MVHC: Players of the Game – Week Eleven

ZANESVILLE, OH – It was quite the exciting start to the 2026 high school playoffs for local area teams, seven of whom find themselves moving on to the regional quarterfinal round. However, before we get to Week 12’s slate, we must put a bow on Week 11 with our first round of postseason “MVHC: Players of the Game” from a pair of all-MVL first round battles.

History was made at Paul Culver Jr. Stadium on Friday night in a game broadcasted on Z92 radio. For the first time since 2022, Sheridan got the best of Tri-Valley in a wild 38-35 win, in what also turned out to be the first ever playoff matchup between the two long-time rival schools. It was not the easiest season for Generals running back Logan Russell who missed most of the first ten weeks through injury. After a key interception to cap off Week 10, the senior came up big in Week 11 with a rushing touchdown in the second half.

Highway 103 was on the scene at West Muskingum, where the Tornadoes defeated the Philo Electrics to advance in the playoffs. Much like the regular season battle between the two, Cohen McConnell and his teammates ran away from the opposition, dominating in all facets of the game. The senior hauled in six receptions with a touchdown on offense, while recording a sack on the defensive end.

Sheridan (Division III) and West Muskingum (Division IV), along with Granville (Division III), Licking Valley (Division III), Heath (Division IV), New Lexington (Division IV), and Ridgewood (V) will kick off Week 12 on Friday night.