Coach Hady Ford talks about great season so far
BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Panthers football team has finished with the best regular season record in school history. They have also finished ranked No. 1 in Class A in West Virginia for the first time ever.
They are taking this momentum into the postseason as the playoffs start this week. Tug Valley will host a first-round game this weekend as they entertain No. 16 Madonna High School of Weirton.
Tug Valley head coach Hady Ford said this about the perfect 10-0 record.
“To go 10-0 is no easy task, so we were very excited to be in a position to achieve that. We’re honored to get to play at home for our fans.”
Ford is complimentary of his assistant coaching staff. They include Noah Lucas, Gideon Jarvis, Easton Davis, Adam Ooten and Kyle Runyon. The sports medicine staff are Joey Carey and Blake Chapman.
“Our coaches are what helps keep this team rolling. There’s no way we are where we are without them. I am very grateful to have the assistant coaches that we have. We all work together for the betterment of the team. I truly wouldn’t want any other coaches than the ones that we have.”
After the win at Van and being ranked No. 1 the past few weeks, Ford knows his team has to take one game at a time.
“Right now we’re just trying to take care of Van. We have talked about being able to host throughout the playoffs and that would be great. No matter how well you’re prepared, traveling 3-4 hours affects your game. So being able to play at Bob Brewer Stadium gives us our best chance to win.”
The program at TVHS has jumped leaps and bounds in the last couple of years. Ford credits his players for the success.
“A lot of it is just having guys that want to work and want to be the best teammates they can be for each other. When guys are willing to sacrifice for each other it brings you closer. The closer they become the further your team can go and I believe that is what has helped us get to where we are now.” Ford stressed.
Of course, the goal of every program is to win a state championship. Tug Valley has done this in basketball but never football. A state title would make history.
“In order for us to win a state championship, we have to play mistake-free and with focused and intentional discipline. If we do those things and can stay injury-free then we have a chance to represent Tug Valley in Charleston.”
The fans from the Kermit area to Naugatuck, up to Lenore, Dingess and every community and holler in between certainly hope so.
Do not be surprised if the Panthers are playing for the Single A championship at Laidley Field in Charleston in early December.