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VIENNA -- The Edison football team accomplished its mission last week against winless Woodward.
This week, the Wildcats face a stiffer test as Edison hits the road for the first time this season as it plays undefeated Mathews at 7 p.m. Saturday night at Lakeview.
The Wildcats did what it set out to do against the Polar Bears Saturday afternoon at the Edison Unified Sports Complex.
"Sure," Edison (3-0) head coach Mike Collopy said. "I was proud of our younger guys who got the opportunity to go out and play. They got a lot of time out on the field, and that was good to see. It is always good to see them when they have the opportunity to go out onto the field.
"They do a lot during the week in practice to help us prepare. It was going to see them be able to get time out on the field. I appreciate all the time they put in."
Mathews (3-0) enter this week's game coming off of wins against
Mathews has defeated Catholic Central, 38-7, Sebring, 64-8 and Leetonia, 49-0.
The Mustangs are coached by former Big Red head coach Bill Bohren.
"The Wing-T is difficult to defend," Collopy said. "Coach Bohren is a legend. He always has his teams prepared. His teams are always well coached. They are always fundamentally sound.
"They have a good running back. Their quarterback is good. Their offensive line does a good job."
Mathews likes to bring pressure on defense.
"Defensively, they are aggressive," Collopy said. "They like to bring pressure."
One of the main strengths for the Mustangs this season is their athleticism.
"No. 12 – Dominic Toto – is fast," Collopy said. "He returned a kick against last year. He plays running back, but they also move him to a wing. He also plays defensive back for them.
"Their fullback is No. 33 (Tim Scott Gregorino). He runs hard. He is also a good linebacker.
"They have some good two-way linemen. No. 76 is outstanding for them on the offensive and defensive line.
"They have good special teams. They have a good kicker. They do a good job in coverage.
"They are strong all over the field. They have scored 141 points and only given up 15. They are 3-0 for a reason."
It is a little strange for a team to play its first road game of the season in Week 4.
"It is what it is," Collopy said. "You play the game against the opponent you have schedule. It doesn't matter if you play at home, on the road, in a parking lot or at Heinz Field. You just have to make sure the kids are prepared. You either go from the locker room to the field or from the locker room to the bus."
Road games present some different challenges teams have to face.
"When you go on the road, things are a little different," Collopy said. "You have to make sure you are prepared. You have a schedule. You have to be ready to play no matter what. You just have to prepare the best you can.
"The coaches have to be prepared all the way down to the kids. Everyone has to be ready.
"It is going to be a big challenge for us. They are 3-0. We have to be ready to go."
The Wildcats are going to need to play well in all three phases to come away with their fourth win of the season.
"We have to play sound defense," Collopy said. "We have to eliminate big plays. Offensively, we have to control the ball. We have to do a good job on special teams. We need to make sure field position is in our favor."
Edison defeated Mathews, 35-18, last year in Week 4 at home.
The Wildcats started the 2002 season 3-0 before losing 55-23 to Licking Valley in Week 4 on the road.