Sports
Sheridan In Need of Convincing Win Vs. New Lexington
By: Jordan Gallagher, Megan Stamper
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Just a few weeks ago, Sheridan (6-3, 6-1) was sitting pretty atop the MVL after a 14-6 victory against Maysville with a win against Tri-Valley standing between the Generals and a path to the MVL title.
They were not so lucky against the Scotties.
Sheridan’s offense faltered against Tri-Valley’s stingy defense and the Generals fell 38-14.
Sheridan’s next opponent in New Lexington (4-5, 3-4) doesn’t boast a defense as overwhelming as Tri-Valley’s, but the Panthers have shown the ability to shut down big offenses. New Lexington held Maysville to 21 points in week two.
Cracking New Lexington’s defense comes with its own set of challenges, but Sheridan must do so in style do keep its slim playoff hopes alive. The Generals sit in 11th place in division III, region nine behind Columbus Beechcroft, Chillicothe, and Columbus Independence. In addition to a convincing win, Sheridan would need losses or non-convincing wins from those three in order to have a chance of snagging the final playoff spot.
Winning big could be easier said than done given New Lexington’s recent offensive boost. Bradley Clapper assumed starting quarterback duties, replacing Mitch Wycinski, and the numbers show a sizeable payoff.
New Lexington scored 41 total points in weeks eight and nine after averaging just 11.5 points per game during the six weeks prior.
As for Sheridan, quarterback play has been consistent with Dylan Dupler at the helm. Dupler is coming off of a 196 yard, four touchdown performance against Crooksville. Look for Sheridan to rely on Dupler to sprint out of the gates early.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in New Lexington.