The end of last season is affecting the end of this season.

When the Fairland Dragons snapped a 9-game losing streak to Chesapeake last season with a 32-24 upset win, it did more than keep the Panthers from a .500 season.

It breathed new air into a great rivalry.

“It’s a rivalry again because they had won nine in a row, so I’m sure they want some revenge,” said Fairland coach Brent Wilcoxon said. “No one has to worry about getting up for this one.”

The win last season was only the second for Fairland. This season, Fairland is 4-5 and shooting for a .500 season.

Chesapeake comes into the game 3-6 and would like nothing better than to turn the tables on the Dragons.

“We can look at it as a chance for redemption. It can make the season go down a little easier,” said Panthers coach Phil Davis. “You have to live with that last game for a year. It’s much better to come off the season with a win.”

Still, Davis said deciding the outcome of the game will be more than just getting reveng.

“Both teams will play with emotion, so that won’t be a factor,” said Davis. “They have more speed than we do and we have to find a way to control that. Last week we actually tackled and didn’t turn the ball over. I’d like to see that continue. They can score in a hurry.”

Wilcoxon said being favored to win doesn’t guarantee anything.

“They really are better than their record. They played Rock Hill tough and beat (Lucasville) Valley. We’re aware of that,” Wilcoxon said.

Coal Grove At River Valley

Coal Grove is one step away from its first Ohio Valley Conference championship in 1996 and a possible Division V playoff berth.

But it might not be as easy as it looks.

The Hornets are 6-2 and 3-1 in the OVC while the River Valley Raiders are 1-8 and 0-4.

However, River Valley has the size to match up against the Hornets and could make for a low-scoring battle in muddy conditions.

The Raiders only lost 20-6 to Rock Hill and 28-23 to Chesapeake the last two weeks.

Symmes Valley At South Gallia

Can the Vikings make it back-to-back?

Symmes Valley (2-7) is coming off a tough 13-9 loss to Portsmouth Notre Dame

South Gallia (4-5) is coming off a 35-14 loss to Oak Hill, the Rebels fourth straight loss. Portsmouth Notre Dame beat the Rebels 50-18 four weeks ago.

“At Notre Dame they gave up big plays and they usually don’t do that. They make you drive the field,” Vikings coach Rusty Webb said.

“They run the veer but they get in the I-formation and run the midline and speed option. It’s a different style than we’ve seen.”

South Gallia has had two straight winning seasons, the only winning records in school history. The Rebels must beat the Vikings to get at least a .500 season.

“They throw the ball well,” Webb said. “They prefer to run it, but their quarterback has a good arm.

“They run the veer but they get in the I-formation and run the midline and speed option. It’s a different style than we’ve seen.”