By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

Coal Grove Hornets at South Point Pointers

The Hornets (1-3) may have had a rough start, but they can win out and not only stake claim to an OVC championship but also keep their playoff hopes alive.

Greg Bender has been a force on defense at linebacker and he’s had plenty of help, especially from Brandon Hogsten. The defense will be tested by the young Pointers (1-4) who will try to utilize their speed to put pressure on the Hornets.

Coal Grove’s offense will be a big challenge for South Point’s defense. Quarterback Alex Bare has given the Hornets a passing game threat to go with a running game that features a group of runners that include Jordan Beals, Kyle Estep, Bryan Steele, Bender and Hogsten.

Beals caught two passes last week for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

River Valley Raiders at Fairland Dragons

The Fairland Dragons (1-4) and River Valley Raiders (1-4) have contrasting strengths. The Raiders rely on their defense while the Dragons have been moving the ball on offense, mainly with the running game.

Fairland will mix up their attack with Eric Riley, Tyree Ceasar, Evan Maddox and Nathan Campbell. Quarterback Kyle Sowards can also run and he has improved in the passing area.

River Valley has played well defensive in three of their five games. They gave up 40 points to 4-1 Symmes Valley and were beaten 28-0 last week by unbeaten Alexander.

In the loss to Alexander, the Raiders lost two of four fumbles.

The Raiders’ offense is led by running back Patrick Williams and quarterback Austin Whobrey. Trey Noble is the top receiver.

Green Bobcats at Symmes Valley Vikings

Green (3-2) got a boost last week with the return of quarterback Steve Blanton. His return not only helps the passing game but also allows wide receiver Cody Bruce to move back to his natural position of wide receiver.

The VIkings (4-1) have been using a stable of running backs to rack up yardage. Quarterback Cody Myers is more of a running threat this season and he has quality backs such as Alec Herrell, D.J. Miller and Tyler Rowe in the backfield.

A big reason for the running game’s success is the veteran offensive line led by twin brothers Garrett and Grant Foster. The siblings also play key roles on the defensive side of the ball.

Green also likes to use a lot of running backs including Rob Applegate, Mike Avery, Chris Applegate, Casey Frazier and Levi Mollett.