Beech Tree News Network

MORGANTOWN — Butler County is set to visit Franklin-Simpson for its first game in the second half of the 2024 high school football regular season on Friday, Sept. 27.

The Bears and Wildcats will meet for a Class 3A, District 2 game.

Familiar rivals, Butler County and Franklin-Simpson met during the 2023 high school football season. Franklin-Simpson prevailed 43-16 over Butler County in the two teams' previous meeting on Sept. 22, 2023.

Butler County is 0-5. The Bears have suffered losses to Logan County, Webster County, Warren Central, Grayson County and Hart County. However, Butler County dropped three straight games via single digits. The Bears, under the direction of Coach Josh Robins, continue to push opponents in the 2024 high school football season. 

Butler County quarterback Garrett Phelps is on pace to pass and rush for over 1,000 yards. Phelps is one of the most underrated high school football players in the state. Through the air, Phelps has completed 63 passes for 966 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the ground, Phelps has rushed 56 times for 530 yards and two touchdowns. 

Franklin-Simpson is 3-2. The Wildcats have notched wins over Daviess County, Warren Central and Russellville. However, Franklin-Simpson has dropped games to Allen County-Scottsville and Adair County. 

Franklin-Simpson is a former state champion. Coach Max Chaney guides the Wildcats.

Franklin-Simpson is thriving on the ground. The Wildcats are averaging 268 rushing yards and 3.4 rushing touchdowns per game. 

Butler County has regular season games remaining versus Franklin-Simpson, Bethlehem, Adair County, Glasgow and Ohio County. 

Franklin-Simpson has regular season games remaining versus Butler County, Glasgow, Greenwood, Hart County and Warren East. 

Kickoff for the Butler County-Franklin-Simpson game is set for 7 p.m.  The game will be live on WLBQ 101.5 FM with Mark Allen on the call.