This is one in a series of articles previewing Butler County high school football matchups this weekend.BROOKVILLE — The overall history favors Karns City.It's the recent series of events the Gremlins hope to change when they travel to Brookville for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday.Both teams are 2-0 and coming off impressive wins. KC hammered DuBois 55-14 while Brookville topped Central Clarion, 49-30.“Anytime you can get a win over a (Central Clarion's) Larry Wiser-coached team, that's doing something,” Raiders coach Scott Park said.He feels the same way about wins over Karns City. While the Gremlins hold a 23-11-2 edge in the overall series, Brookville has won the last three matchups 40-28, 35-28 and a wild 42-41 overtime decision last season.“I suppose it could be that type of game again,” KC coach Joe Sherwin said of a potential shootout. “I'm pretty sure the outcome won't be decided until the fourth quarter.“We're anticipating a very close game.”While Karns City has employed two quarterbacks — Eric Booher and Brayden Christie — this year, Brookville relies on the all-around skills of veteran QB Jack Krug. He has thrown for 626 yards in two games this year.By comparison, the Gremlins attempted only three passes against DuBois. KC did throw for 137 yards and a pair of touchdowns in its opener against Moniteau.“Jack is just a fun player to watch,” Park said. “He makes good decisions, throws the ball with accuracy and can run with it. He's the total package, definitely our leader.”And Karns City will be seeing him for the first time.“He was out with an injury the last two years we played them,” Sherwin said. “We've been telling our kids we have to stay in our lanes on our pass rush. If (Krug) sees an opening, he's gonna pull it down and go.”Braiden Davis has been Brookville's prime running back, carrying 15 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns, catching five passes for 39 yards and a pair of scores against Central Clarion.KC has used a host of backs. Ten players carried the ball last week. Jayce Anderson rushed for 95 yards and two TDs — all in the first half — while Cole Coon added 61 yards and a score on the ground. Luke Garing ran for a pair of TDs as well.“It's typical Karns City,” Park said. “If we can't contain their running game, we're in for a long night.“In last year's game, we hurt them through the air, they hurt us on the ground. we were lucky enough to make a play at the end to win that game. We don't want that kind of game again.“Our goal is to win the district championship. This is one of those games we need to approach that goal,” Park added.Among Brookville's standouts defensively are inside linebackers Nathan Taylor and Robert Peth, along with safety Brayden Kunselman.Sherwin lauded KC's defensive efforts, led by linemen Cole Hilliard and Colton Craig, linebackers Garing and Nathan Waltman. The secondary, headed by Kaden Scherer and Micah Rupp, will be tested this week.“No doubt, our coverage is going to have to be there,” Sherwin said. “That team is going to put it up.“I'm pleased with the production we've been getting on offense, defense and special teams. But I know we can play better.”

The Eagle sports staff's third season of Upon Further Review, a weekly show discussing Butler County area high school football, can be viewed on the Butler Eagle Sports Facebook page.