Sports
Preview: TVC Runners-Up Colide In Saturday Showdown
By: Lucas Widman
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Last season’s runners-up in the Tri-Valley Conference are ready for another thrilling installment of a cross-division rivalry. After finishing behind the Wahama White Falcons last season, the Trimble Tomcats aim to rise to the top of the Hocking division in 2013.
“We have to improve every week like we did last year,” says Trimble head coach Phil Faires. “We got better every week, even through the playoffs and I think we have to do that this year.”
While the Tomcats set their eyes on a Week 2 rematch with the White Falcons, they must first take on the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes, who stumbled out of the gates in 2012. The Bucks lost to their first two opponents, but bounced back to finish second in the Ohio division.
Nelsonville-York lost several key players to graduation, including starting quarterback Joe Young. Returning signal caller Colt Adams and freshman Hunter Edwards will share time under center in the season opener. Boston expects several freshmen and sophomores to start for the first time against Trimble on Saturday.
“They’re young, but they’re thinking that if they can win this year, it’ll be another three good years for them,” Faires said. “They’re going to have their kids, they’re going to be fired up, and it is going to be a battle.”
The Tomcats, on the other hand, will bring back many main contributors from a season ago, including Gridiron Glory Player of the Year finalist Konner Standley returning as quarterback. Other offensive threats suiting up for Trimble include Wyatt Bragg, Austin Downs, and Bryce Smathers, who combined with Standley to contribute 46 touchdowns on offense in 2012.
Although the Tomcats had their way with the Buckeyes in their most recent encounter, N-Y has held bragging rights in previous years. But that does not change how Trimble will approach this game.
“We’re going to run what we run, they’re going to run what they’re known for. We’ll throw a few wrinkles – both teams will. But we will just adjust through the game.” Faires explained.
But it will not come easy for the Bucks, as the Tomcats will be waiting for them at Glouster Stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday night, ready for another round of a powerful rivalry.