Vinton Co. 9-3, (5-1) @ Athens 12-1, (6-0) ..Fri. 1/29

[Dundas]

Does it get any bigger than this?

If Athens wins, they put a stranglehold on the TVC Championship and basically barring a huge collapse, they will win their first TVC Championship in boys basketball. Not to mention, sure up any doubt of being placed ahead of VC in the sectional draw...thus escaping a sectional matchup with Logan Elm. With only one loss on the year, Athens is in position to take the #2 spot if they can run the table the rest of the way..and who knows, if LE slipps up a couple times, Athens may have a shot to get the one seed.

If VC wins, they move back into first place, albeit a tie. VC and Athens have almost identical league records from here on out. Both play the 'next best three' (Alex, Belpre, NY) at home with the exception of Athens @ NY. If VC can take care of Athens, they will be able to keep the streak alive and if they manage to win out in the league, they will stay the defending TVC Champions for another year. VC is looking at a possible 4 year run as Champs..something only Belpre can say they have done before. Also, with a win, VC will pull themselves closer in terms of seeding for the sectional draw. If VC beats Athens, and the Bulldogs fall again in the league before the draw, VC will have a good chance at getting the higher seed. VC does have 3 losses on the year, but they are by a total of 13 points...and even that margin is wider than it should be.

This one should be a great game...everything is on the line...does it get any bigger??

[Spartan]

Every game Athens plays from here on out is its biggest game of the year. So the Bulldogs biggest game of the year on the horizon is Tuesday at Wellston. Take care of that one first, than start thinking about VC.

[Ironman92]

Athens will not get the #1...just ask VC how that works.

Athens by 9 over VC

[Space Cowboy]

Athens has been playing and progressing along steadily. VC has the talent to win, but seems to be eratic. When these 2 teams played earlier, I posted that they could play 10 games and split them evenly. I still believe these 2 are that evenly matched. We could say that the pressure is on VC, but at this point in the season, the pressure is on both, if they are thinking about post season play. Neither of these teams can ill afford a loss. This one could go either way, but I will go with the Vikings, in an upset, by 3.

[Kickinurz]

I'm with ya Cowboy. I'll take VC in this must win game.

[Power 105]

This game can be heard on Power 105.5-FM (WXTQ) in Athens, with Brian Boesch and Mark Hunter on the call. Pre-game coverage begins at 7:45 p.m.

You can listen to the broadcast online at the link below:

mms://132.235.236.177/wxtq

Thanks, and good luck to both teams!

[Dundas]

I agree with you Cowboy...except for the fact you call it an upset. These two teams have proved they are above the rest of the league (in the first half). Athens won by 2 points in a game that definatly couldve gone either way.

Spartan-Obviously when your competing for a championship and can ill afford a loss, the next game is always the biggest. But you know what I mean about this one. These are the top two teams in the league. They have shown it so far this season. I guess I was just insinuating the fact that these two teams are the best in the league and this will be a big, tough, huge battle with first place on the line. The biggest game for either team thus far this season.

[Dundas]

If VC brings the same crowd they had in Logan, this one will be standing room only. Better get there early!

[wemufans]

Athens should win this one!

[Space Cowboy]

Dundas, the only reason I say an upset is that home court should count for something.

[AxGrinder]

Now it is time to start talking about this game. Athens comes off of a win at Wellston. Friday will be the biggest game thus far for both teams. I predict the biggest crowd McAfee gym has seen in a long time. Better come early to get a seat.

Just hope that the messenger shows up. I do believe the title of that paper is THE ATHENS Messenger, Not the AP Messenger.

Going with the Bulldogs by 5.

[boilermaker]

Go Vikes!!!!!

[Spartan]

Go Bulldogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



ps- you are probably the only wellston fan Boiler who will be cheering for the Vikings

[M0TIVAT0R]

Athens wins this one going away. They are on a roll right now that will not be derailed until the tournament.

[hannancoach]

Go Vinton County! Beat the schedule skippers! By the way is your county named after Bobby Vinton?

[Binary]

The question isn't can VC beat Athens. It is can any team in the southeast district beat Athens. We already proved we can beat VC on their, "hard to win on home court." I can hardly wait till the tourny so we get some real competition.

Can you say delusional?

[Baldeagle]

Go Vikes!!!!!

Be sure to feed them dogs some fried baloney after the game.....sure was good werent it hannancoach?

[Power 105]

To get you set for this big game, we will have both coaches, Jeff Skinner of Athens and Matt Combs of Vinton County, on the Sears Sports Fan from 6:06-7 p.m. on Friday night on 970 WATH-AM in Athens. You can listen live at the link below:

mms://132.235.236.177/wath

Also, score updates will be available at http://twitter.com/BrianBoesch during the game.

Thanks, and good luck to both teams!

[boilermaker]

I always pull for the Vikings ,except when they play the Rockets. I have friends up there , and most important my Mother was a Vinton Co. alum.

[AxGrinder]

Tonight is the night. I for one will be in attendance for this game. The crowd is going to be huge. If you plan on coming you better get their early. Freshman start at 5 followed by JV and Varsity. Even if you are not from either school, this should be a great game to watch.

I have faith in my Dogs to stay unbeaten and solely own the top spot in TVC-Ohio.

As always, Dogs by 5.

Go Bulldogs, Beat Vikings.!!!!