BY KYLE LOVERN
FOR THE MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The 2022 edition of the Tug Valley Panthers football team returns several players to this year’s squad intending to make it back to the Class A playoffs in the Mountain State.
Head coach Hady Ford enters his fourth season over the program and is cautiously optimistic heading into the Fall campaign.
“We have worked hard in the off-season,” Ford said. “We have a lot of experienced players back. I think it could be a pretty good year for us.”
“I think this is the most experienced team we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Ford added.
Leading the way at quarterback will be sophomore Elijah Fluty who returns as a starter. Fluty worked his way into the starting position as the season progressed last year.
The Panthers lost their top running back from last year, Tanner Kirk, who graduated. But Ford believes he has the backs ready to step in and help move the offense. Sophomore Adam Slone and freshman Bryson Elia are expected to get carries this season. Big junior Buddy Marcum moves from the line and will man the tight end-H back position this year. Marcum is a 6-foot-4, 235-pounder who could also get a few totes at fullback.
Ford returns four starters on the offensive line, including senior Jonathan Wagoner, juniors Jon Jones, Luke Bartram and Josh Messer, while sophomore Dakoda Walker will likely come in as the fifth starter along the front.
The wide receivers will be Tanner Urconis, Dakota Ooten, Riley Burton, Ashton Davis and Brady Brewer. This position is one of the deepest for Tug Valley when it comes to depth.
Many of the same starters on offense will see action on the defensive side of the football. Slone led the team in tackles last year and also had a couple of interceptions. He is expected to be one of the leaders on defense this season.
Others who could see action on the Panther defense are Gage Preece, Austin Smith, Paul Preece and Jaxon Nenni-Mills.
The overall depth of the Panthers roster could be a factor, but hopefully the injury bug will not rear its ugly head and players can stay healthy this season.
Tug Valley finished 4-6 last season but lost several close games that could have gone either way.
Assisting Ford once again this year are Noah Lucas, Gideon Jarvis and Gabriel Varney.
Tug Valley opens the season Thursday at home versus Class AA Shady Spring. The Panthers have a tough schedule again this year. Several opponents on the Panthers schedule made the playoffs last year and several are Class AA teams.
“We expect to make the playoffs this year,” Ford said.