Sports
Game Preview: Sheridan’s Playoff Hopes Hanging On Week 8 Game With Tri-Valley
By: Nathan Wiseman
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For the first time in the 2014 season, Tri-Valley will get its first serious test in its conference schedule.
Stakes are high for Scotties (7-0, 5-0 MVL), who host Sheridan (6-1, 4-1) on Friday night. The last time Tri-Valley lost a MVL game was October 15 2011—which came at the hands of the Generals. Even though Tri-Valley has had Sheridan’s number for the past three seasons, Friday’s matchup is poised to be one of the best MVL matchups of the season with both teams playing at the top of their game.
Sheridan comes into this contest with one blemish on their near perfect record, which is a heartbreaking Week 6 loss to Maysville in triple overtime. The Generals have battled losing their senior starting quarterback, Luke Fox, to injury but Dylan Dupler has comfortably stepped into his new role.
Sheridan hasn’t missed a beat, leaning on their dominant rushing game led by Levi Wray. The Generals average 6.6 yards per rushing attempt and have netted 2,133 yards as a team so far this year.
Tri-Valley can be described in one word: lethal. Coach Justin Buttermore believes the balance on his experienced squad is what has guided them to their success. It all starts with the signal caller for the Scotties, as senior quarterback Brock Fargus can alter any game with his arm or his running abilities.
He also has a plethora of targets, which including star wide receiver Hunter Mohler. Last week in Tri Valley’s 44-0 win over John Glenn, Mohler connected with three different receivers for touchdowns. In the backfield, Logan Bash and Daniel “Bubby” Scott lead the pack of running backs for the Scotties thanks to the astounding offensive line.
Sheridan’s Hall of Fame head coach Paul Culver says that preparation for this week’s game hasn’t differed from any other week.
“We’re just trying to get better,” We need to not get caught out of position and we can’t give up the big plays.”
Buttermore, on the other hand, knows all too well about the tradition of this storied matchup.
“When I first got here 11 years ago there’s no doubt that Sheridan had set the standard in this league for many years and everyone else was striving to be where they were,”
Buttermore has created his own dynasty at Tri-Valley, claiming the past three MVL titles. His success has landed his team in position for a possible fourth and a deep run in the playoffs.
For the Generals, this game also bears a great deal on their playoff chances, as a loss to the Scotties likely knocks the Generals out of contention in a tough region. A win for the Generals could guarantee them a playoff spot if they win their final two games as well.
But for the Scotties, the key is to just keep winning.
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