Sports
Tri-Valley Closes In On Perfect Season
By: Brad Hawley
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Week 10 brings a match-up with many back-stories when the Philo Electrics 7-2 (5-2 MVL) host the undefeated Tri-Valley Scotties.
The Scotties are gunning for their first undefeated regular season in school history, as well as their first outright MVL title. Also with a win, Tri-Valley will stay in the hunt (along with Zanesville) for the number one seed in the Division II, Region 7 playoffs.
The stakes are just as high for the Electrics. Ranked 11th in the Division III, Region 11 regional, Philo must pull off the upset for a chance to make playoffs.
If Philo is to upset the Scotties, the electric defense will have to find a way to stop 1,300 yard rusher and Gridiron Glory Player of the Year candidate Austin Jones as well as quarterback Nathan Strock.
The future Kent State Golden Flash is the epitome of a dual-threat quarterback. He has accumulated over 1,700 yards passing, along with adding 402 rushing yards.
If there were a team in the MVL that has the potential to slow down the Scottie attack, it would be the Philo Electrics. Philo has three shutouts so far this season, giving up only 9.6 points a game. Tri-Valley head coach Justin Buttermore realizes the challenges Philo brings to his offense.
“This is the biggest team we will play all year,” Buttermore said. “Our offensive line will have to get off the ball, and we will have to protect the quarterback.”
Philo does not just have a strong defense; their running attack has also been a plus. In Week 9, running back Nathan Delozier had 131 yards on 16 carriers, while fellow backfield member Kaleb Wiseman ran for 63 yards on 14 carries.
This is the last opportunity for Philo to get the signature win they have been looking for all season. Last week, they let a great chance get away after losing to the Maysville Panthers 14-12.
Buttermore knows that with Philo’s backs against the wall and a chance to play spoiler to perfection, his team will have to bring their best.
“We are going into a hostile environment. They are going to be angry about last week’s loss and will want to ruin our perfect season.”