CHILLICOTHE — One week from now, we will know much more about each of our area’s football programs.
With Week 1 quickly approaching, the focus is starting to shift to games that actually matter with early playoff points up for grabs and initial statements to be made.
The high school football schedule isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. There’s lessons to be learned, adjustments to be made and stories to be written in real time.
So, as a grueling 10-week schedule commences, get your calendars out and circle these dates.
You won’t want to miss these five games.
RELATED: 5 burning questions entering the 2026 high school football season
Aug. 20, Jackson at Unioto
Right off the bat, Unioto will be tested. After an 11-1 finish in 2025, the Shermans will get exactly what they want — the chance to prove themselves once again. The Ironmen, who replace Portsmouth on Unioto’s schedule, will be ready to rock. They’re coming off a 9-3 season and stand on a foundation of success that includes 20 postseason appearances. And, while Jackson did lose a healthy amount of talent to graduation, the standard is still the standard in the Apple City. On a season-opening Thursday, all eyes will be glued to this contest. Get your seat early.
Aug. 28, Wheelersburg at Chillicothe
The defending Division V state-runner up will sail into Herrnstein Field in Week 2 to face a renewed Chillicothe program that oozes talent. The Pirates, who fell to Liberty Center in the State Championship last fall, will be figuring things out on the fly with a host of new starters filling in holes. But they’re still the Pirates. In their last trip to Chillicothe, back in 2021, they handed the Cavaliers a 26-3 loss. But they’ll have a different test this go-around, tasked with containing Chillicothe’s superb run game in a hostile environment. In the words of longtime Cavalier coach Ron Hinton, this one could turn into an ol’ fashioned slobberknocker.
Sept. 11, Huntington at Zane Trace
Two of the top teams in the SVC will clash to kick off SVC play in Week 4. After a revamped non-league schedule that includes Newark Catholic, Berne Union and Portsmouth West, Huntington will get its first chance to make a statement in SVC play. But the Huntsmen will have to do so against a genuine contender for the league title in Zane Trace. The Pioneers are expected to bring in a formidable run game, which will most likely be the key. Huntington, however, feels like it has the depth to keep fresh bodies in the trenches to neutralize the threat. It’s sometimes rare to have a game of this magnitude matter so early. But this one fits that bill.
Oct. 2, Miami Trace at Chillicothe
After taking an early 14-0 lead at Miami Trace last season, the Cavaliers surrendered 20 unanswered points before eventually dropping a 35-21 decision. There’s no doubt that outcome will be fresh on their minds when the Panthers pay them a visit in Week 7. While the Cavaliers boast of a big-play offense, Miami Trace counters that, an effort led by senior running back Julian Baker, who racked up 2,414 all-purpose yards as a junior. The Panthers are coming off their best season since 2004, looking to build off that success. If each team can stay healthy, and take care of business through the first six weeks, this could be an instant classic.
Oct. 23, Unioto at Zane Trace
This billing speaks for itself. In a Week 10 matchup that could decide the SVC title, Unioto travels to Zane Trace to renew one of the best rivalries in Southern Ohio. You’d have to go back to 2021 to find the last season where the Pioneers or Shermans didn't win the league crown. Since then, ZT won a Gold Ball in 2022 and Unioto has completed a three-peat, looking for their fourth consecutive undefeated SVC season this fall. The Pioneers lead the all-time series by a 28-26 margin, but the Shermans have taken seven of the last 10 meetings. If one thing is for sure, it’s that you can throw records out of the conversation of relevance. Anything can happen when these two meet.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Circle these 5 football games on your calendar