Figuring out the Tri-Valley Central

Two years ago when the Tri-Valley Central was formed, every single team in the league entered after a winning season, and 7 of the 8 were play-off teams. It was deservingly touted as one of the most competetive class B conferences in the state, and its inaugural season didn't disappoint. Swan Valley, Ovid-Elsie, Alma, and Bullock Creek all represented the Central in the play-offs, and the Vikings didn't suffer a single loss until the state semi-finals.

This season never looked like it would be easy to predict, but after week 1, the conference outlook is even murkier than imagined.

The clear favorite appears to be Alma. Led by Indiana-bound transfer Adam Follet at quarterback and returning first team all-conference wide receiver Jake Blake, the Panthers appear to be poised for shot at the conference championship and a serious post-season run. If there wasn't so much competition for the top spot, it would be easy to say Alma would walk their way to a title; unfortunately for them, Swan Valley, Bullock Creek, and Ovid-Elsie are also looking forward to a strong play-off perfomance.

Swan Valley is led by a speedy backfield that includes two of the fastest backs in the state, Marck Berden and Herb Waits. Questions have been raised, though, after their week 1 loss to TVC-East powerhouse Frankenmuth. The young squad will have to grow up quickly, but the Viking tradition will ensure that they will compete for the conference championship regardless of the year.

Bullock Creek feels the same way; after going 24-2 in 2004 and 2005, they are hoping that the experienced full-house backfield that includes all-conference athletes Kyle O'Boyle, Andrew Copus, and Matt Peterson will return them to the play-offs for the 6th consecutive year. Last year, close losses to Swan Valley and Ovid-Elsie and an inexplicable loss to 2-7 Chesaning kept them from the top tier of the league. If they can show some consistancy and win the close ones in 2007, then the sky - or Ford Field - may be the limit for the Lancers.

Like Bullock Creek, Ovid-Elsie came close to a conference championship last year; a one point loss to Alma and one touchdown to Swan Valley is all that seperated the Marauders from a perfect regular season. Similar to the Vikings, however, an early season loss to a traditional powerhouse has raised questions as to whether Ovid-Elsie has the same talent this year as last year's squad.

The strength of the TVC-C, though, is that it is tough from top to bottom. Freeland's week 1 victory over Clare is difficult to read; Clare made the play-offs last year, but only time will tell if Freeland's 1-point victory was a triumph between two upcoming teams or simply a close game between two struggling squads.

Hemlock was probably the best D5 team in the state that didn't make the play-offs last year, but graduated a lot of star players including Derek Hirschman, Jamie Slate, Jordan Keyser, and Cory Pitt. Senior Mitch Wagoner remains, but the Huskies might struggle to match last season's 5-4 mark.

Chesaning returns first team all-conference quarterback Joe Bitterman, but only beat the typically mediocre Durand Railroaders by a slim margin. Shephard is looking improved since last season's 2-7 mark, but the Bluejays will still probably struggle to beat any of the conference powerhouses.

PREDICTED CONFERENCE STANDINGS
1. Alma Panthers (7-0) (9-0)
2. Bullock Creek Lancers (6-1) (8-1)
3. Ovid-Elsie Marauders (5-2) (6-3)
4. Swan Valley Vikings (4-3) (5-4)
5. Freeland Falcons (3-4) (4-5)
6. Chesaning Indians (2-5) (3-6)
7. Hemlock Huskies (1-7) (1-8)
7. Shepard Bluejays (1-7) (1-8)

WHO DO YOU FEEL IS THE FAVORITE IN THE TRI-VALLEY CENTRAL? VOTE FOR YOUR TEAM IN THE POLL ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE!