(Corning) An important Class A, District 7 matchup this week has SW Valley hosting Earlham.
The Timberwolves are 4-1 overall and have posted shutout wins in three of their last four games. “Coach Allen Naugle year in and year out has a fantastic defense.” Coach Anthony Donahoo says, “The players play simple and play fast. Really a downhill kind of defense that focuses on the defensive linemen doing their jobs and allowing the linebackers to play free. When you’re able to do that it forces the opponents into a lot of 3rd and long.”
SW Valley will welcome an Earlham team that’s 2-3 overall, but both teams are 2-1 in the district standings. “It’s kind of like looking in the mirror. They want to be able to run and control the clock.” Donahoo says, “For seven years now I’ve called it bully ball where they want to force that ball with the dives and then as soon as you come in they’ll hit you with a pitch or go over the top with a pass.”
SW Valley’s only loss this year came to Class A top five ranked AHSTW. The Timberwolves are getting the job done despite not having a ton of experience. “We knew we had a solid junior class. We’re led by only four seniors in Colin Jacobs, Marshall Knapp, Robbie Barnes, and Dustin Shuler. We’ve had some guys that have really stepped up.” Donahoo says, “The moment is not too big for them.”
These squads join Mt. Ayr as one loss teams in the district, all chasing undefeated AHSTW. Coach Donahoo feels good about where they stand. “AHSTW did their job and their kind of in the captain’s seat now, but as we tell our guys the top two seeds usually host a playoff game so if that’s something that’s on your radar you have to treat each game as a playoff game. That’s what we’re doing this week.”
SW Valley’s rushing attack averages 247 yards per game which is 12th best in Class A. Evan Timmerman and Isaac Currin lead the way with over 400 yards on the ground each. Ely Rodriguez and Bradlee Grantz both have over 100 rushing yards. Another statistical notable for SW Valley is senior Colin Jacobs. The defensive lineman has a team best 33.5 tackles and a state leading 14.5 tackles for loss.
SW Valley coach Anthony Donahoo:
