BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley football program has been working hard during the three-week summer sessions. Coach Hady Ford and staff have participated in 7-on-7 drills against other schools. They hosted their own version recently at Bob Brewer Stadium with several schools attending.
The Panthers narrowly missed the Class A playoffs in West Virginia last season, finishing with a 6-4 record and just outside of the top 16. The top 16 teams in each classification make the postseason in the Mountain State.
Tug Valley only had a couple of seniors to graduate from that squad and returns several players who saw considerable action last year.
“We have a lot of guys returning, so that will help us with experience and them already knowing the system,” Ford said.
One of the most important positions on a football team is quarterback. To that end, Ford looks to a couple of youngsters competing for the starting signal caller slot.
“Right now the QB job is up in the air. We have Jaxon Nenni-Mills and Preston May competing for the job,” said Ford.
Nenni-Mills saw some action last season, while May is a promising freshman who was one of the best middle school players in Mingo County last year.
“Offensively we have Bryson Elia and Adam Slone at running back and several wide receivers that could have a big game or season for us,” the coach added.
Ford thinks his defense was strong last year, and several players return to anchor the defense for Tug Valley.
“I feel like our defensive line is pretty good this year. All those guys put in some work in the offseason, so we should definitely be improved from last year. Buddy Marcum and Luke Bartram are returning All-State linemen and Dakoda Walker is pushing to be right there with them on the All-State team,” said Ford.
“So far summer practice has gone well. We’re working some younger guys into the offense. Having our older players leading the way has been beneficial to both,” Ford added.
“Having a good team effort and willingness to sacrifice for the team will play a big part in what kind of season we have. We have eight or nine guys that could have a big game during any game – but there is only one ball, so some may not get as many touches. We have to be willing to sacrifice ‘me’ ball for team ball. If we can do that and be more disciplined, then we can get over that hump.”
Tug Valley will open the season in a rare Thursday night contest Aug. 24 at home, hosting county foe Mingo Central. The two teams have only played once. That was the Miners’ inaugural season after consolidation. Mingo Central plays in Class AA.
Look for a huge crowd not only because it is two local teams but because they will play the season opener Thursday when most teams open Friday night. So fans from other areas may attend the game. They are renewing the series with a 2-year contract. Ford hopes the schools will continue to play a regular season game.
After the season opener Tug Valley will have two more home games with Sherman and Symmes Valley (Ohio) before hitting the road with a game at East Ridge (KY). The Panthers will host Class A rival Tolsia before a stretch of road games with River View, Mount View, Westside and regional rival Man. They close out the regular season with a home game versus Man.
Ford and staff hope to make the playoffs this fall. They expect their hard work this summer on the field and in the weight room to pay off in November.