Week Three preview for area football teams
Adena Warriors (1-1) at Portsmouth West Senators
The Warriors are looking to keep rolling after picking up their first win of the season over Fairfield Christian Academy last week. Their trip to West Portsmouth will be their first road trip of the year.
If the Warriors want to tack on another win, they'll need to rely on their run game. Running back Nate Dreitzler has been an indomitable force on the field this season. The sophomore rushed for 266 yards and four touchdowns last week, and he can keep that production going if the Warriors allow him.
The Senators are in a similar position. They earned a 34-7 win over Portsmouth last week, and they're looking to extend their win streak.
Chillicothe Cavaliers (2-0) vs. Westerville North Warriors
The Cavaliers have been consistent if nothing else. Their defense has worked wonders in disrupting opponents throughout the first two weeks and they've scored with decent regularity throughout their games. They racked up two interceptions last week which gave the offense plenty of time to clamber ahead.
Still, Chillicothe is going to need that consistency on both sides of the ball if it wants to stand up to its next opponent. Westerville North shut out its last opponent 27-0, and its only loss so far was decided by just three points.
Both teams have had impressive performances throughout the early stretch of the season, but Friday will be the test to see if Chillicothe can stand up to a team that can take Division I opponents down to the wire.
Huntington Huntsmen (1-1) vs. Northwest Mohawks
The Huntsmen didn't have to be flashy in their 14-7 win over Eastern last week. Although they didn't score for the entirety of the second half, they still held their ground and stymied an Eagles offense that struggled to move downfield.
Although this won't cut it against Northwest. It's averaged over 34 points per game against its last two opponents, and it shut out Southeastern in its season opener. It totes a potent offense that can easily outpace any defense that stands in its way.
The Mohawks are a tough nut to crack. If the Huntsmen want any chance of earning a winning record, they'll need to crank production up in order to stay afloat.
Paint Valley Bearcats (1-1) at Washington Blue Lions
There's no room to doubt that the Bearcats can put points on the board with little resistance. They've scored the most points of any team in the Scioto Valley Conference, and their skill positions are stacked with veteran starters. But, they've also been given a formidable schedule that can strike as hard as the Bearcats can. West Jefferson even outpaced them in a 49-34 shootout at George Knisley Memorial Field last week.
It doesn't get much easier in Week Three. Washington is a high-scoring team populated with a wide range of powerful position groups. Their receiving corps has few limits and they were only eclipsed by an ever-consistent Western Brown team in Week Two.
The Blue Lions won the previous matchup between the two by three points. If Paint Valley can get ahead and stay in the lead early, it might be able to patch up the loss from last week.
Piketon Redstreaks (2-0) vs. Valley Indians
The Redstreaks are one of three teams in the SVC that has yet to taste defeat this season. They slid past Goshen in Week One and steamrolled Oak Hill to continue their winning streak.
A third-straight win might come with just as much as ease. Valley is still winless after two games, and it has allowed an average of 45 points per game since the year began.
There is one snag, however. Valley, while never outpacing its opponents, can still rack up touchdowns. It scored 34 points last week against Dawson-Bryant despite giving up 50 points. If Piketon isn't careful on the defensive side of the ball, it may find itself in a shootout.
Southeastern Panthers (0-2) at Eastern Eagles
It's been a rough two weeks, but the Panthers have a chance to nab a win for the first time this season. Although they've lost by 20 points or more in their last two games, they still have potential. They've shown that they can get on the board after scoring 22 points against Circleville last week. All they have to do is keep that energy flowing in Week Three.
The Eagles present the perfect opportunity. They were held to just one touchdown by Huntington last week, and they didn't fare much better against Alexander in their season opener. If the right pieces fall into place, then the Panthers may be able to pick up their first win of the year.
Unioto Sherman Tanks (2-0) at Waverly Tigers (2-0)
Friday's game will be a clash between two offensive titans. Both the Shermans and the Tigers are undefeated ahead of this matchup, and they both come stocked with versatile, high-powered offenses that are difficult to contain. The Tigers have scored 97 points in just two games, while the Shermans are fresh off of a blowout win over Amanda-Clearcreek.
On paper, the Tigers have the numerical advantage. They could easily outscore the Shermans in the second half, but they've also allowed 67 points thus far in the season. Plus, the Shermans defense is solid enough to halt the Tigers on at least a few drives.
It's hard to say which team will come out on top, but someone is going home disappointed on Friday night.
Westfall Mustangs (1-1) at Circleville Tigers
The Mustangs have a bit of a hurdle to jump over. On one hand, Circleville averages 47 points per game and has already obliterated two other SVC programs. On the other hand, the Mustangs have shown they can rack up points and put opponents down. Sure, a shutout loss to Logan Elm last week doesn't boost morale, but it can serve as motivation to improve on those mistakes.
It'll be a tall task. Circleville will be playing in its home opener, and it has barely given its last two opponents an inch on the gridiron. Westfall has shown it can win, and Friday might be the perfect opportunity to prove it won't fold after a tough loss.
Zane Trace Pioneers (2-0) at McClain Tigers
The Pioneers, much like the Shermans, are entering a touch nonconference matchup with its win streak on the line. They've powered through their nonconference opponents on the backs of a rushing attack led by Daniel Barnhart and Blake Phillips. Plus, they're less than a week removed from a monstrous 40-7 win over Madison Plains.
The Tigers, however, haven't had the blowout success that the Pioneers have. They've won both of their games by a collective 15 points. It's no reason for overconfidence, but it shows that the Pioneers can take advantage of a powerful run game and trample the Tigers.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Week Three preview for area football teams
