Xander Wilson, of Hardin Northern, throws a pass against Perry earlier this season. Wilson has thrown for 397 yards and run for 602 yards through eight games.
Chris Howell | The Lima News
Hardin Northern and Upper Scioto Valley are the top two teams in the Northwest Central Conference. They’re separated by just one game, and each team has a candidate for the conference’s player of the year.
How could it get any better?
If Upper Scioto Valley wins, it’s an outright title. If Hardin Northern comes away with a victory, it sets things up for the potential of a three-way tie with Ridgemont, meaning that the NWCC championship race comes down to what happens in Week 10.
This is what October football in the state of Ohio is all about.
Upper Scioto Valley (7-1, 6-0 NWCC) enters Friday night on a seven-game winning streak after suffering its lone loss of the season to Ada in Week 1. The Rams average 33 points per game on offense while limiting opponents to just 11 points per game.
Upper Scioto Valley has two shutouts in its past three games and its most dramatic win of the season came in a triple overtime thriller in Week 3 against Waynesfield-Goshen.
“Upper Scioto Valley is an excellent team,” said Hardin Northern coach Jerry Cooper. “They are physical, well-coached and very good at the skilled positions. (Madox) Underwood is a difference-maker at the quarterback position.”
Underwood has indeed been a key piece for the Rams this season on both sides of the ball.
The Rams signal-caller has completed 41 of 68 passes for 546 yards and seven touchdowns while also being the team’s leading rusher with 1,004 yards and 14 touchdowns on 133 carries.
His favorite target is Mason Thompson, who’s made 10 catches for 200 yards and three touchdowns.
Ryan Roberts joins Underwood in a physical backfield with 953 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 106 carries.
“In order for us to compete, we’ll have to match their physical style and be disciplined in all areas,” Cooper said. “We must play complementary football while avoiding critical mistakes.”
On defense, the Rams are led by Beau Sanders, who leads the team in both tackles for loss (13) and sacks (3). Roberts leads the way in tackles with 87, three of them for loss, and three interceptions. Both Underwood and Andrue Kindle have a team-high four interceptions.
Upper Scioto Valley coach Dustin Price emphasized the importance of stopping the run against Hardin Northen, namely Nolan Hopson, who’s rushed for 1,589 yards and 25 touchdowns on 198 carries this year.
“Obviously we’ll be looking to limit Hopson,” Price said. “He’s had an impressive year and we need to try and slow him down.”
Hopson, who also serves as the team’s kicker, has accounted for 186 of Hardin Northern’s 252 points this season. He’s rushed for at least 100 yards in all eight games this year and currently sits at 1,942 all-purpose yards.
Price also pointed out Hardin Northern’s offensive line as a strength. That unit features a pair of big bodies in tackle Wyatt Pore (6-5, 265) and tight end Bodi Hipsher (6-3, 255).
Quarterback Xander Wilson has gone 22 of 46 through the air for 397 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions with 602 rushing yards and five scores.
Hopson (11 receptions, 130 yards, TD), who leads the team in receptions and receiving yards, joins Dylan Bacon (3 receptions, 121 yards, 2 TDs) and Mason Stewart (6 receptions, 118 yards, TD) as 100-yard receivers.
On defense, Kaden Guinn leads the Polar Bears in total tackles (93) and tackles for loss (11.5). Hipsher has a team-high eight sacks and Stewart has forced the most turnovers with 10 interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
“Their defense is strong and flows well to the ball,” Price said. “We need to play consistently, do our individual jobs and take advantage of opportunities we’re given on Friday night.”
In Week 10, Hardin Northern finishes the season against Elgin, and Upper Scioto Valley wraps things up against North Baltimore.
Last season Upper Scioto Valley came out on top against Hardin Northern in Week 8, 24-13.
Reach Chris Howell at 567-242-0468 or on Twitter/X at @Lima_Howell
