OFF
23.0
DEF
24.7
DIFF
-1.7
OFF
25.0
DEF
32.0
DIFF
-7.0
OFF
26.3
DEF
18.0
DIFF
+8.3
OFF
36.7
DEF
30.3
DIFF
+6.4
OFF
0.0
DEF
35.0
DIFF
-35.0
OFF
15.0
DEF
41.3
DIFF
-26.3
OFF
16.3
DEF
26.3
DIFF
-10.0
OFF
38.0
DEF
24.7
DIFF
+13.3
This week's featured matchup has to be the one taking place up at Westfall. The Mustangs look to extend their 19-game SVC winning streak as they welcome a Paint Valley team that posted the league's only 3-0 record throughout the non-conference season. The Paint Valley defense has been outstanding through the first three weeks. The Cats have allowed only 18 ppg. (and even that number is deceiving because Columbus West scored a couple of late scores in Week 1 forcing PV to re-enter its starters), and chances are it will take something similar to that to have a chance to leave WF this Friday at 4-0 rather than 3-1.
Adena travels to Southeastern to take on a Panther offense that set a school-record in Week 3 by scoring 76 points. Obviously, that is not a number that will be repeated this week; however, it is a number that is going to have a confident SE team anxious to play at home against a talented Adena team. The Warriors are led by senior running back Buddy Barnes. Barnes has found the end zone at an incredible mark in the first three weeks. The Adena defense is also much better than the numbers say. The Warriors gave up over half of their opponents' total points in the Week 2 loss at Mechanicsburg and the defensive number is also swayed by an overtime game with McClain in Week 1 (Adena won 29-27, but only gave up 13 in regulation).
The Huntington and Unioto game gives two rebuilding programs a chance to play for a first-place spot after Friday night. Huntington's offense has struggled, but the Huntsmen defense has played a little better than the average shows. The green and white have played a very difficult non-league schedule and have been victim of the big play and some second half fatigue. With many guys playing both ways and the offense struggling to move the chains, the Huntington defense has suffered in return. As for Unioto, the Shermans do have some talented skill people, but they too are a victim of low numbers and late game fatigue. Unioto led in Week 1 19-13 at halftime over Vinton County but was outscored 26-0 in the second half. Last week, Unioto trailed by only one score at the half against Alexander but was dominated by the Spartan ground game in an eventual 40-12 loss. The key this week may come down to who has more left in the tank during the final 12-minutes.
Piketon could so easily be 3-0 at this point but the fact remains the Redstreaks are 1-2. They have been on the wrong end of some great high school football games, but did rebound in Week 3 with a blowout win. Tyler Gullion's offense is posting 38 points per game through three weeks, and if you are willing to give the defense a free pass in Week 1 (a week where Waverly QB played at a level that earned him Player of the Week honors statewide) Piketon has only allowed 10 ppg. in the last two weeks. As for ZT, the first two weeks on the road were fairly successful considering they beat Rock Hill 26-7 in Week 1 and had Amanda in a tight one late into the second half. Week 3 was not as kind for the Pioneers as Logan Elm spoiled the home opener with a dominating 41-17 defeat. Now, entering Week 4, Piketon visiting Kinnikinnick gives the Pioneers a chance to refocus at home and prove that they are a legitimate contender in this year's race.