A couple of running backs are looking for encore performances.

Thursday, September 07, 2000

A couple of running backs are looking for encore performances.

When the Chesapeake Panthers and Symmes Valley Vikings met last season, it was a showcase for a pair of returning running backs. Those backs will be at it again Friday when the Panthers host Symmes Valley at 7:30 p.m.

Last year’s game was a showcase for Chesapeake’s Josh Waugh who ran just seven times but gained 127 yards and scored twice, as well as the Vikings halfback Brad Carpenter who had 90 yards on 16 carries.

In that game, the Panthers won 40-8 but led just 7-0 at the half.

Carpenter tuned up for this week with an outstanding performance last Saturday in a 41-0 rout of Fairview, Ky., Carpenter rushed for 194 yards on 13 carries and three touchdowns.

"(Symmes Valley) played well defensively, but it was hard to take care of (Chesapeake wide receiver Robby) Isaacs one-on-one, and eventually it hurt them. We just broke some big plays," Panthers coach Phil Davis said.

Vikings coach Herb Conley said not having to prepare for Isaacs is a plus, but he knows the Panthers have more weapons, especially Waugh, fullback Zeb Best, and quarterback Luke Beach.

"They lost some good players like Isaacs, but they still have enough athletes to beat you," Conley said. "Chesapeake is a very athletic team that can score from anywhere on the field. And they have so much speed on defense that they eliminate the big play."

Although the Vikings have had to replace numerous holes on both sides of the ball, Davis said the experience may not be there, but the talent is readily available.

"It’s kind of scary. It looks like (coach Conley) has had the system implemented long enough that he’s able to plug kids in. They’re younger, but they execute well and they’ve still got Brad (Carpenter) in there. I think their quarterback (Chris Lafon) looks good and the (Joseph) Patterson kid runs well," said Davis.

Something else that will remind fans of last year’s game is the Vikings offensive and defensive alignments.

"They’ll play their regular defense that they did last year and did well for a half. They practice ball control and we thought they were effective with it," said Davis.