Preseason Power Rankings: TVC-Ohio
By: Jacob Murray
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When we last left off in the TVC-Ohio, the Athens Bulldogs had just captured the conference crown with a dominant showing over Nelsonville-York. Both of these teams have been fighting for the top over the past couple of years, but with some old faces returning on other squads, could this be the year we see a new champ in the conference? As with any new season comes new teams fighting for control and with over half of the conference hiring new head coaches, this could lead to an interesting season in the TVC-Ohio.
Power Rankings
1. 
Athens Bulldogs; Last season’s record: 9-1
As the reigning TVC-Ohio champs, the Bulldogs know the target that has been placed on their back with the likes of N-Y and Meigs fighting for the top spot. Despite with the loss of longtime head coach Ryan Adams, coaching remains steady in a seamless transition to former offensive coordinator, Nathan White. While quarterback Joey Moore might not have the same arm strength as last year’s Clay Davis, the offense has been built around his skills, and still maintatins one of the best receiving corps in the conference.
2. 
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes; Last season’s record: 4-6
Even though the Buckeyes start the year off with a tough schedule, don’t expect another slow start from a team primed to be fighting for the TVC-Ohio crown. N-Y returns its two biggest offensive threats in Mikey Seel and Keegan Wilburn. With the two senior offense leaders, the Buckeye’s also return a largely veteran defense.
3. 
Meigs Marauders; Last season’s record: 4-6
As a rookie quarterback Coulter Cleland led the conference in passing yards. Now a sophomore, Cleland’s ability to extend plays and find the open man could prove deadly with senior receiver Weston Baer as the two have the potential to forming one of the scariest QB-WR duos in the Ohio. However, losing the Bartrum family leaves a hole to be filled, with new head coach David Tennant trying to look for pieces to fill in around Cleland. Regardless of the team around him, having one of the top quarterbacks in the conference, will help them win games and contend for the TVC-Ohio.
4. 
Alexander Spartans; Last season’s record: 4-6
The Alexander Spartans’ senior class wants to make some noise in their final year together. They one of the best players in the conference with quarterback-linebacker Kaleb. Additionally, with head coach Earich Dean aiding the chemistry of this team, Spartans could surprise some people with their play, possibly pushing for third in the conference.
5. 
Vinton County Vikings; Last season’s record: 4-6
Despite losing a good portion of their offense to graduation, the Vikings still maintain bruising running back Logan Baker, who could possibly head the Vikings’ rushing attack, alongside the young stud quarterback Braylon Damron moving into his sophomore year after playing 6 games last season, as well. Look for the Vikings to battle for spots 3-5 throughout the year.
6. 
Wellston Golden Rockets; Last season’s record: 3-7
The Golden Rockets followed suit with the rest of the conference by hiring a new man to lead the way in Mike Smith. Look for Wellston to follow the same trend they have been for the last couple of years – a run heavy team that wants to win in the trenches. Star running back Rylan Molihan will look to continue his trend, but with the lack of a passing game, a tough year could be on the horizon.
7. 
River Valley Raiders: Last season’s record: 1-9
The Raiders have not had a winning season since 2016 but bringing back head coach Jason Peck can help the team reclaim the identity that they have been lacking since their last winning season. Built around a huge senior class, including quarterback Jordan Burns and running back Jared Reese, look for this team to continue and focus on their running game with Reese, allowing for the play-action pass to come into play. However, in a conference that has bested the Raiders for the last two years, look for a similar outcome.