SOUTH POINT – A loss could mean something good for the South Point Pointers.

Thursday, September 13, 2001

SOUTH POINT – A loss could mean something good for the South Point Pointers.

The Pointers are heavy underdogs this week as they host the Wheelersburg Pirates Friday night. But that was the case last season when the Pointers lost to the Pirates 24-7.

In last year’s game, Wheelersburg led just 7-0 at the half thanks to a blocked punt and then struggled the second half before finally pulling away.

"Even though we lost the game, it gave our guys some hope," Pointers coach Brent Wilcoxon said.

The Pointers, 2-1, will look to build on their hopes as they come home for the first time this season.

"To be home and to be 2-1, you have to feel good," said Wilcoxon. "This is a big game for us, but it’s not do-or-die."

The two teams are somewhat of a mirror-image. Both have big offensive linemen but prefer smaller, quicker players on the defensive side.

Wheelersburg, 2-1, is led by running backs Billy Dever and Jared Chamberlin and quarterback Andrew Burleson. The Pointers rely on the running of Shane Holsinger, Bryan Maggard, Donte Pennington, and fullback Nick McClanahan.

Wilcoxon thinks both teams have good skilled players and that the game will be decided by the interior line.

"It’s who controls the line of scrimmage. If we can run the ball and stop their ground game, we’ll be in good shape," Wilcoxon said.

The two teams have one common opponent, Ironton, and each lost by lopsided scores. Wilcoxon is hoping the Pointers 26-0 whitewash of Johnson Central last week will give them some momentum going into Friday’s game.

"We know they lost big to Ironton, but that’s no shame. We did, too. We know they’re a good team. They handled Valley pretty easy last week and Valley hadn’t been scored on until that game," Wilcoxon said. "But we played well last week. We’re hoping that will carry over and give us confidence against Wheelersburg."