Coal Grove rookie coach Nick Miller takes the Hornets up against Boyd County, Ky.

Friday, August 27, 1999

Coal Grove rookie coach Nick Miller takes the Hornets up against Boyd County, Ky., on Saturday, Rock Hill coach Andy Hall is looking for his first career win as he heads into his second season at Glen Daniel Liberty, and Wheelersburg’s first-year head coach Mike Schmidt seeks his first career victory at powerhouse Ironton.

"Boyd County has some size and some good skilled people. We saw them in a scrimmage and they looked pretty good. It’ll be a tough game for us," said Miller.

Rock Hill is looking to avenge last year’s 19-0 season opening loss. Liberty went on to post a school record eight wins and qualified for its first-ever state playoffs.

Hall said Liberty has lost several players from last year’s team, but he is concerned about the three hour trip.

"They still have one of their running backs and he was tough," said Hall. "We caught them having one of their best seasons and we were really young. We think we can win, but it’s going to be a long trip and it’s a Saturday night. It’s tough when you’re our of a routine you’re comfortable with."

Rock Hill finished last season 0-10.

One of the key matchups of the week will be the Green Bobcats at Chesapeake Panthers. While the Panthers are expected to repeat as Ohio Valley Conference champions, Green could be a surprise force in the Southern Ohio Conference Div. I race.

"They’ve got some size and their quarterback (Alex Poe) is a pretty good athlete. We think they’re better than last season," said Panthers coach Phil Davis.

Green coach Dan McDavid knows his team has a difficult opener.

"Chesapeake could be the best team on our schedule. We have to figure a way to stop (end Robbie) Isaacs and their quarterback (Andy Clark) is pretty good," said McDavid.

The South Point Pointers must take their show on the road to Vinton County. Injuries have hurt the Pointers who have lost their top two tailbacks, D. J. Bryant (broken collar bone) and Chris Conwell (illness).

"I thought we’d have some depth this year, but it’s quickly disappeared," said Pointers coach Chris Watts.

"We beat them last year and the (Ryan) Caudill kid has graduated. Hopefully our young kids will play well," said Watts.

Fairland’s season opener is at Portsmouth West. Jack Harris, who sat out last season with an injury, is coaching the Dragons again and plans to put the ball in the air.

Senior Matt Murphy and junior J. W. Jones were battling for the starting job, but Murphy injured his knee in last week’s scrimmage and will be lost for at least three weeks, maybe more.