For the past decade, Nelsonville-York has dominated its conference like the baseball team it shares its logo with has dominated the American League.
Like the New York Yankees in the AL East, the Buckeyes have long been the perennial power in the Tri-Valley Conference-Ohio Division. The team has won or shared the division title in six of the last seven years and has always been a top program in southeast Ohio.
We have a great tradition that carries back into the 70s
coach David Boston said. It's been carried on throughout the community for years and it's something both the players and people of the area embrace.
But hungry conference rivals nipped at the Buckeyes' heels last season. Alexander took down Nelsonville-York 21-0, and the Buckeyes needed a late touchdown to beat Athens 14-13 and keep a share of the conference title.
After so much success in previous years, Boston wasn't surprised about the competition the team faced last season.
Teams always consider us the guys to beat Boston said. We know each year that each team is gunning for us like a championship game.
Underclassmen led the Buckeyes last year and the inexperience played a hand in the competition from conference foes. Now, Nelsonville-York will reap the benefits from last year's young lineup as it returns nine starters on both sides of the ball.
The Buckeyes lost star running back Derek Arnold, but return two All-TVC running backs/linebackers in Isaiah Andrews and Justin Cunningham.
They're both outstanding players that bring a lot of enthusiasm Boston said. They are extremely hard working
just like all the seniors on this team.
Both should find some space to move around as Kyle Moore, Isaiah Mello and Thomas Taggart lead a strong offensive line. The group has come together and meshed well during the preseason.
We definitely have a good nucleus returning up front
Boston said. Those guys are one of our bright spots.
The development of junior quarterback Nathan Dean also has Boston excited after the quarterback went through growing pains during his sophomore campaign. Dean has taken steps to be a major threat in the Buckeyes passing attack after starting last season.
I've seen a tremendous jump in his confidence level
Boston said. He's done everything he's had to do to get better this off-season.
Dean lived up to Boston's praise by completing 9 of 12 passes against New Lexington in the Buckeyes' first scrimmage. The support from receivers Dustin Young and Daniel Kline, along with tight end Jerod Dexter also should accelerate Dean's growth.
With depth at all areas of the offense, Boston has been pleased with the competitiveness he's seen from his players this preseason.
Every position battle has been close
Boston said. All these kids know that no position is sured up. A lot of younger guys are gunning for starters' spots.
The Buckeyes have the pieces in place to be successful on offense, but the defense is still working to be in top form for the season. Boston said the unit will be ready to go once its first game against Trimble comes around.
After a hiccup last season and new challengers to deal with in their conference, Boston and the Buckeyes are ready for what lies ahead of them
The league may be getting stronger
Boston said. But we're confident in what we do.
If we take care of our work, we should be fine.
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Tuesday
August 24
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