Tri-Valley ready to open football season on Thursday

DRESDEN, Ohio – Tri-Valley is trying their hardest to not have a repeat of last season.

Despite going 9-1 and winning a share of the MVL the Scotties missed out on the playoffs. That was due in part to a weak non-conference schedule. That’s part of the reason why head coach Justin Buttermore added DIII powerhouse Akron St. Vincent St. Mary to the schedule.

“It’s a really talented team with a great tradition. They have six state championships. We know it’s a challenge but it’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to,” said Buttermore.

The Irish have been in the playoffs the last eight seasons. St. Vincent-St. Mary always plays a loaded schedule that includes some of northeast Ohio’s toughest teams. They went 6-4 in the regular season last year and in the post season beat Dover before falling to Archbishop Hoban in round two.

A lot of eyes will be on the match up. Not only because it’s two teams who are playoff contenders, but also because it’s on a Thursday, making it one of the few games played in the area on that night.

“They’ve got a lot of talented players. They’re a pro team. They’re an I-team. They like to run power football. They’ve got a quarterback that can throw well, too. They’re incredible big up front. They’re probably about 280 (pounds) across the board,” said Buttermore.

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. from Jack Anderson Stadium. Z92 Radio will be broadcasting the game live with pre game coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. David Kinder and Garrett Young have the call.