WILLOW WOOD — It could be a situation where the fans went to a football game and a track meet broke out.

When the Symmes Valley Vikings visit the Green Bobcats Friday to kickoff Southern Ohio Conference play, speed shouldn’t be an issue with either team.

The Vikings have a deep backfield with plenty of speed to utilize plus ends like Jordan Fulford, Scott Dial, Bo Arthur and Austin Baldwin can run as well. Along with running backs Evan Herrell, Jacob Patterson, Hunter Boggs, D. J. Miller, Alec Herrell and Austin Owens, quarterback Cody Myers has been asked to throw the ball and the Vikings are suddenly a balanced attack.

Symmes Valley’s balance has not only enabled them to get off to a 5-0 start, they are currently fourth in the computer playoff ratings in Region 23 of Division VI.

Green comes into the game 3-2 and rated 12th in Region 24 of Division VI.

Despite the differences in records, Vikings’ coach Rusty Webb isn’t about to overlook the Bobcats.

“Everybody has the same record. This is a chance for everybody to get a leg up in the conference race. Anytime you get in the conference, teams are more familiar with you and what you want to do,” said Webb.

The Vikings are very familiar with the Bobcats and their skilled players such as Tyler Hughes, Cody Bruce, T.J. McCloud, Mike Avery and Chad Lewis.

“They have some skilled athletes. They play hard and in their two losses they turned the ball over,” said Webb.

The Bobcats lost 35-12 to unbeaten Fairfield Christian, but turnovers and penalties hurt them. Green dominated the first and third quarters but had only six points to show for their efforts.

Symmes Valley won last year’s meeting 26-0, but Webb said his team cannot take the Bobcats lightly.

“They are better than last year. Of course, they were real, real young. They are definitely improved,” said Webb.

Seeing a running team is nothing new for the Vikings’ defense and Webb said the team has responded well to the challenge.

“They are similar to us. They would prefer to run the ball,” said Webb. “When they do run, it’s power football and we’ve seen two or three teams like that, so it’s not the first time we’ve seen it.”

The SOC Division I has two other games featuring three league teams.

Preseason favorite Oak Hill travels to Sciotoville East for a conference game while Portsmouth Notre Dame hosts Manchester in a non-league game on Saturday night.