Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

Some things never change.

That seems to be the way it is when the Chesapeake Panthers and Symmes Valley Vikings hook up in their annual football game and this Friday won’t be any different.

“They’re familiar with us and what we do and we’re familiar with them and what they do,” said Panthers’ coach Andy Clark.

“Execution and turnovers is what it comes down to between us and them.”

Chesapeake enters the game 2-0 and the Vikings are 1-1. Chesapeake scored late last season as they rallied to win 21-18.

“They’re experienced on both sides of the ball and they’re solid. They’re bigger up front than last year,” said Clark.

Vikings’ coach Rusty Webb said the Panthers are also like last year only better.

“Their quarterback (Casey McComas) and their backs scare me to death. If (McComas) doesn’t find a receiver, he can get outside the pocket. They have good team speed,” said Webb.

“They have a very athletic line that executes what they want them to do. Their fullback (Maccoy Brown) can gash you. He’ll take you 20 or 30 yards for before you bring him down.”

Besides Brown and McComas, the Panthers feature J.W. Bartrum and Ty Wilcoxon in the backfield.

Clark said the Vikings have always been a run-oriented team like the Panthers, but he said quarterback Derrek Smith adds a new dimension to their offense.

“They still want to run, but they mix it up. They can throw it some,” said Webb. “The quarterback makes plays. He looks to run the ball more than last year. (Collin) Webb can run and (Brandon Craft) and (Levi) Cade aren’t bad.”

Both teams appear to be similar on defense as well. The Vikings are led by linebackers Tyler Dement and Smith while the Panthers’ defense is led by linebackers Brad Meadows and Dakota Clark.

“Defensively they’re disciplined and they fly to the ball. We have to execute and match their intensity. Their linebackers are awful good,” said coach Webb.

Clark called Dement “their best player overall. (Defensive tackle Dakota) Watson looks good on film. He can cause some problems with his size and the other tackle (Jarod) Sheppard has some size.”

Key Team Profiles

Portsmouth West (0-2) at Coal Grove (0-2): The Senators lost to Div. VI power Newark Catholic 28-6 and lost to rival Portsmouth 18-13. Job Swords ran 13 times for 82 yards while QB Brady Douthat was 5-of-12 for 99 yards last week.

—————

Oak Hill (0-2) at Rock Hill (1-1): The Oaks were routed by Chesapeake and commited six turnovers as they lost 29-15 to Minford last week. QB Lane Burdine, RB Chris Coy and WR Cody Swann key the offense.

—————

Tolsia (2-0) at Fairland (0-2): It’s a battle of opposites. The young Dragons are rebuilding while Tolsia has a a group of upperclassmen who have taken their lumps the past three years and are reaping the benefits including an upset win over Wayne. QB Seth McMillion, WR Blake Rose, RBs Luke Presley and Jennings Holland and TE Tyler Stroud are the key weapons for the Rebels.

—————

Boyd County (1-1) at South Point (1-1): The Lions lost to Lawrence County but bounced back to beat Lewis County last week. Tanner Edmonds ran 15 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns while Christian Braly had 145 yards on 12 tries with three TDs. DT Clayton Graham and DB Dalton Adkins lead the defense.