New Lexington, Sheridan Clinch Share of MVL Football Titles
ZANESVILLE, OH – Two schools separated by no more than 14 miles can once again call themselves Muskingum Valley League football champions. A pair of powerhouse programs when it comes to MVL football, it should be no surprise that both New Lexington (small school) and Sheridan (big school) reign supreme again, though their journeys to the top could not be more different.
The recent dominance of the small school division champion Panthers cannot be understated enough, sporting an undefeated record against division foes now in each of the last three seasons. Shockingly enough, it is now a hat trick of league titles for New Lexington. This year was less of a surprise than in years past, thanks to the play of the eleven seniors on the team led by quarterback Lane Ratliff, wide receiver Tyson Spicer, lineman Eli Stephens, and linebacker Tanner Toth among others.
Kevin Board’s squad clinched a share of the program’s 20th league title by outlasting second-place West Muskingum in a 47-28 shootout, led by a throwing, rushing, and interception return touchdown from Ratliff, plus a career game from junior running back Colton Mathias with three touchdowns of his own. The Panthers can secure the outright division title with a win over Morgan or a Coshocton win over West Muskingum in week nine.
Sustained success is far from easy, but it is hard to tell that with the way the orange and black have been playing the last several seasons, let alone the past 70 years.
For the first time since the 2022 season, Sheridan sits atop the MVL big school division. Paul Culver III and company secured a share of the program’s 21st title after a decisive 28-8 victory over Philo on Friday night. It’s a team that has faced quite a bit of adversity since its last title, coming up short to Tri-Valley each of the last three years. This season got off to a rough start, losing star running back Logan Russell to injury shortly after the season started, though budding sophomore star SJ Shriner has filled in quite nicely with over 500 yards and seven touchdowns in the senior’s stead.
The Generals sport a convincing 7-1 record this season, only falling to unbeaten Licking Valley in week one, and have every right to believe that this roll won’t be ending any time soon. An outright league title can be clinched in week nine with a victory over rival Tri-Valley or if John Glenn defeats second place Philo.
The postseason draws near for high school football in Ohio, and both teams will have their eyes set on playoff success as well as the latest league titles for the two storied MVL programs.
