Sports
Sheridan, Maysville Square Off For MVL Top Spot
By: Morgan Overbey
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After five weeks of play, Maysville, Sheridan and Tri-Valley, remain undefeated in the Muskingum Valley league.
On Friday, Sheridan (4-1, 3-0 MVL) and Maysville (5-0, 4-0) will go head-to-head for a chance to hold the top spot in the league standings. The week 6 matchup is crucial for both teams.
In 2012, the Generals had their first season under .500 in more than eight years. Sheridan has already matched its 2012 win total, and through five games, the Generals have proven to be more than just a middle-of-the-pack team.
Head coach Paul Culver said the next three weeks of play will be the true test for his players.
“At this point every win is important for us, especially our next three games,” Culver said. “We play Maysville, Philo and Tri-Valley, who all have aspirations to win a league title.”
While Philo (4-1, 2-1) and Tri-Valley (3-2, 3-0) sit on the horizon, the only concern this week for the Red and Gray is the well-balanced team that currently sits atop the MVL.
“Maysville is outstanding in all phases,” Culver said. “Their defense is strong, fast and will be one of the toughest we go up against, but we have to be able to stop the run too.”
The defense for the Generals is one of the best in the league, holding teams to an average of 9.4 points per game. The highlight of the season for the Generals was a 12-7 win over John Glenn, in which the Muskies only managed 83 yards of total offense.
The Generals are playing like a better team this season, but their three wins are against teams with a combined 3-17 record. Culver said his team will look to improve in fundamental areas, such as blocking and tackling, before the tougher opponents start to line up.
In last year’s matchup, Sheridan lost to Maysville by 20 points. This time around, the Generals are hoping for a different outcome, with control of the MVL on the line.
“We look forward to our matchup with Maysville,” Culver added. “It will be a battle.”
The fight to remain undefeated in league play begins Friday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Paul Culver Jr. Stadium in Thornville, Ohio.