"So if you're tired of the same old story
Oh, turn some pages
I'll be here when you are ready
To roll with the changes"
The offseason always has its changes with graduation losses, move-ins, and coaching moves. And much like the REO Speedwagon song, the area schools this offseason just have to roll with those changes.
Some more-so than others.
For the first time since 2014, Ironton will be playing as an independent and pieced together a highly competitive schedule. However, those changes must wait because they will face a familiar foe this Friday night in Wheelersburg.
There were multiple changes in the coaching ranks, but with a twist. Both Green and Rock Hill brought in new faces to lead their programs - both of which were retired head coaches.
The Redmen brought in Tony Love, where the last time we saw him from the sidelines, he led the Ashland Tomcats to a Class 3A state championship in 2020.
Meanwhile, the Bobcats went and got the 79-year-old Larry Hall to take over in Franklin Furnace. While Hall had been an assistant under his son at Jackson the past 15 seasons, Hall had not been the head man of a program since the 2008 season at Portsmouth East.
Portsmouth Trojans @ Valley Indians
Time: Thursday, August 22, 7:00 PM
Where: Valley Indians Stadium, Lucasville, OH
This opening night game has become a Southeast Ohio football tradition. The Trojans have expectations filled with high hopes and are looking to extend their winning streak to seven in a row against Valley. Meanwhile, the Indians have high expectations to go along with plenty of returning talent.
PORTSMOUTH
Heiland And The Hogs The Trojans have a wealth of experience on the offensive line and a great running back in Chase Heiland. Their experience and talent will be well-suited for this opening game.
Limit Big Plays The defense cannot allow Valley chances to strike quick or tip the momentum in their favor, especially if the Trojans plan to play ball control and keep away.
VALLEY
Fearless Or Fail Valley is the underdog so they shouldn't be afraid to take risks. Playing without fear of losing can make a huge difference.
Stop The Run The Indians need to take away the Trojans ground game. The best way to do that is to challenge Portsmouth to put the ball in the air.
Federal Hocking Lancers @ Green Bobcats
Time: Friday August 23, 7:00 PM
Where: Bobcat Stadium, Franklin Furnace, OH
This game will feature returns to the gridiron on both sides. Coach Larry Hall returns to the sidelines as the head man to lead the Bobcats. Despite small numbers, the Bobcats expect to give plenty of effort. The Lancers will be making their return to varsity football after about a decade of being dormant.
Federal Hocking
Spread It The Lancers will be relying on spreading the ball around to their athletes. So, finding ways to get those players the ball early will be important.
Numbers Game Much like the Bobcats, Fed Hock is low on numbers. But the real key will be dialing up the right numbers on offense and defense.
GREEN
Execution & Patience The Bobcats did a lot of shuffling with their personnel in the offseason. So, executing plays and being patient will be key with a new offensive game plan.
Franklin Furnace Shuffle The defense will need to keep this one in check. So, the Bobcats hope Hall's 4-6 Bears defense will make the difference.
Symmes Valley Vikings @ Chesapeake Panthers
Time: Friday, August 23, 7:00 PM
Where: Phil Davis Field, Chesapeake OH
The Panthers got off to a slow start in last season's game but finished with a convincing win. The Vikings are looking to take the next step with a lot of returning starters and return the favor on Chesapeake's home turf.
SYMMES VALLEY
Next Man Up After succumbing to the injury bug last weekend, the Viking offense will need others to step in and fill those roles. Luckily, they already have Will Jones and Andy Strow to lead the way.
Plug The Holes The Panthers are going to try and grind this one out again like last season. The Vikings have to cut off the running lanes for Chesapeake's backs.
CHESAPEAKE
Mesh Together The offense has returners with loads of experience. Now all they need to do is bring it all together and execute.
Bring The Heat The Vikings will try to put the ball in the air more this season and use their skill players. The best way to stop that is to get pressure on a young quarterback.
South Point Pointers @ Boyd County Lions
Time: Friday, August 23, 7:30 PM
Where: Lion Stadium, Cannonsburg, Ky.
Boyd County comes into 2024 with high hopes of building upon their recent success. As for the Pointers, they'll be trying to replace some key roles on both sides of the ball. This should be a physical matchup on the hill in Cannonsburg.
SOUTH POINT
Find The Production The Pointers lost a lot of their offensive production from last season. Finding those new playmakers and fast will be important this Friday.
One Dimensional The defense needs to keep the Lions from finding any balance to their offense, so it will be crucial to shut down the run and shrink Boyd's playbook.
BOYD COUNTY
More Cowbell The Lions want to be more diverse on offense to take the pressure off QB Rhett Holbrook. Finding that bell cow at running back and good line play will be the key.
Shut It Down The defense cannot allow South Point to get their offense going. Getting early stops will help make that happen.
Minford Falcons @ Rock Hill Redmen
Time: Friday, August 23, 7:00 PM
Where: Redmen Stadium, Pedro, OH
Fans for both Minford and Rock Hill will be debuting new head coaches on Friday. For the Falcons, it will be Jordan Michael's first game. And for the Redmen, it will be Tony Love's first year back after retiring from Ashland in 2020. So it's safe to say someone will get their first win with their new squad on Friday night.
MINFORD
Find Success The Falcons are dealing with low numbers and inexperience. The offense needs to get in sync early and keep the ball out of Rock Hill's hands.
Bottle Up The Big Play The defense needs to limit the Redmen's playmakers like Anthony Stamper and Braylon McClelland from making big play after big play on Friday.
ROCK HILL
Tough In The Trenches The Redmen have the advantage up front on both sides of the ball. Whoever can establish the line of scrimmage will win this one.
Seniority Reigns Supreme Rock Hill will be getting contributions from all of its seniors. That should provide plenty of help in early season games.
Coal Grove Hornets @ Greenup County Musketeers
When: Friday, August 23, 7:30 PM
Where: Musketeer Stadium, Lloyd, Ky.
The Hornets and Musketeers battled in a shootout at Lemaster Stadium last season. Coal Grove was able to make the key plays and pick up the win. This year, the Musketeers have big plans and expect to return the favor at home. Meanwhile, the Hornets look to bring their hard-hitting brand of football across the river and pick up key playoff points.
COAL GROVE
Cloud Of Dust Sometimes the best defense is the offense. And with an experienced offensive line and backs like Kaden Murphy and Caden Turner, the Hornets should find plenty of success.
Contain The QB The defense will have a tall task at keeping Greenup quarterback Tyson Sammons from showing off his dual threat abilities. Coverage and containment will be key.
GREENUP COUNTY
Un-Tying The Offense The Musketeers will look to turn loose Sammons and let him show why he accounted for 1500 yards both as a passer and runner.
Fight Along The Front 7 The Hornets will bring plenty of physicality between the tackles. The defense will have to reflect that same mentality on Friday.
Game of the Week: Portsmouth West @ Fairland
When: Friday, August 23, 7:00 PM
Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH
Last year the Dragons survived a nail-biter in West Portsmouth, winning 28-27. This year, Portsmouth West comes into the game with a lot of returning lettermen and high hopes for a big year. Fairland is replacing a bevy of playmakers from last season's regional runner-up team, but has plenty of young talent to break in week one.
PORTSMOUTH WEST
Ground Control West has the experience up front and one of the best rushers in the area. So, they need to use the motto on Friday of: "If the other team doesn't have the ball, they can't score."
Wrap Up The defense has to tackle and limit extra yardage. Make the Dragons use up time and limit their chances.
Over The Hump The Senators have lost three games to Fairland by a total of five points. Intensity and execution for four quarters will go a long way to snap that streak.
FAIRLAND
Air Attack The Dragons have a major advantage on the outside with their wide receivers vs. West's defensive backs. They should be able to attack them early and apply pressure.
Big On Big West has a lot of size up front on the offensive side of the ball. The Dragons will need to play big, control the line of scrimmage, and stop the Senators' rush attack.
Keep On Keepin' On The Dragons have managed to get the job done and win three-straight against West. Staying focused and finishing again will get them win number four.
Game of the Week: Ironton Fighting Tigers @ Wheelersburg Pirates
Time: Friday, August 23, 7:00 PM
Where: Ed Miller Stadium, Wheelersburg, OH
Another opening week showdown with lasting implications on the playoff picture. Ironton had to really hang on last year with a 17-14 win at home against the Pirates. This year, the Fighting Tigers have high hopes and plan to use this game as a launching pad. For the Pirates, they're looking to finish the job and beat Ironton at home for the first time since 2018.
Ironton
Set 'Em Up & Knock 'Em Out The Tiger offense is built for the quick-strike play. A fast start could lead to an early knockout of the Pirates.
Trench Warfare Ironton has the advantage along the line of scrimmage. The offense needs to block - but more importantly - the defense needs to create problems for the Pirates.
Avoid Penalties Last season, Ironton was guilty of over 1,000 yards in penalties. Cleaning that up will go a long way into how this game plays out.
Wheelersburg
Establish The Run The offense will need to be diverse. An effective ground attack will not only help the playcalling, but shorten the game and Ironton's possessions.
Under Pressure The Pirates need to find ways to pressure Ironton QB Braden Schreck and not give him time to locate WR Shaun Terry.
Hang Tough Like season, the Pirates were able to hang in the ballgame and had a chance to win in the 4th quarter. They can't get discouraged if they get down early.
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