Fairland has won three in a row against Portsmouth West, and the veteran Senators are fired up to end that streak against the young Dragons.
The contest is one of several set for the opening week of high school football season in Ohio and Kentucky. West Virginia begins next week.
Following is a look at some opening games:
Fairland (0-0) at Portsmouth West (0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: The Rock.
What to watch: Fairland ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Defensive end Davin Murray is one of the premier players in the Tri-State. HeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s capable of dropping passers or ball carriers for big losses, leading to long-yardage situations.
Portsmouth West ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Junior running back Anthony Bishop is quick and powerful. HeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll likely be a challenge for a Fairland defense that has been questionable against the run in the preseason.
Ironton (0-0) vs. Shelby Valley (0-0)
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Pikeville Stadium.
What to watch: Ironton ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Senior running back Zayne Williams owns several NCAA Division I scholarship offers. HeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll be counted on to take pressure off the passing game with a new quarterback.
Shelby Valley ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” The WildcatsÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ defense was horrendous last season, giving up 29 points per game. Few teams can test it better than can Ohio Division V state champion Ironton. Returning leading tacklers Robert Collins and Jackson Childers likely will have to play well for Shelby Valley to have a chance.
Eastern Pike (0-0) at South Point (0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Alumni Stadium.
What to watch: Eastern ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” The Eagles lost a lot from last yearÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s 13-1 team but return 6-foot-6, 225-pound senior quarterback Eric Manley, who threw for 28 touchdowns and 1,945 yards last season. Look for Manley to test South PointÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s secondary.
South Point ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Junior quarterback Ethan Hunt is an athletic, 6-foot-4, 180-pound junior with a strong arm. If he can have some success early and boost the PointersÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ confidence, South Point could have a shot at opening with a win for the first time since 2017.
Raceland (0-0) at Ashland (0-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Putnam Stadium.
What to watch:Raceland ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” The Rams return leading rusher Shannon Marushi, passer Drew Waller and receiver Jonah Arnett from the Class A runner-up. If they can test the Ashland defense early, Raceland could jump to a lead.
Ashland ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Cameron Davis and Maverick Ashby form a speedy running back combination. Davis also is a dangerous receiver. A bunch of new starters, though, could mean the Tomcats might need some time to get in a groove.
