Beech Tree News Network

McLean County will be a football team hungry for a win on Friday night as Butler County makes the winding trip to Calhoun for a prep football Class 2A, District 2 match-up.  The Bears are undefeated at 3-0 and are coming off a solid 28-14 win over Fort Knox last week.  It's another story for the winless Cougars (0-3), who have lost 55-6 to Edmonson County, 56-7 to Marshall County, and 23-6 to Breckinridge County. 

Still, Butler County coach Ryan Emmick knows his Bears must be prepared. 

"We have to continue to improve on what we are doing well and correct the mental mistakes we are making.  We are going into this district game looking to start our district season off well," said Emmick.    

The Bears are not overlooking the Cougars and have been preparing all week for this key district game. 

"McLean runs the Wing-T, which presents several challenges to us defensively," said Emmick.  "They are very fundamentally sound and we must learn our keys and responsibilities if we are going to be successful."

Emmick expects McLean's defense to look familiar.  "Defensively they are an odd front defense similar to our own.  They play sound coverage behind a physical front four on defense," said Emmick.  "We have to control the line of scrimmage with our offensive line and give our QB time to work."

Coach Emmick believes the competition his team has played so far will prove beneficial against McLean.

"We have played three physical football teams.  We are improving in the mental aspect of the game but must get better," said Emmick.  "On both sides of the ball we must continue to compete as one unit.  We have to have the mentality that we are building on our success and are not satisfied with anything." 

Butler County's secondary has been one of the Bears strengths this season.  Senior Dylan Havens has broken the single season interception record with seven, according to Coach Emmick.  Elijah Flener has six picks, which ties the old record. 

On the injury front, two Bears are listed as "doubtful" for Friday night's game.  Walker Weathers (shoulder) and Travis Brooks (ankle).  A final decision will be made at game time. 

Kickoff between Butler County and McLean County is set for 7 p.m. at Clint Paulsen Stadium in Calhoun.