Licking Valley 2011

[NewarkCatholicFan]

I am using the Newark Advocate to get this info.

The Panthers lose 14 starters(8 offense 6 defense)
*Lose all three linebackers and one other L.B.

The Panthers see 15 seniors graduate


I am guessing the biggest concern will be Linebacker?

I will guess that #32 Drew McArtor will earn the starting RB slot and I look for him to be over 1,400 yards this season.

8-2 Regular season
9-3 (including playoffs)

Qb's on the roster
Jr#3 Brice Neithers 5-10-135
Sr#8 Damon Higley 6-1-170
Sr#12 Matt McClain 6-2-170

Any Panther fans have a guess to which one has the inside track to starting?

There are only six players returning that are over 200 pounds(According to this roster)

Quickness, could be the focus of the D-line (Just a guess0

[ferflog]

Hey, NCFan, what happened to the Licking County Sports Forum??

[NewarkCatholicFan]

I have no clue.

[gamauter]

$$$$

[brob713]

I think McClain will start at QB NCF. I think even though they lose 15 starters they will be good. The JV team went undefeated and only trailed against Heath all season but wound up winning that game.

[Zanesvegas]

I expect them to be tough as nails when we come calling in Week 2.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

I have no doubt that the Panthers will be good again in 2011.

[Red_Rage_85]

With Coach Baughman there, they will always be tough.

[Red_Skin_Pride]

I'd say another year about like the one they just had, however, a little more competitive against the non-league schedule since they have found their future running back for the next few years.

[suffjo]

congrads for the rebirth of the licking county league

[gamauter]

I'm sure they will not start the year 0-3 like last year.

[Red_Skin_Pride]

I'm sure they will not start the year 0-3 like last year.

Yeah, that's what I was getting at with my post. I could see them probably 2-1 after 3 games, possibly 1-2 if they have a bad game. But they'll be tough to beat with an established running game. LV thrives on a power running attack. When they have that, and control the clock, they are awful tough against just about everybody.

[Hank_Hill]

They didn't start last year 0-3.....they were 8-2 overall.

[gamauter]

They didn't start last year 0-3.....they were 8-2 overall.

I realized that after I posted it, I think they beat Ready week 3.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

t/t/t

[lvalleydad]

Yes we beat Ready in week 3.

I looked online and tried to find the Advocate article saying we lost all 3 starting linebackers but can't seem to find that article. I am not sure where the advocate got it's info, but we really didn't lose all 3 linebackers.

We lost Chase Redman - who started the year off at Middle Linebacker but moved up to the D- line. Junior Logan Broehm (Not sure if I spelled the last name right) came in at middle and did an awesome job! Junior Jake Legace also had a great year at outside LB - I think he played strong side most of the year. and Junior Matt McClain played in the secondary but also spent some time at weak side linebacker. I would look for Jake and Logan to play their senior year at linebacker this year - not sure about Matt - if he will return to an LB position, the secondary, or maybe just play QB and no defense to stay rested.

In my opinion the more we can keep kids playing only one way the better. Better to have our kids fresh and rested, and we have a great class of Juniors coming up (last year's sophomores) that went 9-0 as JV's last year - outscoring thier opponents by something like 365-28 - including games against Zanesville, New Albany, and West Jefferson (Granville canceled so we picked up West Jeff to fill the gap in the schedule).

[lvalleydad]

I am using the Newark Advocate to get this info.

Qb's on the roster
Jr#3 Brice Neithers 5-10-135
Sr#8 Damon Higley 6-1-170
Sr#12 Matt McClain 6-2-170

Any Panther fans have a guess to which one has the inside track to starting?



It will be between McClain and Nethers.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

Where does that leave Higley?

[lvalleydad]

He was new to LV last year - moved in from West Va. He was listed as a QB but really only played there on JV during passing league in the summer. By the time practices began in August and then the scrimmages rolled around he was playing a little at RB on the JV team. Then he quit the team (or disppeared for a week) and then showed back up and somehow was allowed back on the team. After that he played 3rd string RB on JV team. I doubt he will contend for a starting QB spot this year - but who knows anything's possible.

We have a good QB coming up from the freshman team - Grant Garber - a big kid with a great arm, but in my opinion, the Varsity starter will be either McClain or Nethers.

They are both great QBs.

Nethers led the JV team up and down the field last year and was nearly flawless in his passing. His ball handling and his fakes were outstanding and he had the speed to turn the corner and take it all the way almost at will.

McClain didn't get the snaps last year as he played varsity defense and Trout started every game, but I know Matt is an excellent QB as well and is a calm, cool mature kid who is a leader and who excelled at QB in middle school and freshman football. I really couldn't say who will start right now, but I'm glad we have both of them on our team.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

Thanks for adding to toppic lvalleydad. I am using the preview from the Advocate to get the info on the players.That's why I included Higley in the qb battle.

[lvalleydad]

No problem - I love to talk HS Football. I asked my son about Higley and he said he thinks he won't be coming back as he is now 19 and has used up his eligibility.

Is there an absolute age limit in the OHSAA rules? Or do you just get 4 years - Freshman through Senior? Just curious.

Had a passing camp last night - I just caught the last 15 minutes but McClain and Nethers both looked pretty sharp as did Grant Garber - the Sophomore coming up. Drew Morrison - coming up to the Freshman ranks this fall looked good too - he a lefty and just a great all around athlete. I'd say we should be OK at QB for quite a few years.

[lvalleydad]

T T T

[YTOWN]

No problem - I love to talk HS Football. I asked my son about Higley and he said he thinks he won't be coming back as he is now 19 and has used up his eligibility.

Is there an absolute age limit in the OHSAA rules? Or do you just get 4 years - Freshman through Senior? Just curious.

Had a passing camp last night - I just caught the last 15 minutes but McClain and Nethers both looked pretty sharp as did Grant Garber - the Sophomore coming up. Drew Morrison - coming up to the Freshman ranks this fall looked good too - he a lefty and just a great all around athlete. I'd say we should be OK at QB for quite a few years.

lvalleydad,

OHSAA uses the following rule as far as age and eligibility is concerned.

If a student turns 19 before August 1 of the year in question, in this case 2011, they are ineligible for athletics. I think there are a few exceptions but that is the rule.

[shsfinest01]

Once a student athlete enters high school they are only eligible to play four seasons including that 9th grade season, all in succession. The age rule does apply and can be a factor for athletes who were held back academicaly among other things.

[lvalleydad]

Thanks for the info guys. I know my son will have no issues. He will graduate at 17. At this point in his life, part of me wishes I would have held him back a year back in Kindergarden, but another part of me tells me it worked out fine. He lettered as a sophomore and is part of LV's class of 2013 - which happens to be loaded (IMHO) with talent.

[Zanesvegas]

To be squared up on this -- once you enroll as a freshman and attend as a freshman, you get eight consecutive semesters of athletic eligibility per the OHSAA bylaws. And yes, you can not turn 19 prior to August 1st and still be eligible the following school year.

See you guys in Week 2. I love that you're on our schedule. For one, it's a short trip! And for two, it's great to play a quality, strong program. Passionate fans, too.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

T/t/t

[bigben]

imo-you dont start first year senoir qbs,thats the one position that sr,jr so,will make mistakes that they need playing time.

[8ballhustler]

Does Licking Valley open the season this year with New Albany? If so is it home or away? For some reason I was thinking that was a one year deal last year. It usually makes for a great game!!!

[greenallover]

Yes they open up at New Albany. Here is a link for their 2011 schedule. http://myohsaa.ohsaa.org/public/footballSchedule.aspx?rid=0&sid=15288 They'll probably lose those first two but then finish strong at 7-3 or 8-2 depending on how Granville plays them.

[gamauter]

I think they have a better chance against NA this year than last and last year was close. I can see 0-2 but I can also see 2-0. These boys know how to win and when you believe you can you will be in almost any game.

[Zanesvegas]

We're certainly expecting a dogfight when we come to LV in Week 2. Last year's game was a barnburner and this one should be nothing less. I really enjoy having the Panthers on our schedule.

[greenallover]

Even though LV will probably come in 1st or 2nd in the MSL Ohio there is no way that they beat Zanesville this season. Who does LV have besides McArtor (very good rb) and McClain? LV is a good team but I can't see them lasting more than 3 quarters against a bigger and more physical Zanesville team. LB/FB Kole Buckley is going to eat them alive. Have you read his stats from last season? 112 tackles, 23of those for a loss, and 8 sacks. Zanesville by 13.

[nerker]

Wow I think Valley will hang with all teams on their schedule this year. I look for them to start 3-0 or 2-1 this year. Just a prediction.

[greenallover]

Wow I think Valley will hang with all teams on their schedule this year. I look for them to start 3-0 or 2-1 this year. Just a prediction.They are very capable of starting 2-1 but I just don't believe that they are good enough to beat Zanesville this season. Zanesville is a much bigger school and I applaud Valley for having the guts to put Zanesville on their schedule. LV isn't afraid to play bigger, tougher opponents. I can't say the same for teams like Granville who play down a division for their non-league games so they can pad their stats, record, and barely make it into the playoffs only to lose in week 1.

[brob713]

We say this every year that LV can't play with NA or ZVille and even a few years ago North Canton Hoover and they always prove the nay sayers wrong.

I think LV starts off 3-0 in all honesty and I see no one in the league that can beat them either. Real test is the playoffs, the region is loaded.

[greenallover]

We say this every year that LV can't play with NA or ZVille and even a few years ago North Canton Hoover and they always prove the nay sayers wrong.

I think LV starts off 3-0 in all honesty and I see no one in the league that can beat them either. Real test is the playoffs, the region is loaded.

The thing is that, a few years ago, when Valley beat Zanesville and played well against North Canton Hoover they had perhaps their best team ever. I'm not just talking about Storm either. Bailey and many others contributed to a really physical and fast squad. They don't have those players anymore. They may have a few good players but they don't have the kind of athletes they need to beat Zanesville. New Albany sounds like they're expected to make the playoffs in D2 as well so you it looks like LV will start out at 0-2 again. They'll beat Bishop and move to 1-2 and then probably end up at 7-3 or 8-2 depending on how well they play Granville. They'll be a good team but not a great team. But seriously, you're dreamin' if you think the Panthers will start out 3-0.

[Zanesvegas]

Here's what I think -- I've been around that LV program a little bit from my broadcasting days, and I have a tremendous amount of respect that dude on the sidelines and his program. I know better than to EVER discount them, especially on THEIR field with that raucous crowd that usually starts lining up Thursday morning to get a seat (:)). We have a lot of questions to answer this fall, and in Week 2, they're usually all still being answered (for all teams).

[greenallover]

Here's what I think -- I've been around that LV program a little bit from my broadcasting days, and I have a tremendous amount of respect that dude on the sidelines and his program. I know better than to EVER discount them, especially on THEIR field with that raucous crowd that usually starts lining up Thursday morning to get a seat (:)). We have a lot of questions to answer this fall, and in Week 2, they're usually all still being answered (for all teams).Baughman is a really good coach and LV is a good team but you're just being nice. There is no way that Zanesville loses to Valley this year.

[gamauter]

Zanesville will be good but I will not count Valley out, at least not until I see the NA game. They have won many times when I gave them no chance. Unfortunately for the league the only possible MSL Ohio loss I can see is Granville.

[Zanesvegas]

greenallover ... I'm not blowing smoke. I know better when it comes to LV. And we have questions, too, some that have been exacerbated by what transpired here this past week.

[57chevy]

What happened the past week?

[gamauter]

Read the Zanesville thread.

[8ballhustler]

The MSL is weak at best as uaual. However I think Valley has a better than average chance to beat NA this year and I'm a NA fan. LV always comes to play no matter the opponet. This should be a great kickoff to the season for both teams.

[gamauter]

I agree,the NA game is winnable but not a gimme. First game both teams will have a lot of questions but I expect both to be good.

[lvalleydad]

I wouldn't count us out of the ZZV or NA games either. Just because some kids graduate doesn't mean we don't have kids behind them ready to step up in a varsity role this year. I know it's not apples to apples, but our JV team dominated both NA and ZZV last year.

Let me repeat - :D I KNOW LAST YEAR'S JV RESULTS ARE NOT APPLES TO APPLES when predicting what will happen at the varsity level this year. But they are some indication of the talent moving up to fill the roles vacated by graduation.

And I certainly am not predicting we will beat NA or ZZV - no one here at LV would be foolish enough to think that. We know those will most likely be the toughest 2 games of the regular season (which is why we scheduled them).

All I'm saying is don't count us out. Every year, on every high school football team in Ohio kids make the jump from JV to varsity and some do better than others. I wouldn't count the LV kids making that jump out. We have a really strong junior class at LV and our Sophomores are no slouch either.

I also wouldn't count out our returning starters - We have quite a few good ones - in addition to McCartor and McClain.

[gbigg]

Has LV played any 7-7 yet and if so how did they look ?

[lvalleydad]

Yes we have – I may miss one or two, but I believe we've played Bishop Hartley, Centerburg, Fairfield Union, Newark, Watkins, Eastmoor, Tecumseh, Warren (from Southern OH, not Northeast OH), Olentangy Liberty, Coshocton, Garaway, Tri-Valley, and Mount Vernon

I only saw a few of the games, but my son played in all but the Watkins game (we were on vacation). I don’t know the scores – if they were even kept, but from what I saw or heard from my son and other LV fans, we won most – Tri-V and Coshocton were pretty close and could have gone either way, and we had some trouble with Eastmoor and Hartley.

It’s pretty hard to make predictions based off 7 on 7s as its so one-dimensional offensively, and there are no pads and no linemen on the field, but I am glad we do them – it is a great way for the kids to hone their routes and coverage responsibilities. I know my son learns a lot from his linebacker spot. If there’s a time to make a mistake and blow a coverage, that’s the time.

[greenwave]

Zanesville is only 1 division bigger than Lv

[gbigg]

Thanks for the info

[gbigg]

ttt

[gbigg]

Come on Valley Fans Football is coming where is the talk ?

[nerker]

Are we going to be any bigger this year?

[8ballhustler]

I thought I read earlier that Valley was not going to be very big this year but maybe I'm thinking of someone else.

[gbigg]

Fast not real big is what I hear

[lvdad45]

We are going to look a lot like last year's team size-wise. Not huge, but quick. Both offensively and defensively I think we are going to have good speed. We have some wrestlers on both the O and D-lines and wrestlers have great footwork and agility- they might not be the biggest linemen but they know how to get low and move people.

I think Matt McClain looks great at QB. We lost Ratai and Stoneking but we have some speedy, talented receivers coming in to take their place. I think Drew McCartor is going to have a great year running behind Logan Broehm (not sure if I spelled the last name right) at fullback.

We also have Ricky Wilson back kicking off and making extra points and FG's -That's an added bonus.

Same excellent coaching staff and good leadership in the Seniors - should be a great year!

On that note - I am going to sign off now and head down to watch them practice!

Go Panthers!

[gamauter]

lv dad, who was your monster linebacker last year? McClain? I loved watching him.

[lvdad45]

We run a 4-3. McClain did play some LB - also played some secondary. Last year Logan Broehm played middle after Redman went up and played the D-line. Outside LBs were Legace and MClain or Moore (graduated) most of the season. This year look for McClain #12 in the secondary. Broehm is back at MLB. Legace is going back to Safety - FS I think. My son (a Jr this year) is at weakside LB and Andreas Ball (a Sr) is at Strong Side. That's where we stand as of now. We'll see what happens after the scrimmages - things could change.

First scrimmage is Tuesday at 10 am at LV vs Utica

[lvdad45]

Come on Valley Fans Football is coming where is the talk ?

Need other LV fans to jump in here - my son plays so I have to watch what I say!

I'd love to hear from the rest of the LV fans out there!

[8ballhustler]

What # is your son? I'll keep an eye out for him. Did you say he plays linebacker?

[lvdad45]

He's #45 - Yes - He plays WS LB. He will probably get a few reps at tailback as well - but McCartor is our starter of course

[gbigg]

LVdad keep us posted on the scrimmage and how they look. Where are the valley fans on JJ, used to be a lot of them years back.

[Red_Skin_Pride]

Well they looked pretty good...a lot of it was LV making plays, but Utica made them look pretty darn good as well. Passing looks to be a much improved area for the Panthers over last year. If they can run block for McArtor like they did last year, and pass like they did today, they'll be a tough team for anybody, including New Albany and Zanesville. McClain looks like the clear cut starter back there.

[greenallover]

Well they looked pretty good...a lot of it was LV making plays, but Utica made them look pretty darn good as well. Passing looks to be a much improved area for the Panthers over last year. If they can run block for McArtor like they did last year, and pass like they did today, they'll be a tough team for anybody, including New Albany and Zanesville. McClain looks like the clear cut starter back there.I agree LV's passing game looked much better than in previous years. McClain did a nice job and overall they look better than what I thought they would. Wideouts Mason Baker and Ty Griffiths also looked pretty good. They may give Zanesville and New Albany a game after all. Especially if the line does their job up front. I still believe that the MSL Ohio will come down to LV and Granville. If both teams are healthy when they meet up that could be one heck of a game.

[greenallover]

LVdad keep us posted on the scrimmage and how they look. Where are the valley fans on JJ, used to be a lot of them years back.I think a lot of the fans have dropped off since there is a fee to join now. I think it's kind of sad. There just doesn't seem to be as many people on the threads anymore. With all of the ads here I'm not sure why they're even bothering to charge a fee at all.

[gamauter]

Wait til they win a few. That brings people out of the woodwork.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

With the Licking County site off line now where have all of the Licking County Posters gone?

I know of another site I call a minor league like site(Cant remember the name of it)but remember it was not geared towards high school sports.

[lvdad45]

Well they looked pretty good...a lot of it was LV making plays, but Utica made them look pretty darn good as well. Passing looks to be a much improved area for the Panthers over last year. If they can run block for McArtor like they did last year, and pass like they did today, they'll be a tough team for anybody, including New Albany and Zanesville. McClain looks like the clear cut starter back there.

I'd say Red_Skin_Pride pretty much nailed it. It was nice meeting you today RSP - good luck to Utica this year.

[lvdad45]

With the Licking County site off line now where have all of the Licking County Posters gone?

I know of another site I call a minor league like site(Cant remember the name of it)but remember it was not geared towards high school sports.

I think that's probably part of the issue here - LCSports went down and some LV fans are probably not on jj due to the fee - not that the $12 is a lot, but some people just don't like having to give up a CC# or open up a pay pal account.

But I also think its still early for some. I'm a HS Football Freak and can talk about it 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Others just might not catch "the fever" until the actual games start - we are only a week and a half into 2 a days and they've only been hitting for a few days. I think some of my bretheren will speak up once the season gets rolling.

[gbigg]

Well I hope the line does it part, sounds like they could have a good year. Thanks for all the info

[lvdad45]

I think we should be ok on the line. Our guards are returning starters. Our center and our tackles are moving up from JV but aren't totally new to varsity play - they all saw some time on Friday nights last year. I think they are up for the challenge.

I'm glad our passing game is looking good so far - nice to have some balance to keep the defenses we play guessing. Last year we really didn't have that luxury.

Can't wait for the Johnstown Scrimmage - This Saturday @ Johnstown - 10 AM

[bigben]

lvdad-when friday nights start Randy will run right,run left,balanced attack is beyond him!!!

[lvdad45]

I wouldn't be too sure about that - but we'll see.

[ranger88]

See you guys next week , good luck and no injuries .

[lvdad45]

See you guys next week , good luck and no injuries .

not sure who you guys scrimmage this week but good luck to you and i hope all your kids stay healthy as well. Looking forward to seeing your facilities next week and hopefully a good competitive scrimmage like we had last year!

[57chevy]

Licking Valley has a nice team and a nice passing game. Their running backs all ran hard and their Defense definitely will hit you! Overall pleased with the scrimmage today, both teams Johnstown and Valley should have a very nice season this year! I had the varsity tied at 1 with Valley jumping on them early, but Jtown fought back. I think both teams scored on their 10th play of the series on pass plays! I am biased toward Jtown, how did the Valley fans see it?

JV Panthers beat the Johnnies 2 to 1 with both teams having a defensive score (or possible score). But the Panthers had a couple other interceptions as well. Nice group of young kids there for Valley.

Johnstown did not dress their freshmen. The freshmen scrimmaged Westerville North after the Varsity/JV scrimmage and won 2 to 1 on a last play TD.

[ranger88]

Hamilton went with Marion Franklin and played pretty well .
Looked like on young man may have received a concussion but not sure .

[lvdad45]

Licking Valley has a nice team and a nice passing game. Their running backs all ran hard and their Defense definitely will hit you! Overall pleased with the scrimmage today, both teams Johnstown and Valley should have a very nice season this year! I had the varsity tied at 1 with Valley jumping on them early, but Jtown fought back. I think both teams scored on their 10th play of the series on pass plays! I am biased toward Jtown, how did the Valley fans see it?

JV Panthers beat the Johnnies 2 to 1 with both teams having a defensive score (or possible score). But the Panthers had a couple other interceptions as well. Nice group of young kids there for Valley.

Johnstown did not dress their freshmen. The freshmen scrimmaged Westerville North after the Varsity/JV scrimmage and won 2 to 1 on a last play TD.

I'd say that was a pretty fair assessment. We did a lot of subbing - even had JVs running some varsity - I wasn't paying that much attention to the numbers on the J-town side but I'm sure they did too. That's what scrimmages are for. So I don't really pay a lot of attention to who scored on who or when. I don't think you can take a scrimmage and project what would happen if the 2 schools really played a game that counted.

I'd say the first 10 plays each way was our true varsity, but there are still some jobs up for grabs. I would have liked to see our O-line be a little more decisive on the opening series, but J-town played tough. Their defense knew how to hit too.

Not trying to make excuses, but I think J-town may have ran a different D-fense then we expected and that my have thrown off our O line in terms of assignments. I don't know that for sure but it looked like there was some confusion on our line at first and J-Towns backers were untouched until we made some adjustments. Our O-line seemed to calm down as the scrimmage wore on and we rotated a few guys through.

J-Town looks for real this year. They have size and talent at the skill positions. I think they are going to win quite a few. Nice of them to feed our boys after - that's classy too. Good luck with the rest of your season Johnnies!

[ReadyKnightsFan]

Whats the size on you guys' line compared to last year? Im sure pretty big, you guys had a heck of a team last year.

[greenallover]

After watching LV this past week I would say that they are definitely the team to beat in the MSL Ohio. They have nice balanced attack. Good luck this season LV.

[lvdad45]

Our linemen are about the same size as last year - not huge, but strong and quick - guards are about 190-200, We have 2 tackles about 200-220 and one that's about 250 or 260 - it all depends on who gets the start.

[gbigg]

ttt