Sports
Red-Hot Teams in Tri-Valley, Boardman to Meet
By: Matthew Stephens, Nathan Wiseman
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The fifth-seeded Tri-Valley Scotties (9-1) are perennial playoff contenders, having made seven consecutive postseasons, but they have yet to make a deep run come crunch time. Last season’s campaign was cut short when Tri-Valley lost to the eventual state runners-up in Athens 41-20.
With the hopes of a deeper run in mind, the Scotties will begin their run with a trip to Youngstown to take on the fourth-seeded Boardman Spartans (6-4).
Though Boardman’s record may not dazzle, amassing a winning record with its schedule was no easy task. The Spartans faced four playoff teams, including D-I powerhouse Mentor and region five’s top-seeded Perry.
While Tri-Valley played no other D-II teams, Boardman played six opponents who competed in division II or higher.
Boardman has pushed its way through a rigorous schedule with physical play up front. As a matter of fact, Boardman is known for producing top-notch offensive linemen.
Two Boardman alumni currently play in the NFL: Green Bay’s Corey Linsley and Cleveland’s John Greco.
As for Boardman’s current team, the Spartans have played in many competitive games. Seven of their ten games have been decided by ten points or fewer, a stark contrast to Tri-Valley which has outscored opponents 382-54.
Most of Boardman’s games have not only been close, but low-scoring as well. Tri-Valley will need another explosive performance to buck the trend.
Kickoff at Spartan Stadium in Youngstown is set for 7:30 pm. The winner of the contest will go on to face the winner of the Perry Panthers (8-2) and Mansfield Tigers (8-2).