BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Tug Valley, coached by seventh-year head coach Hady Ford, is coming off last year’s history-making 12-1 season. It was the best season the Mingo County school has ever had in football.
Ford and his assistant coaching staff have built a solid program, respected across the Mountain State, especially in Class A.
However, they came up short of their goal of winning a state championship.
The Panthers were undefeated in the regular season with an unforgettable 10-0 record. They had big playoff wins over Tolsia (48-8) and Petersburg (49-20) before falling at home to a very tough Cameron High School squad 36-0 in the Class A state semifinals in early December.
Coach Ford talked about last season’s success at the Tug Valley media day recently held at Bob Brewer Stadium.
“We came up a little bit short on our goal,” Ford said. “We had a good year, but I don’t think these guys are satisfied. I feel like we want to get to the next level this year.”
Bryson Elia returns for his senior season. The All-State performer plays on both sides of the football – and is equally effective on both offense and defense. He also plays on special teams. He is a starter at running back but can also be used as a slot receiver when the Panthers have the football. As a defensive back, he is one of the top Class A players in the state on that side of the football.
“He is a generational player,” Ford said of Elia. “He is excited for his senior year. He is definitely one I’ll hate to see graduate. But I’m really excited to see what his senior year holds for him. He has put the work in, and I believe he is ready. He is a smart football player.”
Quarterback Preston May, a junior, improved by leaps and bounds last season. He was injured in part of his freshman season, but he was healthy last year, and it showed. He was also an All-Stater and had an outstanding season.
Ford talked about how much May improved as the season progressed last year. “From the beginning of the season to the end of the year, he got better at reading the defense and how teams were reacting to us.”
“I think he will pick up from that this year and just continue to where he left off,” Ford said of May.
Cam Slone returns for his junior campaign. He was one of the top receivers in the state in 2024. The staff expects him to improve on the great numbers he had last year.
“Cam is another one of those guys that the second half of the season, he absolutely lit it up,” Ford stressed. “He had close to 900 yards (receiving) in the last five games.”
“I told him playmakers make plays and that is what you are and I expect you to make plays,” Ford added. “I expect you to make a play even if you are covered. From that moment on it’s like a switch was turned on. And that is what he has done and is able to do.”
Linebacker Cane Thompson was a captain on the second team All-State squad last season. He led TVHS in tackles and has a nose for the football. The junior will also see more playing time on offense this year at fullback and tight end.
“He was good enough to be first team,” Ford said of Thompson. “He is a smart football player and very athletic. He is tough and he is one of those players you want leading your team out on defense. He directs everyone else on where to go and knows what they are supposed to do. That is what a coach needs. He is a hard-nosed kid and he sets an example for the other players.”
Three other players who are expected to take big steps this season are Jaren Holyfield, Derek Jewell and Gavin Fitzpatrick. They are all ready to contribute, according to Coach Ford. Bryson Richardson will start at the other linebacker spot opposite Thompson.
Riley White will be the place kicker, something Tug Valley tries to utilize on extra points and even field goals.
Most of the starters will be playing on both sides of the football.
Tug Valley has a tougher schedule this year, playing several Class AA playoff schools and some contending postseason Class A teams.
The one big loss Tug Valley had from last year’s roster is the graduation of several starting offensive and defensive linemen. Coach Ford and his staff had their players working hard in the weight room in the offseason and they expect several players to step up this year. They will have new starters on both sides of the line in the 2025 season.
“Our goal is to get to the state championship and win,” Ford said. “We have a tougher schedule this year and will have to stay injury-free, but it is up to us. If we just come out and play like we can, I feel we can put ourselves in a good position at the end of the season and make the playoffs. From there the best team wins.”
With that in mind, Ford said the key will be consistency.
“We just have to play and practice to get better every week,” Ford concluded.
2025 Tug Valley Football Schedule
Aug. 28: Mingo Central, 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Sept. 5: Sherman (Hall of Fame Game), 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: Logan, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19: Wyoming East (Homecoming), 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26: BYE WEEK
Oct. 3: at River View, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10: at Wayne, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: at Mount View, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24: Tolsia, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 31: at Man, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 7: at James Monroe, 7:30 p.m.
