Muskingum Valley League (MVL) Big Preview
By: Stephen Koroly
Posted on:
Tri-Valley
The Tri-Valley Scotties finished 2023 in first place being the sole champion of the conference. The Scotties biggest win came against MVL rival, the Sheridan Generals. Tri-Valley’s season ended in the second round of the playoffs after losing 32-29 to Granville.
The Scotties in 2024 are returning serious talent. Tri-Valley has been ranked seventh in Division III in a preseason ranking by Cleveland.com. If there is any team from Dresden that can bring home a state title, it’s this one and it must be this year.
The Scotties kick off week one at home versus Meadowbrook.
Sheridan
The Sheridan Generals finished second in the MVL Big last season. Although not wearing the MVL crown, this team had a remarkable season, going 12-2 and appearing in a regional final for the first time since 1987. The Generals were stopped one game short of the final four after losing 14-7 versus Steubenville.
In 2024, Sheridan has lost key seniors from the previous season. The starting quarterback position is still up for grabs as Logan Hupp and Tyce Whiteman battle it out in the preseason. Luckily for the General faithful, they have Head Coach Paul Culver III, who will surely have his team ready to go week one when they take on Licking Valley in a tough road contest.
John Glenn
The John Glenn Little Muskies finished third in the MVL Big while finishing 8-2 overall. The Little Muskies were hot at the start of the season, winning all games in the first four weeks. Sheridan and Tri-Valley were handed John Glenn both of its regular season losses in weeks five and ten respectively.
The Little Muskies did appear in the playoffs but lost their first game to Bellfontaine, 49-7. The Little Muskies are not favored to win the MVL in 2024, but they could have another solid seven-to-eight win season.
John Glenn kicks week one off at home versus Maysville.
Morgan
The Morgan Raiders finished second in the MVL Small last year with a conference record of 4-1 and an overall record of 6-4. This season, however, will pose a new test as the Raiders move to the MVL Big School division. The Raiders made their sixth ever playoff appearance last year, but they are still searching for a playoff win as they lost to the Sheridan Generals in the first round.
Morgan was propelled by Gridiron Glory Player of the Year Finalist Logan Niceswanger. The Senior quarterback played both offense and defense, totaled over 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns. Morgan will have a tough road to a playoff bid without Niceswanger, but new Head Coach Seth Brown may bring excitement and progress to McConnelsville. The Raiders kick off week one at home versus Marietta.
Philo
The Philo Electrics finished 2023 with a record of 5-5 finishing fifth in the MVL Big. The Electrics started last season hot, winning their first four games. They then lost to rival West Muskingum, but got back on the right track to win the next week versus Crooksville.
But Philo’s season took a turn for the worst when the Electrics lost four straight games to end the season.
The Electrics kick off week one versus Athens at home in 2024.
River View
River View is looking to win for the first time since 2022. The Black Bears finished last in the MVL after going 0-10.
The only way is up for River View as they can begin to claw back to a solid rank if they are competitive and pick up a few wins in 2024.
River View will travel to Garraway for their week one matchup.