Sports
Injury-Plagued Sheridan Rolling with Punches
By: Josh Gregory
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Last year, the Sheridan Generals were one field goal in triple-overtime away from making it into the playoffs. This year, they’re looking to rebuild and get over that hump.
However, per usual, there will be challenges along the way.
After graduating 17 seniors and sustaining several injuries during the preseason, 44th-year head coach Paul Culver has his work cut out for him.
“I like the players’ attitudes, but we’re not very big and we’re not very deep with 34 kids on the team,” Culver said. “Being hampered by injuries also really puts us in a bind.”
Seniors Trevor Davisson, Ben Rhodes, and junior Luke Ridenoour are key players who have been sidelined with injuries.
With their absence, more pressure will fall onto quarterback Dylan Dupler’s shoulders to navigate the general through a rigorous MVL. Dupler, who is entering his first full year as the starter, put it bluntly.
“We just need to step up, especially the guys coming in for injured players,” said Dupler. “I compete for Friday nights, and so I got to work hard in practice.”
Justin Bobo, Davisson and Rhodes’s replacement at running back, has joined Dupler in the backfield and will carry much of the load in their absence. The new starter, who will also play linebacker, earned high praises from his coaches.
“He (Bobo) is doing a really nice job for us stepping in,” said Culver. “Now we need somebody else to do the same thing. This is how you build depth.”
The Generals will hit the road to take on the Granville Blue Aces on Aug. 28. at 7:00 p.m.