Sports
Maysville To Make Third Consecutive Playoff Appearance
By: Nathan Wiseman
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Two months and twenty-one days ago, on a scorching hot Saturday night, Maysville (10-1) and Licking Valley (8-2) took a break from two-a-days and gave spectators what would turn out to be a playoff preview.
Maysville won the preseason game 35-14 in August, but the stakes are higher this time around with a chance to survive and advance in the playoffs.
Fifth seed Maysville and fourth seed Licking Valley know each other all too well. A mere 30 miles separate these two schools from each other, which almost eliminates home field advantage for Licking Valley in the Division IV Region 13 quarterfinals.
Licking Valley has yet to win a playoff game in its new stadium while Maysville will be making its third consecutive playoff appearance.
Maysville has made noise around the area this season through the success of head coach Craig Clarke’s Wing T offense that showcases its speed and agility, creating mismatches and sending opposing defenses scrambling.
Licking Valley comes into the game fresh off of a 24-17 victory over Granville that sealed it a share of the Licking County League-Big School Division title.
The key to its success begins with former wide receiver-turned-quarterback Tyler Nellers. The Panthers operate out of the I-Formation and spread formations, allowing Nellers to operate out of several different looks. The dual threat quarterback threw for 161 yards including a 62-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Klein and rushed for 83 yards in the Panther’s crucial win.
Licking Valley will face the tall task of containing quarterback Jacob Miller. Maysville averages 33 points and 280 rushing yards per game with its wing-T attack. If Licking Valley sends pressure, Miller will have to rely on other options down the field.
Blake Wilson leads the team with 742 rushing yards, Chase Himmelspach and Chase Roberts each average more than 8.7 yards per carry, and Johnny Runkle has tallied 513 yards and seven touchdowns. Add in a strong offensive line and Maysville has totaled over 2,800 rushing yards.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 from Newark.