Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
Ladies and gentlemen … 26 days.
A little more than three weeks stand between us and the opening kickoff of the 2024 football season.
I, for one, could not be more excited. This is the time I live for.
The weather begins to get cooler, the hoodies come out, the weekends are football-filled, new players become household names, and the matchups become more intense by the week.
All roads lead to the state championship in Canton on the first weekend of December. However, there’s a whole regular season to get through first.
While there will be multiple games that will determine so many different factors from conference standings to playoff seedings, these seven matchups will certainly be circled on a lot of calendars — including ours.
West at Fairland, Aug. 23, 7 p.m.
These two teams have met for the last three seasons, and every single game has come down to the final minute. Fairland has won all three matchups — 28-27, 14-13 and 32-29 at the buzzer last season. Next to Ironton vs. Wheelersburg, this is unquestionably the best matchup of Week 1. And if the trend continues like it has, this one will be another barnburner.
CREDIT: Brock Netter/SOSA
Ironton at Jackson, Aug. 30, 7 p.m.
Not much more needs to be said as two of Southeast Ohio’s best get together once again for a clash of the titans, this time in the Apple City. The Tigers have gotten the best of the Ironmen in the last three meetings. Both teams are state tournament hopefuls with the depth, talent, physicality and pedigree to make it happen.
Waverly at West, Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
For the last 3-4 seasons, Waverly and West have been Wheelersburg’s biggest competition within the conference title race. That trend, on paper, seems like it will continue this fall. The Senators have bested the Tigers in the last two seasons, both coming in one-possession finishes. This year’s matchup could be sneaky good.
Wheelersburg at Harvest Prep, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.
D-V powerhouse vs. D-V powerhouse. These two teams are incredibly familiar with one another, and certainly will add another instant classic to their budding rivalry. In 2021, Harvest Prep ended Wheelersburg’s season in a regional final. Last season, the Warriors beat the Pirates in the regular season and then again in a regional final. Fasten your seatbelts, this one always gets physical.
Piketon at Paint Valley, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
On paper, this matchup looks like a potential SVC championship. Preston Fauber returns under center for the Bearcats, while Luke Gullion is back for the Redstreaks. And both signal callers are surrounded by a ton of returning talent. Last season, the Redstreaks were up three possessions before the Bearcats stormed back in the second half for a win. Another page-turner could be on the horizon.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
Notre Dame at Eastern, Oct. 11, 7 p.m.
Remember this instant classic from last season? Eastern was undefeated, yet trailing in the final minute before piecing together a drive that ended with a touchdown — keeping alive what eventually became an undefeated regular season. The Titans surely want revenge and getting it on Eastern’s home grass would be that much sweeter. No matter the winner, fans will be in for a treat.
Logan Elm at Hamilton Township, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Hamilton Township beat Bloom-Carroll last year, allowing Logan Elm to win a share of the MSL after the Braves knocked off the Rangers. All three teams sit atop the MSL mountain and each respectively lost a lot of talent. It’s very possible that the same scenario could happen again this season, or maybe both teams knock off the Bulldogs and it’s a Week 10 showdown for the league crown. Either way, this will be worth the price of admission with, assumingely, a ton on the line.
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