"Too much fun, what's that mean?
It's like too much money, there's no such thing
It's like a girl too pretty with too much class
Being too lucky, a car too fast
No matter what they say, I've done
But I ain't never had too much fun"
Now the fun begins.
This weekend will be highlighted by a couple of big games, with one of those happening along the banks of the Ohio River in Portsmouth and the other will be down in the mountains of Pike County, Kentucky.
But most importantly, the playoffs will start to begin to take shape after this Friday's games. And I think we can all agree with the late Daryle Singletary: Too much football? There's no such thing.
Eastern Pike Eagles (6-0, 1-0 SOC I) @ Symmes Valley Vikings (2-3, 1-0 SOC I)
Time: Friday October 4, 7:00 PM
Where: Vikings Stadium, Willow Wood, OH
The Eagles have come to be the dominant team in the SOC I recently, winning 18-consecutive regular season games and 8-straight in league play. The Vikings have some momentum heading into this Friday's game and have their eyes set on pulling off an upset out in The Valley.
EASTERN
Man(ley) Up The Eagles will be looking to air things out with their quarterback Eric Manley. So expect to see the junior signal caller sling it on Friday.
Skilled Tacklers The defense will need to contain the Vikings skill positions players from making big gains. They're going to need to wrap up in the open field and gang tackle.
SYMMES VALLEY
Control The LOS In order for the Bobcats to control the game's tempo, they'll need to win the battle up front. This means the offensive line will need to open the holes for Green's backs.
Air Traffic Control The defense must slow down the Eagles' passing attack. They'll need a combination of good pass rush and disciplined secondary coverage.
Green Bobcats (1-5, 0-1 SOC I) @ Notre Dame Titans (2-4, 0-1 SOC I)
Time: Saturday, October 5, 7:00 PM
Where: Spartan Stadium, Portsmouth, OH
Both squads are limping into this game on Saturday and in need of a win. The style clash will be on display, as the Titans will utilize the spread offense and let their athletes play in space, and the Bobcats will try to grind it out with an old school run game.
GREEN
Early Lead One way for the Bobcats to get some momentum is to get on the board first. That way they can try to dictate the way the game is played the rest of the way.
Stop Em Both The defense will have to stop two different types of quarterbacks. They'll have to get pressure when Luke Cassidy is behind center and cut off the rush attack when Warren Kelly is.
NOTRE DAME
Hit The Outside The Titans will have an advantage with their overall team speed. So either by ground or air, they'll need to hit the outside and do their damage there.
Stop The Run The defense had trouble stopping South Gallia last week and will be tasked at doing the same against agaisnt the Bobcats on Saturday night.
Chesapeake Panthers (3-3, 2-0 OVC) @ South Point Pointers (1-5, 0-2 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 4, 7:00 PM
Where: Alumni Stadium, Proctorville, OH
Both teams are looking to get back in the win column on Friday night. This game will feature two offenses looking to utilize their skill players both on the ground and through the air. There's a possibility this one could become a shootout if the offenses are clicking.
CHESAPEAKE
Size Advantage The Panthers will have a huge advantage on both sides of the line of scrimmage in experience and size. This will be a key matchup on Friday night.
Avoid Mistakes Turnovers, miscues, and anything else in between as been hurting the Panthers as of late. Keeping focus and executing plays will help rid some of that bad luck.
SOUTH POINT
Gettin Connected The weather really put a damper on QB Brayden Hanshaw being able to get the ball to WR Kamren Miller. With a dry field this week, expect to see more of that on Friday.
Early Down Stops In order to stop the Panthers, the defense will need to limit gains on early down and force obvious passing situations.
Rock Hill Redmen (5-1, 1-1 OVC) @ Gallia Academy Blue Devils (0-6, 0-3)
Time: Friday, October 4, 7:00 PM
Where: Memorial Field, Gallipolis, OH
Both teams come into this game in completly opposite directions. The struggling Blue Devils are battling youth and inexperience and the veteran Redmen are back on a roll again with two-straight wins.
ROCK HILL
Field Position The offense has been able to take advantage of good starting field all season. They'll need to keep that trend going this Friday.
Pass Defense The defense will have to hold down QB Bray Ratburn from airing it out. Thi means the secondary will have to put the clamps Blue Devil WRs from running wild.
GALLIA ACADEMY
Finish The offense wil have to find ways to finish drives and get points. They cannot expect to keep up with the Redmen's explosive playmaking for too long if they don't.
Build On Things The Blue Devils showed some success last week despite losing. They'll need to find ways to build on those positives and stay in the game.
Game of the Week: Ironton Fighting Tigers (5-1) @ Pikeville Panthers (2-4)
Time: Friday, October 4, 7:30 PM
Where: Hilliard Howard Field, Pikeville, KY
The Tigers will be looking to take their frustrations out after losing their first game of the 2024 campaign. In order to do so, they have to make the long drive down Route 23 and face one of the toughest teams in the mountains. The Panthers have endured a tough schedule thus far and are looking to get a big win as they head into district play soon.
IRONTON
Mr. Electric The offense has playmakers, but a little early dose of WR Shaun Terry could be the key to establishing control of the game in the early stages.
Keep Control Establishing the line of scrimmage and setting the tone will be a big key this week. If the Tigers are able to do so, it could be a long night for the Panthers.
Speed Show The Tigers should have an advantage on the outside with their speed. So expect to see how that plays out on Friday.
PIKEVILLE
Execute, Execute The Panthers are a well-coached and disciplined team. They'll need to really key in on executing plays and limiting mistakes in a game like this.
Call Of Duty The Panthers will be needing a big game from QB Issac Duty. If he can have some success through the air, the offense can open up the playbook more.
Backer Play Pikeville has been battle-tested all season against some of the bigger powerhouses in Kentucky. They'll need to show that those games have paid off against another tough opponent.
Game of the Week: Fairland Dragons (6-0, 3-0 OVC) @ Portsmouth Trojans (5-1, 3-0 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 4, 7:30 PM
Where: Trojan Coliseum, Portsmouth, OH
This game was circled on both teams' schedule on day 1. The Dragons will be looking to attack with a fast-paced and high-scoring offense. Meanwhile the Trojans will try to play a more physical style with their two-headed rushing attack. The OVC title race will most likely be decided inside the Trojan Coliseum on Friday night.
FAIRLAND
Big Play Whether it be Keegan Smith, Jack Hayden or anyone else for that matter, the Dragons will need some big plays early to set the tone.
Up Front The front seven for the Dragons will have their work cut out for them. They'll have to match the physical play of the Trojans.
Play Your Game The Dragons cannot get rattled if things go a different way early one. They have the playmakers to stay in the game no matter the score.
PORTSMOUTH
Line Of Scrimmage The offense will have an advantage along the offensive line with experience and physicality. They'll need to exploit that on Friday.
Apply Pressure The defense will need to apply pressure on QB Ethan Wall and not allow him to get comfortable in the pocket all night.
Make Stops The defense will need to get off the field as quickly as possible and cut down the scoring chances for the Dragons.
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