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CADIZ -- The Union Local Jets are soaring. The Harrison Central Huskies are hurting.
The Buckeye 8 rivals, who are seemingly headed in different directions, will square off Friday evening on the new turf at Wagner Field.
"It's always tough to play at Harrison Central, and now with the new turf and all of the enthusiasm that surrounds it, it's an even bigger advantage for them," Union Local head coach Bruce Stiles said. "We'll have our hands full with them."
The Jets have made relatively easy work of their first three opponents. Winning by an average of 23.3 points a game thus far includes victories against teams with a combined 1-8 record in Monroe Central, Buckeye Local and Martins Ferry.
"Union Local will be as good as we've faced," Harrison Central head coach Justin Kropka said. "They have a really good line, and they're able to find two or three guys who can carry the ball. Coach Stiles has done a really good job and he's built that program."
The Huskies are coming off a beatdown at the hands of Bellaire (38-7) last week, dropping them to 1-2. They defeated Division I Cleveland Rhodes in Week 2. However, the injury report is growing what feels like the day for Kropka and company.
"We started the season with 37, and I think we dressed less than 30 for practice (earlier this week)," Kropka said. "When you lose a couple of guys, you have to move maybe six different positions to get your best 11 on the field. I was very surprised by how we were physically manhandled last week."
The Huskies were pushed around by the Big Reds' offensive line, and it led to nearly 400 yards of offense with more than 230 coming on the ground.
Meanwhile, in Morristown, the Jets overcame a sluggish start to pull away from Martins Ferry, 40-15. They forced seven turnovers in the game and allowed Braden Lucas, Ben Howell and quarterback Cal Kildow freedom to make plays thanks to an imposing offensive line.
"We played better in the second half (against Martins Ferry)," Stiles said. "I don't think we've played really well yet. We're looking for more improvement, but I was pleased with how we came out in the second half and played like a different football team."
The Jets, who have been without the services of talented tailback Luke Menges the past two weeks, have a myriad of weapons. Lucas did a little bit of everything last week, including scoring four touchdowns. Lucas and Howell, who went for 104 yards and a score last week, have developed into quite the one-two punch. Howell has 248 yards and four touchdowns, while Lucas has 235 and six scores.
Kildow has completed 18-of-26 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Lucas has seven receptions, too, which leads the receiving corps.
As for the Huskies, their chief offensive weapon is one of the best in the area. Junior tailback Tyler West has gained 499 yards on 60 carries and six touchdowns.
"West is one of the best tailbacks in the Ohio Valley," Stiles said. "They also have talented receivers. We have to be able to slow down (West). Bellaire did a pretty good job against him last week in not letting him hit too many big runs."
Harrison Central's quarterback spot remains a mystery. Senior Wyatt Elias left last week's game with an injury. DeJuan Caldwell, who is the team's leader at receiver, moved to quarterback after the injury and could play there again this week if Elias can't go.
"We have to shore up some things up front, and the only way that happens is through experience," Kropka said. "We're still taking baby steps with this team, but every injury sets us back because we're teaching guys how to do one thing, and then we move them and have to teach them something new. It's like starting camp all over again. Can we survive the next three weeks? We're in a brutal stretch of games right now."