Storied Rivals Podcast Network

Gahanna Lincoln Head Coach Bruce Ward talks how challenging it was to close out #9 Grove City in their 48-42 win in week 12, recreating situational football in practice, and the chess match between his Golden Lions' explosive offense and Justin Buttermore's defensive brilliance.

Upper Arlington Head Coach Justin Buttermore talks riding a rollercoaster of emotions during his team's 3 OT win versus #5 Pickerington Central in week 12, allowing only 23 combined points over the last five weeks defensively, and how to schematically approach Gahanna's best offensive player Diore Hubbard.

Heath (9-2) overcame a nine-point deficit against #8 Portsmouth West (8-3) in the first round, forcing three turnovers and outscoring the Senators 20-6 in the second half. Head Coach Tim Ward talks his team's resiliency, the all-out effort by unsung hero Daylen McIntyre, the effects of long-distance travel, and defending the myriad of playmakers the Fighting Tigers (10-1) have in week 12, including WR Shaun Terry (1,100 all-purpose yards) and RB Zayne Williams!

The Blue Aces (11-0) defeated #14 Bexley in round one, 53-27. Head Coach Wes Schroeder talks about the remarkable play of QB Beckett Long during the second half of the season, Dante Varrasso's return from his mid-season injury, the loss of RB/LB Kyle Kirby, and limiting the production of Tri-Valley RB Jayden Wallace.

The Scotties (9-2) surged in the second half to down #11 Buckeye Valley, 49-12. Head Coach Cam West addresses his team's slow start in the first half of round one, talks the recent explosion of WR Keaton Hahn, defending Granville's Long/Varrasso connection, and attacking the middle of Blue Aces defense with the absence of Kirby.

Tornadoes Head Coach Nate Brownrigg talks achieving a 9-1 record and winning the MVL Small School Division Title for the first time since 2005, Rashid Sesay breaking the MVL single-season touchdown record (39 TD), and preparing for a team he has never played before in Union Local (6-4).

Jets Head Coach Bernie Thompson talks how playing St. Clairsville (8-2) and Barnesville (10-0) has prepared his squad for the postseason, the play of his sophomore quarterback Colby Carpenter since stepping in to lead a game-winning drive against Weir in week 6, and how he plans to limit Sesay's offensive impact and production.

Gahanna Lincoln (9-0) vs. Pickerington North (9-0) is quite possibly the BIGGEST game of the season in the OCC! The winner moves to a perfect 10-0, becomes OCC-Ohio Champions, and will likely be the #1 seed in the DI, Region 3 Playoffs!

Panthers Head Coach Nate Hillerich talks the magnitude of this game with everything that is on the line, the development and leadership of quarterback Landon O'Connell, and defending Gahanna's offense trio of Diore Hubbard, Brennan Ward, and Jalen Scott.

Golden Lions Head Coach Bruce Ward talks how his team has been dominant in all three phases through nine weeks with an average margin of victory of 25 PPG, pressuring O'Connell to limit the Panther offense, and the emotion and pressure of finishing the season 10-0 while claiming the OCC-Ohio Title and #1 seed in the playoffs.

Tri-Valley (7-2, 4-0) claims the MVL Big School Division Title with a win. A John Glenn (8-1, 3-1) win creates a three-way share of the title between the Muskies, Scotties, and Sheridan (8-1, 3-1).

Tri-Valley Head Coach Cam West talks refocusing after an emotional win against rival Sheridan, 28-17, the response of his quarterback Max Lyall after throwing two interceptions, and defending Noah Winland and the Muskie rushing attack.

John Glenn Head Coach Matt Edwards shares an update on Winland's shoulder injury, talks the opportunity to compete for a share of the MVL Big School Division Title, and the unique challenge of defending Lyall and Jayden Wallace.

Sheridan (8-0) and Tri-Valley (6-2) battle for the 54th time in their storied rivalry! The Scotties have won 7 of the last 10, but the Generals have won 2 of the previous 3, including last year, 14-13. The winner of this game is in the driver's seat in the MVL Big School Division.

Tri-Valley Head Coach Cam West talks about the development of his quarterback Max Lyall (21 TD, 1 INT) and his star running back Jayden Wallace (1,545 total yards, 18 total TD), the Generals' vaunted defense, and being part of this rivalry as a player and coach.

Sheridan Head Coach Paul Culver III shares how his team has pitched four straight shutouts, talks stopping Lyall and Wallace, the emotions he feels entering Tri-Valley week, and how a gameplan dissolves when the energy and adrenaline are so high.

In week 8, we highlight Hamilton Township HC Tennyson Varney and the 7-0 Rangers. Varney discusses his team's historic season, the challenges of building a program during the pandemic, and getting ready for Liberty Union (0-7).

Upper Arlington and Olentangy Orange enter week 8 with 4-3 records. Pioneers HC Zebb Schroeder talks defeating Dublin Coffman for the first time in four years in week 7, how his team rebounded after starting 1-3, finishing games decided by one score, and prep for Upper Arlington.

Golden Bears HC Justin Buttermore talks remaining positive after losing two consecutive games by a combined total of five points, his workhorse RB Connor McClelland, and strategizing for Orange QB Levi Davis and CB Treyton Schroeder.

The Sheridan Generals (6-0) are unbeaten heading into week 7 and coming off a 62-0 shutout of River View, where seven different players scored a touchdown. HC Paul Culver III talks about the value of getting backups playing time, preserving health during the last few weeks of the season, defending Philo's physical rushing duo of Talon Preston and Talon Bailey, and attacking ball-hawking corner Seth Henning.

The Philo Electrics (5-1) shut out Crooksville 32-0 in week 6. HC Dirk Lincicome talks the luxury of having a one-two punch in the backfield like Preston and Bailey, Drew Wright and Henning's leadership and playmaking on defense, and the use of film from the week 5 John Glenn-Sheridan matchup.

The Garaway Pirates (6-0) enter week 7 outscoring opponents 233-38 and have only committed three turnovers all season. HC Jason Wallick evaluates the play of key offensive players QB Brady Geibel, RB Dillon Soehnlen, and WR Jenson Garber and talks Indian Valley's program and defending their rushing attack.

The Indian Valley Braves (4-2) are coming off a 40-6 win against Sandy Valley, where RB Grady Kinsey rushed for 123 yards and 4 touchdowns. HC Matt Lancaster is pleased with QB Sam Carter's efficiency following last season's injury and believes keeping Garaway's offense off the field is the key to success in this pivotal IVC battle.