The high school football season starts this weekend for area teams. Here are games to keep an eye on for Week 1 (7 p.m. kickoffs):
EDGEWOOD AT MILFORD
The Cougars hit the road to open the 2024 season with new head coach Trace Reynolds, who took over for Scott Clemmons during the offseason. Edgewood has not won a season opener since its 34-6 victory over Monroe in 2019. The Cougars have lost to Milford in the last three season openers by a 125-27 margin. Edgewood finished 4-7 in its first season in the Southwestern Buckeye League in 2023 — the worst season since going 2-8 in 2019. … Photo coverage by Katie Fulks.
WAYNE AT FAIRFIELD
The Indians enter their 14th season under veteran coach Jason Krause. Fairfield had a slugfest against Wayne last season in a 58-51 loss in Huber Heights. The Indians will have to adjust without quarterback Talon Fisher, a four-year starter who recently graduated. … Photo coverage by Nick Graham and Braiden Heckler.
FENWICK AT FRANKLIN
Fred Cranford returns for the start of his second stint as head coach of the Falcons, while Matt Muncy begins his head coaching career for the Wildcats. Fenwick has won seven straight against Franklin, including the last three season openers. … Story coverage and updates by Chris Vogt and photos by Kyle Hendrix.
CENTERVILLE AT LAKOTA EAST
Jon Kitna begins his second season at the Thunderhawk helm, and his son — senior JT Kitna — will again run the offense at quarterback. Lakota East went 1-9 last year — its worst record in program history — and didn’t reach the playoffs for a second-consecutive time. The Thunderhawks have lost to the Elks two straight season openers. … Livestream on The Report and photos by Brian Paxton.
ST. XAVIER AT LAKOTA WEST
Tom Bolden is entering year six as Lakota West’s head coach. St. Xavier and Lakota West have played the last four seasons (2023, St. Xavier 10-0; 2022, Lakota West 16-13; 2021, St. Xavier 31-14; 2020 playoffs, St. Xavier 10-7). Lakota West is 50-11 under Bolden. The Firebirds have reached the Division I regional finals the last four years. … Radio coverage by WMOH.
MADISON AT PREBLE SHAWNEE
Madison won its first four games of the 2023 season before losing seven straight. This will be Steve Poff’s second season of his second stint at the Mohawk helm — seventh overall. Madison beat Preble Shawnee 33-13 in last year’s season opener. … Photos by Sarah Williams.
MASON AT GAHANNA LINCOLN
Brian Castner begins his 15th season as Mason’s head coach. The Comets went 7-6 in 2023 and have reached the Sweet 16 each the last two seasons. Gahanna Lincoln knocked off Mason the last two season openers — 9-7 in 2022 and 10-5 in 2023.
MIDDLETOWN AT TROY
Kali Jones begins his first season as Middletown’s head coach. The Middies went 3-8 in 2023 and have won their last two season openers. Middletown was 3-2 before losing its last six games of the season last year.
MONROE AT GOSHEN
Mark Mueller begins his first season as Monroe’s head coach. The Hornets went 2-8 in 2023, but they have won three straight season openers. Goshen is coming off a 3-8 season. … Photos by AJ Fullam.
GAMBLE MONTESSORI AT NEW MIAMI
New Miami has lost 21 straight games dating back to the 2021 season. Gamble Montessori has won three straight season openers against New Miami. The Gators rolled the Vikings 56-6 in 2023. Chris Fogle begins his second season as New Miami’s head coach. … Photos by Josh Murray.
ROSS AT WYOMING
The Rams went 3-7 in their first season in the SWBL a year ago. Kenyon Commins is entering his eighth year at Ross. Wyoming beat Ross 16-12 last year, which was the first time the two schools ever played. … Photos by Cam Castator and Kenley Commins.
TALAWANDA AT TAYLOR
Andy Stuckert is entering his second season as Talawanda’s head coach. The Brave went 2-8 in 2023. Taylor has gone 4-6 in each of the last two seasons. Talawanda hasn’t won a season opener since its 26-6 victory over Carroll in 2020.
HAMILTON VS. BADIN at Fairfield (Sat.)
The two schools have met five previous times (1980, 1981, 1999, 2000, 2023). Badin holds a 4-1 edge in the series, including last year’s 18-0 victory at Hamilton. Last season was the first meeting between Hamilton and Badin in 23 years. Badin only brings back less than a handful of starters from last year’s 13-1 team, including junior running back Lem Grayson. Hamilton, which celebrated its first playoff victory in program history in 2023, is coming off an 8-4 season. … Coverage by Chris Vogt and radio by WMOH.
