Cavaliers vs. Panthers: Rivalry, Redemption, and the Battle on the Ground

By Mick Monk

CHILLICOTHE, OH -- This Friday night, the Chillicothe Cavaliers travel to Washington Court House to face the Miami Trace Panthers in a matchup brimming with history, momentum, and high stakes. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. under the lights, with two teams carrying very different trajectories into this Frontier Athletic Conference clash.

Current Season Outlook

Miami Trace Panthers (5–0): Undefeated, confident, and anchored by one of the most talented offensive lines in Ohio. They have opened the 2025 season with balance and power, especially in the run game. Oddsmakers have taken notice, too, as Rivals lists Miami Trace as a 6.5-point favorite heading into Friday.

Chillicothe Cavaliers (3–2): A team that stumbled early but has surged back with three straight wins. They have found new life thanks to a dominant ground attack, and despite being underdogs, they know better than anyone that this rivalry rarely follows the script.

Looking Back: The Upset That Shook the Panthers

Last October, Miami Trace was riding high. At the time, they were (6–2) and pushing for a playoff spot, while Chillicothe was just (1–7) and limping through a season that seemed destined for disappointment. On paper, the Panthers had every edge: experience, depth, momentum.

But the Cavaliers shocked everyone, pulling off a 28–25 upset that derailed Miami Trace’s momentum and gave Chillicothe a signature win in an otherwise difficult season. By year’s end, the Panthers finished (7–4), while Chillicothe sat at (2–8). Yet that single win was a statement: rivalries have no guarantees, and on any Friday night, anything can happen.

That upset still lingers for both programs. For Miami Trace, it is a bitter memory they are eager to erase. For Chillicothe, it is a reminder that no matter the odds, they can walk into a hostile stadium and leave with a victory.

Chillicothe’s New Identity: The Cartae Ligon Show

This season, the Cavaliers have found their heartbeat in the form of Cartae Ligon. Once a receiver, Ligon transitioned to running back only three games ago and since then he has been unstoppable.

Already he has rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season. He posted a jaw-dropping 420-yard, 5-touchdown performance against Western Brown and followed it with 304 yards and 4 touchdowns against Portsmouth West.

What makes Ligon’s rise remarkable is not just the numbers but how quickly he has embraced the role of workhorse. His combination of vision, speed, and toughness has turned Chillicothe’s offense into a ground-and-pound attack that opponents are struggling to solve.

If the Cavaliers are to upset Miami Trace again, Ligon will be the key. He not only shortens the game with long, clock-draining drives, but he also has the ability to break off explosive runs that can flip momentum instantly.

Defensive Leaders and the Wilmington Statement

The Cavaliers’ defense has been improving alongside the offense, and a major reason is the leadership of senior captains Jett McAlister and Truitt McGlone, who line up at linebacker. Their ability to diagnose plays, make open-field tackles, and set the tone physically will be critical if Chillicothe wants to slow down Miami Trace’s explosive rushing attack.

The unit’s growth was on full display last week when they held Wilmington to just 13 points, a performance that showed discipline, hustle, and a willingness to swarm to the football. If McAlister and McGlone lead another inspired effort, Chillicothe’s defense could give the team a chance to shock the Panthers once again.

A Caution Flag: Special Teams

While Chillicothe’s offense has found its rhythm, their special teams have been inconsistent. Missed kicks, shaky coverage, and miscues in the return game have popped up throughout the season.

In a rivalry game where every inch matters, those mistakes could be costly. A mishandled snap, a blocked punt, or poor field position could undo all the progress made on offense and defense. It is an area Miami Trace may look to exploit.

Miami Trace’s Power Formula: Baker and Guthrie

If Chillicothe has found a star in Cartae Ligon, Miami Trace counters with a one-two punch of their own.

Julian Baker (RB): He exploded for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns in the Panthers’ season opener against Waverly. Baker’s speed and downhill running style make him a constant threat to break the big play.

Adam Guthrie (OL): A 4-star offensive lineman committed to Clemson, Guthrie is the anchor of Miami Trace’s offensive front. At 6’7” and nearly 280 pounds, he is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to create space in the trenches has allowed Baker and other Panther backs to thrive.

Behind this duo, Miami Trace has leaned on its ground game as its offensive identity. They have controlled tempo, worn down defenses, and built confidence through physical play at the line of scrimmage.

Key Matchups to Watch

Cartae Ligon vs. the Panther Front Seven

Can Miami Trace’s linebackers and secondary slow down the Cavaliers’ star back? If Ligon finds space early, Chillicothe could replicate last year’s formula for an upset.

McAlister and McGlone vs. Julian Baker

The linebacking duo of Chillicothe will have their hands full against Baker, who thrives in open space. Their ability to meet him in the hole and limit yards after contact may decide how long the Cavaliers can hang around.

Adam Guthrie’s Line vs. Cavalier Defensive Front

The Panthers want to control the trenches, and with Guthrie leading the way, they often do. Chillicothe’s ability to stay disciplined in gap control will be vital.

Turnovers and Hidden Yardage

Special teams and turnovers can swing this game more than any stat sheet. For the Cavaliers, limiting miscues is non-negotiable. For the Panthers, capitalizing on field position will be the focus.

Emotional Pressure

Miami Trace will feed off a raucous home crowd, but pressure builds when the game stays close. If Chillicothe can hang around into the fourth quarter, all the tension shifts onto the Panthers, who still remember last year’s collapse.

The Stakes

For Miami Trace, this game is about protecting perfection. At (5–0), they want to keep their undefeated run alive while avenging the sting of last year’s loss. With college scouts watching Guthrie and Baker gaining recognition statewide, the Panthers have a chance to showcase themselves as one of Ohio’s rising programs.

For Chillicothe, this game represents more than just a chance at redemption. It is about proving that their three-game winning streak and new identity are real. A win here would vault them back into conference contention and confirm that they can hang with the best.

Prediction

According to Rivals, Miami Trace enters this game as a 6.5-point favorite, and that line makes sense given their record, talent, and home-field advantage. On paper, the Panthers have the edge with a powerful offensive line, a star back in Baker, and the motivation of last year’s upset.                                     

But Chillicothe has the ultimate equalizer in Cartae Ligon, whose recent performances suggest he can take over a game almost single-handedly. With senior captains Jett McAlister and Truitt McGlone leading the linebacking corps and a defense that just held Wilmington to 13 points, the Cavaliers have the toughness to keep this game competitive.

If the Cavaliers protect the football, shore up special teams, and let Ligon dictate tempo, they have every chance to cover that spread and maybe even pull off another stunning upset. If the Panthers dominate the trenches and exploit special teams lapses, their unbeaten season will remain intact.

Either way, expect a physical, emotional, and unforgettable clash between two rivals who know that in games like these, nothing is guaranteed.