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2023 Snapshot: Valley View

Valley View QB Caden Henson (photo by John Cravaack/cravaack.smugmug.com)

Coming off the school’s first regional championship in 20 years and eighth in school history, Valley View is about to find out if it has enough in the tank to make another deep playoff run. The Spartans graduated six first team all-league selections but those who have waited their turn are more than confident that they can make this another memorable season in Germantown.

“The players have been working hard throughout this offseason. Everyone is excited for the season and to build on what was done last year,” head coach Matt King states. Despite the two decades between its last two regional crowns, Valley View has still managed to win 10 or more games five times in the past 10 years. Winning just seems to be an embedded trait in every kid that comes through the Spartans program.

For this group to have that kind of continued success King will look to his veteran playmakers. “Our skills positions on both sides of the ball will have the most experience. Offensively our quarterback, Caden Henson is a very good player. We have two very good returning linebackers, in Bryce Reed and Landen Malara.”

Valley View LB Landen Malara (photo by John Cravaack/cravaack.smugmug.com)

Seniors like these three, understand what it takes and the preparation it needs to get through the rigors of a difficult schedule both mentally and physically. Last fall, in Week 6 the grind began for Valley View. The Spartans reeled of nine straight victories before falling to Ironton in the state semifinal. Those nine foes (Carlisle twice) were a combined 81-32 (.717 winning %). Expect this team’s mental toughness to emerge more and more as this season wears on and that will make them a real “bear” to face come playoff time.

The Division V, Region 20
2022 RECORD: 13-2, 5-0 SWBL West
HEAD COACH: Matt King (13-2 at Valley View, second year; 13-2 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Caden Henson, Sr, QB – Hands down the best quarterback in Region 20. A dual-threat, Henson threw for 2,167 yards, ran for 718 yards and accounted for 25 touchdowns (21 pass, four rush) on his way to being named OPSWA Division V Second Team All-Ohio as a junior. Henson has amassed 5,259 yards of total offense (4,052 pass, 1,253 rush), thrown for 42 touchdowns and ran for eight scores in his career.

Micah Valenti, Sr, RB/WR/DB – The general in the secondary. Valenti had 47 total tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions on his way to First Team All-SWBL West (DB) honors in 2022.

Valley View DB Micah Valenti (photo by John Cravaack/cravaack.smugmug.com)

Bryce Reed, Sr, ILB – The defensive catalyst along with Malara. Reed was a beast as a junior with 91 total tackles (72 solo), three sacks, 14.5 tackles for losses, four pass break-ups and two interceptions. He was named Second Team All-SWBL West (LB) for his efforts.

OTHER RETURNEES
Landen Malara, Sr, OLB – A 2022 breakout performer. Malara was everywhere with 98 total tackles (70 solo), a sack, 14.0 tackles for losses, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries. He had 29 solo tackles in five playoff games.

Jed Lynch, Sr, WR/DB – Will be an integral part of the offense at receiver. Back for his third year as a starter, Lynch has 35 receptions, 321 yards receiving, 112 yards rushing and four touchdowns (two rush, two rec) in a Spartans uniform.

Kage Gierek, C, Sr – A returning starter, the 6-foot-1, 260-pound Gierek will be asked to be the leader of the Spartans offensive line.

NEWCOMERS
Senior WR/DB Caleb Musgrove and sophomore WR/DB Anthony Valenti will get their shots at being big-time contributors this season. Musgrove scored his first varsity touchdown last fall on an 84-yard kickoff return at Franklin. Valenti played in 10 games and recorded 20 total tackles as a freshman.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(23 appearances, 41-20) – 2022, (Regional Champion), 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2002 (Regional Champion), 2001, 2000 (Regional Champion), 1999, 1998, 1997 (State Champion), 1996 (State Champion), 1995, 1994 (State Champion), 1993 (Regional Champion), 1992 (Regional Champion)

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – PONITZ (3-7 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Milton-Union (13-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – BELLBROOK (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – at Carlisle (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Eaton (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – OAKWOOD (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – MADISON SENIOR (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – at Edgewood (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – BROOKVILLE (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – at Waynesville (3-8) – 7:00 PM

2023 ACTIVE LEADERS: SWBL

REGION 20 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS (since 2000)
2022 – Valley View
2021 – Versailles
2020 – Roger Bacon
2019 – West Jefferson
2018 – Wheelersburg
2017 – Madison Senior
2016 – Coldwater
2015 – Coldwater (Region 18)
2014 – CHCA (Region 18)
2013 – West Jefferson (Region 18)
2012 – Coldwater
2011 – Coldwater
2010 – Coldwater
2009 – Coldwater
2008 – Marion Local
2007 – Marion Local
2006 – St. Henry
2005 – CHCA
2004 – St. Henry
2003 – Columbus Academy
2002 – Pleasant
2001 – Lehman Catholic
2000 – Reading

 

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