Fairland (2-0) at Gallipolis (1-1)

This game will be determined by which team can come up with the most defensive plays.

Both teams have been explosive on offense. Fairland has scored 112 points on the season and Wheelersburg has pile dup 130 points. However, Fairland has also given up 112 points — 63 last week to SEOAL favorite Gallipolis — while the Pirates have allowed 46.

Fairland will have to contain quarterback Eddie Miller and all the weapons at his disposal including wide receiver Dylan Miller, tight end Cameron Parsley and running back Tyler Claxon.

 

Chesapeake (0-3) at Lucasville Valley (3-0)

Lucasville Valley has a lot of players returning from last year’s team whRemember how Coal Grove has had a tough schedule. Ditto for the Panthers and it gets even tougher this week. Lucasville beat Coal Grove 56-21 last week after taking a 42-0 lead.

Running back Nate Arnett carried 12 times for 177 yards and four touchdowns last week. Quarterback Bryan Rolfe was 3-of-4 passing for 100 yards and a score. His key targets are Ethan Clark-Holbrook, Zach Shope and Jordan West.

 

Portsmouth West (0-3) at Rock Hill (0-3)

Turnovers have plagued the Redmen while West has face three straight teams who like to put the ball in the air.

That won’t be the case this week. Both teams like to line up and run the ball. The Senators will look to running backs Austin Bricker (6-0, 195) and Dylan Koons (5-5, 165) and quarterback Steven Irwin (6-0, 170). All three played last season.

The leader up front will be Jerrod Speck (6-1, 273). West also has Trevar Welch 6-1, 190), and Mason Howell (6-1, 190). The defense is led by Tristan White (6-0, 215) and John Thompson (6-2, 200).

 

South Point (3-0) at Lincoln County (0-3)

Lincoln County is under new head coach Derek Christian who played for the West Virginia Mountaineers. He inherits a team that was 0-10 last season.

The Panthers are led by junior quarterback Grant Bates (6-0, 175) and running backs Brian Parsons (5-9, 165) and Blake Taylor (5-11, 200). Up front, Lincoln County has size and experience returning.

Since consolidation created the school, the Panthers have a five-year record of 15-35. The defense gave up an average of 51 points per game last season. This season they have lost to powerhouse Point Pleasant 70-14, Scott 46-21 and Logan 51-13.

 

Fisher Catholic (0-3) at Symmes Valley (2-1)

After going 3-7 last year, Fisher Catholic has nine starters back but the lack of depth is a major issue. An example is three-year starter Josh Evans will play quarterback because starter Jared Fulkner is out with a shoulder injury.

Running backs Ben Kerns and Hayden Muckensturm are a solid 1-2 backfield punch. Luke Schmelzer leads a group of veteran linemen.

Gavin Dial, Logan Gordon and Eddie Lanning plus tight end Jacob Burley.

 

Ironton (2-1) at Ashland (2-2)

Ashland is hoping sophomoree running back Quinton Baker is 100 percent for this game after leaving last week’s game early with an injury.

Baker is the Tomcats’ big play weapon who enjoyed a big game last year against Ironton.

The Tomcats have some inexperience, but the starting lineup is loaded with seniors compared to Ironton with only four seniors who will play on a regular basis.