Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

Prts. Notre Dame (6-2, 1-1) at Symmes Valley (5-3, 2-1)

WILLOW WOOD — The schedule says the postseason playoffs begin Nov. 8. Not so for the Symmes Valley Vikings.

Facing a must-win Friday, the Vikings need to beat the Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans in order to make the playoffs.

The Vikings are 5-3 on the season and 2-1 in the SOC. They are currently eighth in Region 25 of Division VII.

Notre Dame (6-2, 1-1) is seventh in Region 26 of Division VII.

“We’ve been telling our kids, if you want to go to the playoffs, this is the one you have to win,” said Vikings’ coach Rusty Webb. “This is a big point game for us and it’s a big league game.”

Webb said the Titans are more run-oriented this season but they can still hurt opponents with the pass.

“Discipline will be the key to this one. Playing against this style of offense, you have to be disciplined. They run a lot of misdirection and they have two good backs and a solid offensive line,” said Webb.

The Titans beat the Green Bobcats 50-6 last week behind the running of Dakota Smith (6-0, 180) and Jack Kayser (6-0, 180), both seniors.

Smith ran five times for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Kayser carried eight times for 145 yards and four touchdowns.

The Vikings are coming off a 26-7 loss to Oak Hill. Notre Dame lost 14-6 to Oak Hill two weeks ago. The Oaks led just 8-6 before scoring an insurance touchdown with just 1:14 to play.

The Titans were limited to just 73 yards rushing — Smith had 51 yards on 15 carries and Kayser 44 yards on 13 attempts.

Oak Hill outgained the Titans 244 to 95 in total yards.

Notre Dame’s quarterback is junior Jonathan Major (5-10, 175).

“He does a good job of running the offense,” said Webb.

 

Chesapeake (1-7, 1-2) at Coal Grove (3-5, 2-1)

In the past three years, the Ohio Valley Conference title has been on the line. This year, Coal Grove is the only team with an outside chance at the OVC. The Hornets need to win out and hope for Fairland to get upset in order to gain a share of the title.

In contrast to the River Valley at South Point game, this one may not take long to play. Both teams like to line up and run the ball.

However, the Hornets do have a good passing game with quarterback Jesse Rigsby throwing to several receivers including Conor Markins. Panthers’ coach Andy Clark said Markins “has definitely improved from last year.”

 

Rock Hill (1-7, 1-2) at Fairland (5-3, 3-0)

The Fairland Dragons have plenty at stake as they prepare to face the Rock Hill Redmen.

The Dragons need a win to clinch at least a share of the Ohio Valley Conference championship. They also must win their final two games to secure a favorable spot in the Region 17 of Division V.

On paper, the game would appear a mismatch. But the Redmen and Dragons have always had some crazy games in the past. Many times the underdog has been able to come away with a win with some strange plays affecting the outcome.

Rock Hill got its first win last week. The running game has been strong the past three weeks and will again be needed in order to keep the high-scoring Fairland offense off the field.

 

River Valley (1-7, 0-3) at South Point (6-2, 2-1)

This one might take awhile to play.

With the lack of a running game, the Raiders’ offense has been virtually on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Dayton Hardway.

South Point likes to use a spread offense engineered by quarterback Gage Townson. However, the Pointers have a running game with James Leonard and Mason White as well as Townson who scrambles well out of the pocket.

The defense was strong last week against run-oriented Chesapeake. Linebackers Tyler Branch and Reed Murnahan lead the team in tackles.

The game is also important to the Pointers who need to win their final two games and get some help in order to make the playoffs in Region 17 of Division V.

 

River Valley (1-7, 0-3) at South Point (6-2, 2-1)

This one might take awhile to play.

With the lack of a running game, the Raiders’ offense has been virtually on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Dayton Hardway.

South Point likes to use a spread offense engineered by quarterback Gage Townson. However, the Pointers have a running game with James Leonard and Mason White as well as Townson who scrambles well out of the pocket.

The defense was strong last week against run-oriented Chesapeake. Linebackers Tyler Branch and Reed Murnahan lead the team in tackles.

The game is also important to the Pointers who need to win their final two games and get some help in order to make the playoffs in Region 17 of Division V.