Week 3 spells the end of non-league games for most teams, the last tune-up before heading into league play next week.

The schedule offers a mix of old rivalries and first-time matchups. Several significant road trips are on the docket.

Bucyrus (1-1) at Grandview Heights (2-0)

Bucyrus travels to Columbus for the first-ever meeting with the Grandview Heights Bobcats. Redmen coach Matt Makeever got his first win, 26-7 over Cardington, though his team was penalized 11 times for 115 yards.

Grandview Heights presents some matchup problems for the Bucyrus defense, starting with 6-foot-7 tight end Luke Lachey, who has verbally committed to Iowa. The Bobcats have put 63 points on the board in their two wins.

Bucyrus will have to stop the big play, limit penalties and turnovers and take advantage of scoring opportunities to have a chance to win.

Plymouth (2-0) at Buckeye Central (0-2)

Buckeye Central and Plymouth are the definition of backyard rivals. Both teams are run-oriented so the defenses will play a major role in the outcome.

The Big Red run a double-wing style offense not often seen in recent years, but which has been very effective for them this year. Plymouth has outscored Cardington and Plymouth by a combined score of 94-30 so far.

The Bucks have averaged allowing 202 yards on the ground in their two losses, so the defense must contain Plymouth and for the Big Red to throw the ball more than they are comfortable doing.

Wynford (1-1) at Allen East (2-0)

Wynford survived a scare last week, squeaking past Tiffin Calvert, 13-9. It’s back on the road this week for the Royals to face Allen East. The Mustangs hung 40 on Lima Perry last week, so the Wynford defense will have to be ready.

Against Calvert, the Royals’ defense bent but didn’t break, allowing 286 total yards, but kept the Senecas out of the end zone. They will need to get the offense untracked to assure a winning non-league schedule in preparation for a playoff push.

Cardington (0-2) at Colonel Crawford (1-1)

Colonel Crawford ran into a buzz saw at North Union last week. The Eagles dropped a 34-0 decision to the Wildcats. North Union outgained Colonel Crawford, 371-81.

Fortunately for the Eagles, they have a potential get-well game against a wounded Cardington team, The Pirates are missing, among others, their main running back, senior Jason Goers, so coach Tim Plumley is forced to play many of his underclassmen.

Colonel Crawford needs to reestablish its offense and contain the Cardington spread to get back in the win column.

Upper Sandusky (1-1) at Galion (2-0)

Galion’s offense continued to roll last week with a 35-6 win over Carey. Upper Sandusky showed some offensive potential in a 41-21 decision of Mount Gilead.

The Tigers have only surrendered 13 points in two games, so the Rams’ will find it a little more difficult to move the ball. Their defense will need to find ways to slow down Galion’s many offensive weapons.

With the rugged MOAC schedule looming, this is a key game for the Tigers.

Crestline (1-1) at Arcadia (0-2)

Crestline makes its foray into the Blanchard Valley Conference when the Bulldogs travel to Arcadia on Friday. Crestline absorbed a 55-14 loss at Fisher Catholic, but the Redskins defense has coughed up 81 points in their two losses.

The Bulldogs are entering a two-year experiment playing football in the BVC, so they hope to get things off to a good start.

If Crestline defense can hold down Arcadia’s offense, the Bulldogs offense should have just enough to get their second win of the year.

Other games

Mohawk at Gibsonburg

Waynesfield-Goshen at Ridgedale

Seneca East at Willard