Not only does the third week of the high school football season signal the end of the non-conference action for teams (excluding Sandusky), but it is also a chance to potentially become a difference-maker...a tone-setting week for conference and league play if you will.

- Take Bellevue (0-2) at Clyde (0-2). Both had league titles and playoff aspirations, but right now one of these teams just needs a win. The loser is likely out of the playoff picture altogether (heck, the winner might be too) and the reality of either of these teams starting 0-3 is simply hard to grasp.

If Clyde can win, they host a game with Port Clinton the following week in which they will be the favorites and in Week 5 they travel to Huron - a tough game, yes, but also a game they've won four straight times against the Tigers. In other words, a win over Bellevue could put Clyde right back in it. Meanwhile if you are Bellevue, the thought of being 0-3 is daunting in itself, but when you factor in a trip to Shelby's W.W. Skiles Field in Week 4 and a trip to Tiffin Columbian in Week 6 - things can potentially get out of control in a hurry. Make no mistake, this is a desperate game for both teams.

- Perkins (2-0) traveling to Norwalk (0-2) is another tone-setter. The Pirates are the clear-cut favorites, and a win here puts them 3-0 heading into SBC games at Oak Harbor and St. Mary C.C., two games they will also be clear-cut favorites to win. In other words, on paper this team should be 5-0 traveling to Edison for a key SBC meeting with the Chargers. Perkins taking care of business Friday night can set the tone. If your Norwalk, the reality of 0-3 not only sinks in - but a matchup with league power Columbian looms the following week before making the long bus ride to Fostoria. As much 'positive vibes' that are coming out of Norwalk under new leadership - at some point the reality of a 14 or 15-game losing streak may start to set in.

- Edison (2-0) at Wellington (1-1) and St. Paul (2-0) at Huron (2-0) round out my tone-setting thoughts this week. I highlight both these games because Huron travels to Edison in the SBC opener in Week 4. At this point, I think it is more important for Edison to be 3-0 than it is Huron, as the Tigers have dropped just two games to Edison in the past 15  years.

With that being said, Huron's lack of experience has been well-documented entering this season, and what bigger way for them to enter SBC play then unbeaten and coming off a win over the most consistent program in our area over the past 18 years? Meanwhile, Edison has started very slow but yet won by double-figures over both Norwalk and Monroeville. It was a year ago the Chargers trailed 26-7 early in the fourth quarter to Wellington, only to come back for a stunning 27-26 win. They won't get away with that this year if such a hole exists. The next two weeks for Edison and Huron can clearly set the tone for what lies ahead.

Meanwhile if you are St. Paul, what would be bigger than starting 3-0 with the reigning Division VI Offensive Player of the Year in street clothes? It would be a huge lift for the team - which they were going to get anyway when Schwieterman returns.