Week 1 preview: Check out the non-conference matchups across the area

Chillicothe vs Bloom-Carroll

In a season that saw the Cavaliers win only one game, this season will open with a big test as the Bulldogs of the Mid-State League come to town.

The Bulldogs, led by veteran quarterback Ethan Thanthanavong, held a 10-3 record last year and finished first in the MSL-Buckeye Division with a 6-1 record. They defeated Athens, 58-14, and Jackson, 14-10, in the playoffs before falling 20-10 to Columbus Watterson.

Adena vs McClain

Finishing with a 2-8 record that started with an opening loss to McClain, the Warriors are looking for a bounce-back year. Adena held the Tigers to one score in the first quarter, but by halftime were down 28-0. Despite scoring in the second half, the Tigers took the game, 41-23.

McClain had a 6-5 overall record and a 2-3 Frontier Athletic Conference record. They fell to Cincinnati Taft, 39-7, in the playoffs.

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Huntington at East Clinton

The Huntsmen travel to Sabina to take on the East Clinton Astros. East Clinton was 4-6 overall with a 2-3 Southern Buckeye-National Conference record. The Huntsmen will be seeking revenge after getting blanked by the Astros, 12-0, in the opener last year. Huntington stayed close throughout, but the Astros scored twice — off touchdown passes in the first and fourth quarters, respectively.

Paint Valley at Blanchester

The Bearcats opened their season with a 35-14 win against the Wildcats at home last season. Braylon Robertson ended the game with four rushing touchdowns for the Bearcats, three of which came in the first half. He scored his final touchdown of the night after breaking through on a four-yard run in the fourth quarter, and he added on a two-point conversion afterward.

Blanchester, from the Southern Buckeye Conference, finished with a 7-4 record. They fell 35-20 to Bethel Tate in the playoffs.

Piketon vs Northwest

The Redstreaks will take on the Mohawks from the Southern Ohio Conference II. Northwest finished the season with a 3-7 record last season. The Mohawks opened the 2023 season against Southeastern where they netted one of their wins in a 38-8 win.

Southeastern at East

The Panthers travel to take on the East Tartans, who held a 4-6 record and a 3-3 Southern Ohio Conference I record last year. The Tartans started the season with two wins but then went on a four-game losing streak. They fell to the Fairfield Christian Academy Knights, 61-54, in the playoffs.

Unioto vs Vinton County

The Shermans have won the last two games in this nonconference rivalry with the Vikings, including last season's 21-20 win. The Vikings, who are in the Tri-Valley Conference, finished last season with a 9-2 overall record. After losing to the Shermans in week one, they rattled off nine straight wins before falling to Gallia Academy in the playoffs.

Westfall vs Madison Plains

Coming off a 6-5 season, the Mustangs welcome in the Golden Eagles from the Ohio Heritage league. Westfall dominated Madison Plains in the opener last season, 38-12. Bryce Wickline, who has since graduated, went 7-of-13 for 91 yards and had 123 yards on seven carries and a touchdown.

But returning this season is Joey Wright who had 263 yards in the season opener on 19 carries and four touchdowns.

Zane Trace vs Logan Elm

The Pioneers host the Braves, who are coming off of a 9-2 overall record and a 6-1 Mid-State League record last season. Logan Elm defeated Zane Trace in the opener last year, 39-23.

Quarterback Carter Langley went 3-for-13 with 43 passing yards, one touchdown and was intercepted three times in the game. Langley also picked up 59 rushing yards on 10 carries. Logan Elm fell to Gnadenhutten Indian Valley, 48-27, in the Division IV, Region 15 playoffs.

Waverly at Miami Trace

The Tigers face a Panthers squad that was 7-5 last season, including a 3-2 conference record. The regular season record included an opening win against the Tigers.

Quarterback Mason Kelly threw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of that game, but the Tigers' two-point conversion attempt on their final play came up short. The Panthers' season came to a close in a 44-7 loss to Bishop Watterson in the Division III, Region 11 playoffs.

The Tigers season ended with a 37-7 loss to Springfield Shawnee in the playoffs.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Week 1 preview: Check out the non-conference matchups across the area