It’s crucial game No. 1 for the Symmes Valley Vikings.

The Vikings visit the East Tartans Friday in a game matching 1-0 Southern Ohio Conference teams.

East (6-0) relies on running back Bryan Hoover and quarterback Nathan Hood.

“They’re very athletic and they’re very sound in what they do,” said Vikings coach Rusty Webb. “Offensively they mix it up and give you a lot of formations.”

The Vikings (4-2) used their time-consuming ground game to rush 64 times for 424 yards last week in a 34-22 win over Green. Tyler Easthom had 169 yards on 18 carries and Cody Bland enjoyed the first 100-yard rushing game of his career with 144 yards on 25 carries.

Symmes Valley will need its offense to be just as controlling against the East defense that limited high-scoring Oak Hill to just 13 points.

“Defensively they run to the ball well. They stunt, slant, and twist up front. They try to confuse your blocking scheme,” said Webb.

The Tartans (5-1, 1-0) have won the SOC the past two seasons. Webb said it will be difficult to dethrone East as the Division I champions.

“The seniors they have are used to winning. They’ve won the conference the last two years, so they play with confidence,” said Webb.

Chesapeake (2-4, 0-1)

At Rock Hill (0-6, 0-1)

PEDRO — Youth is served.

The Chesapeake Panthers and Rock Hill Redmen are both experiencing rebuilding seasons with a lot of freshmen and sophomores sprinkled heavily throughout their lineups.

The Panthers were missing quarterback Aaron Donahoe last week, but backup Colton Lindsey was 5-of-12 for 86 yards passing and he also ran for 25 yards.

Chesapeake spreads its offense around with several different ballcarriers including Alex Wells, Peter Hintz, Drew Blake and either quarterback.

The Redmen are trying to establish a running game. So far this season, Rock Hill has lived on the passing game including last week when freshman quarterback Will McCollister was 16-of-32 for 202 yards and two touchdowns.

Mitchell Davenport caught eight passes for 105 yards and both scores.

Fairland (1-4, 1-0) at

River Valley (2-4, 0-1)

CHESHIRE — The Fairland Dragons finally ended their winless streak this season and they are looking to add the River Valley Raiders’ drought.

The Raiders have not won in the Ohio Valley Conference since week eight of the 2004 season when they beat South Point 35-6.

Fairland got its offense on track last week in a 48-25 win over Rock Hill.

Matt Bloomfield and Aaron Ward returned kickoffs for touchdowns, but the Dragons racked up 367 yards of total offense led by running back Blayne Cornwell with his second straight 100-yard rushing game.

Ward had three catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns while quarterback Cole Hatfield was 7-of-14 passing for 180 yards.

Green (2-3) at South Gallia (1-5)

CROWN CITY — The Green Bobcats leave the Southern Ohio Conference for a week as they face the South Gallia Rebels.

The Rebels are coming off a 40-12 loss to Buffalo, W.Va.

Caleb McClanahan ran for 70 yards and a touchdown to pace South Gallia last week. Quarterback Bryce Clary added 69 yards and Jeff Clyburn 47 yards. The Rebels top receiver is Danny Matney.