"I'm giving you fair warning
I'm gonna say goodbye
And when I'm walkin' out the door
Don't want to hear you cry
There's so much highway out there
That I ain't never seen
And all I need is cigarettes, guitars, and gasoline"
Well, the final week of the regular season is here and so is the final installment of Keys to the Game.
It's been a fun season full of highs and lows, and some great moments we'll talk about all the way into next season.
But the good news is we still have plenty more weeks of exciting postseason football to watch and a chance to see who among the Southeast Ohio teams can make a playoff run.
And while I'm not so sure I agree with Travis Tritt about needing the first two items to go take in these playoff games, I will say that gasoline stuff is awfully expensive these days.
Green Bobcats (2-6, 1-2 SOC I) @ Eastern Eagles (9-0, 4-0 SOC I)
Time: Friday October 25, 7:00 PM
Where: Eagles Stadium, Beaver, OH
The Eagles are looking to wrap up another undefeated season on Friday. Meanwhile, the Bobcats will be looking to hang on and make a game of this SOC contest.
GREEN
Air It Out The Bobcats went to the air last week with a spread attack. They'll need to do more of that again and keep the chains moving.
Stop The Big Play The Eagles have an explosive offense and can put up points. The defense will need to limit those big plays to have a chance.
EASTERN
Get Started The offense needs to get going early and put this game away as soon as they can.
Get Pressure Since the Bobcats have got to the passing game, the defensive line will have the task of getting pressure on QB Landon Kimbler.
South Gallia Rebels (5-3, 2-1 SOC I) @ Symmes Valley (3-4, 2-2 SOC I)
Time: Friday, October 25, 7:00 PM
Where: Vikings Stadium, Willow Wood, OH
It's do-or-die this Friday night for the Vikings. A win over their rival would almost guarantee a trip to the playoffs next week. However with this being a rivalry game, the Rebels would like nothing more than to win and eliminate Symmes Valley.
SOUTH GALLIA
Limit Chances The Rebels will try to control the ball and clock on Friday. If they're successful, it will limit the Vikings chances of scoring.
Early Stops The defense will need to make some early down stops and shrink the Vikings playbook on third down.
SYMMES VALLEY
Stop The Run The defense will have to stop the Rebels ground attack. How the Vikings' front seven responds to the power rushing game will be key.
Early Lead An early start and an early lead would give the Vikings a boost of confidence. Plus it's better to play ahead than play from behind.
Chesapeake Panthers (5-4, 2-3 OVC) @ Fairland Dragons (8-1, 5-0 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 25, 7:00 PM
Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH
The Dragons can clinch an out-right OVC title and the No. 2 seed in the region this Friday night. Despite being underdogs, the Panthers will be looking to play spoiler against their rivals. Judging by last week's offensive performances, maybe we'll see a high-scoring affair?
CHESAPEAKE
In The Trenches The Panthers have to use their size advantage up front to control the ball and control the clock.
Halt Hayden The defense will have to clamp down on Jack Hayden and his ability to make plays with his feet and arm. He'll make plays, but they'll need to limit them.
FAIRLAND
Early & Often The Dragons will need another quick start and build a lead. They can't allow the Panthers to hang around.
Stop The Run Defensively, the Dragons must contain the big play abilities for RB Drew Plantz. They can't allow him to find the creases in the defense.
South Point Pointers (1-8, 0-6 OVC) @ Gallia Academy Blue Devils (0-9, 0-5 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 25, 7:00 PM
Where: Memorial Stadium, Gallipolis, OH
It's been a rough year for both South Point and Gallia. The good news here is someone will finish the year on a happy note.
SOUTH POINT
Protection The offensive line for the Pointers must give QB Brayden Hanshaw some time in the pocket to canvas the defense. Given enough time, the receivers will come open.
Early Down Stops The defense will need to allow minimal gains on early downs for Gallia. This will set up obvious passing situations and shrink the playbook.
GALLIA ACADEMY
Stretch The Field The offense will need to utilize their skill players and make the Pointers play in space.
Avoid Mistakes The Blue Devils cannot hinder themselves with missed assignments and costly penalties.
Game of the Week: Ironton Fighting Tigers (8-1) @ Portsmouth Trojans (7-2)
Time: Friday, October 25, 7:00 PM
Where: Trojan Coliseum, Portsmouth, OH
This will be one of the hardest-hitting rivalry game this weekend. Both teams will try to match eachother's physicality. Ironton a has locked up the top spot in the region, but the Trojans would still love to send them into the postseason with a loss.
IRONTON
Line Challenge The front lines on both sides of the ball will be challenged the most on Friday. They'll need to respond early and set the tone.
Avoid Mistakes Missed assignments and costly penalties can lead to stalled drives on offense and extended drives on defense.
PORTSMOUTH
Eat Clock The Trojans must shorten the game. But to make this game plan more effective, they'll need to score as well.
Speed Check The defense must limit the big play abilities of Ironton. They can't allow the Tigers to run wild all night.
Game of the Week: Rock Hill Redmen (7-2, 3-2 OVC) @ Coal Grove Hornets (5-3, 3-2 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 25, 7:00 PM
Where: Lemaster Stadium, Coal Grove, OH
This rivalry game will feature two of the top running backs in the area, Anthony Stamper for Rock Hill and Kaden Murphy of Coal Grove. Should be a hard-hitting game as both teams prepare for the postseason.
ROCK HILL
Quick Start If the offense can get going early, they can control the game.
Short Fields The defense must get 3-and-outs early and help try and set up short fields for an offense that has took advantage of them all season.
COAL GROVE
Stop Stamp The defense will need to contain the big play abilities of RB Anthony Stamper. They'll need to force the others on offense to beat them.
Control The LOS The biggest test will be if the Hornets canestablish the line of scrimmage early and control the game.
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