The numbers posted by junior tailback Grady Kinsey in the last two weeks would make for a good season for some. How about 688 yards and nine touchdowns. In two weeks. Those numbers came as Indian Valley took on back-to-back previously unbeaten Inter-Valley Conference opponents on the road. We’ll get to the season numbers in a minute. Kinsey, a 5-9 junior tailback carried the ball 26 times for 363 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-27 win at Ridgewood. That came seven days after the Braves beat Garaway 40-35 at Sugarcreek when Kinsey had 325 yards and four touchdowns. Now for the big numbers. On the season, Kinsey has 165 carries for 2,115 yards with 30 touchdowns, according to numbers posted on MaxPreps.com, which has him listed as the No. 1 back in the nation. This is through eight games. The Braves still have IVC games against Tusky Valley and Claymont remaining. His game against Ridgewood, helped Kinsey break the school season rushing record of 2,017 yards set by Caden Hostetler. “I always thought it was cool that he ran for 2,017 yards in 2017,” Kinsey said, speaking of the previous record. “I was just starting to pay attention to football back then and those guys finished 10-0. They were my heroes.” Indian Valley got on the board early and often. On the team’s first possession, Ryker Williams hit a wide open Jaxon Burcher on a fourth-down pass for the game’s first score and the Braves’ next possession lasted just one play as Kinsey split the line and raced 88 yards for a touchdown. Kinsey added scoring runs of 4 and 10 yards in the first half as the Braves built a 28-0 lead. At least a part of Kinsey’s credit goes to a strong offensive line for Indian Valley. “We’re young and, at certain positions, we’re small,” the junior tailback pointed out. “As far as guard, center, guard, each kid is maybe 170 or 180 pounds but they come off the ball very well and they’re very physical and they’re smart, that’s one of the biggest things. “We run a whole lot of different run concepts and it really impresses me how those young guys and smaller guys hold their own to drive our offense over the edge so we can score 40 points, seems like every game.” It doesn’t just seem that way. The Braves have topped the 40-point mark in every game this season. They scored 51 in the season opener against Akron Ellet and then put up 62 at Meadowbrook. On the season, the offense is averaging just over 46 points per game. “Those guys are my best friends,” Kinsey said of the linemen. “You probably see me on the sideline hugging those guys. These are guys I’ve grown up with forever, so we’re always on the same page.” “We practice a lot together, so I’m sure that has something to do with it,” Indian Valley coach Matt Lancaster said of his team’s offensive cohesiveness. “We think that offensive line is a pretty good group. They’re not the biggest, but they get after it and it doesn’t hurt to have the group we have in the backfield.” ON TOP Indian Valley’s win, coupled with the rest of Friday night’s action, leaves the Braves as the lone unbeaten team in the Inter-Valley Conference. In the South Division, both Garaway and Ridgewood sit at 7-1. The two will face off in Week 10. In the North Division, Malvern knocked off Newcomerstown, so both teams are at 7-1 heading down the stretch.

The Mount Union Women's basketball team is led by senior captains Hailey Haywood, Ali Hudik, and Dae Dae Nash. The seniors are ready to take on their last season as a Purple Raider and go out with a bang. The Raiders had an overall record of 10-16 in the 2023-2024 season and hope to improve their record this season. “Staying consistent with taking care of our bodies and continuing to support and strengthen our chemistry,” is what Hudik said will contribute to the team's success this upcoming season. This team is eager to make it into the playoffs and bring home an OAC Championship this year. “My goals for the team are to be over .500 and make it past the first round of playoffs,” said Hudik. During the 2023-2024 season, Elizabeth Mason was named freshman of the year. Dae Dae Nash was recognized with Honorable Mention All-OAC. With returning talent and new additions the team is ready for a successful season. “My goal for the team is to be the 2024-2025 OAC Champions,” said Haywood. Entering their final seasons as Raiders, Haywood and Hudik are ready to make the most of it. Haywood said, “In my final season I am most looking forward to stepping on the court each time with my teammates while making more memories as a Raider off the court.” A final season of any collegiate sport is a time to leave it all out there and make the most memories with your teammates. “I am looking forward to finalizing my basketball career with my closest friends and creating more memories. I also look forward to watching my teammates grow on and off the court, especially those who are facing adversity,” said Hudik. Haywood and Hudik are leaders on and off the court and will leave a lasting impact on the Mount Union Women's Basketball program. Haywood leaves a final statement to future Mount Union Basketball players: “Enjoy every moment you can on and off the court. You’ll never be in the same moment as you are now, cherish every day!” Hudik also wants future Raiders to know: “Make the most of each day. Don’t focus on comparing yourself to someone else. Your role is not who you are and it does not define you, it is what your team needs of you to win and is not a limitation” The Raiders home opener will be on November 9th, 2024 in Timken Gymnasium at 5p.m. Come cheer on Haywood, Hudik, and the rest of the women's basketball team this season!  Image taken from Mt Union Athletic Website, https://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/womens-basketball