High school football preview: Week 1

CINCINNATI - Greg Shoemaker of TriStateFootball.com and I continue our week-by-week look at the top high school games in the Tri-State. This week  the slate includes all three states.

The schedule includes the "Border War" between East Central at Harrison, a couple of schools separated by just a few exits on Interstate 74. East Central is ranked eighth in Indiana's Class 4A rankings this week, and the Trojans won their opener against Richmond last Friday. It's the season opener for Harrison, which boasts a couple of big and talented defensive lineman in Truman Gutapfel and Jon Schneider.

Turpin plays at Withrow, two teams that have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years. Turpin is looking to make its seventh straight playoff appearance. Withrow returns 17 starters and will be huge in front. Greg tells me that the Tigers offensive line averages 300 pounds.

Lebanon at Kings is a matchup of neighboring communities. Kings has won the last two games in this series. Lebanon has a skilled wide receiver in Austin Wolf who has committed to play at Cincinnati. Andy Olds of Kings has another talented team with experienced strength on the offensive and defensive lines.

Glen Este at Amelia is a series that the Trojans have dominated, winning the last eight games. Nick Ayers takes over as head coach at Glen Este, his alma mater. Amelia will be young, but full of players who have experience. Gabe Weaver, the Barons quarterback, threw for 1,429 yards last season.

Conner at Boone County has been an evenly-played series over the past dozen years. The Rebs are traditionally the stronger program, but Conner has won this matchup in three of the past four seasons.

You can find out much more information about these games by clicking on the attached video. We'll see you Friday night.