Bucyrus and Wynford meet Friday night in the 50th Copper Kettle game, a Northern 10 Athletic Conference rivalry the outlet describes as among the league's fiercest.
For Bucyrus, the game is a chance to end a long losing run in the series. According to Crawford County Now, the Redmen have not brought the trophy home since 1997. Bucyrus senior captain Paten Deskins said the matchup is why players put on the jersey each year, and he called a win on the 50th anniversary of the first meeting something that would be significant.
Deskins pointed to containment and big plays as important for the Redmen against Wynford's run-oriented offense, the report said. On offense, Bucyrus expects to lean on its passing game and scramble-drill execution behind quarterback Isaac Makeever.
Wynford is focused on protecting its series dominance and pushing a 28-game winning streak to 29. Royals senior captain and homecoming king Deegan Lutz said the aim is to keep the streak going and to avoid being the class that lets it end, emphasizing composure, execution and a committed running attack.
Kickoff for the 50th edition is set for Friday night, according to the report.