Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COAL GROVE — Last week was a big game for the Coal Grove Hornets and beating the Fairland Dragons 29-19 was a big win.
Guess what? They’ve got another big game this week when they visit the Rock Hill Redmen.
Coal Grove enters the game 8-1 and leads the Ohio Valley Conference at 6-0. The Hornets have already clinched a playoff berth and are currently rated No. 3 in Region 23 of Division VI.
Coal Grove trailed 19-6 at the half last week but came back strong in the second half.
“We just settled down and played. We weren’t doing that the first half,” said Hornets’ coach Evan Ferguson.
“The first drive in the second half you could see it in their eyes they weren’t going to lose the game.”
A win against Rock Hill (4-5, 3-3) would give the Hornets the title outright and a home game to begin the playoffs.
“Last week helped us for this week. We’ve showed a lot of focus this week and our kids are aware of the rivalry. They’re excited to go play against Rock Hill,” said Ferguson.
Rock Hill coach Mark Lutz said the Hornets are playing well and he’s concerned about fullback and linebacker Kimo Baldwin, quarterback Nate Harmon and running back Kyle Sites.
“They run their offense really well. They have some speed and that’s a concern. Baldwin is playing better. He’s hard to handle on both sides of the ball,” said Lutz.
Ferguson said Rock Hill runs almost exclusively from the T-formation but does it effectively.
“We have to play our position on defense. They do an outstanding job getting off the football. That’s a tribute to their coaches having them ready to play,” said Ferguson.
“And they’re sound on defense. They fill all the right gaps.”
Kickoff is 7 p.m.