CHESAPEAKE - When Chesapeake Panthers coach Phil Davis looks at this week's Ohio Valley Conference opener at unbeaten River Valley, he tends to lock in on just one area.

"We can't make mistakes. We need to give ourselves a chance," Davis said. "And I think defense is the key this week. It will be good for us to get their offense off the field."

Chesapeake will have its defense challenged. The tandem of quarterback Joey Graham throwing to receiver Ryan Burger has Davis concerned.

"(River Valley) is capable of scoring points. Their quarterback didn't play against us last year," said Davis. "(Graham) is involved in 60 percent of their running plays either running or throwing.

They're capable of scoring some points. They're playing with a lot of confidence and getting a lot of turnovers to get good field position."

River Valley is off to a 5-0 start for the first time in school history. After opening the season 0-2, Chesapeake has won three straight, but Davis remains very apprehensive about his team's recent play.

"We've been winning kind of ugly. We need to get ourselves straightened up and execute," said Davis. "River Valley executes very well. They're very solid and don't make mistakes. They're undefeated and this is a big turnaround for them. They're going to be riding high and anxious to open up league play."

Davis doesn't see much difference between the two teams.

"They're about our size. We match up pretty well. We think they're comparable to Symmes Valley and Vinton County, size-wise," said Davis.

"They're kids play good technique, they hit and read, and they play pretty solid. They're pretty straight forward, as far as what they do. They don't run a lot of plays, but they run them well."

Chesapeake won the OVC last season and River Valley tied for second place. Davis thinks the Raiders fast start is no fluke.

"Coach (Greg) Deel does a good job. Last year their front seven did a good job against us. It's going to be a tough, there's no doubt about it," Davis said.