The 2026 football season is fast approaching for the high schools of Cheboygan and its neighboring communities, and the release of the official schedules has already sparked excitement among players, coaches, and fans alike.
Four programs — the Cheboygan Chiefs, the Inland Lakes Bulldogs, the Onaway Cardinals, and the Pellston Hornets — have announced their opening contests, each set to test early-season form against familiar rivals.
Opening Week Highlights
The Chiefs open on August 28, 2026, when they travel to face Sault Ste. Marie, while the Bulldogs host Hillman on the same night. Both games promise a rugged start to the campaign.
A day earlier, the Cardinals begin their season on August 27, 2026, at home against Rogers City, and the Hornets also kick off on August 27, 2026, when they welcome Gaylord St. Mary to their field.
Throughout the schedules, home games are highlighted in bold, giving supporters a clear visual cue for which contests will be played on familiar turf.
Beyond the opening weekend, the calendars reveal a slate of matchups that will see the teams traverse the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula, testing their endurance and adaptability.
Coaches have emphasized the importance of early conference battles, noting that momentum built in August can set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Fans can expect a blend of traditional rivalries and new challenges as each squad navigates a demanding non‑conference slate before diving into league play.
With the first games just weeks away, the community looks forward to turning the page on a new chapter of high school football, one that promises competitive spirit and memorable moments on the gridiron.