"Save me, oh, save me
It's unreal, the suffering
There's gonna be a Showdown"
This weeks' slate of games is very unique, but not because they're happening. It has more to do with how early these games are happening.
Two of those games are key to deciding the Ohio Valley Conference title. Now there's still plenty of football to be played after this weekend, but two teams will get a major leg up on the race to win the league.
Another matchup features a showdown of a well-known program from upstate New York against a top-tier program among the small schools in Ohio.
And fortunately for all of us, It's not going to be raining all over the world as Jeff Lynne describes in a song.
Symmes Valley Vikings (1-2) @ South Point Pointers (0-3)
Time: Friday September 13, 7:00 PM
Where: Alumni Stadium, South Point, OH
After a grueling three-week stretch of games, the Pointers wrap up their non-league slate by welcoming the Vikings to Alumni Stadium. The Vikings are coming off their first win of the season last week. This is a critical game for both teams, as they'll need momentum as they begin the head ino conference play.
Symmes Valley
Good Start, Great Finish The Vikings were finally able to get a lead first last week and control the game. Another good star will be key against an athletic Pointer team.
Handcuff Hanshaw The defense needs to try and contain QB Brayden Hanshaw. He can really do a lot of damage with his legs, so good rush lanes and LBs to spy on him will be needed.
South Point
Keep Building The offense showed signs of improvement last Friday. It'll be key to put some drives together early on and build confidence.
Bring The Heat The defense must find ways to get pressure on the Vikings QB in passing situations. This way they can force Symmes Valley to be more on dimensional
Southern Tornadoes (1-2) @ Green Bobcats (1-2)
Time: Friday September 13, 7:00 PM
Where: Bobcat Stadium, Franklin Furnace, OH
The Bobcats have suffered two setbacks the past two weeks. They'll be looking to get back in the win column on Friday, but they do have a tough task ahead. The Tornadoes are not a team to be overlooked. Expect to see a tough, physical game.
Southern
Control The Game The Bobcats are going to try and control the tempo from the get-go. The offense needs to establish itself early and dictate how the game goes.
Stop The Run The only way to stop the Bobcats is to stop their ground attack. This means getting off blocks, mixing up defensive fronts, and anything else to make that happen.
GREEN
Stay the Course The Bobcats cannot get discouraged by last weeks' results. Keep running the ball, establish the line of scrimmage, and play tough.
Begins Upfront Play up front is going to be key this Friday night. The Bobcats will have to show they're the more physical teams.
St. Francis, NY Raiders @ Ironton Fighting Tigers (3-0)
Time: Saturday, September 14, 7:00 PM
Where: Tanks Memorial Stadium, Ironton, OH
The nightcap game in the Gridiron Classic will be a first-ever matchup between the Raiders and the Tigers. Despite being an unknown opponent, this easily will be Ironton's
toughest test to date. A key battle will take place in the trenches this Saturday night.
St Francis
Knock Off The Rust The Knights offense will need to establish its identity early. Getting good execution and building confidence early will help make that happen.
Control The Tempo The Knights will have to get in a rhythm early and shake off the butterflies fast. This means playing assignment football will be imperative.
Ironton
Fast Attack The quick strike ability of the Ironton offense can be a great equalizer against a talented team like St. Francis. This could set up WR Shaun Terry and company for a big night.
Limit Mistakes In a game such as this, turnovers and penalties can be a big factor. Staying focused and executing will be important, and not give a team like St. Francis a chance to get momentum.
Game of the Week: Coal Grove Hornets (2-1) @ Chesapeake Panthers (3-0)
Time: Friday, September 13, 7:00 PM
Where: Phil Davis Stadium, Chesapeake, OH
This year's edition of the Battle of the Little Brown Jug will have a little more meaning this year. Both teams are trying to position themselves to make a run for the OVC title this season and a win on Friday will give someone a real leg up. There's going to be a lot of handoffs and physical play at Phil Davis Stadium. So get there early, because this one could be over before 8:30 PM.
Coal Grove
Thunder and Lightning The Hornets will really test the Panthers with the physicality of FB Caden Turner and the speed of RB Kaden Murphy. Both will need big games on Friday.
Trench Warfare The Panthers will have the advantage of experience up front. But the Hornets can negate that with much more physical play in the trenches.
Speed Trap The defense will need to stop Chesapeake's speed from getting loose. They'll need to fill the gaps and move to the ball to cut down on those chances for the Panther running backs.
Chesapeake
Attack, Attack The Panthers offense will need to find ways to attack the Hornet defense and keep them on their heels. Their use of misdirections, counters, and the passing could be key this week.
Wrap Up The Hornets have two backs that can do damage in the open field. The defense will need to wrap up when making contact and limit extra yards.
No Return Policy Coal Grove's Kaden Murphy returned 2 kickoffs last week. The Panthers special teams will need to be alert and corral him from doing that again.
Game of the Week: Fairland Dragons (3-0) @ Rock Hill Redmen (3-0)
Time: Friday, September 13, 7:00 PM
Where: Redmen Stadium, Pedro, OH
Route 93 will be the site of this battle of the undefeateds. The Dragons have controlled the series as of late, winning 8-straight. However, the Redmen are coming into Friday's game with plenty of experience and a lot of excitement. Both sides have their share of playmakers, so expect to see some plays worthy of a highlight reel.
Fairland
Strike Early The Dragons fell behind last week, but did rebound to win. But this week they'll need to be dialed in on making plays early and grab the early lead.
Swarm The Ball The Redmen have had their fair share of big plays so far this season. The defense needs to close down the lanes and not allow too many gains over 10+ yards.
Field Position Rock Hill has taken advantage of when they got good field position. The Dragons can't afford to turn it over and give up short fields.
Rock Hill
Stamped For Success Senior RB Anthony Stamper turned in his best performance of the season last week. Look for him to try and make it 2 weeks in a row.
Turnover Machine The defense has been able to force 12 turnovers so far through 3 games. Rock Hill will need to make the Dragons pay for any mistakes they make.
Keep Playing The Redmen cannot get discouraged if they fall behind at any point. There's enough big play capabilities on the team to turn a game around fast.
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