Sports
Scioto Valley Conference – Conference Preview
By: Ella Hughes
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Unioto Shermans:
Unioto posted a perfect regular season record to claim their third straight SVC title and the Shermans are looking to continue their success this season. They finished 10-0 overall and 7-0 in the conference.
Their stellar defense led them to a 21-12 playoff victory against the East Tigers, before the Shermans ultimately fell 47-14 to New Lexington. However, this season isn’t going to be a walk in the park for the Shermans who graduated 18 seniors at the end of last year.
Unioto will look to leadership from third-year starting quarterback Isaac Coy and two-way star Levi Beam. Head Coach Matt Hoops is confident in his team’s ability to perform and stay on top of the SVC.
Zane Trace Pioneers:
Zane Trace is entering this season as a serious threat. The Pioneers were second in the conference with a record of 6-1 in SVC play, with their only conference loss coming at the hands of rival Unioto.
Returning powerhouses Brice Johnson, who led the team with 1,578 rushing yards, and Mason Hartley will be players to keep an eye on this season.
With a dominant season last year, the Pioneers will look to win the SVC crown for the first time since 2022.
Westfall Mustangs:
Westfall finished last season in third place in the conference with a 4-3 record against SVC opponents.
Nathan Mettler is taking the reins for his first season as the Mustangs Head Coach. He will replace Logan Stepp who stepped down after coaching the team from 2022 to 2025.
The Mustangs are returning a talented squad with experience who are capable of competing with the top teams in the conference.
Huntington Huntsmen:
Huntington finished with six wins last season for the first time since 2000. The Huntsmen rounded out the year 4-3 in conference play and 6-4 overall.
Huntington was able to go on a four-game win streak against conference opponents Southeastern, Paint Valley, Westfall and Adena.
With Dalton Nichols and Isaac Taylor graduating, the Huntsmen hope for big performances from returners Frankie Hirsch, Carson McNeal and Wes Hamilton. Huntington has the opportunity to be a dark horse of the conference this season.
Piketon Redstreaks:
The Piketon Redstreaks were the third team in the conference to finish 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the conference.
The Redstreaks are losing starting quarterback Luke Gullion who led the conference last season with 1,666 passing yards and 2,335 total yards.
Piketon has the chance to capitalize on the changes within the conference and make a breakthrough in the win column.
Adena Warriors:
Adena was able to take a step forward this past season notching two conference wins against Southeastern and Paint Valley, for a 2-5 SVC record.
The Warriors finished the year with a 3-7 record, the same as the 2024 season.
Head Coach Scott Hurtt is entering his third season at the helm and with returners like Fisher Schaaf, Adena will aim to improve upon their performance last year.
Paint Valley Bearcats:
Paint Valley will look to bounce back after a difficult 1-9 record with their only win coming against the Southeastern Panthers.
John Penwell will enter his second year leading the team. While the Bearcats lost a senior class of 14, that leaves behind a young team ready to take charge.
Paint Valley is prepared to get back on track this season and work to climb up the conference ranks.
Southeastern Panthers:
The Southeastern Panthers struggled last season, finishing the year 2-8 without recording a conference win. Their wins came in week one against the East Tartans and week three against Fayette-Ville Perry.
The Panthers have moved on from Head Coach Larry Willoughby hiring Garrett Blair to take his place.
Southeastern aims for conference success this season with a young core leading the way.