CHILLICOTHE — The final countdown has been activated for the area’s football teams as a new season sits less than a week away.
The slate has been cleaned, last season’s successes — and disappointments — are in the rearview mirror and all of the offseason work that’s been put in will pay off soon.
But before those wheels begin to turn, here are five burning questions about the upcoming year.
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Can Chillicothe take the next step forward?
A year removed from its first playoff appearance since 2022, Chillicothe has set lofty goals for the upcoming fall. The Cavaliers believe they have the right pieces to compete for an FAC title before enjoying a lengthy postseason run. But can they walk the walk? Having Cartae Ligon in the backfield, a major NCAA Division I prospect, will certainly help them do so. Meanwhile, Karter Williams, Kavon Pleasant and newcomer Marshay McKinley all provide the offense with additional firepower. Tay Harris, who was 4-1 in five starts at the quarterback position last fall, now has the keys to the offense. The talent is certainly present. There’s no denying that. All that’s left to do is go out and execute. Circleville is on the clock.
Despite losses to graduation, can Unioto run it back?
The Shermans finally silenced their doubters with a gritty 21-12 playoff win over Columbus East last season. But when they bowed out of the postseason a week later, they were forced to say goodbye to a platoon of talented starters — including several All-Ohioans. So, despite those losses, can they continue to build off the momentum they’ve gained? Unioto hasn’t lost a league game since Sept. 30, 2022. And the Tanks certainly still have pieces in place to lengthen that unbeaten trek. But each and every Friday night, they’ll also have a bright red target on their backs. They’ll be tested early, too. A season-opening date with Jackson is quickly approaching.
Will Huntington crack the postseason code?
After collecting six victories last fall — the most since 2000 — Huntington, understandably, has high expectations coming into 2026. Quarterback Frankie Hirsch is back after a stellar junior season that saw him earn Special Mention All-Ohio honors, and he’ll be flanked by the likes of Junior McDonald, Calvin Hirsch, Carson McNeal and Jackson McNeal. The Huntsmen have also beefed up their non-conference schedule, picking up Newark Catholic, Berne Union and Portsmouth West to start the year. So with all of that said, can the program clinch, or even host, their second-ever playoff game? A postseason atmosphere in The Township would be wild.
Could Adena, Paint Valley or Southeastern raise eyebrows?
Last year wasn’t too kind to the Warriors, Bearcats or Panthers. That’s no secret. Last fall, the trio posted a combined record of 6-24 — Adena was 3-7, Southeastern was 2-8 and Paint Valley was 1-9. But in the past decade, each of these programs have enjoyed phenomenal seasons and postseason runs. From 2018-2020, the Warriors made three straight playoff appearances, last season marked the first year the Bearcats weren’t in the postseason since 2017, and the Panthers made a run of three straight playoff showings from 2017-2019. So, can any of the three right the ship this coming season? Could they even play a part in who wins the SVC title? Each program definitely has playmakers, each program has experienced head coaches, and each program will be playing with a chip on its shoulder.
Can Waverly put a disappointing season in the rearview mirror and return to form?
Uncharacteristically, Waverly stumbled through a season of disappointments last fall. The Tigers finished 1-9 overall — the program’s worst record since 2010 — and were snakebitten by multiple injuries throughout the year. But the past is the past. A new canvas awaits. Can coach Chris Crabtree’s group leave last year’s letdown in the past and turn over a new leaf? With a now-healthy Gunnar Myers returning to the quarterback position alongside playmakers Hez Nelson and Sawyer Myers beside him, among others, the Tigers have the right pieces to mend things back together. It won’t be easy, however, as they open the season with matchups against Miami Trace, Zane Trace and Unioto. Time will tell. But opportunity is knocking.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: 5 burning questions entering the 2026 high school football season