Week 9 prep football capsules

Washington (6-2, 3-2) at Chillicothe (6-2, 4-1), 7:30 p.m.

• In 2015: Chillicothe won 47-9.
• Last three years: Chillicothe 3, Washington 0 (159-15)
• Last week: The Cavaliers lost 14-13 to Clinton-Massie; the Blue Lions defeated McClain 48-34.
• Outlook: If you compare similar opponents, Chillicothe's 14-13 loss to Clinton-Massie in Week 8 looks promising when you think about Washington's 70-0 loss to the Falcons in Week 7. However, it will be interesting to see how the Cavaliers return to the gridiron after last week's emotionally draining loss. According to joeeitel.com, Chillicothe controls its own destiny in terms of playoff hopes. The team can't slip up against the Blue Lions with a pivotal matchup against SCOL power Wilmington looming in Week 10. It should be business as usual for Ron Hinton's crew, and if they play like they're capable, the Cavs should get back on track.

Unioto (6-2, 4-1) at Piketon (6-2, 4-1), 7 p.m.

• In 2015: Unioto won 28-22.
• Last five years: Unioto 4, Piketon 1 (188-124)
• Last week: The Shermans defeated Huntington 34-0; the Redstreaks lost 21-20 to Zane Trace.
• Outlook: Judging by records and statistics, this matchup is the game of the week. It's Unioto's Clay Edler (912 passing yards, 671 rushing, 22 total TDs) vs. Piketon's Gabe Birkhimer (1,508 passing yards, 780 rushing, 25 total TDs). It's Unioto's Tre Ivey (16 catches, 293 yards, seven TDs) vs. Piketon's Travis Veach (50 catches, 916 yards, 11 TDs). It's Unioto's Cameron Bryce (34 tackles, nine sacks) vs. Piketon's Eric Mullins (50 tackles, five INTs). With playoff position and SVC title race factors on the line, expect both the Shermans and Redstreaks to come out swinging. 

Adena (2-6, 2-3) at Paint Valley (4-4, 2-3), 7 p.m.

• In 2015: Paint Valley won 43-7.
• Last five years: Paint Valley 3, Adena 2 (137-118)
• Last week: The Warriors defeated Southeastern 29-21; the Bearcats defeated Westfall 70-40.
• Outlook: Well, we know PV's Drake Stanforth can play football. As we wait patiently to see how Stanforth will follow up a 27-carry, 341-yard, six-touchdown performance, the Warriors are well aware of what the Bearcats did to Westfall last week. Don't look for PV to run for more than 500 yards again this week. This contest will be decided in the trenches. The Bearcats and Warriors are two of the most physical teams in the area. Can PV score against a stout Warriors' pass rush? Can Adena score against a Bearcats' defense that's giving up 29.1 points per game? Time will tell. 

Huntington (3-5, 1-4) at Zane Trace (6-2, 5-0), 7 p.m.

• In 2015: Zane Trace won 44-0.
• Last five years: Zane Trace 5, Huntington 0 (191-66)
• Last week: The Huntsmen lost 34-0 to Unioto; the Pioneers defeated Piketon 21-20.
• Outlook: On paper, it doesn't look good for Huntington. In ZT's backfield stand Austin Harris (926 rushing yards, 16 TDs), Etheridge Games (466 rushing yards, three TDs) and Will Palmer (310 rushing yards, five TDs). Just last week, Harris and Games slashed and dashed their way through Piketon's defense to the tune of 358 yards on the ground. Fans in Kinnikinnick can expect more of the same as the Pioneers try to make it 18 consecutive wins in SVC play. For the Huntsmen to have a chance in this one, they must return the dynamic offense they possessed in the first three weeks of the season. If Gavin Snyder can get something going on the ground, it opens things up for Elijah McCloskey through the air. But both of those players have to get blocks up front to springboard them into the defensive secondary. 

Westfall (1-7, 1-4) at Southeastern (4-4, 1-4), 7 p.m.

• In 2015: Westfall won 42-36.
• Last five years: Westfall 5, Southeastern 0 (216-135)
• Last week: The Mustangs lost 70-40 to Paint Valley; the Panthers lost 29-21 to Adena.
• Outlook: In every matchup since 2011 in this series, Westfall has scored at least 36 points in a victory. However, the Mustangs also have given up a combined 60 points in the last two get-togethers with the Panthers, and they just surrendered 70 to Paint Valley a week ago. The Panthers have the offensive ammunition to put points on the board. The Mustangs must corral running backs Dakota Houser and Carson Stauffer, making freshman Lane Ruby beat them with his arm. If they allow SE to run the ball, Westfall is 1-8.

dwebb@chillicothegazette.com

Twitter: @dw1509

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Follow the Chillicothe Gazette’s live game updates from Unioto at Piketon (@dw1509), Washington at Chillicothe (@SirBrockNetter) and Adena at Paint Valley (@MrZacharyMax) on Friday night on Twitter at hashtag #cghss. Then watch ChillicotheGazette.com and pick up Saturday’s print edition of the Gazette for complete game coverage.