The waiting is over.
After weeks of practices, workouts and scrimmages, high school football teams across Tuscarawas County finally get the chance to line up against someone wearing a different color jersey.
Week one marks a fresh start for every team, whether it is looking to build off a deep postseason run, bounce back from a difficult season or begin a new era under a first-year coach.
With games kicking off Thursday and Friday, several matchups stand out across the Tuscarawas County area.
Here are three games to watch as the 2026 high school football season gets underway.
Stand out games
Conotton Valley at Tuscarawas Central Catholic
A season ago, Conotton Valley lost in the second round of the playoffs and is led by senior quarterback Kaden Leggett who threw for the eighth most yards (3,084) and the second most passing touchdowns (46) in the Buckeye State in 2025. For Tuscarawas Central Catholic, the Saints are in the third season of reviving the football program and head coach Giovanni Ionno hopes this is the season his team is able to turn close contests from a season ago into victories.
Fairless at Sandy Valley
After going 0-10 last season, Sandy Valley has entered a new era under first year head coach Torrance Carle who has been impressed with his team throughout this offseason. Carle wants his Cardinals to be a team that never gives up and is giving 100 percent every play, they will have their first test of the season when they take on Fairless.
Indian Valley vs. Green
Two programs who have regular and postseason success in the recent years will square opening week in consecutive seasons. Last season, Indian Valley defeated Green 28-21 for its first of 12 straight victories before falling in the state semifinals. The Bulldogs, went on to lose in the second round. Indian Valley is led by senior quarterback Ryker Williams, who tossed for 1,283 yards, 15 touchdowns and then on the ground he totaled 615 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Here is the schedule for the first week of high school football in Tuscarawas County, all games at 7 p.m., unless noted.
2026 preview | Indian Valley football reloads after state semifinal run
Thursday, Aug. 20
Conotton Valley at Tuscarawas Central Catholic
Fairless at Sandy Valley
2026 preview | Tuscarawas Central Catholic football takes its next step
2026 preview | Sandy Valley football begins new era under Torrance Carle
Friday, Aug. 21
Carrollton vs. East Liverpool
Claymont vs. Harrison Central
Dover vs. GlenOak
Garaway vs. Canton South
Malvern vs. Trinity
New Philadelphia at Louisville
Newcomerstown at Crooksville
Strasburg-Franklin vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
Tuscarawas Valley vs. Waynedale
Indian Valley vs. Green
Jshondel@usatodayco.com; X: @JacoBShondeL
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Week 1 is here | Tuscarawas County high school football games to watch