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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Spirits high at OVC Preview
South Point running back Michael Brown outruns Chesapeake defender Jake Lewis as he sprints up the middle of the field Friday, August 15, 2008, at LeMaster Stadium in Coal Grove, Ohio, during the second of three games in the Ohio Valley Conference football preview.
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COAL GROVE, Ohio -- Some people say the annual Ohio Valley Conference Preview is the unofficial kickoff for football season in southeastern Ohio.
And, while the preseason scrimmage is a chance for all teams to get in final preparations before the regular season starts next week, one matchup seemed to have a little of the 2007 season pinned with it.
Coal Grove and Fairland met Friday in the nightcap at Patterson Field, and the pads were popping.
"Both teams played well and were aggressive," Coal Grove coach Dave Lucas said. "It was entertaining. That's what it's all about."
For the Hornets, it wasn't just their physical style of play; it was also the thoughts of a 34-13 loss to the Dragons last season that knocked Coal Grove from claiming the OVC title on its own.
Fairland is known for its skill position players, but the Dragons also showed they can deliver a hit or two -- mainly fullback Blayne Cornwell, who added his name to the list of impressive fullbacks in the league, by ripping off several long runs through the middle of the Coal Grove defense.
"Blayne ran really hard," Fairland coach Roger Snyder said. "He did a nice job tonight."
The evening served as everyone's first full look at what Snyder's offense will look like this season, and if the line can hold up and avoid injuries, Fairland is one of several teams that will be in the mix for a league title.
In fact, each team sort of added their own niche to the OVC puzzle on Friday.
South Point showed its abilities behind the running tandem of Jacob Seagraves and Ryan Plants, who ran wild on the Chesapeake defense.
For the Chesapeake Panthers, Aaron Donahoe is a special athlete and will keep the team in the mix of ball games with not only his athleticism, but his leadership.
Rock Hill opened up with freshman quarterback Will McCollister and got past River Valley in a tight contest, but the Raiders have skill players to make some noise and take down any opponent taking them lightly.
"As a whole, I thought our league did very well," Lucas said. "I watched the preview and each team had some skills. Everyone will have to be ready to play each Friday."
Those Fridays start next week with each team opening up its regular season. As with most scrimmages of its size, the OVC preview had a multitude of fans from different teams, and some coaches hoping to get a first-hand look at their opposition for the next 10 weeks.
In the first week of action among OVC teams, Rock Hill and Fairland will both be at home. The Redmen will host Zane Trace while the Dragons face Portsmouth West.
All other teams will be on the road in tough matchups. South Point travels to Portsmouth, Coal Grove heads to Meigs, Chesapeake goes to Oak Hill and River Valley will travel to Minford.
All games are 7:30 starts on Friday night.
