Hamilton at Lakota West
Hamilton faces one of its toughest tests of the season when it travels to Firebird Stadium for a Greater Miami Conference matchup against unbeaten Lakota West. The Firebirds are 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the GMC after beating Mason 35-10 last week. Lakota West opened with a 20-7 victory over St. Xavier before rolling past Lakota East 48-18. The Firebirds have outscored their first three opponents 103-35. Hamilton will have to find a way to slow an experienced West offense while avoiding the mistakes that can quickly turn into points — especially with GMC leading rusher and senior Kenyon Norman in the Firebirds’ backfield. The Big Blue (1-2, 1-1 GMC) are coming off their first win of the season against Sycamore and are looking to build momentum as the GMC schedule continues. Lakota West has allowed just 11.7 points per game through three weeks and has already beaten two GMC opponents by a combined 55 points.
Fairfield at Colerain
Fairfield hits the road looking to rebound from a 27-20 loss to Middletown when it visits Colerain. The Indians fell to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in the GMC after driving into Middletown territory with a chance to tie last week’s game before Harlem Coleman intercepted a pass in the end zone in the final minute. Fairfield opened the season with a 35-25 win over Wayne. Colerain (1-2, 1-1 GMC) enters looking to get its season moving in the right direction after a difficult opening stretch. The Cardinals fell 49-6 to unbeaten Princeton last week. Fairfield has shown it can score, but finishing drives and avoiding turnovers in key situations will be important against a Colerain team on the uprise under second-year coach Jordan Stevens.
Mason at Lakota East
Mason dropped to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the GMC after Lakota West handed the Comets a 35-10 loss last week. Lakota East (2-1, 1-1 GMC) beat Oak Hills last week by three points. East entered the season with junior quarterback Nile Knutson back after throwing for 2,486 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore, along with receiver Carter Jones. The Thunderhawks’ ability to generate explosive plays through the air could be a major factor against the Comets. Both teams have already faced Lakota West, making Friday an important opportunity to get back into the GMC race.
Oak Hills at Middletown
Middletown returns to Barnitz Stadium with some momentum after picking up its first victory of the season. The Middies held off Fairfield 27-20 last week, with junior defensive back Harlem Coleman sealing the victory with an interception in the end zone in the final minute. Middletown improved to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the GMC. Oak Hills (2-1, 1-1 GMC) has demonstrated plenty of offensive firepower early in the season, making this another significant test for the Middies’ defense. Middletown now has an opportunity to string together consecutive GMC wins.
Wayne at Springboro
Springboro returns home after earning a notable road victory when it hosts Wayne at Watkins Stadium. The Panthers (2-1) knocked off Withrow 23-13 last week, handing the Tigers their first loss after Withrow had opened with victories over Walnut Hills and Chaminade Julienne. Withrow entered the game averaging 47.5 points before Springboro held it to just 13. Wayne (0-3) provides another physical test before Springboro gets deeper into its GWOC schedule. Springboro’s defense is coming off an impressive performance against a Withrow offense that scored 50 and 45 points in its first two games. Friday is Military Night at Watkins Stadium.
Walnut Hills at Little Miami
Little Miami returns home for an Eastern Cincinnati Conference matchup with Walnut Hills. The Panthers (2-1) are looking to rebound after a 51-14 loss at Anderson last week. Anderson’s high-powered offense created separation quickly and continued a difficult early-season stretch for Little Miami. Walnut Hills gives the Panthers an opportunity to reset against another ECC opponent and establish some momentum heading into the middle portion of the schedule. Little Miami’s biggest priority will be limiting explosive plays after surrendering 51 points to Anderson.
Anderson at Lebanon
Lebanon (3-0) gets one of the ECC’s most explosive offenses when Anderson visits VanDeGrift Stadium. After a 59-13 season-opening loss to Trinity of Kentucky, Anderson has responded in emphatic fashion. The Raptors beat West Clermont 70-19 and Little Miami 51-14 in consecutive weeks, scoring 121 points in those two victories. Lebanon will need to control possession, limit big plays and keep Anderson’s offense on the sideline as much as possible. Anderson has averaged 60.5 points over its last two games.
Withrow at Harrison
Harrison (3-0) welcomes a dangerous Withrow team that will be looking to respond from its first loss. Withrow opened the season by beating Walnut Hills 50-13 and Chaminade Julienne 45-12 before Springboro slowed the Tigers in a 23-13 loss last week. Withrow is 2-1 and has scored 108 points through three games. Harrison will need to prevent the Tigers from rediscovering the explosive offense that produced 95 points over the opening two weeks. Withrow’s first two victories came by a combined 70 points before Springboro held the Tigers to 13.
West Clermont at Kings
Kings (2-1) continues its ECC schedule at home against West Clermont. The Wolves have endured an up-and-down start and were overwhelmed 70-19 by Anderson in Week 2. West Clermont’s defense faces another challenge against a Kings program that has consistently produced explosive offensive players under coach Alex Garvin. For Kings, this is an opportunity to protect its home field and build momentum before a Sept. 18 trip to Anderson. West Clermont is also looking for an important conference victory after its difficult early stretch. The matchup begins a significant two-week stretch for Kings, which follows Friday’s game with a road trip to Anderson.
Badin at Bishop Hartley
Badin takes its unbeaten record to Columbus for another significant nonconference test against Bishop Hartley. The Rams improved to 3-0 with a 31-7 victory over Edgewood last week. Badin has also beaten Hamilton 33-7 and Dixie Heights to continue another strong start. History is on Badin’s side in the matchup. The Rams lead the all-time series with Hartley 7-2 and have won four straight meetings. Badin beat the Hawks 42-24 last season and hasn’t lost in the series since a 21-14 setback in 1986. Need to know: Badin has allowed only 14 points in its two games against Butler County opponents Hamilton and Edgewood. The Rams’ four-game series winning streak against Hartley spans meetings in multiple eras.
Fenwick at Edgewood
Two Butler-Warren coverage-area programs meet when Fenwick travels to Edgewood. Fenwick has responded emphatically since a 28-26 season-opening loss to CHCA. The Falcons beat Monroe 41-20 and Franklin 39-14 in consecutive weeks to improve to 2-1. Edgewood is also 2-1 after its two-game winning streak ended with a 31-7 loss to Badin. The Cougars previously beat Miamisburg 32-28 on JJ Vogel’s 49-yard touchdown reception with about a minute remaining. The matchup features first-year Edgewood coach Matt Root against a Fenwick team that has scored 80 points over the last two weeks. Fenwick has averaged 40 points during its two-game winning streak. Edgewood won last year’s meeting 28-14.
Ross at Wilmington
Ross closes out its nonconference schedule with a road trip to Wilmington. The Rams are 1-2 after falling 14-12 to Northwest last week. Ross had opened with a loss at Wyoming before breaking out for a 57-0 victory over Thurgood Marshall. Coach Kenyon Commins’ experienced team will look for more consistency offensively before SWBL Southwestern Division play begins. The Rams’ defense gave them an opportunity against Northwest, but an early deficit proved costly. Ross has allowed just 14 points in each of its last two games, including the shutout of Thurgood Marshall.
Talawanda at Franklin
Talawanda takes some momentum to Atrium Stadium after earning an impressive Week 3 victory. The Brave rolled past Eaton 38-6 last week, while Franklin fell 39-14 to Fenwick. The Wildcats are trying to reverse an 0-3 start after reaching SWBL play last season with the same problem. Franklin’s 2025 team started 0-5 before winning four straight league games and capturing the SWBL Southwestern Division championship, giving coach Brad Childers’ program experience dealing with early adversity. Talawanda will try to carry over the offensive production it displayed against Eaton. Franklin lost 35-10 to Talawanda last season before rebounding to win four consecutive SWBL games.
Monroe at Ponitz Tech
Monroe looks to stop a two-game slide when it travels to Dayton to face Ponitz Tech. The Hornets are 1-2 after opening with a 39-6 victory at Loveland. Fenwick beat Monroe 41-20 in Week 2 before Wyoming handed the Hornets a 42-21 loss last week. Monroe has scored 80 points through three games but surrendered 83 over its last two. Ponitz enters 0-3 and is coming off a narrow 15-14 loss to Carroll after being shut out by North College Hill earlier in the season. Monroe has scored at least 20 points in all three games. The Hornets will look to get back to .500 before beginning their SWBL schedule.
Carlisle at Valley View
Carlisle gets an early measuring-stick game when the Indians visit defending SWBL Buckeye Division champion Valley View. Carlisle is 2-1 after beating Bethel 20-12 last week. The Indians also defeated Milton-Union 43-12 in the opener, with their only loss coming 20-7 at Miami East. Valley View went 11-2 last season, including a perfect 6-0 mark in SWBL play, and beat Carlisle 35-14. The Spartans advanced to the regional semifinals before losing to Indian Hill. Carlisle will need a strong performance from its running game and defense to reverse last season’s result. Carlisle enters 2-1 for coach Josh Koogle. Valley View has been one of the SWBL’s benchmark programs and won last year’s meeting by 21 points.
Madison at Dayton Christian
Madison continues its search for its first victory when it travels to Dayton Christian. The Mohawks fell to 0-3 with a 36-26 loss to Blanchester last week. Madison showed more offensive life in that game after struggling to consistently produce points during the opening two weeks. Coach Evan Crim’s team now gets another nonconference opportunity before the heart of the SWBL schedule arrives. Madison’s 26 points against Blanchester represented an encouraging offensive step.
Brookville at Waynesville
Waynesville puts its unbeaten record on the line when Brookville visits Spartan Community Field. The Spartans are 3-0 after rolling past Hillsboro 52-13 last week. Waynesville also owns victories over Clinton-Massie and Greeneview, giving coach Ben Johnson’s team one of the area’s strongest starts. Junior receiver Tyce Rutledge has emerged as one of Waynesville’s offensive playmakers, while the Spartans have shown an ability to win both close games and comfortably when their offense gets rolling. Brookville enters after a convincing 35-8 victory over Northridge last week. Waynesville has won three straight to begin the season, including a 20-17 victory over perennial power Clinton-Massie.
Fayetteville-Perry at New Miami
New Miami looks to get its season moving in the right direction when Fayetteville-Perry visits. The Vikings have endured a difficult start under second-year coach Chris Fogle and are trying to establish some consistency before getting deeper into Miami Valley Conference play. New Miami was shut out 38-0 by Belmont in Week 2, making offensive execution and limiting negative plays priorities heading into Friday. Fayetteville-Perry provides another opportunity for the Vikings to develop their young roster and build momentum at home. New Miami is looking for an offensive breakthrough after a difficult opening stretch.
