"He got the action, he got the motion
Oh, yeah, the boy can play
Dedication, devotion
He turnin' all the nighttime into the day"
We've seen some great performances this season from both a team and individual standpoint.
And with the weather turning colder and the playoffs on the horizon, it's time for all these top performers to begin taking over games.
Whether it's the electrifying play of Ironton's Shaun Terry, the running ability of Coal Grove's Kaden Murphy, or the all-around play of someone like Fairland's Keegan Smith, it's time for them and the rest of playmakers in the area to step up in these finals games.
And sure Mark Knopfler knows how to do the Walk of Life, but even he would agree these boys can play.
Sciotoville East Tartans (1-7, 0-3 SOC I) @ Green Bobcats (1-6, 0-2 SOC I)
Time: Thursday October 17, 7:00 PM
Where: Bobcats Stadium, Franklin Furnace, OH
We got some Thursday night action down in "The Furnace". This will be a true test of true of both teams' resiliency. The Bobcats were forced to cancel last weeks' game due to injuries and are hoping the rest will be of help. For the Tartans, they're trying to hang on to their slim playoff hopes.
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.
Stop The Run The defense will need to shutdown the Bobcats ground attack and not allow them to control the tempo of the game.
GREEN
Early Start The Bobcats will need to get off to an early start and get some momentum. This means good execution will be key.
Make Plays The defense will need to make some plays and get the Tartans offense off the field.
Symmes Valley (3-4, 2-1 SOC I) @ Notre Dame Titans (3-5, 1-2 SOC I)
Time: Friday, October 18, 7:00 PM
Where: Spartan Stadium, Portsmouth, OH
Things are really straight-forward for the Vikings: a win and you're in. Meanwhile, the Titans are practically locked in a playoff berth but where they finish is up to them. This game could end up being a shootout.
SYMMES VALLEY
Fast Start The Vikings will need to avoid a slow start. Whether it's a three-and-out by the defense or an early score, they will need to get the early jump on the Titans.
Physical Play The front seven of the defense will need to toughen up as the Titans will try to challenge them with their ground game.
NOTRE DAME
Win the LOS The Titans can control the game if they win the battle at the line of scrimmage. This will be the key to either teams' success on Friday.
Pressure The defense will need to get some pressure on QB Bronx Carpenter and not let him get into a rhythm like he did in last week's win.
Gallia Academy Blue Devils (0-8) @ Ironton Fighting Tigers (7-1)
Time: Friday, October 18, 7:00 PM
Where: Tanks Memorial Stadium, Ironton, OH
Ironton continues their march towards the playoffs with a Senior Night match-up with a struggling Blue Devils team. This one could get ugly early. However this will be a good time to see the younger talent get some valuable playing time.
GALLIA ACADEMY
Eat Clock The offense will need to gain some yards, move the chains and eat up some clock. Worse case scenario, this will shorten the game.
Solid Play The defense will need to play in space and make good open field tackles to limit big gains by the Tigers and their offensive weapons.
IRONTON
No Letdown The Tigers will need to avoid taking Gallia lightly and just take care of business. So avoiding penalties and good execution will be a good start.
Establish The Run The ground game has been effective the past couple games. This game could be an opportunity to continue building on it.
Portsmouth Trojans (6-2, 4-1 OVC) @ South Point Pointers (1-7, 0-4 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 18, 7:00 PM
Where: Alumni Stadium, South Point, OH
South Point will look to muster up an upset on Senior Night and send the senior class out with a memorable win. The Trojans are looking to close out league play with a win and gear up for their rivalry game next week against Ironton.
PORTSMOUTH
Trench Warfare The Trojans will have a big advantage up front. They'll need to dominate the line of scrimmage from the start.
Avoid Overlooking The Trojans can't be looking ahead to next week and overlook the Pointers, who are capable of hanging around.
SOUTH POINT
Air It Out The Trojans have had trouble against the pass this season. The offense will need to dial up some good playcalls and attack the open areas.
Early Down Stops The defense will need to limit the Trojans success on early downs and force them into passing more.
Coal Grove Hornets (5-2, 3-1 OVC) @ Fairland Dragons (7-1, 4-0 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 18, 7:00 PM
Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH
This game could be one of the more interesting ones this weekend. The Dragons will be without their starting QB and have some players dinged up from last weeks' game. The Hornets have been gaining momentum the past couple weeks. An upset win by Coal Grove could lead to a three-way tie for the OVC title.
COAL GROVE
More Turnovers The defense will need to build on last weeks' 6 turnover performance and give themselves extra possessions against a potent Dragons offense.
Control The LOS The Hornets physical play up front will be a key factor on Friday. If they can take control early, they will increase their chances of winning.
FAIRLAND
Bounce Back The Dragons will have to show some resilience and bounce back from a tough loss last week.
Big Plays Even without their quarterback, the Dragons have plenty of playmakers. Expect to see the ball in the hands of players like Keegan Smith and Jack Hayden early and often.
Game of the Week: Chesapeake Panthers (5-3, 2-2 OVC) @ Rock Hill Redmen (6-2, 2-2 OVC)
Time: Friday, October 18, 7:00 PM
Where: Redmen Stadium, Pedro, OH
This game has all kinds of playoff implications. A win for Rock Hill locks them into a playoff spot and one step closer to a home game in week 11. A win for Chesapeake locks in a home playoff game in round one. This one could be a nailbiter.
CHESAPEAKE
In The Trenches The Panthers will have the advantage of size and experience upfront. They'll need to exploit that advantage.
Up Top The offense has enough speed on the outside to stretch out the defense and help open up the run lanes and give the Panthers a balanced attack.
Field Position The Panthers need to win the field position battle and avoid letting the Redmen benefit from short fields.
ROCK HILL
Early Lead The Panthers have had trouble playing from behind. The Redmen need to strike early and build up a lead.
Stop The Run The defense will need to tighten up and close down the running lanes on Chesapeake's backs.
Execute The Redmen must avoid making mistakes and execute the game plan. This is a game where little mistakes could lead to big plays the other way.
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