Green Bobcats (1-4) @ Symmes Valley Vikings (2-3)
When: Friday, September 22, 7:00 PM
Where: Vikings Stadium, Willow Wood, OH
These two rivals square off in the opening week of SOC I action. The Bobcats will be looking to for their first back-to-back wins against the Vikings since 1997-98. Meanwhile, Symmes Valley will be looking to make it three wins in the last four games.
Green:
The Bobcat offense will need to avoid negative plays on early downs and set up manageable third down situations and keep the chain moving.
The defense must swarm to the ball and limit the Vikings offense from using its speedsters in the running game.
Symmes Valley:
The offensive line will play a pivotal role in helping establish the run game against Green's size up front.
On defense, the Vikings must play a disciplined game against Green's double wing offense and not allow their backs to get loose.
South Point Pointers (3-2, 1-1 OVC) @ Rock Hill Redmen (2-3, 0-2 OVC)
Time: Friday, September 22, 7:00 PM
Where: Redmen Stadium, Pedro, OH
Both teams will be looking to bounce back from losses last week. Should be a great match up of rushing attacks with South Point's modern style vs. Rock Hill's vintage style. A rolling clock from all the rush attempts could make for an early night as well.
South Point:
The Pointers must get running lanes opened up for their backs. Their offensive line will have enough of a size advantage to make that happen.
South Point's defense must not allow Rock Hill to find success with their bread and butter plays. A disciplined style of football will be needed.
Rock Hill:
The Redmen must be successful on early downs in order to widen the size of the playbook on third downs.
The defense will be tasked at containing South Point's backfield and it array of specialties. Swarming to the ball and closing down lanes will be a must.
Coal Grove Hornets (4-1, 1-1 OVC) @ Portsmouth Trojans (2-3, 1-1 OVC)
Time: Friday, September 22, 7:00 PM
Where: Trojan Colosseum, Portsmouth, OH
The Hornets will be looking to get payback for last year's heartbreaker to the Trojans. Both of these teams will try to play a physical brand of football, which means this one could be decided at the line of scrimmage on Friday.
Coal Grove:
Offensively, the Hornets will need to continue finishing drives and make sure to hold onto the ball.
The defense must play a physical game and not allow Chase Heiland and the rest of the Trojan offense find a rhythm.
Portsmouth:
The Trojans must get their rushing attack going from the start. This means they will need to lean on their size in the trenches to help get their offense going.
The defense will need to prevent Coal Grove from consuming clock and playing their style of play. So forcing third-and-long situations will be key.
Ironton Fighting Tigers (4-1, 2-0 OVC) at Chesapeake Panthers (3-2, 0-2 OVC)
Time: Friday, September 22, 7:00 PM
Where: Panthers Stadium, Chesapeake, OH
Ironton will be looking to keep their momentum going and not fall asleep at the wheel as they look to bigger things ahead. The Panthers are hoping to bounce back after two tough losses on the road.
Ironton:
Offensively, the only things that can hold back Ironton from a good night on Friday is their execution and costly penalties.
The defense cannot not allow Chesapeake's rushers to use their speed on the outside. This means disciplined, assignment football will be in order.
South Point:
The Panthers must use their skill players to find cracks in the Ironton defense by any means
The defense will have a tough task at limiting Ironton's big play capabilities. This means swarming to the ball and tightening down running lanes.
Game of the Week: Gallia Academy Blue Devils (5-0, 2-0 OVC) @ Fairland Dragons (4-1, 1-1 OVC)
Time: Friday, September 22, 7:00 PM
Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH
Last season's game was a back-and-forth affair that saw the Blue Devils come out on top at home. This time Fairland plans to return the favor. This one will be a track meet with all the speedsters each team features.
Gallia Academy:
The Blue Devils will be relying on their speed to set the tone on offense. So look expect to see their skills guys get out in space.
The defense is going to be tested on the outside by Fairland's wide outs. This means Gallia Academy's speed will just as important on the defensive side as well.
The Blue Devils will need to avoid making costly mistakes and turnovers. They cannot afford to let the Dragons find momentum at their own expense.
Fairland:
The offenses skill players will see a good test from the Blue Devils. This means execution will be important for the offense.
Defensively, the Dragons will need to slow down the Blue Devils and not allow their speedsters to run loose all night.
Finishing drives and avoiding penalties will be major factors in big games such as this one.
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