As the start of high school football season approaches in the Ohio Valley, fans are gearing up for another exciting year of gridiron action. With teams like Shadyside, Martins Ferry, Bridgeport, Frontier, and River set to kick off the season, there is a sense of anticipation in the air as new stars and storylines emerge.
One of the most crucial positions on a football team is the quarterback, and this season sees several teams introducing new faces under center. In Shadyside, sophomore Jayden Johnson will be stepping into the role previously held by three-year quarterback Ben Wach. At River, the departure of 100-touchdown scorer Kabel Isaly leaves a void that senior Peyton Blue and senior Lucas Dennis are vying to fill. Union Local, Buckeye Local, and Beallsville are also in the process of determining their starting signal-callers, adding an element of competition and uncertainty to the mix.
On the flip side, there are teams returning key players who made deep playoff runs last year and are looking to build on their success. Barnesville, River, St. Clairsville, and Monroe Central all have high expectations this season, with star quarterbacks and talented rosters ready to make a statement on the field. These teams will be ones to watch as they aim to replicate or surpass their achievements from the previous year.
In addition to new faces on the field, the Ohio Valley will also see new head coaches taking the reins of their respective programs. Chris Kiedaisch at Buckeye Local and Andrew Yahn at Bridgeport are embarking on their first seasons as head coaches, hoping to make an immediate impact and set the tone for their teams. The matchups between these teams will be intriguing to watch as the new coaching regimes seek to establish their identities and lead their squads to success.
Overall, the 2024 high school football season in the Ohio Valley promises to be an exciting one, filled with new beginnings, familiar faces, and intense competition. Fans can look forward to thrilling games, standout performances, and the unpredictable twists and turns that make football such a captivating sport. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on the players, coaches, and teams vying for glory on the gridiron.
