NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley football program is on the longest run of sustained success since the school was formed in 1987. The Panthers have qualified for the playoffs in five of the last six seasons. In their first year under head coach Hady Ford last fall, Tug Valley went 6-3 in the regular season, good enough to earn a postseason spot.
“We came in last year and it wasn’t a great attitude, it was just that we weren’t counting in success,” Ford said. “I think as the year went along and we saw that we could win some ball games and the attitude changed. When it changed, you saw what happened at the end of last year.”
Graduation took a toll on the Tug roster. Ten seniors moved on including quarterback Ethan Varney, He accounted for 38 total touchdowns and over 2,800 yards of total offense.
“I don’t think there is going to be another Ethan Varney. It was just one of those things and one of those times. The next kid that comes in, we have two or three guys competing for the quarterback job, and let each man make their own mark.”
Many new starters are working their way onto the Tug Valley front line. Ford is confident young players can step in when given the opportunity.
“We lost four guys from last year. We’ve got one returning starter. But I feel good with the guys we have coming in. They are definitely young. The more we play, the experience is going to be a factor early, but as we go through and get the momentum going, I think we will be alright.”
The Panthers welcome back their leading receiver from 2019 in Caleb May. The senior caught 76 passes for 1,230 yards and 16 touchdowns last fall.
“He is one of those players that can change the ball game just by his athleticism. Having him for another year is a blessing.”
After a taste of postseason play last November, Ford is hopeful that a new group of Panthers can elevate their level of play in 2020.
“Once we made the playoffs, I think they are hungry for a little more. Seeing who is out there, seeing what we have coming back, those guys are saying we can play with some of these guys. So I think they are ready.”