Tri-Valley seeking state title, embracing role as underdogs

DRESDEN, Ohio – Being an underdog is nothing new for the Tri-Valley football team. In fact, they’ve been an underdog their entire run through the playoffs.

Of the 14 teams playing for a state title this weekend, Tri-Valley is the only one who didn’t play a home playoff game in the first round. The Scotties started the playoffs as a five seed. They’re the only team lower than a four seed still playing.

The Dawgs will play powerhouse Trotwood-Madison this Saturday for the DIII state tittle. The Rams enter the game 14-0 and are seeking their second state title in the last decade.

Tri-Valley head coach Justin Buttermore said his team is embracing the role of the underdog.

“I told our kids that we’ve been resilient, we’ve been tough, and they’ve found a way to get it done on the road in crazy environments and crazy situations over the last five weeks. It’s been a tremendous run. I think our kids are so proud of what they’ve done. I know I’m proud of what they’ve done and been able to accomplishments even going in as a five seed,” said Buttermore.

The 13-1 Scotties find themselves in the state title game for the first time in school history. It’s the first time that a Muskingum Valley League team has made it this far since the 1977 Crooksville Ceramics. Their last playoff game saw them take and early lead and roll to a 24-6 win over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary. It was TV’s first playoff game this year that they did not trail at any point during the game.

The Rams’ path to the state title game has been much easier. They blew out Elida, Dunbar, and Chaminade Julienne in their first three playoff games by an average score of 52-15. Last Friday they toughed out a 16-7 win over Central Catholic.

The Western Ohio team is coached by former Buckeye wide receiver Jeff Graham. Graham took over the Rams’ program this past winter. He was an all-Big Ten receiver for Ohio State in 1990 and played 11 years in the National Football League.

Tri-Valley receiver and defensive back Jake McLoughlin admits that Trotwood-Madison is the most athletic team they’ve faced all year.

“They are very quick. They are very hard to guard. We’re going to do our base stuff, but we have to gang tackle as well. We’ll have to be disciplined and we’ll be fine,” said McLoughlin.

Saturday’s game will kickoff at 8 p.m. from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. It will be the last of the seven championship games that are played between Thursday and Saturday.

You can hear the game live on both Z92 and Highway 103 Radio.