by Logan Andrew | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
Bucyrus Redmen (1-1) vs. Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (1-1) – Bucyrus snapped a 22-game losing streak last week with a 42-21 victory, giving head coach Jon Butchko a celebratory Gatorade bath. Freshman quarterback Isaac Makeever accounted for four touchdowns in the win (two passing, two rushing), piling up 208 yards of offense and energizing the Redmen’s young attack. He’ll face a Cardington-Lincoln squad that features one of the area’s top running games. Senior Wyatt Denney – the reigning KMAC Player of the Year and a 1,400-yard rusher in 2024 – exploded for 191 yards and two scores in the Pirates’ 32-27 opening win over Wynford. Dual-threat quarterback Josh Goers added 156 rushing yards and two TDs in that game. Cardington was brought back to earth in a 37-8 loss to Mohawk in Week 2, but its ground attack will test a Bucyrus defense that must tackle better to keep Makeever from having to win another shootout.
Buckeye Central Bucks (2-0) vs. Fairport Harding Skippers (2-0) – Buckeye Central has muscled its way to two straight wins, outscoring opponents 56-14 so far. The Bucks’ offense leans on a physical rushing attack – sophomore Austin Bogner had 112 yards on 22 carries in Week 1, while senior quarterback Jack Phillips added 99 yards on the ground (plus 72 through the air) in that 22-7 win over Crestline. Last week, the Bucks rolled 34-7 over South Central, and their defense has been opportunistic (forcing multiple turnovers each game). They’ll host Fairport Harding on Saturday in a clash of contrasting styles. The Fairport Skippers have unveiled a high-flying offense – their air attack was nearly unstoppable in a 49–6 rout of Lisbon last week. Fairport quarterback Dom Friscone threw for five touchdowns in that game, as the Skippers scored 49 unanswered points. Buckeye Central’s secondary will be under pressure to contain the Skippers’ passing game, but the Bucks hope to counter by controlling the clock with their run game and stout defense.
Colonel Crawford Eagles (2-0) vs. East Knox Bulldogs (0-2) – Colonel Crawford’s high-octane offense has been on display early, averaging 35 points through two wins. In their opener, the Eagles erupted for a 42-7 victory as junior wideout Parker Weithman torched Fairbanks for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns on just four catches (all in the first half). Quarterbacks Peyton Baker and Brayden Holt combined for five TD passes in that game, showing how many weapons Crawford can deploy. Last week the Eagles handled Fairfield Union 28-14, and now they return home to face East Knox. The Bulldogs are 0-2 but bring a veteran passing attack led by senior quarterback Jaxon Lester, a four-year starter who threw for 1,294 yards last season. Lester tossed three touchdown passes in East Knox’s 25-24 Week 1 loss and has dangerous targets like junior Logan Clark on the outside (a 17.9 yards-per-catch threat in 2024). Even in defeat, East Knox has shown big-play ability through the air. Colonel Crawford’s defense, which forced four turnovers in Week 1, will aim to disrupt Lester’s rhythm and continue the takeaway trend against a pass-heavy opponent. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ balanced offense (over 250 passing yards and a solid run game each week) poses a significant challenge to a Bulldog defense giving up 26+ points per game so far.
Crestline Bulldogs (1-1) vs. Mapleton Mounties (0-2) – After a slow start, Crestline’s offense came to life last week. The Bulldogs opened with a 22-7 loss to Buckeye Central in which junior quarterback Kody Lawhorn managed 173 passing yards and a lone touchdown, but they rebounded by thumping Vanlue 48-6 on the road. Crestline’s experienced lineup (nearly 20 juniors and seniors) showed its potential in that win, with improved ball security and a ground game that complemented Lawhorn’s arm. Now they’ll try to keep rolling against Mapleton. The Mounties have struggled mightily on defense – they allowed 60 points in their opener and fell 28-12 to Wellington last week, dropping to 0-2. Last season Mapleton gave up over 33 points per game in conference play, and those woes seem to be continuing. The Mounties are rebuilding under second-year coach Mitch Young and have been prone to big plays against them. This presents an opportunity for Crestline’s sizeable offensive line and 6’6”, 320-pound tackle Brett Cheney to control the trenches. If the Bulldogs protect Lawhorn and execute like they did at Vanlue, they could notch a second straight win, while Mapleton must tighten up defensively to avoid another long night.
Galion Tigers (2-0) vs. Norwalk Truckers (1-1) – Galion has been perhaps the area’s most impressive team through two weeks. The Tigers opened with a 35-6 rout of St. Marys Memorial and followed it by rolling past perennial small-school power Carey, 41-14. Senior quarterback Ayden Schmidt is the catalyst – he passed for 120 yards and 2 TDs and rushed for 71 yards and 2 more scores against Carey, displaying dual-threat ability and leadership. Schmidt has plenty of help: returning All-Ohio defensive lineman Zach Sallee anchors a fast, swarming defense (which forced four turnovers vs. Carey), and weapons like receiver Jacob Chambers and tailback Kale Early provide big-play potential on offense. Galion will step up in division to visit Division III Norwalk, but the Tigers appear up to the task. The Norwalk Truckers are 1-1, having edged Toledo Start 17-14 in Week 1 before being humbled 37-6 by Ontario last week. Norwalk’s offense managed only 6 points in that home loss, struggling with turnovers and consistency. The Truckers traditionally have decent size and play in the Sandusky Bay Conference, so Galion can’t overlook them on the road. However, if the Tigers continue executing at a high level – Galion piled up 361 yards (241 rushing) last week – they have a strong chance to remain unbeaten heading into conference play.
Wynford Royals (1-1) vs. Western Reserve Roughriders (1-1) – Wynford bounced back from a tight opening loss and will now see if it can go above .500 on a long road trip. The Royals fell 32-27 in Week 1 but righted the ship with a 28-12 victory over East Knox last Friday. Senior running back Bryce Locker has emerged as Wynford’s workhorse – he racked up 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the opener and added another score last week, providing a steady ground presence for coach Cyle Skidmore’s offense. Wynford’s defense also showed improvement, holding East Knox under 200 passing yards after struggling against the pass in Week 1. They’ll need another stout effort against Western Reserve in Collins. The Roughriders opened with an impressive 45-6 win at Wellington, but were shut out 21-0 by Margaretta in Week 2. Western Reserve’s usually potent offense (they averaged 32 points per game last year) was stifled by Margaretta’s defense, raising questions about consistency. Veteran coach Ty Stevenson will look for his team to establish the run and rebound at home. Keep an eye on Roughriders running back Caleb Cann and dual-threat QB Nick Pifer (both seniors), who will test a Wynford defense that surrendered 32 points in its only road game so far. This Thursday-night matchup (moved up for local fair weekend) could hinge on which team controls the line of scrimmage. If Wynford can grind out drives with Locker and contain Western Reserve’s speed, the Royals could avenge last year’s loss in this series. Otherwise, the host Roughriders might recapture their Week 1 form under the lights.
