Undecided on what game to take in this weekend? There are solid matchups. Let’s start with:

EAST AT BEAVER LOCAL

The Panthers, the team without a home, sit at 5-1 and in playoff contention in Division II. East’s 1-2 backfield combination of Sal Battles and Gary Thornton have proven difficult to contain — they’ve combined for almost 1,000 rushing yards, and Battles has added another 400-plus through the air. The Beavers, meanwhile, continue their schedule that could politely be described as ridiculous. After a season-opening thrashing of East Liverpool, the Beavers have lost five straight against teams who have a combined record of 26-4. And next up for the Beavers? A visit to Stambaugh Stadium next Thursday to face Ursuline.

URSULINE AT COLS. ST. CHARLES

The Fighting Irish sit in third place in the Region 17 computer ratings, less than one point behind No. 1 South Range. A win in this game, against Division II St. Charles (which matches Ursuline’s 5-1 start) could push the Irish into almost a guaranteed first-round home game, if not first place in the region. St. Charles has played all Div. I and II schools so far this season, except for Bexley, a Div. III school, in week 2. Only two opponents — Columbus Beechcroft and Columbus DeSales — have winning records — and DeSales walloped St. Charles, 38-14, last weekend.

BOARDMAN AT UNIONTOWN LAKE

The Spartans have to be feeling pretty good about themselves — and rightfully so — after a 42-6 thrashing of Massillon Perry last Friday night. But in the meatgrinder that is the Federal League, you’re only as good as your last game, and this week’s trip to Lake will not be an easy one. The Blue Streaks are 4-2 (just one win has come against a team with a winning record, 4-2 Louisville) and one of the two setbacks was a 35-28 loss to Perry in week 4. Still, road games in the Fed are always tough and keep in mind the Spartans haven’t had a road trip since the week 1 loss at St. Ignatius.

MINERAL RIDGE AT CRESTVIEW

The Rams suffered a crushing loss to Columbiana last Friday and, in the no-quarter-given world of the Inter Tri-County League’s Tier One, they get a long road trip to Crestview as their reward. The Rebels are 4-2 — the only setbacks to South Range and Marlington, both 6-0. Last season, the Rams — coming off a loss to Columbiana — beat Crestview at home, 30-24.

LIBERTY AT LAKEVIEW

This game will go a long way in determining who will emerge as the eventual champion of the Trumbull Athletic Conference. Lakeview is 4-2 overall but 3-0 in the TAC — with a week 9 showdown, also at home, against Girard looming. The Leopards are 5-1, with the only loss to the Indians in week 5. This game is more must-win for Liberty.

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