Local

4 Mahoning Valley football games with title implications slated Friday night

By Mike Brown

Updated September 14, 2023 9:34 PM

As league play begins to heat up, several big conference games are on tap for Mahoning Valley-area football teams this weekend.

Struthers vs. South Range

But probably the biggest will be Friday evening in Struthers when the Wildcats entertain the defending state Division 5 state champion South Range Raiders (3-1).

Struthers is 3-1 on the season and coming off a key back-and-forth 35-28 win at Girard. The Wildcats are led by a potent running game, while South Range is 3-1 and its only loss has been at the hands of Division II Federal League member Green in Week 2.

United Local vs. Southern Local

Another big game Friday night will be down in Hanoverton when traditional Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference powers United Local and Southern Local collide.

United is a perfect 4-0 on the season, while Southern Local is 3-1 with its lone loss coming to a 3-1 McDonald team 25-22 in the opening week of the season. United, led by quarterback-kicker Luke Courtney, is averaging 37.2 points-per-game.

Youngstown Ursuline vs. Warren Harding

Unbeaten Youngstown Ursuline, the power of the Mahoning Valley, will host traditional big-school power Warren Harding Friday (1-3) night. The Irish have been dominating on both sides of the football through their first four games, which includes a season-opening win over traditional Ohio Division IV power Steubenville.

Warren Harding’s three losses have come to a trio of teams in Canton McKinley, Farrell (Pa.) and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary who have a combined record of 9-2, so Harding’s 1-3 record is somewhat deceiving.

Poland vs. Hubbard

A second big Northeast 8 game Friday night will find unbeaten Poland (4-0) playing at once-beaten Hubbard (3-1).

The Bulldogs have been impressive on both sides of the football and average 34.5 points-per-game on offense, while Hubbard has been winning with its defense which has surrendered just 54 points all season for an average of 13.5 points per game. Meanwhile, Poland’s defense is only giving up an area-low 6.75 points per outing.