The running backs get the headlines, but the linemen make the headway.

Usually, all the talk about football games centers around the skilled players such as the running backs and quarterbacks who score the touchdowns. But the key is really how well a team plays up front on offense and defense.

It won’t be any different Friday night as the Coal Grove Hornets host the South Point Pointers in a game that is pivotal toward winning the Ohio Valley Conference championship.

“Coal Grove is big and strong like always and they’ve been in the weight room all year,” said Pointers coach Doug Shilot. “We’ll definitely have a challenge down there in the trenches.”

Hornets’ head coach Dave Lucas aid the Pointers break big plays due to their line play.

“They’ve got a lot of good running backs and they seem to be strong up front,” said Lucas. “They’re like us is some ways, but they’re not like us in other ways. They like the big play and we just grind it out.”

Coal Grove and South Point come into the game 3-3 on the season and 1-0 in the conference. The two teams shared the league title last year although the Hornets beat the Pointers 21-18.

“Last year we each scored three times and we’re looking in for close game again. It’ll come down to field position and (the team that has the most) possession,” said Shilot.

“Coach Lucas does good job. If he finds something to exploit he won’t go away from it.”

The Hornets try to exploit opponents with fullback Frank Delawder, tailback Chris Brammer, and wingback Oakie Haynes.

The Pointers backfield features Jacob Seagraves, Doug Dillon, Ryan Plants, and Chase Woodson.

“They run a lot of different sets, but they’re going to do pretty much the same thing,” said Lucas.