It’ll be strength vs. strength.

Friday’s Southern Ohio Conference game between the East Tartans at Symmes Valley Vikings will match two run-style offenses.

“They run the ball well. They have a ball control offense and they like to try and do the things we do, they just use different formations,” said Vikings coach Rusty Webb.

Symmes Valley is 2-4 and 1-0 in the SOC while East is unbeaten in six games and 1-0 in the lead.

“They’re pretty good. They’re very athletic and physical. That’s one of the reasons why they’re 6-0,” said Webb.

“They have three backs who can take it in from anywhere on the field.”

The East offense features a solid backfield of Brian Hoover (5-10, 165), Dustin Bradford (5-9, 185), Brad Collins (6-2, 180) and quarterback Josh Bailey (5-11, 170).

“Collins is a big fullback who helps them control the ball,” said Webb. “This is the first real running team we’ve seen all year. Everyone else we have seen is a 50-50 running team.

“But then, we’re the first running team they’ve seen.”

Being a running team will challenged the East defense and Webb said the Tartans have met every challenge each week.

“They’re a very disciplined defense. They’re a veteran club and they’re very, very physical. They have a lot speed,” said Webb. “East won last year 13-6. That has to give them some

Chesapeake at Coal Grove

It’s not only time to bounce back, it’s time to stay alive.

Chesapeake (2-4) and Coal Grove (3-2) lost their Ohio Valley Conference openers last week, so a second loss would be devastating toward any league title hopes.

Quarterback Aaron Donahoe has been the Panthers main weapon, but he’ll need help against the Hornets who feature a trio of running backs in Frank Delawder, Matt Cooper, and Jacob Jenkins.

River Valley at South Point

Don’t look now, but the Pointers may be starting to come together.

A 38-8 rout of Chesapeake last week not only gave the Pointers (2-4) a league win, but it was their second win in the last three games.

River Valley (1-5) began OVC play with a tough 20-6 loss at Rock Hill. The game was tied with just over two minutes left when Wes Pierson ran 95 yards for a touchdown and followed with an interception for a score to seal the outcome.

South Point has an inexperienced interior line and the Raiders huge linemen could cause some problems.