"Oh, yesterday's over my shoulder, so I can't look back for too long
There's just too much to see waiting in front of me and I know that I just can't go wrong"
We're down to just three weeks in the 2024 regular season and teams are beginning to look at postseason play.
And as we get closer and closer to the second season, teams are going to have to start looking ahead and not behind.
And I'm sure the late great Jimmy Buffett would agree that while they're not exactly changing latitudes, our area teams will begin changing their attitudes as they move up and down the computer rankings.
Symmes Valley Vikings (2-6, 1-1 SOC I) @ Sciotoville East Tartans (1-6, 0-2 SOC I)
Time: Friday October 11, 7:00 PM
Where: Allard Park, Sciotoville, OH
The playoffs are looming closer with each week and in order for the Vikings to make it to week 11, they first have to pick up a road win against a struggling East team. So far this season, the Tartans have been shutout four times and the Vikings will try to tack on another this Friday.
SYMMES VALLEY
Early Lead The Vikings grabbed an early lead last week, but couldn't hold back an explosive Eastern team. If they can get another early lead this week, they should be fine.
Capitalize The defense had some opportunities at key turnovers last week and let the slip through their hands. They need to make up for that this Friday.
EAST
Get On The Board The offense has struggled all season generating points. The Tartans need to find a way into the end zone this week.
Wide Open Spaces The Tartan defense will need to play in space and wrap up against the Vikings playmakers like Will Jones, Andy Strow and Levi Russell.
Green Bobcats (1-6, 0-2 SOC I) @ South Gallia Rebels (5-2, 2-0 SOC I)
Time: Saturday, October 12, 1:00 PM
Where: South Gallia Stadium, Crown City, OH
The Bobcats are just trying to get to the finish line of the 2024 season. They'll be a massive underdog against the Rebels this Friday.
GREEN
Eat Clock The Bobcats will need to gain yards, get some first downs, and try to shorten the game if they want to have a chance.
Hang In There The Rebels are going to try and overwhelm the defense. They'll just need to bend but not break on Friday.
SOUTH GALLIA
Speed Up The Rebels will have a huge advantage with their speed. Expect to see them try and hit the edges early and often.
Stop The Run The defense will need to stop Green's rushing attack. This will force the Bobcats into throwing.
Gallia Academy Blue Devils (0-7, 0-4 OVC) @ Chesapeake Panthers (4-3, 1-2 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 11, 7:00 PM
Where: Panther Stadium, Chesapeake, OH
The Panthers will look to keep the momentum going this week against a struggling Blue Devils team. This one could turnout to be a one-sided track meet if the offensive gets clicking like it did last week against South Point.
GALLIA ACADEMY
Finish Drives Last week, the Blue Devils had two drives stall out deep in their opponents' territory. They'll need to get in the end zone when they get the chance this Friday.
Contain The defense will need to contain the Panthers speed on the outside and play good assignment football.
CHESAPEAKE
No Letdown The Panthers need to get the early lead and not lay off the pedal. Last week proved the Blue Devils have the ability to hang around until the fourth quarter.
Air Traffic Control The secondary will be tested this week against a passing attack that will feature some capable skill players.
Coal Grove Hornets (4-2, 2-1 OVC) @ South Point Pointers (1-6, 0-3 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 11, 7:00 PM
Where: Alumni Stadium, South Point, OH
The Hornets should feel better coming off an open week and ready to finish the final stretch of games. The Pointers will be hoping the week off for Coal Grove will make them a little sluggish. Expect to see contrasting offensive styles clash with the Hornets ground attack against the pass-happy Pointers.
COAL GROVE
Trench Warfare The Hornets will have a big advantage in the trenches on both sides of the ball. If they can establish their dominance early, it will be a good night.
Avoid Mistakes The Hornets cannot let costly turnovers or penalties give the Pointers a chance to hang around for four quarters.
SOUTH POINT
Air It Out The Hornets have had trouble with the pass this season. So expect to see the Pointers put the ball up in the air and let it ride.
Early Down Stops The Pointers have to get early down stops and force the Hornets into obvious passing situations.
Rock Hill Redmen (6-1, 2-1 OVC) @ Portsmouth Trojans (5-2, 2-1 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 11, 7:00 PM
Where: Trojan Coliseum, Portsmouth, OH
The Trojans will need to regroup fast after a heartbreaking loss at home last week to Fairland. Meanwhile the Redmen will be trying to compound Portsmouth's woes with another loss. Expect to see both teams rushing attacks on full display this Friday.
ROCK HILL
Make The Plays The Redmen have been able to get big plays on offense, especially from senior Anthony Stamper. But they'll need to find another playmaker to keep the Trojans on their heels.
Halt Heiland The defense is going to have to put the clamps on Chase Heiland and the Trojans rushing attack. They'll need to make someone else make the big plays on Friday.
PORTSMOUTH
Bounce Back The Trojans have to shrug off last week's loss and not let it beat them two weeks in a row.
Control The LOS The Trojans have the size and experience up front. If they can take control of the line of scrimmage early, they can control the game.
Game of the Week: Ironton Fighting Tigers (6-1) @ Fairland Dragons (7-0)
Time: Friday, October 11, 7:00 PM
Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH
It will be a battle of top teams in the region in Proctorville on Friday. Ironton has controlled the series and will look to continue that trend with their explosive offense. The Dragons are coming off a big win last week and looking to be a serious challenger against the Tigers as the playoff loom ahead.
IRONTON
Run It The Tigers finally found their footing in the run game last week against Pikeville. They'll need to keep that momentum going and control the game.
Shut Down The Outside The defense needs to contain the Dragons speed on the outside and limit their offensive capabilities.
Don't Let Up The Tigers cannot lose focus and let up on Friday. They'll need to keep the pedal to the metal and not allow the Dragons to hang around.
FAIRLAND
Keep Away The offense wants to play a hurry up style, but they need to try and keep the ball away from a very potent Ironton offense.
Turnover Game The Dragons need to find a way to steal possession or two. Likewise, they cannot turn it over and allow the Tigers more chances on offense.
Wrap Up The defense will need to pursuit and do a good job of wrapping up in space. If not, you can expect big plays from Shaun Terry and the rest of the Tigers playmakers.
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