Tick … tick … tick …

Like a time bomb ready to go off, Friday's annual rivalry between the Chesapeake Panthers and Fairland Dragons looms as a matchup of explosive offenses.

Chesapeake relies on the running of speedsters Cody Hunt and Tristan Clark, along with the passing of quarterback Justin Finley to several receivers including Caleb Robbins and Dustin O'Brien.

Fairland likes to ride its big-play quarterback Michael Hill, who hooks up with Sam Huff, Tyler Bowman and tight end Wes Ripley.

A multiple threat, Bowman also doubles at the tailback.

"They're like us. They're a big-play team. They have a lot of speed. If they get in the secondary, they can go," Fairland coach Bryan Ward said.

Chesapeake coach Phil Davis concurred.

"Their skilled kids are really good. They have some fast kids and they can score quick," Davis said.

The game is not only one of the area's most heated rivalries, it could also go a long way in determining not only which team stays in contention for the Ohio Valley Conference championship, but the postseason playoffs as well.

Chesapeake is 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the OVC. Fairland is 4-2 and 0-1. The Panthers are seventh in Region 19 of Division V of the computer playoffs while the Dragons are 10th in Region 15 of Division IV.

"It's going to be a war," Davis said. "Our backs have been to the wall since the first two ballgames (both losses). It's been like that every week. If we have any hopes of winning the league or doing something later, it's better to be 2-0. But, I have my doubts if anyone can go through the league unbeaten."

Ward said the game is even more important for his team, which can not afford a second league loss.

"This is a big game for us as far as the league goes. We need this one," Ward said. "We had our opportunity against South Point, but (South Point) played well in the second half. If we had gotten that one, we'd have been in a better position. Now, our backs are against the wall."

Despite the clash of two big-play offenses, both coaches think the game will be determined by another phase of the game.

"Chesapeake is not making the mistakes they made early in the year. They were making turnovers and they're not doing that now. Against River Valley (last week), they didn't make mistakes and River Valley did," Ward said.

"We can't turn the ball over and we have to cause a couple. The defense has to play better up front."

Playing better defense and emotions are what Davis thinks will ultimately determine the outcome.

"Somebody's defense is going to have to show up once in a while and make some big plays," Davis said. "The offenses are going to get a score or two. We have to shut them down as best we can.

"And, you have to figure in the emtional side. You throw so many things out this week. Emotion takes over and our kids will play hard."