Tri-Valley relying on senior leadership this year

DRESDEN, Ohio – Thursday marks 11 days until the start of high school football two-a-days.

Thursday also marked the Tri-Valley Scotties’ last 7-on-7 of the summer. The Scotties hosted a 7-on-7 scrimmage with Ridgewood at Jack Anderson Stadium.

This year’s TV group is loaded with a lot of senior talent which head coach Justin Buttermore said is one of team’s biggest strong points.

“It’s certainly a lot different than a year ago because we had a really small senior class. This year we’ve got a bunch of returning seniors. Most of them were starters for us. There is a lot of leadership on both sides of the ball. They’re helping the younger kids pick things up,” said Buttermore.

Tri-Valley is coming off a 9-1 season in which they shared the Muskingum Valley League title with Sheridan and Philo. However, that one defeat kept them from going to the post season. It was the first time Tri-Valley wasn’t in the playoff since 2008.

Senior Nathan Lawler said missing out on the playoffs is still on the mind the team.

“We’re not going to forget about that. We’re going to use that as motivation for sure,” said Lawler

The Scotties will open the season up earlier than most teams. Their first game is Aug. 24, a Thursday, against Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary at Jack Anderson Stadium.