Coal Grove-Russell showdown highlights opening week

FLATWOODS — The wait is over for everyone across the states of Kentucky and Ohio, as Friday night football makes its return.

And with its return, comes big matchups that have been circled on teams' schedules since early in the year.

One of those big matchups will be taking place on Friday at Henry R. Evans Stadium/Ivan McGlone Field between two of the area's well-known football programs, a the Coal Grove Hornets will make the trek across the Ohio River to face the Russell Red Devils.

While both schools are rich with football heritage, this will mark just the fourth time both teams have met on the gridiron. In fact, you have to go all the way back to when the Eisenhower was in the Oval Office to find the last time these two played.

Russell finished strong in 2024, winning 7-straight games to capture a district title before falling to Belfry in the regional title game.

The Red Devils eye to keep that momentum going into 2025, but not without some question marks heading into the season.

In the preseason, head coach T.J. Maynard expressed concerns about finding replacements along the offensive line and finding a new quarterback. But Maynard still thinks it's going to be a wait-and-see with the new faces.

"I feel we still have some question marks, but you always have to wait and see how things go in the first game."

"I thought we did really well in our scrimmages against Lawrence (County) and Johnson Central. The kids held their own against those teams' physicality, especially our guys upfront," said Maynard. "But this will be a whole different kind of physical play against Coal Grove."

Meanwhile, the Hornets have questions of their own heading into the opening week. Their main concern coming into preseason is replacing four starters long the offensive line.

Mirroring Russell, the Hornets held their own against the much larger and new-look Chillcothe team last weekend in their jamboree scrimmage, but those questions still need answered in week one.

Russell will look to senior Jayden Frasure to take over at the quarterback spot. Last season, Frasure logged in most of his playing time as a running back.

The Red Devils will mostly be relying on the strength of their defense, which returns 10 of 11 starters. Which includes Wyatt Hudson, who led the team in tackles at linebacker, and Jayden Pennington who lead the team with 3 interceptions last year.

But even with all that experience, Coal Grove's ground attack will still be a challenge to Russell's strength.

"We have to stop their tailback and fullback, that's what makes them go. It's hard to simulate (Coal Grove's) kind of football in practice. So adjusting to that will be a big challenge," said Maynard.

"We've told our guys all week to stay on their keys and read, because everything is going to speed up come tomorrow night."

The Hornets will counter Russell's defense with their one-two punch in the backfield featuring tailback Kaden Murphy and fullback Caden Turner.

Murphy finished the 2024 season with 205 carries for 1674 yards, 22 rushing scores and 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns. Meanwhile, Turner had 115 rushing attempts for 708 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Not to be outdone, the Red Devils will counter with their stable of running backs including sophomore Kaiden Benge, junior Jordan Rowe, and senior Anderson Haggard. In 2024, Benge, Rowe and Frasure combined for over 1200 yards on the ground and 17 scores.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 P.M.

Chesapeake Panthers (0-0) @ Symmes Valley Vikings (0-0)

Time: Friday, August 22, 7:00 PM

Where: Vikings Stadium, Willow Wood, OH

The Vikings return plenty of players from last season, while the Panthers will be starting a lot of new faces. Expect both offenses to air it out in this seasons' renewal of the Battle for the Paddle.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Symmes Valley passing attack vs. Chesapeake pass defense 

The Panthers don't have the same kind of speed they've enjoyed the past few seasons, but they should still have good speed overall in the secondary. But they're going to get a challenge from QB Bronx Carpenter and the Vikings spread attack.

Impact Players to Watch:

Aaden Nester-Howard , Chesapeake 

Nester-Howard may lack on the experience side, but he's a very athletic and has a good arm. How well he plays will set the tone for the new-look spread offense.

Bronx Carpenter, Symmes Valley 

The sophomore quarterback is very capable of putting up stats. As a freshman last season, he totaled 6 TD passes in one game. It could be dangerous for a young Panther defense if he gets time to throw.

Green Bobcats (0-0) @ Federal Hocking Lancers (0-0)

Time: Friday, August 22, 7:00 PM

Where: Lancers Stadium, Stewart, OH

Green makes the long trip up to Athens county to face the Lancers. The Bobcats will be looking to give new head coach Shane Colvin his first win at the helm.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Green offensive line vs. Federal Hocking defensive line 

The Bobcats dominated up from is last season's game. But they had to replace to guys along the front this offseason and with depth being an issue, this will a key factor in the success of the offense.

Impact Players to Watch:

Mason Neal, Green

The senior returns as one of the key pieces to the offense.

Brody Rutter, Federal Hocking

The senior remains at the quarterback spot and is one of the main playmakers returning. Rutter is a very capable runner if given room.

Fairland Dragons (0-0) @ Portsmouth West Senators (0-0)

Time: Friday, August 22, 7:00 PM

Where: Portsmouth West Stadium, West Portsmouth, OH

One of the more fun matchups of week one, with 3 of the last 4 coming down to the final possession. Each team will be looking to find new playmakers, but will still feature key running backs to keep it interesting.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Fairland front seven vs. West rushing attack 

The Dragons are going to have to slow down Anthony Bishop and the West running game. Forcing the Senators to air it out more would help take the stress off the front seven and allow their skill players to become a factor.

Impact Players to Watch:

Davin Murray, Fairland 

With all the replacements made at the QB and WR spots this offseason, the Dragons might depend more on their rushing game. Murray's size and athleticism makes him a tough task for West.

Anthony Bishop, Portsmouth West

The junior returns to be the headliner in the backfield with the departure of Mason Parker. Expect to hear Bishop's name toting the rock at The Rock.

Rock Hill Redmen (0-0) @ Minford Falcons (0-0)

Time: Friday, August 22, 7:00 PM

Where: Falcon Stadium, Minford, OH

Rock Hill will be tasked with replacing a lot of starters from a successful 2024 campaign. The Falcons are looking to erase the memory of a rough season last fall. The Redmen are also aiming to get their first win at Minford since 2016.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Rock Hill front seven vs. Minford offensive line

The Redmen held the advantage up front in last seasons' win over the Falcons. This season, Rock Hill will still have the best lineman on the field, but have to replace a lot starters from last year. The Falcons will need a strong performance on the line to make this a good night in Mule Town.

Impact Players to Watch:

Dallin Cox, Rock Hill 

This will be Cox's third season leading the Redmen under center and also is the leading offensive playmakers from last seasons' team. While he can do a lot of damage with his feet, there are some targets on the outside to help him be a versatile weapon.

Curtis Glenn, Minford

The senior returns behind center to give the Falcons some continuity on the offense. His dual threat ability will be a challenge to young and inexperienced Redmen defense.

Eastern Pike Eagles (0-0) @ South Point Pointers (0-0)

Time: Friday, August 22, 7:00 PM

Where: Alumni Stadium, South Point, OH

After taking their lumps last season, South Point returns a large swath of players with a lot of experience from last season. That experience will be put to the test on Friday against Eastern's aerial attack.

Key Matchup to Watch:

South Point pass defense vs. Eastern's aerial attack 

The Eagles are going to toss the ball around the yard on Friday. The Pointers have the athletes to play against the pass, the key is going to be the pass rush and if they can get heat on Manley.

Impact Players to Watch:

Eric Manley Jr., Eastern

As a junior, Manley threw for 2874 yards and 42 touchdown tosses. He'll be looking to headline the Eagles' aerial attack on Friday.

Ethan Hunt, South Point

The senior takes over at QB to lead the Pointer offense. His maturity and athleticism will be a key to the success of the South Point offensive production.

Wheelersburg Pirates (0-0) @ KIPP Columbus (0-0)

Time: Friday, August 22, 7:00 PM

Where: KIPP Columbus Athletics and Wellness Complex, Columbus, OH

For the first time since 1997, the Pirates won't face Ironton in the opener. As for the game, the Pirates will look to begin building momentum as they have a couple tough weeks ahead. There should be a lot of athleticism on display in this game.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Wheelersburg offensive line vs. KIPP defensive front seven 

The Pirates have a lot of skill players at their disposal this season. But the key will be what's lined up behind in the backfield. If the Pirates get their ground game going, the rest of the playbook will be at their disposal on Friday.

Impact Players to Watch:

Elijah Brown, Wheelersburg

Having a good RB in those opening week games can help a coaching staff game plan better. For the Pirates, Brown checks that box off and should be a key factor in getting the offense going.

Gaige Acevedo, KIPP Columbus

The senior linebacker has a good nose for the football. His ability to play downhill could be a good challenge for Wheelersburg's guards and center.

Ironton Fighting Tigers (0-0) @ Shelby Valley Wildcats (0-0)

Time: Saturday, August 23, 8:00 PM

Where: Johnson Brothers Athletic Complex, Pikeville, KY

The Wildcats signed up for this one hoping to make it a measuring stick for their program. Meanwhile, Ironton has a lot of holes to fill from last seasons' state title team. But considering what Ironton still has coming back, it appears the Wildcats might have dug themselves a hole of their own.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Shelby Valley passing attack vs. Ironton defensive backs

Ironton loss some key contributors in Josh Johnson and Shaun Terry in the defensive backfield. The new guys stepping in will get a challenge from Shelby Valley's xxxx, who threw for over 2,000 yards last season.

Impact Players to Watch:

Zayne Williams, Ironton

The senior RB/LB will play a pivotal role in Ironton's game plan on both sides of the ball. Expect an explosive play or two, but which side of the ball it comes from, will be the real question on Friday.

Brady Johnson, Shelby Valley

After throwing for 2894 yards last season, the senior quarterback will be the focal point of the Shelby Valley offense. Johnson is capable of both running and throwing to help the Wildcats move down the field.

Game of the Week: Coal Grove Hornets (0-0) @ Russell Red Devils (0-0)

Time: Friday, August 22, 7:30 PM

Where: Henry R. Evans Stadium, Flatwoods, KY

It's surprising enough to know these two teams have only played 4 times in total, and for the first time since the Eisenhower administration. This game will be as physical as it comes, as both teams will be vying to run the ball and control the game. Both teams feature some playmakers who can score quickly. So this game could range from low-scoring to a shoot out.

Key Matchup to Watch:

Coal Grove offensive line vs. Russell defensive front seven

The Hornets will have a ton of size up front and several good backs to run behind them. The Red Devils return 10 of 11 starters on defense. So this game could very well come down to if the Hornets can move the ball or can Russell stop the run.

Impact Players to Watch:

Kaden Murphy, Coal Grove

The three phases football you have to win in are offense, defense and special teams. Murphy can make an impact in all three. His capabilities in the special teams game could be the biggest thing to watch for.

Jayden Frasure, Russell

The senior will be making his first start quarterback for Russell. Frasure made a name for himself last season as a receiver and is great with his feet. Now that he's the one taking the snaps, his running ability will give the Red Devils extra options in the run game and rolling out.