen) who graduated from Lowellville in 1993, was a cheerleader and in the marching band while she was in high school. She said her favorite part was when the cheerleaders and football players stood around the bonfire linking arms as the band played the Alma Mater while they sang along. As a parent of a Lowellville High School student, she wishes that the marching band would be acknowledged more for everything that they do. Not every school has a Homecoming Bonfire and this is one of the many traditions that make Lowellville special. Hopefully we will continue this tradition in future years with the same amount of love and excitement.