This is it for Nick Firment. This is his comfort zone. The pressure of being the Avon Lake starting quarterback, the intense practice and preparation for the Division II, Region 6 semifinal against Ashland tonight in Brunswick, the quest for a state championship – none of it makes Firment quiver. Not the heat of the [...]

They will arrive at Brunswick`s Kirsh Field for tonight`s much-anticipated showdown of state powerhouses with seven playoff appearances between them in the past five years, and with rosters fully loaded to perhaps claim a state championship. But the Avon Lake Shoremen and Ashland Arrows have emerged as title contenders with vastly different styles which have [...]

BEREA – Since the days of the Steel Curtain, the Steelers have been known for their linebackers. Jack Ham and Jack Lambert in the 1970s and `80s. Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene in the `90s. But when Pro Bowler Joey Porter was allowed to walk away in free agency in the offseason, there appeared to [...]

BEREA – Browns nickelback Daven Holly will be looking for Steelers receiver Hines Ward on Sunday. He has a big hit to deliver. “No doubt. That`s the way I play football,” Holly said Thursday. “I`m looking to get every chance I can to go out there and compete and get him back.” After two months, [...]

BEREA – The Browns practiced without their two starting guards Thursday. It`s not the ideal way to prepare to face the top-ranked Pittsburgh defense. Right guard Eric Steinbach, who signed a $49.5 million deal in the offseason, sat out after twisting his back in practice Wednesday. Coach Romeo Crennel said the injury occurred about midway [...]