2012 VALLEY INDIANS

[Jesco White]

History lesson....

In 1995 Valley finished with a record of 8-2. That group of seniors had just finished a four year career that totalled a 34-6 record with a pair of SOC titles. With that senior class' departure went 19 out of 22 starting positions (sound familiar). Among the losses were an All-State QB (who threw for over 20 TD's his senior year), a pair of running backs who combined for over 1,600 yards and nearly 20 TD's in the regular season, along with an All-State OT who was one of four offensive lineman (5 if you count the TE) that departed. The following year the Indians converted a back-up WR/RB who starred at CB and on special teams the year before at RB and added a junior, future two-time All-State QB (who hadn't played football since Jr High), along with a host of other spot back-ups and former JV players that began the infamous 4 consecutive 10-0 seasons, 4 straight league titles and the school's first ever playoff win.

So, if you think for a second that this same coaching staff and the kids involved in this program are going to back down from the challenge of replacing outstanding players.........you might want to think again. The Indians may not win a back-to-back title next year, but then again, that's a pretty difficult feat for any team in this stout league. However, they'll show up every game night ready to go and whoever they're playing had better be ready to do the same. Could they finish 4-6 or 5-5? Sure they could. But, would it be unheard of for them to be right in the thick of things again next year? Absolutely not!

[Bleeding Red]

They very well could be right in the thick of things next year because they have the same coaching staff. That was the big difference in Oak Hill this year. The loss of all the talent and a new staff to boot.

Valley wont be terrible by any means, but I think the conference as a whole will be very good next year. Burg, West, Waverly and Minford has a whole lot coming back next year.

But if I remember correctly, in the mid to late 90's Valley wasnt playing Portsmouth and the entire SOC II teams. They were playing the SOC I which was still a big difference in talent on the football field.

I am hoping the SOC II championship comes down to week 10 in Lucasville next year! But I would be surprised if it does.

[blue53]

A bunch of these kids got playing time in the later 3rd and 4th quarters. Just have to wait and see on how serious they are taking it in the weight room.

[Izladoom]

History lesson....

In 1995 Valley finished with a record of 8-2. That group of seniors had just finished a four year career that totalled a 34-6 record with a pair of SOC titles. With that senior class' departure went 19 out of 22 starting positions (sound familiar). Among the losses were an All-State QB (who threw for over 20 TD's his senior year), a pair of running backs who combined for over 1,600 yards and nearly 20 TD's in the regular season, along with an All-State OT who was one of four offensive lineman (5 if you count the TE) that departed. The following year the Indians converted a back-up WR/RB who starred at CB and on special teams the year before at RB and added a junior, future two-time All-State QB (who hadn't played football since Jr High), along with a host of other spot back-ups and former JV players that began the infamous 4 consecutive 10-0 seasons, 4 straight league titles and the school's first ever playoff win.

So, if you think for a second that this same coaching staff and the kids involved in this program are going to back down from the challenge of replacing outstanding players.........you might want to think again. The Indians may not win a back-to-back title next year, but then again, that's a pretty difficult feat for any team in this stout league. However, they'll show up every game night ready to go and whoever they're playing had better be ready to do the same. Could they finish 4-6 or 5-5? Sure they could. But, would it be unheard of for them to be right in the thick of things again next year? Absolutely not!

you can not compare this team to those teams. i went to valley during those times. they was some very talented teams and they played some very bad teams. we would go 10-0 and not even make the playoffs. its sad because they had some great teams then. i would have loved to see them played in this division then. that 97 team was real good and to think how good they could have been most of the athletes did not even play football that year. its a shame in my opinion the best athlete to ever play at valley (richard zimmerman) had his probs. that kid could really play and might have had a future in football.

[Jesco White]

History lesson....

In 1995 Valley finished with a record of 8-2. That group of seniors had just finished a four year career that totalled a 34-6 record with a pair of SOC titles. With that senior class' departure went 19 out of 22 starting positions (sound familiar). Among the losses were an All-State QB (who threw for over 20 TD's his senior year), a pair of running backs who combined for over 1,600 yards and nearly 20 TD's in the regular season, along with an All-State OT who was one of four offensive lineman (5 if you count the TE) that departed. The following year the Indians converted a back-up WR/RB who starred at CB and on special teams the year before at RB and added a junior, future two-time All-State QB (who hadn't played football since Jr High), along with a host of other spot back-ups and former JV players that began the infamous 4 consecutive 10-0 seasons, 4 straight league titles and the school's first ever playoff win.

So, if you think for a second that this same coaching staff and the kids involved in this program are going to back down from the challenge of replacing outstanding players.........you might want to think again. The Indians may not win a back-to-back title next year, but then again, that's a pretty difficult feat for any team in this stout league. However, they'll show up every game night ready to go and whoever they're playing had better be ready to do the same. Could they finish 4-6 or 5-5? Sure they could. But, would it be unheard of for them to be right in the thick of things again next year? Absolutely not!

you can not compare this team to those teams. i went to valley during those times. they was some very talented teams and they played some very bad teams. we would go 10-0 and not even make the playoffs. its sad because they had some great teams then. i would have loved to see them played in this division then. that 97 team was real good and to think how good they could have been most of the athletes did not even play football that year. its a shame in my opinion the best athlete to ever play at valley (richard zimmerman) had his probs. that kid could really play and might have had a future in football.

I'm actually not comparing the teams at all. You have to put it into a little bit of perspective. Sure things were different then. But, that's also a posititive as well as a negative. The mindset was different then as well. The point I was trying to make is that if coach Crabtree and company can literally start over and turn out an even better product early in his career, then it's certainly realistic to think that this staff can find the right kids to put in the right positions to experience some success at this point. Remember, winning breeds winning. I remember talking to coach in the first couple of days of conditioning back in '96 and he didn't have much of an idea what he was going to do. That was after just four winning seasons in his first 6 years and not a whole lot of history of success on the gridiron over the school's history prior to that (that's an understatement ) Do I think kids like Yates, Keller, Dwyer, Hartley, Rheil, Rowe, Crabtree, etc are just going to be replaced with players of the same caliber? Absoluely not. However, these kids have experienced a much different level of success than the kids going into the '96 season had ever experienced.

As for Zim.........he definitely had some skills. I remember a couple of runs he made at the end of his sophomore year (after he became eligible) that were just amazing. He also had a solid junior year prior to getting hurt. He was definitely a good football player. I don't think he was the best player to ever come through Lucasville (I think you are forgetting about several others who came before him, or you may not be aware of the success of several others who came before him that guys our age didnn't get to see in person), but Richard was a VERY GOOD football player and it would have been fun to see what that backfield might have looked like with him and Eggar (God bless you Ryan) both getting touches in that backfield along with Lundy.

[starbase_318]

Valley will be fine! I hope they keep Portsmouth on the schedule for as long as the Trojan's will play. The early competition, win or lose, will make Valley a better team in the long run. To reach the next level, you MUST grow the competition, IMO. Valley's mental toughness and physical conditioning was as important to their success as Yates and Keller were at the skilled position. It's tough to say what next year will bring. But, if the kids take care of business in the off season, then good things will/can happen.

[Izladoom]

History lesson....

In 1995 Valley finished with a record of 8-2. That group of seniors had just finished a four year career that totalled a 34-6 record with a pair of SOC titles. With that senior class' departure went 19 out of 22 starting positions (sound familiar). Among the losses were an All-State QB (who threw for over 20 TD's his senior year), a pair of running backs who combined for over 1,600 yards and nearly 20 TD's in the regular season, along with an All-State OT who was one of four offensive lineman (5 if you count the TE) that departed. The following year the Indians converted a back-up WR/RB who starred at CB and on special teams the year before at RB and added a junior, future two-time All-State QB (who hadn't played football since Jr High), along with a host of other spot back-ups and former JV players that began the infamous 4 consecutive 10-0 seasons, 4 straight league titles and the school's first ever playoff win.

So, if you think for a second that this same coaching staff and the kids involved in this program are going to back down from the challenge of replacing outstanding players.........you might want to think again. The Indians may not win a back-to-back title next year, but then again, that's a pretty difficult feat for any team in this stout league. However, they'll show up every game night ready to go and whoever they're playing had better be ready to do the same. Could they finish 4-6 or 5-5? Sure they could. But, would it be unheard of for them to be right in the thick of things again next year? Absolutely not!

you can not compare this team to those teams. i went to valley during those times. they was some very talented teams and they played some very bad teams. we would go 10-0 and not even make the playoffs. its sad because they had some great teams then. i would have loved to see them played in this division then. that 97 team was real good and to think how good they could have been most of the athletes did not even play football that year. its a shame in my opinion the best athlete to ever play at valley (richard zimmerman) had his probs. that kid could really play and might have had a future in football.

I'm actually not comparing the teams at all. You have to put it into a little bit of perspective. Sure things were different then. But, that's also a posititive as well as a negative. The mindset was different then as well. The point I was trying to make is that if coach Crabtree and company can literally start over and turn out an even better product early in his career, then it's certainly realistic to think that this staff can find the right kids to put in the right positions to experience some success at this point. Remember, winning breeds winning. I remember talking to coach in the first couple of days of conditioning back in '96 and he didn't have much of an idea what he was going to do. That was after just four winning seasons in his first 6 years and not a whole lot of history of success on the gridiron over the school's history prior to that (that's an understatement ) Do I think kids like Yates, Keller, Dwyer, Hartley, Rheil, Rowe, Crabtree, etc are just going to be replaced with players of the same caliber? Absoluely not. However, these kids have experienced a much different level of success than the kids going into the '96 season had ever experienced.

As for Zim.........he definitely had some skills. I remember a couple of runs he made at the end of his sophomore year (after he became eligible) that were just amazing. He also had a solid junior year prior to getting hurt. He was definitely a good football player. I don't think he was the best player to ever come through Lucasville (I think you are forgetting about several others who came before him, or you may not be aware of the success of several others who came before him that guys our age didnn't get to see in person), but Richard was a VERY GOOD football player and it would have been fun to see what that backfield might have looked like with him and Eggar (God bless you Ryan) both getting touches in that backfield along with Lundy.

i just think that it was real easy to bounce back back then. this years jv team would have went 10-0 against the teams we played those years. i remember the biggest game of the year was against northwest. notre dame had a good team one year i think.

yeah you are right i did not get to see some of the older players but i was just going on what i have seen. prob since 91 or so. richard was just a stud out on the field and in every other sport he played. yeah its scary to think how good that team in 97 could have been. there was some really talented seniors that year that should have played but they never got along with some of the other players the years before. the same can be said about the basketball team. but that was because they did not like the coach.

[coop]

izladoom

I dont think you even know what you're talking about. 10-0 and not make the playoffs? What year? I played on 3 of the 10-0 teams myself, and we went to the playoffs all 3 years, and the year before that Valley made it as a 4 seed when only 4 teams made the playoffs. People talk about Valleys playoff record....the 4 teams in that 4 year stretch: Bellaire, Amanda Clearcreek, Nelsonville-York, and Liberty Union. (Valley won a first round game the year we lost to ACC in the Reg Final) Moving on....biggest game NW?? Not even close, it was Piketon who went 9-1 all those years which led to the infamous quote by Morris Gullion "We just cant beat Valley" and the league wasnt shabby back then, Oak Hill was VERY good. We had some battles. Our annual week 10 tilt with Minford was also always entertaining.

[Izladoom]

didnt we go 10-0 in 96 n did not make the playoffs i could be wrong

[Jesco White]

didnt we go 10-0 in 96 n did not make the playoffs i could be wrong

No.....we went 10-0 in 1992 and didn't make the playoffs, thanks to the last minute cancellation of Bishop Hartley's Week 10 game. The playoff system was much different then and it has zero baring on next Year's team (plus it still ticks me off), so I'm not going to get into details here. If you are interested, PM me and I'll explain it. If you think Northwest was our biggest game, then I have to question how much Valley football you watched in those years.

Regardless, I'm excited to see how the 2012 Valley Indians respond.

[crab_apple4]

The spread isn't going anywhere and honestly it shouldn't... The spread is not a "throwing offense" as you seen with the Indians this season. It is used to "spead" out the defense and use speed and quickness of the backs as well as not requiring lineman to blow people off the ball. With the QBs Valley has returning the spread is exactly the offense you want to run. With the zone read it allows the QBs the option of reading the defensive end on the back side and using the speed to get around the corner. Valley's line will be solid next season but they are not near as big or strong as the line that is graduating, and the triple option requires a little more up front. Not to mention, the system needs to stay in place for the group of current sophomores and the talented 8th grade class. Valley has the pieces with the current offensive system to be successful again next season. How successful? I'm not sure... We don't know what kind of work will be put in during the offseason and what players (like Keller) will take big step forward and become big time players. There are more questions than answers with next years team but that doesn't mean there isn't talented athletic kids ready to step in and fill some shoes. I could see next year's squad finishing anywhere from 5-5 to 8-2 or 9-1. Lot's of time for things to shake out and tons of work to be done in the weight room. Hopefully those who remain will pass the winning attitude, competitiveness, and work ethic to guys that are still wet behind the ears.

I agree with much of what is said here... As for the QB situation, all of the kids returning the are fighting for the position are more than capable athletes and runners. Watching Howard play basketball you can tell the kid isn't short on quickness, speed and athletic ability. Throwing will be tougher if for no other reason than losing Dwyer and Keller... but Yates is a record setting QB, and he could really spin that sucker.

I'll thow a real quick "for instance" out there... My junior year Valley went 10-0. We went into my Sr year having to replace 10 of 11 starters on offense (record setting QB) and 9 of 11 on defense. We went 10-0 that next season. Not to mention the class above me replaced nearly as many starters the year before... Getting the right footing as a program can push those under classmen to be the next man up. Good programs have this mentality. Replacing talent is tough, replacing SPECIAL talent is even tougher! The returning players have a tall order in front of them, and I'm hoping they're all up to the challenge!

I figured I'd bump this thread because I'm bored waiting on the Bucks game to start. Lots of good reading and plenty of crow to go around... I'll also try not to hurt my arm patting myself on the back.

I'm looking forward another Valley victory next Saturday!

[Jesco White]

History lesson....

In 1995 Valley finished with a record of 8-2. That group of seniors had just finished a four year career that totalled a 34-6 record with a pair of SOC titles. With that senior class' departure went 19 out of 22 starting positions (sound familiar). Among the losses were an All-State QB (who threw for over 20 TD's his senior year), a pair of running backs who combined for over 1,600 yards and nearly 20 TD's in the regular season, along with an All-State OT who was one of four offensive lineman (5 if you count the TE) that departed. The following year the Indians converted a back-up WR/RB who starred at CB and on special teams the year before at RB and added a junior, future two-time All-State QB (who hadn't played football since Jr High), along with a host of other spot back-ups and former JV players that began the infamous 4 consecutive 10-0 seasons, 4 straight league titles and the school's first ever playoff win.

So, if you think for a second that this same coaching staff and the kids involved in this program are going to back down from the challenge of replacing outstanding players.........you might want to think again. The Indians may not win a back-to-back title next year, but then again, that's a pretty difficult feat for any team in this stout league. However, they'll show up every game night ready to go and whoever they're playing had better be ready to do the same. Could they finish 4-6 or 5-5? Sure they could. But, would it be unheard of for them to be right in the thick of things again next year? Absolutely not!

Hmmmmmmm, interesting...

[Jesco White]

History lesson....

In 1995 Valley finished with a record of 8-2. That group of seniors had just finished a four year career that totalled a 34-6 record with a pair of SOC titles. With that senior class' departure went 19 out of 22 starting positions (sound familiar). Among the losses were an All-State QB (who threw for over 20 TD's his senior year), a pair of running backs who combined for over 1,600 yards and nearly 20 TD's in the regular season, along with an All-State OT who was one of four offensive lineman (5 if you count the TE) that departed. The following year the Indians converted a back-up WR/RB who starred at CB and on special teams the year before at RB and added a junior, future two-time All-State QB (who hadn't played football since Jr High), along with a host of other spot back-ups and former JV players that began the infamous 4 consecutive 10-0 seasons, 4 straight league titles and the school's first ever playoff win.

So, if you think for a second that this same coaching staff and the kids involved in this program are going to back down from the challenge of replacing outstanding players.........you might want to think again. The Indians may not win a back-to-back title next year, but then again, that's a pretty difficult feat for any team in this stout league. However, they'll show up every game night ready to go and whoever they're playing had better be ready to do the same. Could they finish 4-6 or 5-5? Sure they could. But, would it be unheard of for them to be right in the thick of things again next year? Absolutely not!

you can not compare this team to those teams. i went to valley during those times. they was some very talented teams and they played some very bad teams. we would go 10-0 and not even make the playoffs. its sad because they had some great teams then. i would have loved to see them played in this division then. that 97 team was real good and to think how good they could have been most of the athletes did not even play football that year. its a shame in my opinion the best athlete to ever play at valley (richard zimmerman) had his probs. that kid could really play and might have had a future in football.

I'm actually not comparing the teams at all. You have to put it into a little bit of perspective. Sure things were different then. But, that's also a posititive as well as a negative. The mindset was different then as well. The point I was trying to make is that if coach Crabtree and company can literally start over and turn out an even better product early in his career, then it's certainly realistic to think that this staff can find the right kids to put in the right positions to experience some success at this point. Remember, winning breeds winning. I remember talking to coach in the first couple of days of conditioning back in '96 and he didn't have much of an idea what he was going to do. That was after just four winning seasons in his first 6 years and not a whole lot of history of success on the gridiron over the school's history prior to that (that's an understatement ) Do I think kids like Yates, Keller, Dwyer, Hartley, Rheil, Rowe, Crabtree, etc are just going to be replaced with players of the same caliber? Absoluely not. However, these kids have experienced a much different level of success than the kids going into the '96 season ever had.

Again, very interesting.....

[N4da'score]

5-5 will be a good record next year for the indians. if crabby goes 500 or better then he should get COY for the effort. way to many kids leaving to expect anything better than that

CROWN HIM ....... "KING"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :aaaaa24 :aaaaa24 :aaaaa24

[Izladoom]

They surprised everyone this year. I think next year they could even be better. I know we loose some of the line but I hear we have some very good jv linemen that will be ready to step up. I just wonder who the qb will be I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3. I know it's too early to look to next year when this team is still playing, but as valley fans it's hard not to get excited about the future.

[SPAMONY]

5-5 will be a good record next year for the indians. if crabby goes 500 or better then he should get COY for the effort. way to many kids leaving to expect anything better than that

CROWN HIM ....... "KING"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :aaaaa24 :aaaaa24 :aaaaa24

He's got my vote! Just a fantastic job this year. I don't even think they should vote! Just give it to him it's his hands down