Meadowbrook gets their second straight MVL Small division title with win over West Muskingum
By: Cade Williamson, Tanner Watts
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ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — Playoff hopes weighed in the balance Friday night in Zanesville as the 6-3 West Muskingum Tornadoes took on the 7-2 Meadowbrook Colts. The matchup also played major implications relating to who would walk away with the MVL Small School Division crown.
Meadowbrook began the game with a drive that resulted in a costly fumble as the rain began to fall in Zanesville. The weather did not seem to play that big of a factor though, as both teams continued to air the ball out throughout the night.
The Colts eventually jumped out to an early 13-0 lead with touchdown runs from Josh Hupp and Sam Bopp. West Muskingum responded to this with some crucial drives of their own. Harley Hopkins found the end zone as time was winding down in the half, and the Tornadoes tied the game up, 13-13, late in the first half.
Meadowbrook responded with a cultch drive, as the Colts used their two-minute drill to perfection, capping off an impressive drive with a touchdown pass from Josh Hupp to Ty Griffith. Meadowbrook went into the half up 20-13.
West Muskingum’s offense was stifled to start the second half, and Meadowbrook took advantage. The Colts jumped out to a 34-20 lead by the end of the third quarter and rode that momentum for the rest of the game. This second half surge was led by tailback Kaden Casey, who rushed for two touchdowns as the clock wound down.
The Meadowbrook Colts pulled out the victory, defeating the West Muskingum Tornadoes 49-20 and clinching the MVL Small School Division title for the second year in a row. Meadowbrook hopes to ride this momentum into the playoffs, as they are expected to be a top eight seed in their region. West Muskingum’s playoff hopes are now in doubt, as they hover around the bubble for the 16th seed in their region.