High school football previews – Sheridan Generals

THORNVILLE, Ohio – For most schools a season like 2016 would be a banner year. But for Sheridan it’s what’s expected.

The Generals finishing the regular season 8-2 last year. Along the way they beat Tri-Valley to end the Scotties’ 47-game conference winning streak, won a share of the MVL title for the first time since 2011, and made the playoffs.

Now it’s year two for head coach Paul Culver III, who took over for his father last season. After a season like last year expectations are high for 2017.

“Our goals stay the same. That’s to compete for the MVL championship. Win the MVL championship. If you do that you should be in the playoffs and then advance in the playoffs,” said Culver III.

Despite the optimism, Sheridan doesn’t return much of the talent they had on last year’s playoff team. Just six starters return, four on defense and two on offense.

The biggest loss is quarterback Dylan Dupler, who is now playing baseball at Marshall University. Dupler was MVL player of the year last year while throwing for 1,200 yards and rushing for 22 scores. Now replacing him at QB will be senior Ethan Heller. Heller filled in as quarterback last season, but was primarily as a defensive back.

“[Heller] is talented enough that even though we had a Dylan Dupler, there were times, like the Tri-Valley game, that we we’re game planning to put him under center. Because we want the ball in his hands,” said Culver III.

10 seniors return for the Generals this year. That includes senior lineman Cameron Young. He helped block for Dupler last season on an offense that averaged 36 points a game. Young likes what he’s seen out of the General’s new quarterback.

“He definitely has a lot of experience already. He’s freak athlete. He’s just like Dylan. He’s following in his foot steps,” said Young.

On the defensive side of the ball is where the Generals have the most experience. Especially with the defensive backs, who intercepted 16 passes last season. Both corner backs are back in Jacob Rhodes and Ethan Tabor. As is Jarrett Munyan at safety along with Heller.

“It’s definitely the area with the most experience. We lost a lot of seniors last year. So we have to take a big step and fill their shoes,” said senior receiver and defensive back Tanner Wollenberg.

The Generals open the season with a non-conference match up against Licking Valley at Paul Culver Jr. Stadium.

2017 Schedule 

8/25 Licking Valley
9/1 Maysville
9/8 at John Glenn
9/15 at Logan
9/22 West Muskingum
9/29 at Philo
10/6 Tri-Valley
10/13 at New Lexington
10/20 Crooksville
10/27 at Morgan