By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

Fairland (3-5, 2-1)at Coal Grove (4-3, 3-0)

This game has always been a battle with the Dragons often becoming a thorn in the Hornets’ side.

A couple of times in recent years Fairland has beaten Coal Grove and either forced a tie for the league title or even cost them one.

The Hornets (4-3, 3-0) need a win to set up next week’s showdown with Chesapeake for the league title. Fairland (3-5, 2-1) would like nothing better than to play spoiler yet again.

But lately the Hornets’ Greg Bender has been a force running the ball and the Dragons have had trouble with big, strong running backs.

South Point at Chesapeake

Chesapeake (6-2, 3-0) is a heavy favorite against the depleted Pointers, so the Panthers must guard against any type of letdown.

The Pointers (1-7, 0-3) had only 19 healthy players dressed last week and they were missing leading rusher Tre Campbell and Curtis Jackson.

The Panthers are hoping to have two-way tackle Brad Pike— a four-year starter — back after suffering a broken leg four weeks ago. Pike’s return should be a boost to the Panthers’ OVC title showdown with Coal Grove next week and if they make the playoffs.

River Valley at Rock Hill

It’s homecoming for the Redmen but don’t be in a hurry to write down a win.

River Valley is only 1-7 and 0-3 in the OVC, but nearly pulled off a major upset last week when the Raiders lost 20-13 to Coal Grove.

Rock Hill (2-6, 1-2) got a major boost to both the offense and defense last week with the return of fullback and linebacker Shane Harper. Running back Jared Bruce has been carrying a lot of the offensive load.