by Logan Andrew | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
Crawford County’s second week of the high‑school football season features several intriguing clashes. After a mix of close contests and blowouts in the opener, local teams now face opponents that will either test their early momentum or provide a chance to rebound. Here’s a look at the six matchups on tap Friday (except for Crestline, which plays Thursday), focusing on key players and storylines to watch.
Bucyrus Redmen (0‑1) vs. Triad Cardinals (0‑1)
Bucyrus’ young offense showed promise despite a 36‑28 Week 1 loss to North Baltimore. Freshman quarterback Isaac Makeever completed 24‑of‑29 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns and added 88 rushing yards with two more scores. He’ll again lean on receivers Christian Neal and Da’Shawn Cosey as he seeks his first win. Triad, which fell 31‑6 to Mt. Gilead, has lost nine straight games but will hope quarterback Wyatt Smith and his young offense can break through. Bucyrus’ defense must contain Smith to avoid another shoot‑out.
Buckeye Central Bucks (1‑0) vs. South Central Trojans (0‑1)
The Bucks opened their season with a road win over Crestline thanks to senior Jack Phillips’ 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns, plus 112 yards on the ground from Austin Bogner. They’ll host South Central, a spread‑offense team coached by Derek Fisher that returns wide receiver Cole Frankart and lineman Alex Hamons. New quarterback Brayden Viock and running back Brantley Ellis headline a retooled offense, while the defense uses a 3‑4 alignment anchored by Hamons and Kaden Blair. Buckeye Central’s physical run game faces a Trojans unit looking to rebound from a 46‑12 loss to Willard.
Colonel Crawford Eagles (1‑0) vs. Fairfield Union Falcons (0‑1)
Colonel Crawford dominated Fairbanks 42‑7 in Week 1, fueled by junior wide receiver Parker Weithman’s 187 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterbacks Payton Baker and Brayden Holt combined for five scoring passes, and the defense forced four turnovers. Fairfield Union, with just four seniors and a new quarterback (Dean Clark), is rebuilding under head coach Kevin Hahn after graduating its top rushers. Returning defenders Keaton Webb and Zach Berry provide some experience, but the Falcons’ youth will be tested by one of the county’s most explosive offenses.
Crestline Bulldogs (0‑1) vs. Vanlue Wildcats (0‑1)
Crestline’s offense sputtered in a 22‑7 loss to Buckeye Central, though junior quarterback Kody Lawhorn—who threw for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns last season—finished with 173 yards and a score. The Bulldogs return 6‑foot‑6, 320‑pound tackle Brett Cheney and hope to build on their 2024 playoff appearance. They visit Vanlue, which was overwhelmed 47‑0 by Leetonia while dressing just 13 players and gaining only seven total yards. If Crestline can establish its run game and protect Lawhorn, it has a strong chance to notch its first win.
Galion Tigers (1‑0) vs. Carey Blue Devils (0‑1)
Galion opened with an impressive 35‑6 win over St. Marys Memorial and returns a veteran nucleus. Linebacker Trevor Shifley made 100 tackles last season, quarterback Ayden Schmidt averaged nearly 10 yards per carry, receiver Jacob Chambers hauled in 43 passes for 603 yards and nine touchdowns, and defensive lineman Zach Sallee earned all‑Ohio honors. Carey, a perennial Division VI power under head coach Jonathon Mershman, lost 30‑7 to Hopewell‑Loudon and may be without star running back Eli Steen. The Blue Devils still have all‑Ohio lineman Carter Bame, versatile receiver/defensive back Tripp Phoenix, linemen Garrett Boes and Caleb Putnam, linebackers Dash and Mace Puckett, and defensive back Logan Summitt. This game is one of the county’s marquee matchups.
Wynford Royals (0‑1) vs. East Knox Bulldogs (0‑1)
Wynford fell 32‑27 to Cardington‑Lincoln despite a strong debut from running back Bryce Locker, who rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns. The Royals host an East Knox team that lost 25‑24 to Northridge but features veteran quarterback Jaxon Lester, who threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns, and receivers Logan Clark and Rush Beatty. Last year East Knox finished 4‑6 and leans on Lester’s arm (1,294 passing yards in 2024) and Clark’s big-play potential, while Beatty (72 tackles) leads the defense. Wynford will need to contain the Bulldogs’ passing attack to avoid a repeat of last year’s loss in this series.
