Teays Valley Football: 5 Shocking Facts About The Vikings’ Rollercoaster 2025 Season And Hall Of Fame Coach
The Teays Valley Vikings football program has always been a focal point of high school athletics in Ashville, Ohio, but the 2025 season has delivered a unique blend of competitive grit, controversial headlines, and the arrival of a coaching legend. As of the current date, December 19, 2025, the Vikings have concluded their season with a respectable 5-5 record, navigating a challenging schedule in the Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) Buckeye Division. This record, while solid, marks a significant turning point following their historic 2024 playoff run, setting the stage for a compelling narrative under new leadership.
The 2025 campaign was defined by the transition under Head Coach Brian Cross, a Hall of Famer whose presence immediately elevated the program's profile. From standout performances by senior playmakers to an on-field incident that drew the attention of the OHSAA, the Teays Valley Vikings provided no shortage of talking points, demonstrating the high stakes and passion of Ohio Division II football.
The New Era: Head Coach Brian Cross and Key 2025 Player Profiles
The biggest story surrounding the Teays Valley Vikings in 2025 was the official arrival of Head Coach Brian Cross. A highly respected figure in Ohio high school football, Cross brings decades of experience and a proven track record to the Vikings' sideline. His appointment, which was welcomed by the athletic department, signaled a major commitment to building a perennial contender.
Coach Brian Cross: A Hall of Fame Profile
- Current Role: Head Football Coach, Teays Valley High School.
- Career Milestone: Inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Experience: Beginning his 26th season as a head coach.
- Previous Stops: Extensive coaching history, including time at Canton and a highly successful tenure at Grove City High School.
- Accolades: Selected as the State Coach of the Year twice during his time at Grove City.
- Philosophy: Credited with coining the acronym "DAWGS" (Defense Always Wins Games) for his defensive-minded approach.
- Impact: His reputation as a developer of young men is seen as a major asset for the Vikings' program.
Vikings’ Top Offensive and Defensive Entities (2025 Season)
The 5-5 season was powered by a core group of talented senior players who shouldered the load on both sides of the ball. These athletes were instrumental in navigating the tough Ohio Capital Conference schedule and competing in Division II, Region 7.
- Cavin McDowell (Senior - WR/CB): McDowell emerged as a premier playmaker, leading the team in receiving yards per game with 51.2. His versatility as a two-way player at wide receiver and cornerback made him a critical asset in the Vikings' system.
- Spike Woods (Senior - Running Back): A key presence in the backfield, Woods was noted as one of the essential players whose efforts helped wrap up the 2025 season on a strong note. The Vikings' success often hinged on their running game, a traditional strength.
- Brandon Travis: A vital member of the varsity roster, contributing to the team's depth and competitive spirit throughout the year.
- Landon Helser: Another core player whose performance was crucial in the trenches and on the perimeter.
- Dvaughn Railey & Jayden Fridenmaker: These players rounded out a senior-heavy roster, providing leadership and key contributions in their respective roles.
The Controversial Mid-Season Incident and OHSAA Review
One of the most talked-about events of the 2025 season was a highly publicized on-field altercation that led to the early cancellation of the Vikings' game against the Logan Chieftains. This fresh news dominated local headlines and brought an unwanted spotlight to the program.
The incident occurred during the second quarter of the game, forcing officials to call the contest early. The sequence began following a hard hit on a Logan player. A Teays Valley player reportedly stepped over the downed opponent, escalating the situation into a full-scale altercation involving multiple players.
The fallout was significant: the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) launched a review of the game. The OHSAA’s final determination concluded that the officials on the field had mishandled the situation, which contributed to the early stoppage of the game. This finding was a rare and notable outcome, highlighting the challenges of managing high-intensity rivalries and on-field emotional responses.
From Playoff Glory to 5-5: The Vikings’ Recent History and Rivals
To truly understand the 2025 season, it must be viewed in the context of the program's recent history, particularly the breakthrough success of the prior year. The Vikings compete in the highly competitive Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) Buckeye Division, which ensures a demanding schedule year after year.
The 2024 Playoff Breakthrough
The 2024-2025 season was a historic high-water mark for Teays Valley football. The team finished the regular season with a strong 8-4 record and secured a spot in the OHSAA playoffs.
- First Playoff Win: The Vikings earned a dominant first-round playoff victory, defeating Columbus Briggs with a decisive 68-0 score. The team showcased an explosive ground game, averaging 14.6 yards per carry.
- Deep Run: They continued their run by defeating Worthington Kilbourne.
- Final Challenge: The playoff journey ended against the powerhouse Massillon Washington, a formidable opponent that ultimately highlighted the gap between the Vikings and the state's top-tier teams.
OCC Buckeye Conference and Key Rivalries
The OCC Buckeye is a gauntlet of central Ohio talent, and the Vikings' 2025 schedule featured several high-stakes matchups that serve as crucial LSI keywords for the program's identity.
- Amanda Clearcreek: This neighboring school represents a classic local rivalry, often billed as a "Friday Night Rivals" contest, drawing massive community interest.
- Reynoldsburg Raiders: Another significant OCC opponent, games against Reynoldsburg are often tightly contested, with the Vikings recently securing a four-straight victory against them.
- Lancaster: The Vikings opened their OCC Buckeye season with a thrilling, high-scoring 67-66 victory over Lancaster High School, showcasing the offensive firepower of the team.
- Logan Chieftains: Beyond the controversy, the Logan game is a key opponent on the schedule, representing a challenging non-conference matchup that attracts major attention.
The 5-5 record in 2025 suggests a season of rebuilding and integration under Coach Cross, especially when compared to the 8-5 playoff run of the previous year. However, the presence of a Hall of Fame coach and a core of talented senior players provides a strong foundation for the Vikings to return to playoff contention in the coming seasons. The focus now shifts to how Coach Cross will leverage his 'DAWGS' philosophy to turn the program into a consistent Division II threat. The community remains fiercely supportive, eager to see the next chapter in Teays Valley football history unfold.
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