A 5-0 start to the high school football season wasn’t the only thing that Vandalia Butler lost after absorbing a 49-15 thumping by host Troy last Friday night. Standout running back Tyler Jones went down with what appeared to be a severe ankle injury midway through the final quarter.

Citing HIPPA Privacy Rule protocol, Aviators coach Greg Bush wouldn’t address Jones’ injury on Monday. However, he did insist the season is not lost.

“We’re not done with this battle,” Bush said. “There is a lot of good football left to play.”

It was the first loss for Butler (5-1), but it came in the GWOC North opener. The Trojans (5-1) solidified their Division I, Region 3 playoff status with the impressive win. Also bunched in the GWOC North are Trotwood-Madison (5-0) and Piqua (3-3), which pushed T-M to the limit on Friday before falling in the final minute.

Jones has been key to Butler’s newfound success. He retook the area rushing lead from Belmont’s Tyshawn Gordon with 165 yards and two touchdowns against the Trojans. Jones has 1,269 rushing yards and Gordon 1,260.

Butler likely won’t need Jones against visiting Sidney (0-6) this week. Seniors Jesse Akers and Nick Simones, and junior Richard Motter would be called upon to sub for Jones.

“(Jones) could play Friday night,” assured Bush.

“We’ll be fine. We have other kids who can play tailback. We’ll modify our game plan a bit and be ready to get it done.”

Butler is well on its way to its first winning season since going 6-5 in 2003. That also was the last season the Aviators advanced to the D-II playoffs.

On deck: The boys and girls soccer and girls volleyball seed meetings for the upcoming sectional tournaments are Sunday.

• A stake in the GGCL North girls soccer title will be determined on Wednesday when Alter (6-3-2, 3-1) hosts Fenwick (6-1-4, 3-0-1). Leader Carroll (7-4-1, 4-0) hosts Fenwick on Monday.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.