2025 High School Football Preview
The 2025 high school football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with three local programs — Bloom‑Carroll, Fairfield Union and Liberty Union — each poised to make a deeper run than a year ago.
Bloom‑Carroll’s Return to Glory
Under first‑year head coach Steve Daulton, the Bulldogs finished the regular season 8‑4, captured the Mid‑State League Buckeye Division title and advanced to the second round of the playoffs before a narrow loss. Daulton, who previously served as offensive coordinator at a neighboring district, inherits a squad anchored by returning standouts Kyson Cline at running back, Weston Coppess at linebacker and Carson Drury on the offensive line.
Fairfield Union’s Playoff Resurgence
Fourth‑year coach Andy Clark guided the Jets to their first postseason victory in 24 years, finishing the regular season with a 7‑5 record. The team will lean on returning quarterback Dean Clark, who also patrols the defensive backfield, as well as running back Lane Burkhardt. New additions Ayden Hall and Braylen Tharp, both versatile linemen, are expected to bolster the trenches.
Liberty Union’s rebuilding year
Veteran coach Dan Shirey, now in his eighth season, enters with a 3‑7 record but a clear focus on unity and development. Key returners Ethan Stapelton and Jackson Martin provide experience at running back and the offensive line, while newcomers Dhani Billingsley and Trace Howdyshell add depth at multiple positions.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association’s recent decision to trim playoff brackets from 16 to 12 teams per region has heightened the stakes, making every conference win and non‑league matchup critical for postseason hopes.
All three clubs open their campaigns on Aug. 21, with Bloom‑Carroll hosting River Valley, Fairfield Union traveling to New Lexington and Liberty Union taking on Monroe Central. The schedules also feature marquee matchups against regional powerhouses, setting the stage for potential rematches in the later rounds.
As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see whether the Bulldogs can translate their division crown into a deeper playoff run, whether the Jets can build on their historic win, and whether the Patriots can surprise opponents with a more cohesive unit. The answers will emerge week by week, but the early indicators suggest a thrilling year ahead.