Week 4 Previews: Pointers look to slow down high-scoring Vikings; Canisus brings talent to table against Tigers
- Staff
- 12 hours ago
- 10 min read
WILLOW WOOD — If you would like to see the Army go up against the Air Force, then you’ll want to see the South Point Pointers play the Symmes Valley Vikings.
The two teams have contrasting offenses and they will clash Friday night at Symmes Valley.
The Pointers (2-1) are led by junior running back Landon Vance (5-11, 175) who has 45 carries this season for 472 yards and 5 touchdowns as he’s on pace to rush for 1,500 yards this season.
Symmes Valley (3-0) is led by sophomore quarterback Bronx Carpenter (6-0, 160) who has completed 68-of-87 passes for 78 percent. He has thrown for 828 yards including 392 against Meigs and he has 10 touchdown passes.
The Vikings have scored 146 points and allowed 69. Davis noted the Vikings have scored 48.7 points per game.
“They’re tough. They’re averaging like 49 points a game,” said Pointers’ coach Chris Davis. “Their quarterback is averaging like 40 passing attempts a game. They’re throwing the ball all over the place. They’re as advertised.”
Last season, South Point won 44-8 at home. Davis expects a tougher game this time around.
“They’re better than last year. They didn’t have that quarterback last year. Getting him back makes a big difference,” said Davis.
Vikings head coach Ben Ferguson had plenty of praise and respect for Vance and the Pointers.
“Speed-wise, probably the fastest guy we’ve seen this year. He runs hard, he’s smart, he hit the hole, he can beat you on the edge, he can beat you between the tackles, he’s durable. He’s the key to their offense, so hopefully we’ll be able to stop him,” said Ferguson.
“It fits kind of perfect at week four before conference play starts. You think you’re pretty good and you know what you have, but if we don’t play our best it could go either way. This is when you want to find out if you are as good as you thought you were.”
Ferguson said the Pointers were 1-9 lead season and the Vikings were their only win. He said being a Division 7 program and playing up against a Division 5 team is quite a difference.
“Going up and playing a team that’s two divisions bigger, they’ve got athletes, they’ve got speed, they’ve got some good linemen and they’re well-coached,” said Ferguson. “It’s a big game.”
Going against a team that throws as much as the Vikings has Davis thinking of different ways to try and slow down the high-powered attack.
“We’re going to have to slow down that quarterback somehow. We have to put some pressure on him. We might have to use an extra defensive back. We may do a little of both. The main thing is to stop the pass,” said Davis.
Ferguson said the battle up front on the offensive and defensive lines will be crucial to allowing players like Vance and Carpenter to perform.
“Their front four is very good. They move and put a lot of pressure on you and make you think. They make you block your rules and trust your steps," said Ferguson.
"A lot of our guys up front have experience and the first year players have stepped up and done a good job."
“On the defensive side, we’ve got three juniors and three seniors. We’re looking to see if they’re up to the chalet.”
Davis said the key to winning is executing what each team does best.
“We’ll just do what we’ve been doing. Pass a little bit and give it to Vance and see what we can do,” said Davis. “I feel like our line is better than it has been.”
Kickoff is 7 p.m.
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Ironton Fighting Tigers vs. Canisus, NY Crusaders
IRONTON — There will be some college talent on the field Saturday afternoon, but it won’t be in a college stadium.
Fans need to look no further than Tanks Memorial Stadium where the Ironton Fighting Tigers host the Canisius (N.Y.) Crusaders at 1 p.m.
While Ironton has several college prospects including Zayne Williams, Caleb Jacobs, Kayden Edwards, Braydon Baker, and Mason Wheeler are among those getting looks from various colleges at different levels.
Canisius has the most coveted prospect in 5-foot-10, 190-pound junior Elijah Kimble who is listed as the No.1 running back in the 2027 class and has had 37 Division 1 offers including Ohio State.
In their season opening 41-28 win over Scranton, Pa., Kimble ran for 315 yards and 3 touchdowns as he increased his career rushing total to 3,914.
Kimble was named the Dick Gallagher Buffalo News Player of the Year at the Western New York High School Football Awards banquet.
Gallagher was a former assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns under Paul Brown, the general manager of the Buffalo Bills and the second director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Gallagher was an Ironton native who served as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers.
Besides Kimble, players looking to play at the next level are senior two-way lineman Javez Caldwell (6-3, 275), senior fullback and middle linebacker Arno Mbaiyo (6-1, 215), junior two-way lineman Brock Bidfell (6-7, 310), junior lineman Dylan Gorney (6-6, 305) and junior running back and safety Amir Hernandez (5-8, 175).
Ironton is 3-0 and ranked fourth in the Division 5 prep poll and the Fighting Tigers are the defending state champions.
Canisius is 1-0 after a 41-28 win over traditional power Scranton, Pa., last week. Canisius was the New York state runner-up last season as they lost to Iona Prep of New Rochelle, N.Y. Iona was nationally ranked last season.
The Crusaders are coached by 1984 Canisius graduate and Hall of Fame member Kraig Kurzanski who is in his third season. Overall, Kurzanski has been a head coach for 31 years and has a 157-92-2 record.
His win total makes him one of the winningest active coaches in western New York.
Canisius was founded by Jesuit priests the same year as Canisius University was founded in 1870. The private school is located in downtown Buffalo and plays its games at Stransky Field in West Seneca, a Buffalo suburb.
The Crusaders had won the New York State championship in 2019. The program has 3 state titles.
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Northwest Mohawks (2-1) @ Wheelersburg Pirates (3-0)
Time: Friday, September 12, 7:00 PM
Where: Ed Miller Stadium, Wheelersburg, OH
Both teams will be coming off big wins in this SOC opener. But for the Pirates, this will be a key game to refocus after 2 big wins (emotionally and physically). Northwest will definitely need to be on top of their game trying figure out how to crack the Pirates tough defense.
Key Matchup to Watch:
Wheelersburg passing attack vs. Northwest pass defense
The Pirates haven't put up any 'wow numbers' in the passing game - but some of that is by design. But last week, one of the biggest plays of the game came through the air. This could be a good week to see some development in that phase of the game.
Impact Players to Watch:
Ethan Ferguson, Northwest
The senior RB went over the century mark in rushing in last weeks' win. If Ferguson came produce the same numbers this Friday, it will help the Mohawks be more diverse in their offensive attack.
Luke Kouns, Wheelersburg
Through 3 weeks, the linebacking corps has been able to patrol the middle of the field and stuff the run. Kouns will be one of the key factors in stopping both of the Mohawk rushers.
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Green Bobcats (0-2) @ Racine Southern Tornadoes (0-3)
Time: Friday, September 12, 7:00 PM
Where: Southern High School Stadium, Racine, OH
It's safe to say someone will get their first win on Friday night. The Bobcats have been hampered a little bit with some missing players to begin the season. A full strength Bobcat team could be tough enough to blow away the Tornadoes.
Key Matchup to Watch:
Green's pass defense vs. Southern's aerial attack
A year ago, the Tornadoes did a lot of damage through the air to beat the Bobcats. This Friday night, the Bobcats will need to get some pressure on the QB and put Southern in long down-and-distance situations.
Impact Players to Watch:
Ralph Klaiber, Green
The Bobcats will need to have solid play in the trenches to disrupt Southern's offense. This is where Klaiber will be needed to lead the way with his experience and size
Nate Shuster, Southern
Last season, Shuster put up big numbers through the air against the Bobcats. It's very plausible that the he'll be asked to throw the ball around the yard on Friday and stretch out Green's defense.
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Chesapeake Panthers (0-3) @ Coal Grove Hornets (1-2)
Time: Friday, September 12, 7:00 PM
Where: Lemaster Stadium/Patterson Field, Coal Grove, OH
Both are limping into this year's renewal of the Battle for the Little Brown Jug. The Hornets will do what they do, which is grind it out with their backfield and be as physical as they can. Meanwhile, the Panthers will try to throw the ball around the yard and use their finesse and speed.
Key Matchup to Watch:
Coal Grove run game vs. Chesapeake run defense
The Hornets have the advantage with their size and experience. The Panthers will have to use a mix of different looks and stunts to disrupt Coal Grove's ability to execute. If the Hornets are able to open up holes and give Murphy and Turner an alley, it could be trouble.
Impact Players to Watch:
Andrew Issacs, Chesapeake
Issacs was the top target in Chesapeake's passing game last week. His speed and athleticism could be a good asset to attack the Hornets secondary.
Logan Roberts, Coal Grove
The defense should be eager to get back on the field and prove last week's performance wasn't indicative of their real potential. And Roberts has been solid player so far. His athleticism could help cause problems Friday
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Rock Hill Redmen (2-1) @ Fairland Dragons (1-2)
Time: Friday, September 12, 7:00 PM
Where: Jim Mayo Memorial Stadium, Proctorville, OH
This will be a game to keep a close eye on Friday, especially when it comes to the OVC race. Despite Fairland's record, they're a dangerous team with their athleticism. As for Rock Hill, they're going to try and play a physical game and earn their payback for last season's loss.
Key Matchup to Watch:
Rock Hill rushing attack vs. Fairland front seven
The Redmen have had success on the ground from a committee this season, which will make it hard to key just one person. Fairland will have to use their quickness and speed to overcome Rock Hill's size advantage.
Impact Players to Watch:
Brady Murrell, Rock Hill
Murrell has been a big factor in the Redmen's success so far this season. If he can get into open space, he could be a problem for the Dragons on Friday.
Owen Burcham, Fairland
The Dragons will need all their playmakers on top of their game on Friday. But the sophomore QB will be a jey figure with his dual threat ability behind center.
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Paintsville Tigers (3-0) @ Russell Red Devils (3-0)
Time: Friday, September 12, 7:30 PM
Where: Henry R. Evans Stadium/Ivan McGlone Field, Russell, KY
The Red Devils return to the friendly confines of Henry R. Evans Stadium with an undefeated record. The Tigers will be try to figure out how to crack the code that is the Russell defense. Meanwhile, the Red Devils will try to burn up Paintsville's defense with their big play capabilities.
Key Matchup to Watch:
Russell ground attack vs. Paintsville run defense
The Red Devils haven't had quite the numbers you'd expect on the ground so far this year. But they really haven't been hindered by that either. Friday night could be a good night to get the big guys up front pushing the pile for the backs.
Impact Players to Watch:
Parker Helton, Paintsville
The Tigers might have to go to the air to get the offense going on Friday. This means the junior QB might be needed to thread the needle with some good passing against Russell's tough defense.
Jordan Rowe, Russell
Rowe has been very versatile in both the running and passing games so far this season (2nd in carries & 3rd in receptions) for the Red Devils. That could be beneficial to Russell's scheme in Friday's game.
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Game of the Week: South Point Pointers (2-1) @ Symmes Valley Vikings (3-0)
Time: Friday, September 12, 7:00 PM
Where: Viking Stadium, Willow Wood, OH
It sounds crazy to mention this in week 4, but this game will have playoff implications. For a D7 school like Symmes Valley, a win could potentially bring with it a decent chunk of 2nd level points beating a D5 school. Conversely, a Pointers win could rack up a lot of points if the Vikings continue their trend of winning the rest of the season.
Key Matchup to Watch:
South Point rushing attack vs. Symmes Valley run defense
This is one of those unstoppable force vs. immovable object scenarios. The Pointers have putting up big rushing numbers as of late thanks to Landon Vance and his offensive line. The Vikings have been very good at stopping the run through the first 3 games. This will be a great matchup to watch.
Impact Players to Watch:
Landon Vance, South Point
Vance has been over 200 yards in back-to-back weeks, making him the priority for the Viking defense. He's not afraid to run in between the tackles and has enough speed to break out of the pack. Vance has also proven to be a target in the passing game, as per the Southern game 2 weeks ago.
Bronx Carpenter, Symmes Valley
Saying the sophomore has put up big passing numbers would be an understatement. The Pointers will have some of the more athletic defensive backs that he'll face this season. His scrambling ability could also be a big factor on Friday at extending plays, keep drives going and force changes in the defensive game plan.
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Game of the Week: Canisus, NY Crusaders (2-0) @ Ironton Fighting Tigers (3-0)
Time: Saturday, September 13, 1:00 PM
Where: Tanks Memorial Stadium, Ironton, OH
Canisus makes the long trek down from upstate New York for this Saturday matinee. Last season, Ironton made short work of fellow MMAA-member St. Francis, but this one could be a much stiffer challenge. The Tigers could also be chomping at the bit to shake off last week's game and prove it was just a blip in the radar. This game will feature some top quality D1-level talent as well.
Key Matchup to Watch:
Canisus offensive line vs. Ironton defensive line
This will be the key Ironton's success on Saturday. If the defensive line can disrupt the Crusaders' ability to run the ball with their top RB and make passing a problem, then that opens things up for the rest of the defense to make plays and create turnovers.
Impact Players to Watch:
Elijah Kimble, Canisus
The junior RB is listed as the top RB recruit in New York and a top 10 overall, and for good reason. Just last week in his first game of 2025, Kimble racked up 315 yards on 14 carries. Aptly nicknamed "The Ticket", Kimble will be featured a lot Saturday and try to 'punch his ticket' into the end zone.
Zayne Williams, Ironton
When the chips were down last Friday, Williams was there to pick up the slack for the Tigers. And while the senior can be a huge asset out of the backfield in passing situations, he's more effective as a runner. So if Ironton's offensive line is able to get the holes opened up this Saturday, "The Diesel" might run all afternoon.