Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
COAL GROVE — Chase Hall has never seen a defender he won’t try to run through and the proof to that statement is in the pudding.
Coal Grove’s senior feature back has used his hard-nosed running style to run wild — quite literally — through the Hornets’ first three games.
While the Hornets have outscored their opponents by a 154-74 margin and averaged 51.3 points per game, Hall has purchased frequent flyer miles in the end zone.
And it’s nothing new. He’s been doing it since a young age.
“I started playing back in kindergarten in flag football and have played every year since then,” Hall said. “My love for the game has grown more and more throughout the years and started on my first snap of flag football. I have always enjoyed playing the game.”
Defenses, however, do not enjoy playing the game against him.
After a stellar season last fall that saw him rush for over 1,600 yards, he’s now put together a three-game stretch that has him on pace to beat last year’s rushing total in Week 7.
His overall numbers include over 800 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns — including a 28-carry, 410-yard, five-touchdown performance last week in a 61-34 victory over Meigs.
“I would say that my success has primarily come from my line executing and blocking really well,” Hall said. “My offensive line is very special to me. They have become brothers to me over the years,” Hall said. “They’ve worked hard in the offseason to be where they are now, and deserve more credit than they are given. Without them, I would’ve never gotten the yards that I have right now. To me, they mean a lot to me and will always be my brothers.”
After finishing last season at 5-5, Coal Grove is more than halfway to that win total in as many tries with victories over Berne Union (43-6), Valley (50-34) and Meigs.
“This year, we have everyone back but a couple. We lost some very important players from last year but were able to replace them,” Hall said. “This team is a junior-senior heavy team and only has a couple of freshmen starting. It can be a great team and we can make it far into the playoffs. We just have to keep working hard week to week.”
Last season ended with a 36-6 loss to Barnesville in the Division VI, Region 23 playoffs.
Hall believes with the talent the Hornets have and the progress they’ve already seen, Coal Grove has a recipe for success. Now, it’s simply a matter of executing the game plan.
“We have the potential to go deep into the playoffs this year but can’t make stupid mistakes during games that will cost us in the long run and keep us from making it to playoffs,” Hall said.
CREDIT: Tim Gearhart
But first, a matchup at South Point awaits to open Ohio Valley Conference play.
The Pointers will enter that matchup at 2-1 after a 42-20 win over River Valley in Week 3. Defensively, where Hall has also excelled as a team leader this season, there’s a plan in place.
“We have to contain the quarterback and not let him get to the outside and keep their running back contained as well. He’s also a good athlete that can make plays if he gets room to run,” Hall said. “If you give their quarterback too much time in the backfield, he’s going to make a play. But if we contain him and give him little time, I think they will start to fold and start making mistakes.”
And offensively, well, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
“On the offensive side, we have to block their line and linebackers,” Hall said. “We also will have good success in the pass, in my opinion, if we do throw the ball. This week’s game is going to be one to come and watch. I think it’s going to be a good one.”
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