Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

WILLOW WOOD — There are certain games that are a test on a team’s schedule. As the Symmes Valley Vikings get ready for week five, call this a midterm.

The Vikings face a major test Friday as they visit the unbeaten Southern Tornadoes.

Southern has never won more than two games without a loss to begin a season. Vikings’ coach Rusty Webb said there is a reason the Tornadoes are 4-0.

“They’re a very senior-heavy. They have a lot of kids who have started for three and four years. They have a lot of experienced,” said Webb. “They are playing with a lot of confidence. They’re pretty fundamentally sound.”

Last week the Vikings (3-1) rushed 48 times for 358 yards in a 35-17 win over Lancaster Fisher Catholic. Tyler Rowe had 119 yards on 15 carries and Collin Webb 110 yards on eight attempts.

The Tornadoes are coming off a 48-12 win over Federal Hocking as they racked up 501 total yards.

Leading the offense is quarterback Tristen Wolfe (6-1, 165), wide receiver Hunter Johnson (5-11, 158) and running back Tyler Barton (5-11, 181).

Barton ran 22 times for 280 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Wolfe was 7 of 12 passing for 147 yards and two scores. Johnson caught four passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

“You can’t load up on the run because they have the ability to throw the ball. The quarterback throws the ball well and he scrambles well,” said Webb.

The line is led by Casey Pickens (6-1, 200), tight end and defensive end Dennis Teaford (6-6, 235), Ryan Billingsley (5-10, 255) who also plays some fullback, and Brandon Grueser (5-8, 287).

“They have size. They’re pretty good up front. Pickens is a very athletic lineman,” said Webb.

Although it is a non-league contest, the game will be worth a lot of computer points to the winner.