Quarterback Powerhouse: Ryker Williams Leads Indian Valley to First-Round Playoff Win

The University of Mount Union Men’s Wrestling team sets a high standard for themselves. The Raiders are led by fifth year Bryce McCloskey, junior Zakary Taylor, and junior Nicholas Nettleton. These three wrestlers hold themselves to a high standard that the team looks up to, which contributes to the overall success of the team. Nettleton says, “it means a lot to be able to lead the team. I enjoy being with the guys everyday.” Nettleton is off to a strong start in the 2024-2025 season taking home a first place finish at the Mount Union Invitational this past Saturday, November 2nd. He has goals of finishing as an All-American and improving his record from the 2023-2024 season where he finished 19-10. “I feel I could have done better, so improving my performance compared to last year is a big motivator,” said Nettleton. Nettleton is also a two time Academic All-American. Taylor, a transfer from the University of Nebraska, is ready to compete as a Raider as he was unable to during the 2023-2024 season. “I was not into the sport mentally or physically, so I am ready to prove to myself and everyone that I am a competitor and still have some gas in the tank,” said Taylor. He holds himself to a standard that can be hard to find in an athlete; “My personal motto is IYW, impose your will, no matter the result of the match make sure that the person remembers your name for being tough.” Taylor has high expectations for himself to finish top 10 nationally, be an All-American, and overall stay healthy. This Raider is a competitor and leader for the rest of the team, “being a leader means that the team and coaches have trust in you to be able to lead by example and to pick the team up when needed. It also means that you are there to help your teammates not only on the mat but also in their life to help make them a better person.” Taylor leads by example on and off the mat as not only a teammate, but a friend that the other wrestlers can go to for whatever they may need. McCloskey transferred from Thiel College, and has been a strong addition to the Mount Union Wrestling team. He was a 2023-2024 National Qualifier and is eager to make it back and end up on the podium. WIth a record of 22-12 last season, McCloskey is hoping to improve his record this season and finish his collegiate career on top; “I was a national qualifier last year and it makes me feel one step closer to accomplish something I’ve dreamed of for 17 years now, and that is standing on the podium as an All-American,” stated McCloskey. McCloskey leads by example for fellow Raiders as he puts his full heart and mind into the sport, “I’m looking forward to building Mount wrestling back into what it once was, and connect with the guys to hopefully pass off my mentality so it’ll stay in the Mount wrestling room.” McCloskey has team goals of being top ten nationally and individual goals of being an All-American and Academic All-American. His path to success does not come easy as he trains during the season “with a focus to become confident mentally and physically on the mat, and sacrifice everything that will not help me achieve my goal of standing on the podium in March.” McCloskey leads by example to the younger Raiders as he is never satisfied and always knows that he has room to improve.  The Raiders kicked off their season at home November 2nd at the Mount Union Invitational. Six Raiders finished top 8 or higher in their individual weight classes. Sophomore Steven Marra earned the Most Pins in the Least Amount of Time award with 5 pins in a total time of 5:34. With a strong start to the season, success is bound to happen with the work ethic of this team. The Raiders head to Ohio Northern this Saturday, November 9th and take on the Polar Bears at 7p.m. The next home match for the Raiders is Tuesday, December 3rd in Timken Gymnasium at 7p.m where they will take on Otterbein. Be sure to come out and support Nettleton, Taylor, McCloskey, and their teammates this season!

A quick start is always important in a high school football game and C.J. Carlisle made sure New Philadelphia got off to a quick start. A 6-foot junior, Carlisle took the opening kickoff and put the Quakers in early scoring position in what would become a 42-24 win over Dover last Friday at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium. Carlisle wasn’t done. He finished the night with five receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns while adding over 140 return yards. The efforts earned Carlisle the nod as the Klar’s Excel Printing Player of the Game. “This is very big for us, we were 10-point underdogs coming into this game and you can see the scoreboard,” Carlisle said. “We came out and played on our terms and I can’t wait to see what the playoffs have in store for us.” After the long early return, the Quakers got on the board when Kolston Fox ran in from the 5 on a fourth down play. The Quakers cashed in on fourth down again, scoring on a short pass from Keaton Fausel to Pete DiDonato. A third touchdown followed early in the second quarter when Carlisle took a shovel pass from Fausel on a sweep and raced 80 yards for the score that made the game 21-0. After Dover got on the board on a score by Daylen Clark, the Quakers answered quickly. Carlisle returned the kickoff to the 48 and three straight pass completions put them on the 10 with :22 seconds left in the half. Fausel launched a pass to the right corner of the end zone that Carlisle pulled in for a score that made it 28-7. Dover got a 43-yard field goal as time ran out, but the score was 28-10 at halftime. The Tornadoes cut it to 28-17 with an early third-quarter score and, following another Quaker touchdown – Fausel to Carson Long – got back to 11 points at 35-24 on another touchdown by Clark. “We knew from Week 1 that we were a physical team and we showed it all year long,” said New Philadelphia coach Mike Johnson. “But this was the cleanest and most physical we’ve played all year and that allowed us to finish our drives where we wanted, which was in the end zone.” Both teams finish the regular season at 7-3 and will be in action again Friday night in the Region 11 playoffs. LOOKING AHEAD A number of area teams qualified for a Week 11 game. Here’s a quick look at who is in action: DIVISION III Region 11 – Dover at Granville; New Philadelphia at Jackson; Carrollton at Tri-Valley. DIVISION IV Region 15 – Heath at Indian Valley; West Holmes at Chillicothe Unioto. DIVISION V Region 17 – Fairless at Canfield South Range; Cortland Lakeview at Garaway. DIVISION VI Region 23 – Mechanicsburg at Ridgewood; Newcomerstown at Grove City Christian. DIVISION VII Region 25 – Lucas at Malvern. Region 27 – Strasburg at Beaver Eastern; Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy at Conotton Valley. All games are scheduled for Friday at 7. WRAPPING UP Indian Valley junior Grady Kinsey finished the regular season with 2,347 yards to lead the state in rushing, according to stats posted at maxpreps.com. Owen Jurjavcic of East Palestine finished second at 2,042 yards. They were the only two to top 2,000 yards. Kinsey also led the state with 33 touchdowns (Jurjavcic had 30), and was second in the state in scoring with 198 points.  Photo Credit: ANDREW DOLPH/TIMES-REPORTER https://www.timesreporter.com/picture-gallery/sports/high-school/football/2024/10/25/new-philadelphia-football-defeats-dover-rivalry-121st-meeting-dan-ifft-mike-johnson/75825824007/

The University of Mount Union is excited to add Womens Wrestling to Mount Union athletics. Women’s wrestling is a first year program with a group of girls that are ready to set the standard for years to come. Coach Clay Wenger is the head coach of the women's wrestling team. Wenger previously coached at Wadsworth High School where he helped lead multiple individuals to state championships. This year is Wenger's first year coaching at the college level; “It has been a great transition. I love challenging myself. I am extremely grateful for all the coaches at Mount Union, they are great resources to utilize daily. A special thanks to Coach Riggs for being alongside me during the transition as well,” said Wenger. As the season quickly approaches, the girls are working hard in practices and are ready to show Mount Union what they are here for. Wenger is excited to watch this group of girls make history. “It is an awesome opportunity for these girls to make history at Mount Union as the first ever women's wrestling team. We have a really good group of girls. They are working hard and have high goals. I am excited for them in the upcoming season,” stated Wenger. The Raiders currently have 16 girls on the team with another girl joining next semester for the 2024-2025 season. The team will host an intrasquad scrimmage October 26th in Timken Gymnasium. The Raiders will then be on the road for matches until January 19th 2025. With matches up ahead, Wenger is excited to “see the girls embrace the opportunity to compete at the college level. They have all worked hard their whole careers to compete in college and I am excited to get to see them do that.” As a first year team at the college, level Raider fans are eager to see what this team will accomplish. “Fans can expect a group of girls that are going to bring the battle every match and give their best. They are going to represent Mount Union with class and sportsmanship!” Wenger expressed while considering Raider fan expectations. As a coach for many years, Wenger has had a lot of experience coaching athletes of all levels. He knows that wrestling is not easy and wants athletes to believe in following the process; “Wrestling is a hard sport and there are ups and downs. We need to believe in each other and continue to follow the process to get better each day.” Wenger is a great addition to the Raider family. He has the coaching background and drive for success that the program needs to thrive. “Mount Union is an amazing place! I am so grateful to be a part of the Raider Family! It takes a big group of people to be successful. At Mount Union all parts of the University work together to win together and that is what I love! I am grateful to the facility and student-athletes!” Wenger is ready to get the season rolling and watch the girls compete at the collegiate level for the first time in Mount Union history. Be sure to show your support of the Mount Union Women's Wrestling team this 2024-2025 season! Image taken from Mt Union Athletic Website, https://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/womens-wrestling

Week 10 of the high school football season is reserved for rivals. So, to start this off, we’re offering the BigTimeSportsOhio.com challenge: Say the term “rivalry week” five times real fast. Now see if you can do it without the last two coming out as “ravorri reek.” There are plenty of big games with community pride, or bragging rights, or whatever you want to call it, but they’re special. One of the biggest is right here in Tuscarawas County and will be played at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium when New Philadelphia hosts Dover in the annual showdown between the neighboring schools. Dover won last year’s meeting 20-13. There’s more than bragging rights up for grabs. Dover (7-2) is currently eighth in the Region 11 rankings, according to unofficial postings at joeeitel.com, while New Philadelphia is 13th. The top 16 qualify for the postseason. Both fall under the “control own destiny” category, meaning a win is necessary to clinch a spot. In other Week 10 action, Indian Valley can wrap up a perfect season when the Braves visit Claymont on Friday night. Another key Inter-Valley Conference matchup will feature Ridgewood at Garaway. Both teams are 8-1. AROUND THE HORN Here’s a quick roundup of playoff possibilities. Indian Valley (9-0) sits second in Region 15 and has clinched a home playoff game. West Holmes (4-5) is 16th in the same Division IV region. In Division V, Garaway (8-1) has clinched a playoff spot in Region 17. The Pirates are currently third in the region. Fairless (3-6) is 17th in the same region. In Division VI, Ridgewood (8-1) is fifth in Region 23, while Newcomerstown (8-1) is seventh. Both have clinched a playoff berth. In Division VII, Conotton Valley (6-3) has clinched a home playoff game and currently sits fifth in Region 27. GRADY WATCH Indian Valley tailback Grady Kinsey had just four carries in Friday night’s 48-7 win over Tusky Valley, but rolled up 140 yards. Through nine games, Kinsey has a school-record 2,255 yards. He scored a touchdown on his final carry of the night to give him 31 on the season. NOT TOO EARLY While football season is far from over, it’s not to early to look ahead. The Tuscarawas County Sports Hall of Fame is hosting basketball preview nights for both boys and girls teams from Tuscarawas County. Both events will be held at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center in Dover. The girls’ preview will be held Monday, Nov. 4 and the boys’ event will be Nov. 11. Coaches from all nine county schools have been invited to discuss their upcoming seasons.  For both events, doors open at 5:30 with the meal beginning at 6. Print tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the Dover Public Library or online at www.eventbrite.com. Tables of eight can be reserved at a cost of $250. For more information, or to reserve a table of eight, contact Tom Farbizo at farbizot@npschools.org or call 330-340-7591.

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

Image Caption: Indian Valley coach Matt Lancaster shared the hugs following the Braves’ win at Garaway last Friday night. Photo by Jacque Peters It was everything a high school game was supposed to be. Two undefeated teams, a beautiful evening and an absolutely full-to-capacity, standing-room-only crowd. And throw in some incredible individual performances and a real shootout. That comes close to describing last Friday’s Indian Valley at Garaway football game. Close. Junior tailback Grady Kinsey rushed for 325 yards and scored four times in a 40-35 shootout won by the Braves. The Braves twice had a two touchdown lead in the second half, but didn’t ice the game until Kinsey recovered an onside kick with 55 seconds left. “That was a great high school football game,” said Indian Valley coach Matt Lancaster, whose team improved to 7-0. “I’m so proud of our kids.” Garaway led 21-20 at halftime, but Kinsey and quarterback Ryker Williams had touchdown runs in the third quarter to put Indian Valley on top 34-21 after three quarters. The Pirates scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but Kinsey scored again at 2:42 to stretch the lead to 40-28. Garaway got a final touchdown with 55 seconds on the clock, but the Braves recovered the onside kick to finish things off. “A lot of that was grit,” Lancaster said of the win. “It takes resolve to be able to do that. The bottom line is that we just came out one score on top.” Senior quarterback Brady Geibel had a big game for the Pirates. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another as the teams traded scores throughout the game. The Pirates took an early lead on a long touchdown pass. The Braves put on a solid drive, but lost the ball on a fumble at the 11. “We weren’t ready to panic,” Lancaster pointed out. “We knew that seven points wasn’t going to win the game.” Sophomore Carsen Hostetler made sure of that when he intercepted a pass and returned it for a score that helped put the Braves on top 8-7. In all, Indian Valley rushed for 351 yards and picked up 27 first downs. Garaway sits at 6-1 and lost at home for the first time since October of 2020. The Pirates return to action next week at Tusky Valley. NO REST The Braves won another wild game – remember, they won a 45-41 shootout against Dover three weeks ago – but they’re not getting a break. Coming up on Friday is another trip to another undefeated opponent. Friday night, the Braves travel to West Lafayette to take on 7-0 Ridgewood. The Generals beat Sandy Valley 35-9 last week and have a defense that has given up just 25 points on the season.

The Raiders are excited to welcome back alumni and welcome Raider families this upcoming weekend. Mount Union was founded in 1846, back then it was just Mount Union College. Today it is now the University of Mount Union. For years, students have called Mount Union home, created lifelong friendships, and made memories to last a lifetime. Alumni and Family weekend will be a time to bring past Raiders, and new Raider families together for a weekend of celebrations. Teams and organizations will welcome back their own Raiders with celebrations of their own. Many teams and organizations will have tailgates around 11a.m on Saturday, October 12th. Following the tailgate will be a Mount Union football game where the Raiders will take on Wilmington at 1:30p.m at Kehres Stadium. The Raiders look to continue their 2024 win streak and bring home their fifth win this year this upcoming weekend. A full list of alumni weekend and family weekend events can be found at: https://www.mountunion.edu/giving/engagement/alumni-weekend-homecoming-and-family-day  It will be a great weekend to come to Mount Union as there will be events for all ages! Come on out to support the Raider football team at 1:30p.m at Kehres Stadium, and the men's soccer team at 7:00p.m at Kehres stadium where they will also take on Wilmington!

The high school football season has moved past the halfway point and things are going to be very interesting from here in. With four games to go, three of the five teams in the Inter-Valley Conference South Division are still unbeaten. The big matchup this week will see 6-0 Indian Valley traveling to Sugarcreek to face 6-0 Garaway. Both are coming off impressive wins. Indian Valley knocked off Sandy Valley 42-14 last week, while Garaway posted a 38-0 win at Claymont last Friday. Both teams have the ability to score big. The Braves are averaging over 48 points per game, with a high of 62 points scored in Week 2 at Meadowbrook. Garaway is scoring 35 points per game. The Pirates’ average got a big boost in the first two weeks when they won a pair of games by a combined score of 97-0. Indian Valley has impressive wins over John Glenn (41-26) and Dover (45-41). The Pirates scored a 14-13 win over Youngstown Mooney in Week 4 and then knocked off previously unbeaten Malvern 41-8 the following week. It’s going to be interesting from here out in the South Division. The Braves play Ridgewood in Week 7, while the Generals and the Pirates don’t play until Week 10. If you can’t make it to the game at Sugarcreek, catch it on the Big Time Sports YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/@BigTimeSportsOH Cable replay times are Friday at 11 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. IVC NORTH Newcomerstown has run the table through the first part of the season. The Trojans sit at 6-0 and are prepared to host Tuscarawas Central Catholic this week. The Saints had to call off last week, but are prepared to return to action Friday night. “Our numbers are down and we’ve talked to the IVC,” said AD Mike Sweet. “They know we’re on a week-to-week basis.” Sweet said the team had a high of 17 players this season, but due to injuries, etc., they’ll take a squad of 13 to Newcomerstown. The Saints were scheduled to play Buckeye Trail last week, but had to cancel. Buckeye Trail ended up playing Conotton Valley, which also had an opening last week. “That worked out about as well as it could,” Sweet noted. MARK THE DATES It’s not too early to look ahead to basketball season. The Tuscarawas County Sports Hall of Fame will be hosting a pair of events to welcome the new season. On Monday, Nov. 4 will be the High School Basketball Preview Night for girls’ basketball, featuring coaches from all nine county teams to talk about their upcoming season. The same will be held for the boys’ season on Monday, Nov. 11. Both events will be held at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center in Dover. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a meal beginning at 6.  Tickets are $25 each and are available for purchase at the Dover Public Library or online at: www.eventbrite.com.