Muskingum Valley League (MVL) Small Preview
By: Stephen Koroly
Posted on:
West Muskingum
West Muskingum in 2023 won the sole crown of the MVL Small with an undefeated conference record and a 10-2 overall record. The Tornadoes also appeared in the playoffs for the sixth time in school history and captured West Muskingum’s second ever playoff win over Union Local before being shut out by Harvest Prep in the second round.
Looking ahead to this upcoming season, it will be tough to move forward without Ohio Mr. Football Finalist and Gridiron Glory Player of the Year Finalist Rashid Sesay. The legendary Tornado running back committed to Ohio State and totaled over 2,000 yards and over 40 touchdowns last season.
Filling that void is almost not possible, but last year’s tremendous season may propel head coach Nathan Brownrigg and the Tornadoes forward. West Muskingum’s quest to repeat in the MVL Small starts week one at Lakewood.
Maysville
The Maysville Panthers finished fourth in the MVL Big in 2023. In 2024, the Panthers will move to and compete in the MVL Small. Maysville struggled for the first eight weeks, however, the final two games proved that the Panthers had the potential for a solid season this year. The two big wins versus River View and Philo brought the team’s regular season win total to four.
The Panthers will face John Glenn in New Concord to begin their season.
New Lexington
After winning the MVL Small in 2022, the New Lexington Panthers finished third in 2023 with a 3-2 conference record and a 5-5 overall record. The Panthers appeared in the playoffs last year but lost in the first round to Harvest Prep.
New Lexington is returning many players and is in contention to win the MVL in 2024. The Panthers start week one at Fairfield Union.
Coshocton
Coshocton finished fourth in the MVL Small in 2023. The Redskins notched a 2-3 conference record and a 3-7 overall record. Coshocton had a rough start in the previous season losing their first six games of the season. But Coshocton ended the season on a high note winning three of their last four games.
Coshocton’s running attack will be deadly this season, but will they tune up other facets of their game is the question. The Redskins could make some noise in 2024 and their season kicks off versus Ridgewood at home.
Meadowbrook
Meadowbrook finished 2023 in fifth place of the MVL Small. The Colts season looked very promising as they won four of their five first games but unfortunately Meadowbrook lost five games in a row to end their season. They finished with a 4-6 overall record and a 1-4 conference record. The Colts have a ton of returning experience and could surprise everyone in 2024. Meadowbrook will travel to Dresden for a very tough week one matchup versus Tri-Valley.
Crooksville
The Crooksville Ceramics finished last in the MVL Small in 2023 with an 0-5 conference record and a 3-7 overall record. Crooksville started the 2023 season on the right foot winning their first three games, but seven straight losses put an end to the Ceramics season. With a more experienced team, Crooksville may add more to their win total in 2024. The Ceramics will travel to Lancaster to play Fisher Catholic on week one.