MIKE BROWN: Some great opening-night games for Mahoning Valley football teams
High School football season is my favorite time of the year, and I’m sure, for many of you as well.
This year, the season kicks off with a few games on Thursday, August 17. Of course, two of the big games that night will pit Steubenville at Youngstown Ursuline at Stambaugh Stadium and rivals Warren Howland vs. Niles at Bo Rein Memorial Stadium.
However, the bulk of season-opening games in the greater Mahoning Valley are slated Friday night, August 18 and there are some great battles on tap that evening as well.
Struthers vs. Beaver Local looks promising
One of the better games in Division IV will be Struthers playing at Beaver Local.
I think Struthers could be one of the best D4 teams in the valley this fall and the Wildcats will be traveling down to Beaver Local, which returns what I feel is one of the top D4 quarterbacks around in Austin Cline, who is both an outstanding passer but a tremendous runner as well.
West Branch vs. Canfield features top teams
Another great D4 game that evening will see West Branch playing at Canfield. The Cardinals are the defending D3 state champs, while West Branch, 33-5 over the past three seasons, made it all the way to the regional championship game the past two seasons, losing to state runner-up Youngstown Ursuline in 2021 and being upset by state semifinalist Jefferson last fall.
This year’s Canfield team features some D1 college recruits, while West Branch returns a bevy of talented receivers as well as a 1,400-yard running back.
A key big-school game slated on the opening Friday will find the Warren Harding Raiders hosting the Canton McKinley Bulldogs.
South Range opens at Springfield
Another key game on Friday, August 18 will find South Range, the defending D5 state champion, playing at Springfield against the Tigers.
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