Uncategorized
Tri-Valley Conference (TVC) Ohio Preview
By: Shane Scalfaro
Posted on:
Vinton County Vikings
The defending TVC-Ohio champions look very different than the team a year ago. For starters, head coach T.J. Carper is gone and took the head coaching job in Zanesville. Marcus Games, Carper’s offensive coordinator, has taken over. The team also graduated 18 seniors, including quarterback Parker Shonborn and running back Garrett Brown. With the system being the same with Coach Games, it’s made the offseason a little easier.
“Most of the things we’ve done, they’ve already learned,” said Games. “Now, it’s just getting guys in the right place, tweaking things. It’s been a pretty smooth transition.”
Despite their losses, Vinton County is working to stay on top of the conference.
Athens Bulldogs
This may be the most talked about team in the TVC. The Bulldogs found their footing midway through the season, finishing the regular season on a five-game winning streak and second in the conference. Only three seniors have graduated, meaning this team is ahead of schedule this offseason. Coach Nathan White is keeping the noise out of the building and keeping the team focused.
“We’re coaching them up like we were 0-10 the last three years and we’re battling to get to earn everything,” said White.
Be ready for the Bulldogs to make a strong push for the TVC-Ohio title crown.
Nelsonville-York Buckeyes
The Buckeyes finished third in the TVC-Ohio last season after losing back-to-back games against Vinton County and Athens. The team lost their quarterback Makhi Williams and running back Gavin Richards, but you can never count a Rusty Richards’ led team out. Coach Richards has only missed the postseason twice at NY, but he’s never lost in the first round. Coach Richards and the Buckeyes are always ready to make noise in the conference and this team is no different.
Wellston Golden Rockets
Under first year Head Coach Chris Graham, Wellston ended the season 4-6 and fourth in the conference. This team had a lot of young players on top of that. Now that Coach Graham is in his second year and the players are more comfortable in his system, we could see a team that’s ready to take flight and give the other teams in the conference some trouble.
Meigs Marauders
When looking at Meigs’ 2-8 record last season, you may want to put an asterisk on it. This team was riddled with injuries throughout the year. Every stat leader had missed time, leaving Meigs with little time to find a rhythm together. Senior leaders like quarterback Griffin Cleland, running back Conlee Burnam, and receiver Joe Metzger all graduated. With new Head Coach Nolan Yates at the helm, the Marauders are going to look to find their footing this season.
Alexander Spartans
This was a young team that surrounded senior quarterback Jordan Schulz. Coach Tyler Davis is looking to turn things around this season after finishing 2-8 and sixth in conference. With a team that should be more comfortable in the system, the Spartans could make a jump this season.
River Valley Raiders
New Head Coach Steve McAvena is bringing hope to River Valley. After finishing 0-10 and averaging just 6.5 points per game, Coach McAvena’s system could be just what the Raiders need to turn the program around. If they can build in the right direction, they could sneak up on conference opponents.