This Friday night will see the Dover Crimson Tornadoes face off with the Indian Valley Braves for the 13th time in the two programs' history.
Dover is currently undefeated in 12 matchups with the Braves, with the Tornadoes outscoring I.V. 524-80 in those prior games. However, the two schools have not squared off since the 2007 season, when both teams were members of the now-defunct East Central Ohio League.
Dover and Indian Valley were scheduled to play during the 2021 season, but the game was canceled due to COVID-19 spread that temporarily shut down the Braves' program.
THE DUBS
WHO: Dover Crimson Tornadoes vs. Indian Valley Braves
WHAT: Varsity Football on Big Time Sports
WHEN (GAME): Friday, Sep. 2, 7:00 p.m.
WHEN (BROADCAST): Friday, Sep. 2, 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sep. 3, 2:00 p.m.
WHERE (GAME LOCATION): Crater Stadium, Dover, Ohio
WHERE (BROADCAST): Spectrum 15 & 989; MCT 128
WHERE (STREAM): WIVMTV.com; BigTimeSportsOhio.com
THE TEAMS
DOVER (2-0)
The Crimson Tornadoes are coming off two consecutive wins to open the season: a 16-13 come-from-behind win at Lake Catholic, and a 35-0 shutout of Akron East to open home play.
Among the top offensive producers for Dover has been senior running back Mitchell Martin, who has rushed for 310 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries over the first two games. Quarterback Ben Hamm, who drove the Tornadoes down field for the winning touchdown in their Week 1 victory over the Cougars, has also performed well for Dover, despite only attempting six passes during the Tornadoes' Week 2 win.
Also producing for Dover has been wide receivers Tyler Stevenson (eight catches, one touchdown) and David Denney (four catches, two touchdowns).
INDIAN VALLEY
The Braves are trying to get back on the right track after dropping a 22-17 decision to the Roosevelt Roughriders (Washington D.C.) last Friday at Braves Stadium.
"That game will make us better," said Indian Valley head coach Matt Lancaster. "I told the kids, that's why we're scheduling tough with the playoffs expanded, to make us better."
Indian Valley currently stands at 1-1, with their first win coming in the opening week against Beaver Local, 41-20.
The Braves' ground game churned out yards and scores against the Beavers, with senior Gavin Henry and freshman Grady Kinsey each totaling a pair of touchdowns.
Junior quarterback Sam Carter has thrown fro a combined 17 completions out of 31 attempts, for 228 passing yards and a touchdown, along with 62 rushing yards and a TD. Fellow junior Kolton Thomas has also added a pair of touchdowns, early in the year as a hybrid rusher-receiver.
On defense, Thomas, along with senior Brogan Burcher and junior Tanyon McComb, have each garnered an interception, while Kale Kochman has recorded a sack, two forced fumbles, and four quarterback hurries. Thomas has also racked up 11 tackles, while Burcher has a current team-best eight solo tackles.
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