Sports
MVL Power Rankings Week 6
By: Nathan Takitch
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Halfway through the 2012 season, the MVL race has taken shape. Tri-Valley and Sheridan both remain undefeated in league play and in control of their own destinies, while a few other contenders remain in the hunt. Read on to see who impressed the MVL staff most in Week 5, and who needs to get things turned around in a hurry.
1. Tri-Valley Scotties (5-0, 3-0) [No Change]
After a dominating Week 5 performance in Crooksville, the Scotties continued their march towards an undefeated season and a league championship. Tri-Valley obliterated the Ceramics, outgaining their opponents in yardage, 690 to 122. The Scotties’ 63-point victory now stands as their largest margin of victory of the season. Tri-Valley is the final undefeated team in the league and the overwhelming favorite going into the second half of the year. In Week 6, the Scotties host the Morgan Raiders and should have no trouble improving to 6-0.
2. Sheridan Generals (4-1, 3-0) [No Change]
Sheridan suffered its first defeat of the season in a non-league contest in Week 5 as they fell to the host Cambridge Bobcats, 40-20. While the loss may be tough to swallow for the Generals there is a bright side in the fact that the loss was not in a league game. The Generals are still tied for first place with Tri-Valley. Secondly, Cambridge is a solid, state-contending team in its own right and would have been a tough opponent for anyone. Going forward, however, Sheridan will have its ability to bounce back from adversity tested. The Generals’ last five matchups are all against league opponents who currently have winning records. This week against John Glenn, they will have an opportunity to stay unbeaten in league play and show that it is a top-tier team in the MVL.
3. Maysville Panthers (4-1, 3-1) [No Change]
Maysville continued to impress in Week 5, coming away from their contest in West Muskingum with a 60-14 victory and a three-game winning streak. Since their loss against Tri-Valley in Week 2, the Panthers have won every game they have played. They have performed under pressure, defeating quality teams by the narrowest of margins. They have also won comfortably against teams they should be beating. Maysville is a team that has the ability to take down Sheridan in Week 8 and challenge for a league title, but to do so the Panthers will have to continue to win games against inferior opponents. This week, Maysville hosts a tough Crooksville team that could sneak up on the Panthers if they are not focused on the game at hand.
4. Philo Electrics (4-1, 3-1) [+1]
After squeaking by Crooksville in Week 2 and falling to New Lexington the following game, it seemed as though 2012 might become a disappointing season for the Electrics. Now, after two consecutive wins in which Philo has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 59-0, the Electrics are right back in the thick of the MVL race. Fueled by an outstanding defense that has allowed an average of just eight points per game and a resurgent offense, Philo has what appears to be a tune-up game in Week 6 against West Muskingum before travelling to Thornville to take on the Sheridan Generals in Week 7 in what will be a colossal game. The Electrics will wrap up the season with consecutive games against Tri-Valley and Maysville. After a slow start, Philo still controls its destiny and the Electrics could clinch at least a split for the league title if they win out.
5. John Glenn Little Muskies (3-2, 2-2) [-1]
John Glenn was on the losing end of a shutout against Philo in Week 5. Now, after two losses in three weeks, the Little Muskies are at a crossroads in their season. While they have already equaled their win total from last season, the Muskies have slipped to 1.5 games behind first place, and things will not get any easier. John Glenn will visit Sheridan this week in what is now the most crucial game of the year for the Little Muskies. If they can knock off Sheridan, the Muskies will be right back in the hunt. If they fall short, the Muskies will have accumulated three league losses, and be a long-shot at for a playoff run.
6. New Lexington Panthers (3-2, 2-2) [No Change]
A 41-6 blowout victory in Week 5 against the Morgan Raiders was just what the doctor ordered for the New Lexington Panthers. They were able to get their frustration out after a heartbreaking loss against Maysville in Week 4. This week, New Lexington will play a non-league foe, hosting the Meadowbrook Colts. Meadowbrook has had a similar rollercoaster-like season and also possess a record of 3-2. New Lexington will be looking to play at the top of its game before the Panthers travel to Dresden in Week 7 to face the mighty Scotties.
7. Crooksville Ceramics (2-3, 0-3) [No Change]
The Crooksville Ceramics were Tri-Valley’s latest victims in Week 5. After being outgained by 568 yards and outscored by nine touchdowns, the Ceramics stand at 0-3 in MVL competition. Crooksville has shown that it is a competitive squad, but the Ceramics have yet to take the step up to the top half of teams in this harsh league. Crooksville travels to Zanesville to take on Maysville in Week 6. A win against the Panthers would be ideal, but the Ceramics will have to be sharp if they plan on going into Maysville’s home stadium and upsetting the playoff-minded Panthers.
8. Morgan Raiders (1-4, 0-3) [No Change]
Morgan suffered another loss by a large margin in Week 5, this time against New Lexington. The Raiders have come up on the short end of their three MVL contests, losing by an average score of 37-6. Morgan’s lone win of the season came in Week 2 against Union Local, a team that recently snapped a 22-game losing streak. Morgan is going to have to dig deep if they want to get their first league win since October of 2010. The Raiders will have to deal with Tri-Valley this week, but will play West Muskingum and Crooksville in Weeks 8 and 9 respectively, both of which are still searching for their first league win as well.
9. West Muskingum Tornadoes (0-5, 0-4) [No Change]
For the first time this year, the Tornadoes of West Muskingum scored more than seven points in a game. Unfortunately, the 60 points the Tornadoes allowed overshadowed their 14-point night. After another big loss, West Muskingum will try to regroup for Week 6. The Tornadoes will travel to Duncan Falls to take on a rejuvenated Philo Electrics squad.