Here are preview capsules of every Butler and Warren County contest this week:
Talawanda at Meadowdale (Thurs.)
Talawanda (1-0) comes off a record-breaking opener behind senior running back Lance Cantrell’s 423 yards and five scores. The Brave look to keep the momentum rolling against a Meadowdale (0-1) team still searching for stability. A Thursday night stage will give Talawanda another chance to showcase its explosive offense.
Fairfield at Middletown
The Indians (0-1) showed that their can have offensive balance led by senior quarterback Dominic Back. The Middies (1-0) are fresh off a 28-20 victory over Troy and will lean on their physicality up front in this GMC showdown.
Mason at Lakota West
Mason (0-1) will take its “Be the First” culture against a Lakota West (0-1) team hungry to bounce back from an opening loss against St. Xavier. Discipline and depth could decide this one.
Edgewood at Springboro
The Cougars (0-1) will try to control tempo and the line of scrimmage, while the Panthers (1-0) counter with size and athleticism on both sides. Execution in the trenches is key.
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
Monroe at Fenwick
Monroe (0-1) and Fenwick (0-1) look to bounce back from season-opening losses and are to prove that they’re ready to take the next step.
Hamilton at Sycamore
Big Blue flashed promise in Week 1 against rival Badin, and they’ll get a GMC test at Sycamore (0-1). Quarterback Jayden McClain’s growth is central for Hamilton (0-1), while the Aviators will attempt to break out from their 44-7 loss to Kings. A fast start could be vital for Hamilton coach Arvie Crouch’s club on the road.
Oak Hills at Lakota East
Oak Hills (1-0) showed resilience in Week 1 and looks to take another step against an explosive and energetic Lakota East (1-0) squad on both sides of the ball. This matchup includes two of the three undefeated GMC teams.
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
Badin at Dixie Heights (Ky.)
The Rams (1-0) travel south after a convincing rivalry win over Hamilton. Badin coach Nick Yordy’s group will lean on toughness and depth after getting banged up last week. Dixie Heights (0-1) offers athleticism and home-field advantage in what sets up as a measuring-stick non-league tilt.
Manchester at New Miami
New Miami (0-1) gets a winnable home opportunity as it continues to rebuild. The Vikings’ youth movement is learning on the fly, and Friday provides a chance to build confidence against a Manchester (1-0) team coming off a 12-0 win over Fayetteville-Perry.
Ross at Thurgood Marshall
The Rams (0-1) nearly toppled Wyoming in Week 1 and now face a Thurgood (0-1) team that was blanked by Purcell Marian. Ross will try to pound the ball and limit possessions, while the Cougars look to turn the game into a track meet.
Loveland at Lebanon
Lebanon (1-0) is physical up front and will challenge a Loveland (0-1) squad still finding its footing. The Warriors’ home opener is a chance to establish momentum before diving deeper into ECC play.
Turpin at Little Miami
Little Miami (0-1) opens at home after a long trip to Jackson in Week 1. Turpin (0-1) brings a balanced attack and discipline, while Nate Mahon’s Panthers look to impose their own style and prove they can close out tight games.
Winton Woods at Kings
A heavyweight ECC clash looms. Winton Woods (1-0) athleticism and defensive front meet Kings (1-0) and its high-powered offense in a game with conference title implications as early as Week 2. Expect playoff intensity.
Madison at Madeira
The Mohawks (0-1) seek to bounce back on the road after a tough opener in new head coach Even Crim’s debut. Madeira (0-1) will bounce back from its 42-14 loss to Batavia.
Greeneview at Waynesville
Sophomore quarterback Gregory Marlow leads Waynesville (0-1) against a Greeneview (1-0) squad with tradition and toughness. The Spartans’ growth will be tested against a physical Rams front.
Miami East at Carlisle
Carlisle (1-0) looks to keep momentum after a strong Week 1 start. Miami East (1-0) will counter with size, but the Indians’ execution and tempo could make the difference.
Valley View at Franklin
The Spartans (0-1) went toe-to-toe against Coldwater in a 49-48 overtime loss in Week 1. Franklin (0-1), shut out in its opener, has to find offense quickly. The Spartans’ experience makes them favorites, but rivalry energy could keep it close.
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