Butler-Hickory Ridge among Observer-area prep football games of the week

North Mecklenburg (5-2, 1-2) at Hough, Friday, 7 p.m.: Both teams were off last week and will be rested for a big test. North Meck tries to play spoiler and Hough tries to stay on pace to win a league title. In its previous two games, Hough has struggled a little, holding off Mooresville 12-7 and leading a 2-5 Lake Norman team by two points at halftime before winning 55-19.

Butler (5-2, 3-0 Southwestern 4A) at Hickory Ridge (4-3, 2-1), Friday, 7 p.m.: Butler has a narrow lead on Hickory Ridge and Porter Ridge (5-3, 3-1) for a potential league championship. A win over Hickory Ridge would put the Bulldogs in great position. Hickory Ridge has won two of its last three games. Another victory puts coach Sam Greiner’s team in the hunt.

Charlotte Christian (7-0, 1-0 Big South) at Charlotte Latin (5-3, 0-1), Friday, 7 p.m.: Charlotte Christian trails Providence Day (5-3, 2-0) in the league standings. Providence Day plays Arden Christ School (7-1) in a non-conference game Friday before playing Christian Oct. 26 in a league title game. Latin, which started the season 4-1, aims for an upset that could keep the Hawks in the league championship race.

Marvin Ridge (6-2, 3-1 Southern Carolina) at Weddington (7-1, 3-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.: Both teams are tied with Waxhaw Cuthbertson (3-5, 3-1) for second place in the conference behind Charlotte Catholic (7-1, 4-0). Both teams have won two games in a row. If Marvin Ridge were to win out, including in a game with Catholic Nov. 2, it could win the league title.

This story was originally published October 15, 2018 at 5:20 PM.