Sports

Game Preview: Nelsonville-York Looking To Spoil River Valley’s Tremendous Start [VIDEO]

Posted on: Thursday, September 18, 2014

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Over the last two seasons, the River Valley Raiders won a combined three games. But this season, the Raiders have started on fire, winning each of their first three games.

On Friday, however, the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes are planning on cooling down those red-hot Raiders.

“They throw the ball a lot,” said Buckeye head coach David Boston. “But, we feel good about our personnel and we’ll put a lot of heat on their offense.”

The past two seasons, River Valley has fallen at the hands of Nelsonville-York by a combined score of 87-12. Raiders head coach Jerrod Sparling is not only looking to continue their perfect season, but also, end their drought against the Buckeyes.

“With Nelsonville York and any of Coach Boston’s teams, they’ll be fundamentally sound and they’re going to be physical,” Sparling said. “You do your best to contain them, and we have to do a good job of being physical and fundamentally sound.”

With a new look, and a new stadium, the Raiders hope that the home field advantage will come in handy on Friday.

“I think home field advantage comes with having pride in your school, your school colors, and your community,” said Sparling. “The community has been great and it’s been a great atmosphere. The one thing I have noticed and the boys have noticed, too, is that the community is supportive.”

The Buckeyes have also turned around this season. The Buckeyes are 2-1 overall, and are looking to gain some ground in the TVC-Ohio.

“Maturity is the big difference,” Boston said. “We started six freshmen last year now they’re sophomores and more mature. We are still a senior team defensively. They lead the young people, and I think this year, we’re starting to come together.”

In order to cool off River Valley, the Nelsonville-York defense will have a tough task at hand, trying to stop junior quarterback Dayton Hardway.

“The defensive front will have to step up and do a great job sustaining blocks,” Boston said. “We’ll also move a round a little in the secondary.”

It all goes down Friday night at 7:30 p.m.  at River Valley.